Rancho San Antonio Preserve
For this project, I was able to drive out to Rancho San Antonio Preserve located in Cupertino, California (Bay Area). Upon entering onto the beginning trail towards Deer Hollow Farm (about 15 minutes from the parking lot), I was able to take pictures of a Coast Live Oak on the side of the pathway. Upon closer look at the trunk and bark of the tree, I noticed a lot of white cocoons (potentially caterpillars). Ahead of me was a huge tree and a sign with information posted about it on the side. The sign stated that this tree was the second largest California Bay tree in the state and showed the different regions in California that the species was native to. A bit further up the trail, there were more trees that provided shade on the walkway. I noticed a different tree, which I was able to associate with an Oak tree. Smaller in the brushes, was a Blackwood tree with skinny branches and thin leaves. The last tree I was able to observe was tall tree that had interesting hanging seeds (not sure if it was an actual seed). Fortunately, an ID suggested it was a Walnut tree.
The landscape itself was very flat, dusty, and sunny with a few areas of shade. I was able to observe a few cranes in the grass field, which leads me to believe there is a water source nearby, and many ground squirrels. I did not notice many wildflowers or grasses, but there were plenty of shrubs, trees, and bushes along the trail. I enjoyed this project because I was finally able to get outside (with social distancing of course) and breathe in the fresh air with an extra attention to the trees around the area.
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