Local Chapter Field Trips

Central Puget Sound

Cost-sharing policy for field trip car pools

The WNPS policy in 2009 was for passengers to provide the driver trip mileage reimbursement of $.25/mile, to be split among the passengers.  In addition, passengers are expected to chip in for tolls, ferry fees, and entrance or parking fees.  Since gas prices have increased since 2009, please be ready to offer your driver a higher per mile reimbursement.  Drivers, please keep track of field trip miles driven and ask enough to cover gas plus wear and tear on your vehicle. Thanks.

To help you gage the difficulty of the field trips and walks, we borrowed the rating system below from the Washington Butterfly Association.  Hope it helps you select the right hike for your energy level!

Field Trip Difficulty Ratings

Whidbey Island Ecosystems Tour

South Whidbey State Park, Ebey’s Bluff, and Perego’s Lagoon

Leader:  Clay Antieau

   Join botanist and long-time WNPS member Clay Antieau as he leads us through the fascinating rainshadow ecosystems of Whidbey Island.  Topics of the day will include plant identification, the ecology and impact of weeds, species extinctions, ecological restoration, and fun!  We'll see Western Washington's only native cactus, one of the world's most endangered plant species, and Island County's largest tree.

   South Whidbey State Park offers some of the Island's last remaining old growth forest vegetation.  At Ebey's Landing, the 3.5 mile Bluff loop trail is unchallenged for sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Quimper Peninsula. Plus, we'll peek into Ebey's Landing's rich history steeped in agriculture and--murder!

   See http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/south-whidbey-state-park for information on the old growth hike at South Whidbey Island State Park. See http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ebeys-landing for information on Ebey's Landing.  See http://www.wnps.org/salal/Lists/Ebeys.doc for an Ebey's Landing plant list. 

   Trails are mostly level but Ebey's Trail includes two short, steep pitches on loose sand.  This is an all-weather event.  Participants should outfit to stay warm, dry, and comfortable for the duration.  Bring lunch, fluids, and a 10X hand-lens.  These are particularly wonderful hikes for children; families welcome!

   Hike limited to 18 participants. 

Whidbey Island: South Whidbey State Park, Ebey's Bluff, and Perego's Lagoon.

Meet at 65th Street Park and Ride at 8:00 AM to carpool, or meet at the main parking lot at South Whidbey State Park at 10:00 AM (WA State Parks Discover Pass required).

To sign up, contact Clay at clay39@netzero.net or 206-233-3711.

Rock Mountain

Central Cascades, east of Steven’s Pass

Leader:  Sandra Ruffner 

   This is one of the best early mountain hikes of the season.  The trail climbs a south-facing slope with very scattered trees.  Hot in summer, this is ideal terrain for a rich flora in spring.   Expect a steep climb (we’ll be going slowly!) but excellent views.  Early season flowers include grass-widows, yellow bells, shooting stars, glacier lilies, penstemon and paintbrush.  If we time it right, we may see steer’s head.  Elevation gain about 1000 feet.  May is tick-season, dress accordingly.    See WNPS website for a species list.

Clark’s Prairie Walking Tour, Seward Park, Seattle

Leader: Paul Talbert – President, Friends of Seward Park

    The Garry oaks in Seward Park and Martha Washington Park are a remnant of Clark’s Prairie. Where was this prairie, why was it there, what happened to it, and who was Clark?  We’ll explore Native American and settler history at Seward Park in a tale of butterflies and Bostonians, cattails and camas, fire and farming, lynchings and lost rivers, salmon and sawmills, lawsuits and liens, wapato and warfare. We’ll discuss Indian and Euro-American economies in the 19th century, Mercer girls and unwed mothers, Morningside Farm and Chink Hill, and find the secret identity of Lake John Cheshiahud. No signup necessary.

Birds and Native Plants in Disturbed Urban Sites under Habitat Restoration - Current Experiences in Discovery Park

Leaders:  David Hutchinson and  Clay Antieau, land stewards at Discovery Park

Difficulty Level:  2

   After studying a vintage aerial photo, we shall drive to Discovery Park's South Parking lot, leaving cars.   We will explore the Park with thoughts of  the past and desires for the future in mind.  David and Clay have chosen sites to explain problems, practices and success in this 600 acre urban site that was once more intensively used.  Some sites David and Clay plan to visit were once used as a Nike missle site, hospital, theatre, and antenna  sites, as well as others if access can be arranged.  David is the owner of Flora & Fauna Nature Books and Clay is on the State WNPS Board.  Both have a long history of involvement with restoring a wilder Discovery park.  

