Corona Heights to Slickensides

199 Museum Way,San Francisco CA 94114

22 April, 2023

Description

Corona Heights Park is a jewel in the San Francisco Rec & Park system. We will highlight the geology, native plants, and some juicy tidbits about human impact in the area. The views from the top of Corona Heights are spectacular and we will make sure to take time and absorb the beauty. After the walk, you may stop and view the exhibits at the Randall Museum, many of which relate to topics encountered during our walk. Walk Leader(s): Emil Fogarino and Tom Scharffenberger Emil is a local naturalist and educator who recently retired from teaching marine biology and natural history at Washington High SF. As a native San Franciscan, Emil enjoys sharing and learning about the natural beauty that surrounds us. Tom is a landscape architect/conservation planner and is on the NTC Advisory Council. His interests include natural history, urban design and land use planning. Details:  Corona Heights Park is of special interest geologically due to the radiolarian chert which is the main rock comprising the park and whose origin stems from the subduction period that took place 100 million years ago. As part of our walk we will visit the area adjacent to the park known as the slickenside which was formed by faulting processes deep with the earth and is one of the best examples that can now be seen above ground. It is also peak wildflower season and we will stop to examine the native wildflower species that we will encounter along the way. Among the flowers you may see here are checkerbloom, California poppy, footsteps of spring, Douglas iris, mule’s ears, and Johnny jump-up, a sensitive species that is the only host plant for the callippe silverspot butterfly. Also look for anise swallowtail, a big yellow butterfly with black shoulders that frequents San Francisco’s hilltops. In addition, there are some interesting stories about San Francisco's history and how this area was utilized. Preparation:  Bring water, and wear sturdy shoes and layers, and a walking stick is recommended! Trails that lead around the hilltop consist of fairly stable and sometimes steep, dirt paths with a series of box step staircases scattered around. The trail leading down to the 15th street tennis courts is the most challenging section with steep terrain with loose gravel. This section is about 0.2 of a mile in length. Meeting Location:  Meet on the front steps of the Randall Museum. Transportation: Parking is available at the Randall Museum, limited parking is available at the 15th Street tennis courts and there is also street parking available around the park. MUNI line 24 stops along Castro Street and MUNI line 37 stops along Roosevelt Way. Weather: Heavy rain will cancel. We will send out an announcement the morning of the walk if we decide to cancel. Cost: This walk is FREE to attend (with RSVPs kindly requested). Donations (in cash) can be made to Nature in the City on the day of the event. Special bonus! Everyone who donates $10 and above will receive a copy of the Nature in the City Map. Or join Nature in the City today and receive early-bird invitations to all our future walks, among other fun perks.