Community Guide 2017

Conifer Way. In San Geronimo, take Manzanita Fire Road from Tamarack. In Forest Knolls, take the fire road off Cortez or Sinaloa. In Lagunitas, take the MMWD fire road near the Inkwells. French Ranch This 383-acre preserve lies in the heart of the Valley. It fea- tures a trail connection to the trailhead at Roy’s Redwoods and a trail to the top of the northern ridge. South-facing slopes provide superlative views of the Valley and San Geronimo Ridge. At the western end of the preserve is a steep slope that includes significant areas of exposed serpentine. The unique soil derived from this mineral supports many rare plants. The French Ranch fire road allows access to the ridge and runs alongside a deep, forested canyon that is a haven for wildlife. Access : 1) Main entrance on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. across from Roys Redwoods. Take West Nicasio Road. Walk .5 miles west to trailhead. 2) East of Wild Iris Road on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. is entry to Top Flight Trail that also meets the French Ranch Fire Road that goes to the ridge. Stay to right and you will reach Roy’s Redwoods via West Nicasio Road. More detailed information regarding the preserves, permitted uses, and use constraints is available at marincountyparks.org.

Seduction by Barbara Swift Brauer The blackberries have stopped you and, in spite of yourself, you will walk no farther tonight. Instead, with nothing more than the palm of your hand, you give in, cupping the soft fruit in one hand reaching into the tangle with the other, snagging a sleeve, scratching a wrist. Don’t worry. You will not be here long. Before you know it, this will be years past. Your knees will nag and the hill will be too steep. The evening chill uninviting. No, the inconvenient succulence of this event comes only once and only now.

Blackberries (Photo by Paloma Russ)

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SGVCC

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