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Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Fountian Thistle, (c) Toni Corelli

Fountain Thistle
Cirsium fontinale var. fontinale

Photo © Toni Corelli

Home >> Fountain Thistle Directions

Fountain Thistle Action Item Directions

Saturday, May 31, 2008, 1:00 p.m.: Join Jake Sigg, Ken Himes and the CA Native Plant Society as we work to remove the principal threat to the Fountain Thistle (i.e. pampas grass) at one of its few sites, the intersection of Interstate 280 and Highway 92. Caltrans is removing the bulk of the pampas grass, but is avoiding working in the immediate area where the thistle occurs, because of its sensitivity. That's where we come in! We'll be grubbing out pampas grass that are encroaching the thistle. The thistle grows in wet soil so wear boots and clothing that are appropriate. We provide gloves. You will probably find rescuing this beautiful plant a rewarding endeavor. Click here for directions. RSVP required: Call Jake Sigg at 415-731-3028. For last minute questions after 9am on May 31, call Chris Farron of Caltrans at 415-850-5964.

Saturday, October 25, 2008, 9:00 a.m. - Noon: Join Jake Sigg and the CA Native Plant Society as we work to remove the principal threat to the Fountain Thistle--the invasive pampas grass--at one of the Fountain Thistle's last sites: the intersection of I-280 and Highway 92. Caltrans is removing the bulk of the pampas grass, but is avoiding working in the immediate area where the thistle occurs, because of its sensitivity. That's where we come in! We'll be grubbing out pampas grass that are encroaching the thistle. The thistle grows in wet soil so wear boots and clothing that are appropriate for fun in the mud. We provide gloves. This is as fun as restoration gets!. Click here for directions. RSVP required: Call Jake Sigg at 415-731-3028.

 

To get to this site:

From the north or south on I-280:  Take the Highway 92 East exit from I-280 (going toward Hayward), travel east on 92 to the first exit, Polhemus Road.  Turn right onto Polhemus Road, stay in the right lane and take your first exit leading you onto 92 West (to Half Moon Bay).  Stay in the right lane on 92.  Our work site is approximately 1/2 mile down 92, where the 280 North exit (San Francisco) is.  You will see a large Caltrans vehicle and orange traffic cones.  Park ahead of this Caltrans vehicle AS FAR TO THE RIGHT as you can go, to maximize the distance from passing cars, which are travelling at high speeds.

Here are instructions from Caltrans:

It is very important that you warn people to exercise caution when pulling off and on the ramp, as it is a curve and visibility is limited.  Car-pooling sounds like a great idea, as it limits the amount of cars there. Also please advise the drivers of the vehicles to park as far to the right on the shoulder, placing a greater distance between themselves and the lane of moving traffic.

We will have an attenuator truck (the truck with the large crash cushion box on the back) there at the beginning of the shoulder closure. Please make sure that everyone parks ahead of it so it can serve its purpose of being a blocking/protective element.

If these instructions are not clear, please call Jake Sigg at 415-731-3028.  However, he will not be available at this number after 7 am on October 25.  If you have last minute questions about how to get there or to park, call Chris Farron of Caltrans at 415-850-5964 (cell).