Plants of Butano State Park: Identification and Medicinal Use

Butano State Park, located near Pescadero, comprises a wide compass of plant communities including lush redwood forest, dry chaparral, closed-cone pines, mixed-evergreen forest, coastal scrub, and more. Several plants find their southernmost occurrences here including the beautiful fairyslipper orchid (Calypso bulbosa) and western skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum).

Our walk will make a loop through the major habitats, while witnessing the diverse beautiful, fascinating, and useful native plants. Identification characteristics and medicinal applications will be covered extensively as we explore the park.

Instructors: Glenn Keator, author/botanist and wildflower expert and Tellur Fenner, herbalist.

Directions: From San Francisco, the easiest route is to drive down scenic Hwy 1 to the Pescadero Preserve, turn inland (left) by the sign to the town of Pescadero, then south from there, following the signs to the park. Parking is available just inside the entrance.

To bring: Bring layers of clothes (and raingear just in case); lunch; water; sturdy walking shoes. A field notebook and digital camera are highly recommended. Register by phone or email.

Cost: $45.