Marin County Parks

EXPLORE YOUR PARKS Your Guide to Marin County Parks & Programs SUMMER 2018 Walking with my four-year old son on the windy summit of Ring Mountain, we approach a rock formation emerging from morning fog. "Daddy!" my son shouts, "a snake!" I rush over to see a garter snake moving slowly away from the trail through the grass. Careful not to disturb the snake, we hike on, awaiting our next discovery. Most County preserves are a short walk from residential neighborhoods. But whether you are a weekend visitor or a scientist, these open spaces can be full of surprises. At a "bioblitz" on Ring Mountain, volunteers identified 205 unique species in 5-acres, highlighting the incredible diversity of plants and animals that make their homes here. While taking inventory of plants on Mount Burdell, Parks and local botanical experts found a unique species of jewelflower that may not exist anywhere else on earth. A keen eye toward discovery also helps protect native landscapes from threats. In collaboration with One Tam, funded in part by Measure A, a rapid response team combs Mount Tam for new outbreaks of invasive plants. Finding and removing these plants early is cost effective, protects biodiversity, and helps protect communities from wildfire. We can all play a part. Attend a bioblitz event, and help document species. Join a Marin Wildlife Picture Index cataloguing session. Lend a hand to pull broom with volunteers in Old Saint Hilary's or San Geronimo. Parti- cipate in restoration efforts at Creekside or Kent Island. And the next time you visit a nearby park, or picnic next to the Bay, or hike through a forest, look, listen, and discover the amazing natural world that surrounds you. DIRECTOR'S CORNER Max Korten Director & General Manager, Marin County Parks DISCOVERING NATURE IN YOUR BACKYARD

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