Ladybugs on native blackberry and invasive broom |Photo by Ruby J. Soto Cardona.
Ladybugs in Claremont Canyon
Starting around mid-October through early February, ladybugs—most likely convergent ladybugs—can be found in clusters on plants, logs, and rocks. At our previous volunteer day at Signpost 29,many ladybug clusters were seen on various plants near the trails, trying to conserve energy in the cold winter days as they wait for the springtime warmth to take flight. Take a look at this Bay Nature article to learn more. Please remember towatch your step and view the bugs from a distance to avoid disturbing them.
Amy Bach speaking at the Annual Meeting | Photo by Jeff Moore.
Great to see many new and familiar faces!
The Conservancy had a record turnout at our annual meeting in November. Our featured speaker was Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders (UP). Clearly, obtaining and keeping homeowners insurance is a major concern of local residents. We are hopeful that the insurance companies will recognize when residents are working to reduce the wildfire risk and enable their customers to keep their policies in force.
Berkeley Project Day volunteers after pulling invasive broom and restoring trails in the upper part of Claremont Canyon | Photo by Jon Kaufman.
Thanks to those who have already donated
This is the time of year when we ask our members and friends to renew their membership and make donations to the Conservancy. All contributions large and small are important, much appreciated, and tax deductible. Look for a reminder in your mail. Wishing you all the best this holiday season and in the New Year!
Volunteers onEvergreen Path collecting and bagging eucalyptus debris | Photo by Nancy Mueller.
A great volunteer event!
Last month, the Claremont Resort and Spa joined our Conservancy community to clean up the public paths leading to the resort's property from Evergreen Lane and to remove invasive plants in Garber Park. One group of volunteers bagged invasive plants and fallen eucalyptus debris from Evergreen Path, while another group dug up invasive plants to widen one of the main trails—used as a fire trail in case of a wildfire—in Garber Park. Thank you to all the volunteers and to the hotel for providing a delicious lunch!
Visit this 13-acre park and help restore its native wild habitat (we meet year-round). Meet at the Fireplacebelow the Evergreen Lane entrance (Map). For more informationor questionscontactWyllie.
Hiking the Canyon
We would love to hear from our members and others who are out hiking or otherwise observing nature in the canyon. Send us your pictures at info@ClaremontCanyon.org and we will feature one each month.
Common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) in Garber Park. You can still see this California native plant growing along the shaded and sloped areas of Garber Park, although most of the leaves have fallen by now. The white berries that grow on this bush are a favorite food for birds, and look like tiny ornaments, but please don't eat them as they are toxic to humans. Tour Garber Park for more native plants! (Photo by Ruby J. Soto Cardona)
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The banana slug (Ariolimax californicus) abovewas spotted and photographed by Alex Frank while hiking in Garber Park. With rainy days ahead of us, we will start to see more of these mollusks. Remember to tread carefully to avoid stepping on them.
Trails are open
All trails are open and accessible throughout Claremont Canyon. For maps and complete information on trails click here. You can also take a guided tour here. Please stay safe and take all items and pet waste out with you.
