Muir Woods National Monument Exploration You may not think of salmon when visiting the redwoods in Muir Woods, but it's home to a population of Coho Salmon. Redwood forests provide ideal salmon habitat, providing woody debris to protect young salmon in the creeks and keeping them shaded and cool. But the Coho in Muir Woods' Redwood Creek are endangered, and local biologists and volunteers are working to protect the salmon and restore their habitat. normal point_0 highlight highlight_point_0 normal point_1 highlight highlight_point_1 normal point_2 highlight highlight_point_2 normal point_3 highlight highlight_point_3 normal point_4 highlight highlight_point_4 normal point_5 highlight highlight_point_5 normal point_6 highlight highlight_point_6 normal point_7 highlight highlight_point_7 normal point_8 highlight highlight_point_8 normal point_9 highlight highlight_point_9 normal point_10 highlight highlight_point_10 normal point_11 highlight highlight_point_11 normal point_12 highlight highlight_point_12 normal point_13 highlight highlight_point_13 normal point_14 highlight highlight_point_14 normal point_15 highlight highlight_point_15 normal point_16 highlight highlight_point_16 normal point_17 highlight highlight_point_17 normal point_18 highlight highlight_point_18 normal point_19 highlight highlight_point_19 Muir Woods National Monument Exploration <table width="500"><tr><td> Permalink: <a href="http://www.kqed.org/quest/exploration/muir-woods-national-monument-exploration">http://www.kqed.org/quest/exploration/muir-woods-national-monument-exploration</a> Difficulty: Moderate, Accessibile: No, Duration: 2.5 hrs <h2>Plan Your Visit</h2> <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=7,0,19,0" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="" name="player" bgcolor="#3f3f3f" id="player" width="320" height="202" > <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /> <param name="wmode" value="window" /> <param name="swliveconnect" value="false" /> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param value="http://www.kqed.org/quest/flash/KQEDMediaPlayer.swf" name="movie"/> <param name="flashVars" value="id=1468&poster=http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/poster_frame_file/164/salmon_web_extra640.jpg&source=http://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/quest/salmon_exploration_extra_e.flv&link_url=http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/coho-salmon-in-muir-woods&"/> <param value="high" name="quality"/> <embed name="" wmode="window" allowFullScreen="true" swliveconnect="true" allowScriptAccess="always" bgcolor="#000000" name="player" bgcolor="#3f3f3f" id="player" width="320" height="202" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" src="http://www.kqed.org/quest/flash/KQEDMediaPlayer.swf" flashvars="id=1468&poster=http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/poster_frame_file/164/salmon_web_extra640.jpg&source=http://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/quest/salmon_exploration_extra_e.flv&link_url=http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/coho-salmon-in-muir-woods&"/></object> <a href="http://www.kqed.org/quest/">QUEST</a> on <a href="http://www.kqed.org/">KQED</a> Public Media.You may not think of salmon when visiting the redwoods in Muir Woods, but it’s home to a population of Coho Salmon. Redwood forests provide ideal salmon habitat, providing woody debris to protect young salmon in the creeks and keeping them shaded and cool. But the Coho in Muir Wood’s Redwood Creek are endangered, and local biologists and volunteers are working to protect the salmon and restore their habitat. For a map, driving directions and satellite views of this park from Google™ Maps, <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=muir+woods+national+monument&sll=37.906283,-122.474213&sspn=0.321271,0.506058&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=37.896395,-122.584848&spn=0.039216,0.054331&t=h&z=14">click here</a>. Address: Muir Woods Road, Building MW-020, Mill Valley, CA 94941 Phone: (415) 388-2595 </td></tr> #exploration -122.5694179,37.8911847,10000 37.8911847 -122.5694179 relativeToGround 0 1500 45 1. Salmon 1 1a. Riffle on Redwood Creek <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511669086"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3312/3511669086_389831c657_m.jpg"/></a> - Female Coho look for areas like these in Redwood Creek to lay their eggs. The loose gravel and steady water flow protect the eggs and ensure a supply of oxygen. #point_0_map -122.5694179,37.8911847 1b. A Salmon Redd <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511668852"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3539/3511668852_4f6bd33994_m.jpg"/></a> - After spawning, female coho use their bodies to dig a nest, or redd, in gravel at the bottom of Redwood Creek. The eggs will remain buried in the creek bottom until they hatch. #point_0_map -122.5694179,37.8911847 1c. Coho Eggs <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511667964"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3619/3511667964_9cca572729_m.jpg"/></a> - A female can lay hundreds of eggs in her nest. Credit: Richard James. #point_0_map -122.5694179,37.8911847 1d. Biologist Michael Reichmuth <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510857751"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3379/3510857751_98a518a928_m.jpg"/></a> - Fish Biologist Michael Reichmuth explains the life cycle of Redwood Creek's Coho. The number of returning salmon have been dropping in recent years, causing concern about the health of the population. #point_0_map -122.5694179,37.8911847 2. Manroot 1 2a. Wild Cucumber <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510858459"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3304/3510858459_58423417d7_m.jpg"/></a> - Wild Cucumber (Marah fabaceus) is also known as Man Root, due to the large tuberous root underground. The root is toxic and was reportedly used by Native American groups to stun fish, making them much easier to catch. #point_1_map -122.5706714,37.8916693 2b. Wild Cucumber Seed Pod <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510858563"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3664/3510858563_77b256769b_m.jpg"/></a> - You