Author Archives: Jack Elliott

Mastodon & Mammoth Sign: Reading Trees in the Santa Ynez Mountains

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Jack Elliott

Santa Ynez Mountains “Elephants’ habit of snapping or uprooting trees could explain why species such as oak, ash, beech, lime, sycamore, field maple, sweet chestnut, hazel, alder and willow can regrow from the point at which the stem is broken. … Continue reading →

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Arlington, Cathedral, La Cumbre Peaks Scramble & More

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Jack Elliott

The stairway to Arlington climbing out of Mission Canyon. “Genji climbed the hill behind the temple and looked off toward the city. The forests receded into a spring haze. ‘Like a painting,’ he said. ‘People who live in such a … Continue reading →

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Sage Hill Wildflowers

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Jack Elliott

California poppies on Grass Mountain, Zaca Ridge, Figueroa Mountain 3-26-2016 Around these here parts, in a mild climate with little to no snow, the wildflower blooms mark one of the few striking signals of seasonal change. The go-to sites in Santa … Continue reading →

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Sitiptip Flat, Los Padres National Forest

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Jack Elliott

The place. Note the white mineral deposit on its far side. “Our history is carried by word of mouth, but it’s anchored to the land. The old boys used to play a game: one of them would leave his cap on … Continue reading →

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Black Cottonwood Wildcraft

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Jack Elliott

A dribble of resin oozing from the leaf bud of a black cottonwood tree (Populus trichocarpa) growing along the Santa Ynez River. Black cottonwood buds may hold the finest natural fragrance found in the Los Padres National Forest. The gooey … Continue reading →

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