Field Trip: Schoolhouse Ridge Nov 11, 2026 9:30 AM- 2:30 PM

Date and time: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 9:30 am

Leaders: Moss Phipps, CNPS Santa Cruz Chapter Intern and Botany Student

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Swanton Pacific Ranch (SPR) is home to an incredible array of native California flora. Just north of Davenport Landing, SPR extends over 1,200+ ha and represents a dramatic 10% of California’s flora. Long-time Santa Cruz residents will remember the ranch was owned by Al Smith, founder of Orchard Supply Hardware, and encompasses forests, riparian areas, and coastal grasslands. Al donated the property to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1993; it is managed by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. 

Schoolhouse Ridge extends west of Mill Creek in parallel ridges where siliceous shale chalks and a hard chaparral system make for a stunning environment. Burned in the 2020 CZU fire, this hike provides an opportunity to look at the recruitment of hard chaparral communities and closely observe the unique morphology of a common manzanita, brittle-leaved manzanita (Arctostaphylos crustacea). CNPS has secured permission to access this special area.

Approximately a 3-mile hike with about 800 ft of elevation and a consistent uphill slope. Done at a botanist’s pace, the trip will take roughly 4.5 hours. This hike can become very hot on a clear day. 

Come for beautiful views of the coast, unique chalk formations, and awesome plants! Being late fall, blooms will be minimal, but this hike offers an opportunity to visit an area with limited public access.

Cool Plants to see:
Pinus radiata (1B.1 )
Arctostaphylos crustacea (post-burn!)

Directions:
We will be meeting at Swanton Pacific Ranch U-Pick Parking Lot on Swanton Road. ***Please Note that this is *NOT* Swanton Berry Farm U-Pick off of Route 1.***

Carpool:
A carpool will meet on the west side of Santa Cruz at 9:00am. Location details will be provided closer to the trip date.

Bring: water, hat, sunscreen, snack/lunch, sturdy shoes, hiking poles (if desired), rain gear depending on weather

***Space is limited***

Heavy rain cancels. An email will be sent by 7 p.m. the evening prior if the trip is canceled.

Waiver: You will be asked to sign a waiver of liability at the start of the field trip. You can review it ahead of time here but will sign in person at the field trip. 

Practice clean trail etiquette.  Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers

Email Dan with any questions: daniel.antonaccio@gmail.com
Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: 2018746997