Birding Outing: Pine Valley Creek with Martha Wild

Leader:  Martha Wild

This beautiful forested trail lies just north of Pine Valley in lower levels of the Cuyamaca Mountains.  The trail follows the eponymous creek downstream, with riparian willows grading to oak forest and then pines that march up the sides of the valley. Small pools and grassy areas filled with flowers appear along the stream. The availabilty of water and the diversity of plants provides habitat at this time of year for numerous migrating warblers and flycatchers, along with both mountain and California quail and other birds of the forests and mountains. The terrain is somewhat rugged, with the path winding downhill over roots and branches, requiring an uphill return, though it is not very steep. The trip is planned to be 4 hours, though people may turn back earlier if need be. A $5 day pass for the Cleveland National Forest is required to park at the trailhead.    Capped at 15 participants.

Registration required.