Tree identification without judgement-learn through birthing knowledge

About this event

Welcome to the Sacramento Sacred Trails Collective, where each hike is a slow and rooted walk into the stories of the land. No racing, just curious footsteps together.

Focus

This hike will focus on learning to identify and understand:

• Oracle Oak

• Ponderosa Pine

• California Black Oak

• Interior Live Oak

• Gray Pine

• Types of mistletoe

• Pors and cones of plants

• Plant identification apps

• Wild Turkeys

The emphasis is on slowing down, observing, asking questions, and allowing knowledge to develop through direct experience with the landscape.

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Hike Details

Meeting Location: Folsom Lake – Monta Vista Trailhead, large gravel parking lot

Trailhead Address / GPS Coordinates: 38.74774° N, 121.06010° W

Distance: 2.7 miles Accumulative Elevation: Approximately 344 feet Estimated Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours Hike Level: Easy–Moderate Plus Pace: Slow to mild, with lots of stops Distance from Sacramento: Approximately 30–45 minutes

Please be on time and RSVP on Meetup.

A basic waiver will be required upon arrival. The waiver will remain valid through the end of the calendar year in which it is signed.

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What to Bring

It is up to each attendee to bring:

• Water

• Electrolytes

• Sunscreen

• Hat and sunglasses

• Appropriate footwear

• Weather-appropriate layers

• Lunch and snacks

• Trekking poles, if desired

Please bring a snake if you prefer mid-way through the hike.

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Weather & Trail Conditions

Weather Forecast: The hike will be canceled if there is heavy rain.

The trail can become muddy in places after rain, with a mixture of gravel and softer surfaces.

Trail Conditions: The trail will be shady in many places, with some open areas. The landscape is a hard- and soft-chaparral/oak woodland mix with evergreen vegetation. There are some inclines and declines along the route.

Terrain:

• Gravel

• Crushed granite

• Native clay soil

• Mud after rain

• Uneven trail sections

• Inclines and declines

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Parking & Amenities

Parking: Large gravel parking lot with approximately 25–30 spaces. The lot can fill during weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

Parking Cost: None

Phone Service: Spotty

Amenities: None

Bathrooms: No bathroom available at the parking lot.

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Wildlife & Bear Awareness

Bear Activity: Bears have been sighted in the area, although they are not extremely common.

As a precaution against bears, do not leave scented items in your vehicle. This includes:

• Food

• Sunscreen

• Toothpaste

• Lip balm

• Pet food

• Trash

• Other scented items

Bears have an exceptional sense of smell and may damage vehicles while attempting to access scented items.

Wildlife Considerations

Please remain aware of your surroundings and respect wildlife. Do not approach, feed, or intentionally disturb animals.

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Children & Dogs

Children: Yes.

Children are welcome, but please be mindful that there will be many stops and that this is more focused on an adult-led learning hike.

Dogs: Yes.

Dogs must be appropriately managed by their owners and remain under control throughout the hike.

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Carpooling

Each individual is responsible for reaching out to others regarding carpooling.

No individual is responsible for providing transportation to or from the event for other attendees.

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Group Expectations

Learning Together

This hike is not about speed, competition, or expertise.

We will focus on slowing down, observing the landscape, asking questions, and learning together through curiosity and shared discovery.

Respect & Courtesy

Please be respectful and courteous to fellow attendees.

Curiosity is encouraged. Questions are welcomed.

Gatekeeping, harassment, discrimination, and disruptive behavior are not acceptable.

Leave No Trace

Help protect the places we visit:

• Pack out all trash.

• Respect plants, wildlife, and cultural resources.

• Stay on designated trails when appropriate.

• Leave natural objects where you find them unless otherwise discussed as part of a permitted educational activity.

Photography

Please ask permission before taking or posting identifiable photographs of other attendees.

No One Left Behind

Unless otherwise stated, the group will periodically regroup and work together to ensure participants are not unintentionally left behind.

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Safety & Responsibility

Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.

Attendees are responsible for evaluating their own health, fitness, abilities, and preparedness for the trail conditions.

The host reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel the hike due to weather, wildfire smoke, trail closures, unsafe conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

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Waiver

A basic waiver form will be required to participate in the hike.

Once signed, the waiver will remain valid through the end of the calendar year in which it is signed.

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Background on the Host

Michael Mallory is a lifelong hiker, backpacker, and outdoor enthusiast. He is Wilderness First Responder (WFR) trained and Adult CPR certified.

Michael’s connection to the land has been shaped by journeys through places such as Death Valley and the Grand Canyon, though his deepest roots are in Mount Diablo.

Guided by curiosity and a passion for self-directed learning, he studies trees, plants, and the language of wind, water, and earth. His approach emphasizes slowing down, paying attention, and discovering what the landscape can teach when we walk with presence.

From Sacramento Sacred Trails Collective