TH08 Aldergrove Pond & Arcata Ridge Trail | 2024 | FREE – SOLD OUT

In years past this trip started with walking the Arcata Ridge Trail but this year it will start at Aldergrove Pond in an effort to enjoy the birdlife more at this small, underrated location. Aldergrove Pond is a small urban pond (renovated in 2022) with some associated riparian habitat. After visiting Aldergrove Pond the trip will head over to the Arcata Ridge Trail access point off West End Road. Part of the City of Arcata’s Community Forest trail system, the ridge trail follows along Janes Creek, with redwood-forested slopes above. On the lower beginnings, the trail winds through alder riparian habitat adjacent to a mill site that has some cattail marsh and common riparian-associated birds. The trail then winds upslope into second-growth redwood forest, where the usual redwood forest birds abound. The pace of this trip will be relaxed, it will cover our basic forest and woodland birds. Not much need for a scope, moderate walking on well-maintained but STEEP trails for part of the trip. This is probably the trip with the steepest trails so be prepared for that aspect. Bring lunch, water, and wear sturdy footwear.

Bird species seen on last year’s trip, view here. 

MEETING LOCATION: Arcata Community Center, Outside front doors

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