Plant Walk: Lopez Canyon Park, Sylmar

Saturday, December 5, 9:30 AM

Toward the upper end of an oak-lined canyon, Lopez Canyon Park features trails through sage scrub with views of northeast San Fernando Valley.  Roger Klemm will lead a plant walk and Bill Neill will summarize recent work to control invasive castor bean and tree tobacco.

The park’s street address is 12801 Lopez Canyon Road.  From the intersection of Van Nuys Blvd. and Foothill Blvd., go northeast on Van Nuys Blvd. under the Foothill Freeway (I-210), turn left to Gladstone Ave., then right to Lopez Canyon Road.  After climbing 2 miles, the canyon road takes a hairpin turn and then starts to descend.  In less than 100 feet, the park entrance on the left side is marked by a mailbox, white gate, and MRCA sign behind a pepper tree.  Gather at the trailhead next to a portable restroom at the edge of the parking lot.

If the expected Super El Nino strikes on Dec. 5, outing will be postponed to Dec. 12 or 19.   For logistical questions and weather forecasts, contact Bill Neill at bgneill@earthlink.net.