In the Clemente Canyon Watershed
There is over 100 acres of parkland preserved by the efforts of naturalist Marian Bear. The park, named for Marian, contains a network of trails, idylls, streambeds, elfin forests, coastal scrub, and many other natural environments. This hidden gem lies along California Freeway 52 between 805 and Ardath Road.
Cherie, William, and I parked at the East Trailhead off of Genesee at the 52
As you enter the park at this trailhead there is an information Kiosk with the animals you may see on your journey as well as important park information. While the park used to be accessible 24/7, it now closes at 8pm due to unfortunate recent events.
Because of Marian's work
Civilization takes a unique path along the North bank of the canyon where it would do the least damage to the ecosystem. Bridges connect the freeway to the main roads that it exits to.
Immediately off the trailhead
After descending a short steep slope and crossing the creek bed, stay to the right branching arm of the trail to see this beautiful oak idyll. Here, and throughout the park it is very important to stay on marked trails as the entire area has heavy growths of poison oak and poison ivy which contain toxic oils that leave a lasting rash on most people.
Oak idylls are home to birds, insects, small mammals, and a variety of local reptiles. These micro-ecosystems are a great place to sit quietly if you want to see wildlife at work.
Even the smallest creatures rely on preservation
This common garden spider controls flies, ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests as she quietly mans her web. In turn, she will become food for birds which help to spread seeds and restore the forest.
The trail we chose is a 2 mile round trip
Two miles isn't strenuous for most people, and was only moderately more difficult with a rugged stroller (in some places the stroller had to be drug backwards over sand or river rock).
Photo by Cherie Beach
Fortunately there are many benches along the way to stop and rest.
Don't try to sit at every bench though. Some are on unmaintained offshoots and surrounded by poison oak.
The Spanish Missionaries brought with them a variety of flora
Father Junipero Serra brought mustard to the new world, and other catholic missionaries brought familiar foods, such as this jerusalem olive, that have found a home among the native species. As you travel the trails, take your time and look closely to identify hundreds of native and foreign plants.
For human and nature to share a space
Sometimes humans have to provide nature with a little help. Along some sections of the streambed, the banks have been shored up with walls made of wire bound river rock to prevent erosion.
We've already seen so many things and we finally reach Cobb Trail
A half mile into the park we reached a trail marker and a fork in the trail. To the right, heading South, is Cobb Trail. To the left, continuing west, was more arid streambed. We chose the shady road.
Cobb Trail follows a thin path through an elfin forest along a residential watershed. From within the forest, it's easy to forget how close you are to the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city, even the sounds of the nearby freeway become a gentle white noise as those of nature become dominant.
There is a deep rut carved down the west side of the canyon's arm by urban watershed. This gully carries stormwater to the main creek bed in the main canyon below.
In a little hollow we found a treasure ... although it is only spray painted it was our own bit of "fairy gold"
If you're not up for a long hike, you can trade it for a steep descent. Cobb Trail is also accessible via a hidden path and stairway at the intersection of Cobb way and Cobb Place. This is in a residential neighborhood, so be respectful of the private property to both sides and the neighbors in the area.
As always, I Steem for my kids...
Original photo's by me at Marian Bear Park, San Diego, California (except where noted)