This preserve is the largest link in a chain of preserves that follow
the “Northridge” of Mount Tamalpais as it sweeps down between the
communities of Mill Valley and Corte Madera. The trails and roads
in this area pass through a variety of habitats, including deep forests
and dense chaparral. The fire roads along the ridges are generally
steep and rocky, but there are plenty of routes that take you through
quiet redwood groves among huckleberries and sword ferns. Pileated
woodpeckers and the endangered northern spotted owl nest here. The
woodpeckers chip away at fallen trees looking for carpenter ants by
day, while the owls swoop down on dusky-footed woodrats at night.
In spring, listen for the endlessly melodic song of the winter wren
in the deeper canyons. These cool canyons support a variety of different
lilies in early spring, including fetid adder’s tongue and two species
of trillium. In the chaparral, look for the uncommon tree poppy among
the manzanita and ceanothus.
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Featured Species at this preserve:
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Spotted Owl
Dusky-footed Woodrat
Tree Poppy
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