In this summer class and field event, co-sponsored by the Washington Native Plant Society, we will facilitate a “close-up” look at the plant diversity of our local, northern-most Blue Mountains from the Umatilla Rim.
We have added a new component of this popular event to enhance participant understanding and knowledge of native plants. On Wednesday, July 8, in the evening, participants will attend an online presentation. Presentation access link will be provided by email. Course materials, to follow along with Emil, will be available in advance.
We will focus on all of our local plant layers, and introduce some simple botanical terminology and various resources, to aid in plant recognition. In addition, we will look at the larger picture of eco-regions and plant communities, discuss ecology and identification tips, and even provide a primer on easy-to-recognize lichen species.
On Saturday, July 11, the field event will be held on the Umatilla Rim Trail, coursing through both forest-clad and open riparian habitats of Johnson Creek and a small tributary. We will find a lush representation of most of the plant types that make up our northern-most Blues, from mosses, liverworts and lycopods, to orchids, other “wildflowers,” shrubs and trees.
Registration closes 3 days in advance.
Contact Katy Rizzuti at (509) 525-3136 or katy@bmlt.org for more information.
Suitability: Open to ages 16+.
Difficulty: Involves hiking on a narrow USFS trail at about 5,000 feet elevation with a total roundtrip distance of 1.5 miles and elevation changes of +/- 240 feet.
Things to bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, rain jacket, hat with brim, sunglasses, sunscreen, sack lunch, refillable water bottle, camera, 10x hand lens, journal, and a sense of adventure.
Your Hosts
Emil (Ame) Doyle, Washington Native Plant Society
Darcy Dauble, Washington Native Plant Society
This event is made possible by the generous support of Wenzel Nursery.
