• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Nature Rhythms

Leanne Grossman’s Nature Guiding

  • Hikes, Walks and Experiences
  • Images for Sale
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

In the Valley of the Moon, Trip 18

Leave a Comment

Deciduous oaks

We often think of winter as desolate and empty, but Nature Rhythms’ winter walk in Trione-Annadel State Park (aka Annadel State Park) felt anything but that. Instead, it felt ripe with a different kind of beauty than what stirs us in the springtime. You could more easily see moss-covered limbs or distinct designs on tree branches that had lost their leaves; or you could spot the birds flitting around those barren limbs; or identify lichens of various colors as they decorated tree trunks and branches disguised during other seasons.

Manzanita flowers

You could also walk on shade-covered paths where  winter bloomers like bay trees stood. Manzanitas boasted their tiny white bell-shaped flowers, waiting for hummers and butterflies to come pollinate them. Bay trees, which also keep their leaves year-round hung out their yellow flowers.

Bay tree blossom

Did you know that you can tell which oaks will lose their leaves by their names? A coast live oak or a canyon live oak are not deciduous, whereas a valley oak and a blue oak will lose their leaves in winter. The use of “live” in the name is the key. 

A deciduous oak tree

Mistletoe stood out on several trees. It sucks water and minerals from tree branches. Mistletoe is considered hemi-parasitic (not completely dependent on the host) because it can also photosynthesize. It won’t usually kill a strong tree but if it proliferates on a younger or weak tree, it could have a devastating impact.

If you want to see the redwoods at Annadel, stay on Channel Drive after the visitor center and head to the more southeastern entrance. They’re more prevalent on Steve’s “S” trail and the Warren Richardson trail than on the Spring Creek trail.

Redwoods in Annadel State Park

 

<< Previous Post
Next Post >>

Filed Under: Natural, Uncategorized

Reader Interactions

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Footer

About Leanne

In nature I find peace, renewal and truth. Ever since I was a child I have loved being in forests and along streams. I feel blessed to be able to spend more time in nature now and share my knowledge and background with people of all ages. Read More…


Nature Experiences

Nature beckons. I bring people of all ages on hikes and walks into forests and woodlands and seashores, up to panoramas and down into canyons.
Book a Hike

© 2023 · Nature Rhythms · Powered by Imagely

  • Hikes, Walks and Experiences
  • Images for Sale
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact