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SUMMER FIELD TRIPS by Joan Stewart
The past several months have brought wonderful arrays of color and pattern to the hills around us and we all have independently explored, enjoyed our local springtime. We have tentatively scheduled hikes into many of our higher elevation mountain meadows, using that term to cover wet places in general....fens, bogs, seeps. June 12 , depending on road conditions at that time, Jordan Peak, June 27, for those preferring a Sunday walk, July 10, 31, August 8, 21 and Sept. 18 or 19. This tentative schedule indicates that we will be going up often. In between the listed dates, the leaders, myself plus, will be visiting sites to scout the area and to add to plant lists for separate places. If you want to be part of this exploration team, call me, Joan, and you will be welcome to join. We will focus on the plants that are associated with these “wet places”---colorful flowers, grasses, sedges, rushes with fascinating flowers that are not colorful (!), the bushes and trees that fringe the wet parts of the forest, and in many cases observe the contrasts between high and low portions of the sloping terrain.
For ALL hikes, we will meet 9:45 am (in order to be ready to move on to the day’s designated site by 10 am) where Hwy 190 ends, at the junction with North Road (signs direct you to pack Station here). Good pull-off area, and a starting point for all the meadows we might want to visit. Arrange your own car pools. All CNPS events, hikes included, are open to the public and free of charge. Everyone is welcome, but we discourage bringing dogs. Because distances are not great, children may want to come, but be sure they understand the purpose and slow pace of the day’s activities. Bring water, any snacks you want for a several hour interval that includes driving up and down Hwy 190, a winding mountain road. Remember to wear shoes that can get wet, sunglasses, sun lotion if needed. Some will choose to wear short pants; long pants will probably get wet, knee height in some situations. If you have a wildflower book, it may be useful, as will be a hand lens. Because there is always a chance of unexpected change of plans, it is a good idea to call 539-2717 the evening before (not after 8:00 please) to be assured that the plan has not changed.
If there is anyone who is willing, interested, in leading or helping lead any of the trips, we urge you to contact field trip coordinator, Joan Stewart at 539-2717. The more we share these times, the greater our exchange of ideas, information, and mutual pleasure. Next spring, 2011, we are planning a series of visits to private ranches, mostly between 2500’ and 4500’ elevation, in our area. We have been working with owners recently to develop plant lists for these lands and find very interesting contrasts in the diverse arrays of wild flowers and shrubs.
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