Past Field Trip March 25, 2026 to Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge

On Wednesday, March 25, Joerg Lohse and Dan Antonaccio hosted a field trip to Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Preserve is a lovely place to experience the wildflowers of serpentine grasslands. The distinctive chemical composition of serpentine soils supports a special plant community. It was a chace to see the rare San Francisco wallflower, Erysimum franciscanum (pictured at left) in bloom and the threatened (federal) Bay checkerspot butterfly around its host plant California plantain (Plantago erecta).

Our hosts provided a moderate hike of about 5 miles and an elevation gain of about 1000 feet. An initial fairly steep ascent accessed the serpentine areas via a trail in full sun with limited shade, so a hat, sturdy hiking shoes, lunch, sunscreen, water, and hiking poles were desirable. We  stopped for lunch around noon.

Thank you, Joerg and Dan for arranging this special field trip!

Photo above by Dan Antonaccio of San Francisco wallflower, Erysimum franciscanum