FLC Outdoors

Here’s some information about trees around the church, provided by FLC member Holly, as part of an intergenerational outdoor event that included biblical reflections, a service project and tour of the property. Scroll down to learn more about outdoor opportunities.

CHINESE PISTACHE (Pistachia chinensis) Native to China & Taiwan Very commonly planted, this species has separate female and male trees. Look for compound leaves and clusters of small fruits on female trees.
CRAPE MYRTLE (Lagerstroemia spp.) Native to east Asia The U.S. National Arboretum has produced dozens of cultivars since the the 1960s. Look for colorful spikes of flowers in Summer.
BRUSH CHERRY (Syzyglium australe) Native to Australia Brush cherries have a dense columnar shape but they’re often trimmed into hedges. Look for densely packed opposite leaves, white flowers in spring, and rose-colored fruits in fall.
CRAB APPLE (Malus spp.) Native to North America, Europe, and Asia Crab apples have fruits less than 2 inches in diameter. Look for flowers with 5 white to pink petals in spring and soft leaves.
COAST LIVE OAK (Quercus agrifolia) Native to California Spanish missions closely followed this tree’s native range; Oakland is named for it. Look for spiny teeth along the edges of leaves and acorns in fall.
PITTOSPORUM (Pittosporum spp.) Native to Australia, New Zealand, E Asia, Africa Pittosporums are a group of evergreen species commonly planted as shrubs or small trees. Look for sticky seed capsules.
COAST REDWOOD (Sequoia sempervirens) Native to California & Oregon coasts Coast redwoods and giant sequoias are California’s two state trees. Look for needle-like leaves and small woody cones.
PURPLE LEAF PLUM (Prunus ceerasifera) Native to Asia These trees have red to purple to nearly black leaves from spring to fall. Look for clouds of pink flowers in spring.
JAPANESE MAPLE (Acer palmatum) Native to China, Japan, and Korea Cultivars vary in leaf color and shape, branch color, and height; all are delicately beautiful. Look for opposite leaves and small stature.
ENGLISH LAUREL (Prunus laurocerasus) Native to SE Europe & SW Asia The tree is an evergreen species related to cherries, plums, peaches, and almonds; it is often trimmed into a hedge. Look for dark green leathery leaves with small teeth.

God’s presence and generosity is known in the cold waters of a river, the taste of fresh bread and a sip of good wine. 

Outdoor space is no less sacred than the church sanctuary. We love being outside together. Here’s some opportunities (and see the photos below from previous events):

Camping Weekend

This Fall (2025) it’s set for Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5 at Memorial Park, San Mateo County. We’ve reserved multiple adjacent sites. You can come for the whole time or just part of it. Activities include shared meals, the opportunity to hike or sit and read, time around the campfire and Sunday worship around picnic tables.

We bring our own plates, utensils, cups – and food and drinks to share. Details are worked out among participants closer to the camping date. We also bring our own camping equipment such as tents and sleeping bags, but there’s usually extras that can be shared with those who need them.

The forest is shady, there’s running water and lovely redwoods. It’s a great way to relax, connect with each other and disconnect from stresses. Please rsvp to Pastor Kate so we know how many to plan for!

Birding Field Trip to the Coast!

On July 19, a group of us met at Pescadero State Beach for a nice stroll and birding opportunity. We gathered afterwards in Pescadero for lunch at a deli. See social media pages for photos. Stay tuned for information on our next birding event!

Out birding at the Baylands.
One of our camping trips to Memorial Park.
On a hike during a camping trip.
Backyard cookout and campfire with songs.
Holly talks about some of the trees in our property.
During the pandemic at other times during the church year, we enjoy worship outside.
Another one of our hikes from years past.