April 22, 2004

A walk through the wildflowers

By Jeanne C. Lewis
Staff Writer

Flowers were the main attraction as Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation and the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association [NAQCPA] presented their fourth annual Wildflower Exhibit this past Sunday. Terri Sanislo-Williams, park interpreter, organized the colorful display of wildflowers in the big room of Casa Grande. The plant life is indigenous to the Quicksilver Park area and was shown as cut flowers and pressed, showcasing the intricacies of nature.

The wildflowers have names like wild cucumber “man root,” yellow Spanish broom, golden yarrow and blue elderberry. A steady stream of curious visitors toured the creative displays by Sanislo-Williams. She was assisted by Ranger Paula Burgmeier, Rosie Griffiths and Suzanne Quaine.

A group of 30 people took the van ride all the way up to Jacque's Ridge to view the vegetation in its natural habitat. They were guided by Kitty Monahan, president of NAQCPA and members Roberta Lamons and Bob Clement, who also helped collect the vegetation for the event. Jacque's Ridge was dedicated the day before and is now open to bicyclists.

The Almaden Quicksilver County Park and Mining Museum has events throughout the year. Located 21350 Almaden Road, New Almaden, their hours are Fridays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call [408] 323-11072 for more information.