Oak identification through acorns and Oak Galls: Moderate-Strenuous Hike

1956 Reliez Valley Road,Lafayette CA 94549

17 September, 2022

Description

As we start to transition into autumn there magic happens all around us. From Oak Galls to Acorns of abundance and diversity. Acorns are a true art of understanding Oaks and learning how to ID them as well as Oak Galls. This trail is full of Blue Oaks, a few Black Oaks, and Costal Live as well as Valley. All-in-one hike, marvels learning hike for Oak ID. We will Learn how ID Oaks through using Acorns Bark and Galls. Tips and tricks on breaking down clues to what Oak it may be. Oak Grouping, Oak hard masting. The importance of Snags and acorn woodpecks. Black Oaks and why they were loved by the natives and how they can give us clues and much more. Main Education Talks: Oak ID, Oak Galls, Acorn Woodpeckers, Hard Masting, Stinging needles Water crossing: Seasonal after heavy rain minor crossing Miles: 3.18 Accumulative Elevation Gian: 669 Steppest Ascending: Grade: %23 Steppest Descending: Grade: %-38 Average incline: %15 Information about steep Grade: There will be some Challenging sections of Step grade up and down. Hiking poles are recommended. Not advisable for easy hikers. Route Type: Closed Loop Park entry Fee: No Park at your own risk Contact me for more information if needed at 925-305-6835 Trail Types: Fire Road, single track. Trails List: Blue Oak Trail, Spengler Trail, Trail Terrain: Crushed gravel, mud in the rainy season, Rockey in sections. Park: Briones Regianol Park POI: Oaks, Deep thick Oak woodland, Nice views Restrooms: No Cell service: Very Spotty Bring at least 1 liter of water and more during hotter weather Warning Rattle Snakes: Active during the Spring-Fall but may be seen all year. Been more sightings this year than in years in the past. Give them space. They love this area too. Let's understand them together and Learn. Warning Poison Oak: Yes, we'll show you what it looks like on request regardless of the season. Event Canceled: If heavy rains, sudden closer, High heat 90 plus and above, or Low group numbers: 24/48 hours before the event may be canceled. NO DOGS on any hikes from this meetup group-you could be turned away if you bring your dog or dogs. Dogs are not allowed in State Parks or National Park trails. NO KIDS on any hikes from this meetup group- if you arrive with your kids you may be turned away so DONT brings your kids, please. Hike Pace: This is not a race let's enjoy nature and embrace what it has to offer. I highly advise staying with the group don't wander off very easily to get lost. If your want to take off and meet at each marker that's fine but you will be waiting and miss out on some good education. If your looking for achieving the quickest time or getting a trophy this may not be the hike for you. Not a place to get lost in. Click the link to get the route on all trails https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/the-art-of-blue-oaks-49c9adb?u=i Hiking poles help keep the knees happy giving balance and safety. Rubber caps help in areas with asphalt if needed. If during the hike you decide you want to head back to the starting point of the hike or leave the group entirely. Regardless you may have informed Michael Mallory that Volunteer leaders and organizers are not responsible if you get lost you are responsible for staying with the group or notifying the leader if you want to leave the hike. You are responsible for finding your way back to the starting point of the hike preventing yourself from getting lost and being prepared for the hikes. I highly advise on night hikes to stay with the group. Wait at each marker, unless you notified the leader that you are leaving. By Joining “Michael Mallory” for any hike or activity, you hereby RELEASE and DISCHARGE its volunteer leaders, Michael Mallory, and participants, and their successors, form any liability, claims, demands, or causes of action that now have, or may have in the future for injuries, damages, death, covid 19, Delta Variant, Omicron Variant and/or economic loss of any kind or nature arising in whole or part from the activities, advice, or information provided by the group or its leaders. The hiker, by signing this document does freely and voluntarily indemnify and harmless group volunteer leaders and respective successors from any claim or liability whatsoever. It is clearly understood by all participants that you “hike at your own risk”. If any food is offered by Michael Mallory and or other hiking volunteers or organizers on the hike, you are responsible to be aware of the food contains something you may be allergic to or cause illness. "Eat at your own risk".