PT. PINOLE PARK - DOTSON SECTION 
MAIN TRAIL
 Sept 6, 2018.
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Hike Description:
Dotson is the southern marsh section of Point Pinole Park. It became a park in 2008 and a few years later was renamed the Dotson Family Park in honor of a local family that fought development. There are about 3.5 miles of trails on 200 acres leading up to the main Point Pinole Park.

Blooming Plants Not Photographed:
NN=Non Native
Baccharis pilularis (Coyote Bush)
Baccharis salicifolia (Mule Fat)
Cirsium vulgare (Bill Thistle)NN
Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed)NN
Cuscuta pacifica (Dodder)
Cyperus eragrostis (Umbrella Sedge)
Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel)NN
Eschscholzia californica (Ca. Poppy)
Euthamia occidentalis (Western Goldenrod)
Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)NN
Frankenia salina (Alkali Heath)
Grindelia camporum (Valley Gumplant)
Grindelia stricta (Marsh Gumplant)
Helminthotheca echioides (Bristly Ox Tongue)NN
Hirschfeldia incana (Summer Mustard)NN
Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce)NN
Limonium californicum (Marsh Rosemary)
Lotus corniculatus (Bird’s Foot Trefoil)NN
Phyla nodiflora (Lippia)
Plantago coronopus (Cut Leaf Plantain)NN
Raphanus sativus (Wild Radish)NN
Salicornia pacifica (Pickleweed)
Sonchus asper (Sow Thistle)NN
Tetragonia tetragonioides (New Zealand Spinach)NN
Typha domingensis (Catail)



 

 

  

Hooker’s Evening Primrose (Oenothera elata ssp. hookeri):
These natives were probably planted by the park district.

 

(Scroll down for more pictures)

 

 
Photo of the spit, southern side. To my knowledge no one knows why it was built, but I suspect it was to launch boats.   We’re thinking the native Telegraph Weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) gets its name from the fact there are multiple flowers emanating from one large pole like stem.

 

 


Ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya):
A fellow hiker said the flowers on this native look like little helmets with a face. We agree. 		 
   

They may look like walking minions, but they're actually pier footings made from concrete hardened in burlap bags.

 

 

 

 

North end of spit. This formed a small boat shelter. Only rip rap, grass and gum plants remain.

 

Spear Shaped Orache (Atriplex prostrata):
A non native ground cover whose leaves & seeds are suppose to be edible.

 

 

 
There is quite a long bridge which spans the marsh and connects the two parks. It provides good views of marine life to the entertainment of some hikers.

Alkali Russian Thistle (Salsola soda):
Marsh plants can be strange. These tiny flowers, about 1/16" across, are in full bloom just past their prime.  Not native.

   

 

 

   

California Aster (Symphyotrichum chilense):
These natives were taller & leggier than usual. Maybe due to not enough sun.