Solano Land Trust volunteer to survey the rare oval-leafed Viburnum at Rockville Trails Preserve
On Friday August 9th, Solano Land Trust will be surveying the rare oval-leafed Viburnum at Rockville Trails Preserve from 8:30 to 11:30 AM.
Viburnum ellipticum is a woody deciduous shrub with bright green leaves and small white flowers. Common in Washington and Oregon, this plant is rare in California, and Rockville is home to the only known population in Solano County. In California the oval-leafed viburnum is found only on shady, north-facing hillsides where conditions are unusually cool and wet for our region. It is likely that this plant was once far more prevalent during a time of cooler climate in California, but now persists only as a relict in those few, distantly separated patches where habitat is suitable.
With the upcoming construction of new trails at Rockville, we need to ensure that the oval-leafed viburnum is visible and protected during building activities. Our citizen science group will identify and flag this rare shrub along a section of new trail to be built. We will then measure and flag a 15ft buffer around each plant where no disturbance will be allowed. No prior experience is necessary, identification materials and tools will be provided.
Meet Friday August 9th at 8:30 AM at the East gate of Rockville trails preserve. We will finish by 11:30 AM. Please come with sturdy clothes and shoes, including long pants, as well as a sun protection. It will likely be warm, so be sure to bring plenty of water. Long sleeves are highly recommended. Participants will need to bend and stand, and will need to hike a total of about 2 miles over moderate slopes.
Please RSVP to Ryan by responding to ryan@solanolandtrust.org. This event will be limited to the first 10 respondents.
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