This windswept ridge high atop the Tiburon Peninsula is truly one of the most
valuable pieces of real estate on this planet. The battle to preserve Ring
Mountain serves as a shining example of how the efforts of a few determined
individuals can ultimately benefit future generations. Due to the efforts of
concerned citizens (led by local conservationist Phyllis Ellman) this area was
saved from development when it was purchased by the Nature Conservancy. In 1995,
the land was deeded over to the Open Space District.
The unique geology
and microclimate of this location provide a home for a number of rare plants.
The soils on the ridge are heavily laced with the mineral serpentine. Soils
derived from this mineral are toxic to most plants, but a number of species have
evolved mechanisms to survive on serpentine. As a result, where serpentine soils
are found, there are usually isolated populations of rare plants. The most
extreme example of this phenomenon is the Tiburon Mariposa Lily, which is found
on the upper slopes of Ring Mountain, and nowhere else on earth.
There
are several access points to the trails on this preserve, but the best approach
is to start at the trailhead on Paradise Drive and follow the Phyllis Ellman
loop trail to the top. During spring, the wildflowers along the way can be
breathtaking, as are the views of San Francisco and the entire Bay Area at your
feet.
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Featured Species at this preserve:
Two-toned Tidytips
Anise Swallowtail
American Goldfinch
Purple Owl's-clover
Red-tailed Hawk
Red Admiral
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