can recognize Wild Cucumber (Marah fabaceus) by its curly vines or spiky green seed pods in the summer. #point_1_map -122.5706714,37.8916693 2c. Milk Maid <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511669280"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3639/3511669280_e4947d0899_m.jpg"/></a> - Milk Maids (Cardamine californica) are common wildlfowers across California, typically blooming from January through May. Other fun colloquial names include California Toothwort and Bitter cress. #point_1_map -122.5706714,37.8916693 3. Native Snail 1 3a. Oregon Forestsnail <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511670196"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3373/3511670196_6c430ff33e_m.jpg"/></a> - Saw this lovely mollusk climbing a mossy trunk , shell alomst 2" in diameter. Best guess is the Oregon Forestsnail (Allogona townsendiana). Any other ideas? #point_2_map -122.5719549,37.8922115 4. Tree Fall and Rewdoods 1 4a. Tree Break <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510859037"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3622/3510859037_0ed82f8163_m.jpg"/></a> - When a redwood topples, it often takes down a number of other trees, thanks to its massive height and weight. If it falls into the creek, it's good news for salmon, since it creates new habitat. #point_3_map -122.574481,37.89371 4b. Redwoods <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510859453"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3321/3510859453_58c58bf4d5_m.jpg"/></a> - The Muir Woods redwoods are old-growth trees. They escaped much of the logging common to the California coast thanks to the steep terrain surrounding the valley. #point_3_map -122.574481,37.89371 4c. Sudden Oak Death <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510862257"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3413/3510862257_f1c102b8b7_m.jpg"/></a> - You'll see both Tanoaks (Lithocarpus densiflorus) and Coast Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia) in Muir Woods, but many will look like this. Sudden Oak Death is wide-spread in Marin County and is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. Infected trees often develop cankers that ooze dark liquid. The pathogen prevents the tree from sending nutrients and energy between the leaves and roots, eventually killing the tree. The pathogen spores are spread by other trees, water and even humans. #point_3_map -122.574481,37.89371 5. Understory Flowers 1 5a. Redwood Sorrel <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511671044"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3603/3511671044_89cabfeca0_m.jpg"/></a> - This may look like clover, but Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregano) isn't part of the clover family. It thrives in the low light of the redwood understory. #point_4_map -122.5751,37.89428 5b. The Big Leaf Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511670694"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3346/3511670694_9cc247feb3_m.jpg"/></a> - The Big Leaf Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) can be found in local nurseries, but in Muir Woods, they're rare. There are only three populations left in Marin County. This plant was sprouted from seeds collected by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, who are working to preserve the genetic variation of this local population. These rhododendrons benefit from fire cycles and are among the first plants to reappear after a fire. While it's thought that fires historically came through Muir Woods every 20-30 years, the last fire was in the 1840's. #point_4_map -122.5751,37.89428 5c. Trillium Flower <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511673314"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3647/3511673314_15cc10d2ae_m.jpg"/></a> - A Trillium flower (Trillium ovatum). #point_4_map -122.5751,37.89428 5d. Trillium Flower <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510861965"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3647/3510861965_c73058531e_m.jpg"/></a> - A Trillium flower (Trillium ovatum) a little closer up. #point_4_map -122.5751,37.89428 6. Redwood Burl 1 6a. It's a Burl <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510859831"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3619/3510859831_1a209b6fc8_m.jpg"/></a> - Lumpy burls are usually found at the base of redwood trees, but this tree's burl is high overhead. Redwoods use burls as one method of reproduction. They can simply sprout new growth from the burl if the main tree is stressed or damaged. #point_5_map -122.57476,37.89563 7. Fun with Fungus 1 7a. Witch’s Butter (Tremella mesenterica) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510859977"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3312/3510859977_5f037a1b1d_m.jpg"/></a> - Witch's Butter (Tremella mesenterica) is a jelly fungus that is actually a parasite. It feeds on another type of fungus that lives on dead wood. #point_6_map -122.5772412,37.9002929 7b. False Turkey-tail <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3526807730"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3320/3526807730_9475c8dacc_m.jpg"/></a> - The flame-like ripples of the False Turkey-tail, or Stereum hirsutum, are lovely, but too tough to be edible. Common in Bay Area woodlands, Stereum hirsutum is easy to mistake for Trametes versicolor, the "actual" Turkey Tail fungus. #point_6_map -122.5772412,37.9002929 7c. Brown Witches Butter Fungus <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3526807638"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3624/3526807638_7e4b9e201f_m.jpg"/></a> - Brown Witches Butter (Tremella foliacea) like many fungi is found growing on the wood of dead trees. Here it appears to be parasitizing False Turkey-tail, or Stereum hirsutum. #point_6_map -122.5772412,37.9002929 8. Foetid Adders Tongue 1 8a. Fetid Adder’s Tongue <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511671632"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3616/3511671632_ab9f90df84_m.jpg"/></a> - In order to spread its seed far and wide, the Fetid Adder's Tongue, or Slinkpod (Scoliopus bigelovii) grows its seed pods on long, thin stalks. As they grow larger, the stalks bend away from the plant and touch the ground. Each has a packet of nutrients that attracts ants and other insects, which help carry the seeds even further. #point_7_map -122.57675,37.899078 8b. Fetid Adder's Tongue Bloom <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511671704"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3542/3511671704_c84f972881_m.jpg"/></a> - The Fetid Adder's Tongue blooms early - you'll see these flowers in December or January. They have a slightly foul smell which attracts pollinators like gnats, instead of bees. #point_7_map -122.57675,37.899078 9. Funner Fungus 1 9a. Yellow Waxy Cap <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3513675000"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3595/3513675000_e26ca7f8ea_m.jpg"/></a> - The Yellow Waxy Cap (Hygrocybe flavescens) is a bright yellow mushroom often found in redwood forests. #point_8_map -122.5794138,37.9012238 9b. Black Jelly Drops <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511671344"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3397/3511671344_be6f43fc8d_m.jpg"/></a> - These dark mushrooms (Bulgaria inquinans) definitely resemble gum drops and live on decomposing wood. #point_8_map -122.5794138,37.9012238 9c. Oyster mushroom <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3512867201"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3633/3512867201_0e615e184a_m.jpg"/></a> - Likely these are Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), sought after by mushroom hunters for their culinary uses. Anyone able to confirm? #point_8_map -122.5794138,37.9012238 10. Albino Redwood 1 10a. Albino Redwood <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510860545"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3080/3510860545_833fe07350_m.jpg"/></a> - This is a redwood tree, but its needles are white. They're lacking chlorophyll, the green substance that helps plants do photosynthesis. Because it can't make food on its own, this tree acts like a parasite, tapping into the roots of another redwood. #point_9_map -122.5829904,37.9018673 10b. Albino Redwood Needles <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511671806"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3367/3511671806_44629ffb71_m.jpg"/></a> - There are only a handful of known albino redwoods in California. They can only survive by living on other trees. #point_9_map -122.5829904,37.9018673 11. Log Fall 1 11a. Shady Pools <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511672800"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3584/3511672800_14865bb41e_m.jpg"/></a> - Pools like these, created by toppled trees, are crucial for Coho Salmon, who like cold, clean water. Returning salmon rest in pools like these as they head up the creek to spawn. Juvenile salmon rely on creek pools to protect them. Today, the Park Service is in the process of adding wood pack to Redwood Creek, since it was once their policy to remove it. #point_10_map -122.58414,37.90253 11b. Juvenile Coho <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510856807"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3623/3510856807_d54585911f_m.jpg"/></a> - These young Coho were caught in a fish survey. After hatching, they're known as "fry". They spend 16-18 months living in the creek, eating bug larvae. Image: Chris Friedel. #point_10_map -122.58414,37.90253 11c. Sculpin <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511668380"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3336/3511668380_7c101d5c7d_m.jpg"/></a> - Native sculpin like these prey on juvenile salmon in Redwood Creek. Young salmon also have to worry about non-native crayfish. Image. Richard James. #point_10_map -122.58414,37.90253 11d. Eye on the log <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510861619"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3577/3510861619_5fb43eb780_m.jpg"/></a> - Sometimes when looking around the forest floor, things look back. #point_10_map -122.58414,37.90253 12. Convergent Ladybugs 1 12a. Convergent Ladybugs <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511673194"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3392/3511673194_dd0713ee68_m.jpg"/></a> - Throughout the winter in the Bay Area, you may see large groups of ladybugs clustering together. These Convergent Lady Beetles (Hippodamia convergens) come together for their winter hibernation and huddle together to conserve warmth and energy. #point_11_map -122.58608,37.90327 13. Salmon End 1 13a. Spawning Salmon <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3510856313"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3414/3510856313_5848574622_m.jpg"/></a> - In December and January, Coho return to Redwood Creek, completing their three year life cycle. They rely on winter rains to raise the level of the creek, which breeches a sandbar that often forms at the outlet to the ocean. The salmon return to the creeks they were born in to mate and lay eggs. Image. Richard James. #point_12_map -122.58828,37.9032567 13b. End of the Coho lifecycle <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511668134"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3401/3511668134_6d50d46b91_m.jpg"/></a> - After spawning, the Coho die. If you look closely, you can see small circle punched out of the salmon's skin, which were taken for a biological survey when this salmon was found. Credit. Richard James. #point_12_map -122.58828,37.9032567 13c. Salmon Survey <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3511668680"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3328/3511668680_bf0c703dee_m.jpg"/></a> - Each year, biologists from the Point Reyes National Seashore survey Redwood Creek for Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout. They work to find out how many salmon are returning each year, to help estimate the health of the population. Coho are listed as an endangered species. In the 1940s, California's population was estimated at 200,000 to 500,000. In just 50 years, that population has declined about 90%. Credit. 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