Past field trip: Twin Gates Coastal Prairies Marshall Field

Past Field Trip Tuesday, April 28th, 2026   Leader: Dan Antonaccio, CNPS-Santa Cruz County Field Trip Coordinator

Twin Gates Coastal Prairies: Marshall Field at UCSC Campus Natural Reserve and the Gray Whale Ranch section of Upper Wilder Ranch State Park

Dan took a group on an easy botanical stroll through the coastal prairie habitats of the UCSC Campus Natural Reserve and the Gray Whale Ranch section of Wilder Ranch State Park. They were on the lookout for the rare large-flowered star-tulip or mariposa lily (Calochortus uniflorus) as well as other plants common to the coastal prairie habitats of Santa Cruz County like witch’s teeth (Hosackia gracilis), prettyface (Triteleia ixioides), Olney’s hairy sedge (Carex gynodynama) and many more.

The easy-moderate walk covered a total mileage of about 3 miles and elevation gain of about 300 feetn, much of the walk in full sun with a stop for lunch.