   Trip will cover 2 miles and take 3  to 4 hours.  Bring binoculars and bird and plant field guides if you want. 

Chiwaukum Creek Delights

Location: Alpine Lakes Wilderness, east of Steven’s Pass

Leader:  Sandra Ruffner, Botanical Interpreter

Difficulty Level: 4

   Chiwaukum Creek is a fine spring hike.  The trail is mostly level, touching the creek in places.   It passes through a dry, second-growth forest of grand fir, Douglas fir, ponderosa and white pines.  It is notable for abundant Tweedy’s lewisia and arrowleaf balsamroot.  We should also expect to see calypso orchids.   We’ll be walking about five miles total.  Dress for the weather, bring water, lunch & sun & bug protection.  Meet at the south side of the Ravenna Park and Ride to carpool.  Contact the leader for a meeting place closer to the destination , or for questions:  Sandra Ruffner, slruffner57@gmail.com, phone: (206) 985-1658.

Union Bay Natural Area: Restoring Habitat in the City

Leader:  Kern Ewing, UW Professor of Restoration Ecology

Difficulty level: 2

   The Montlake Natural Area and adjacent Yesler swamp provide important habitats right in the City.  Yesler swamp is less disturbed, and the Union Bay Natural Area has been the site of numerous research activities over the years (see article in this newsletter). 

Dr. Ewing is a professor of Restoration Ecology at the UW's Center for Urban Horticulture.  He will guide us through the two areas featuring restored ecosystems of a number of kinds, including wetland, forested swamp, grassland, woodland, and shoreline.  

Wild Edibles at Bastyr University Kenmore Campus

Leader: Brady Ryan

Difficulty level:  2

   Bastyr University's campus in Kenmore provides an excellent location for observation and foraging of native plants.  The campus is organically maintained, and surrounded by the lovely St. Edwards State Park making it a great location for plant lovers.   We will walk about the woods, wetlands, and border areas identifying plants, harvesting and nibbling upon edibles and discussing questions of foraging, domestication and how they intersect with plant nativity.  We will see and hopefully eat a good number of species and have a great time while we are at it. 

   Deadline for email signup is Sunday, June 10, 2012.

Cle Elum Ridge with the Experts

Leaders:  Don Knoke and Julia Bent

Difficulty level: 4

   Join Don and Julia for a tour of the botanically diverse but elusive South Cle Elum Ridge, with a side trip to Peoh Point.  The road from South Cle Elum to the ridge will not be repaired before the date of this trip, so we will access it from the Taneum.  Uncommon species such as Pyrrocoma hirta, Montia chamissoi, and Senecio hydrophiloides should be blooming on the ridge, and the endemic Valeriana columbiana at Peoh Point. 

Limited to 12 participants. 

Kiwanis Ravine and Carl English Gardens

Leader:   Mike Marsh, long-time native plant activist and researcher

Difficulty Level:  2

   Join long-time WNPS member Mike Marsh for a delightful tour of two quite different in-city sites.  One is a restored natural area, the other a delightful landscaped area.   The Kiwanis Ravine has been the site of much restoration effort by the community and WNPS stewards.  Mike will interpret progress and plans for the future.  Then he'll take the group across the road to the Carl English Gardens at the Ballard  locks.  This is a great trip for families.

WNPS Study Weekend, Walla Walla

Saturday June 29 – July 1

Chinook Pass to Sheep Lake

Note:  Hike may be delayed a week if snow conditions dictate. Watch website for date change.

Leader:  Fayla Schwartz, Instructor, Everett Community College

Difficulty Level:  4

   This favorite hike just outside Mt. Rainier National Park features a great variety of wildflowers in profusion.  Hike to the lake is about 3 miles (round trip) with 300 feet elevation gain plus ups and downs.  Fayla teaches botanical subjects at Everett Community College and will help you learn and appreciate the profusion of wildflowers for which this hike is famous.  A NW Forest Pass is required for parking.  Trip limited to 12 people. 

Scatter Creek, Wenatchee Mountains  JOINT with the Mountaineers 

Leader: Howard Coleman

Difficulty Level:  5

   A challenging but rewarding hike to this floristic gem of the Wenatchee Mts.  The first couple of miles and 1500’ or so are a steep old mule trail through the woods we hiked on a Mounties scramble. When you break over into the wet and dry meadows at the top of this hump it turns flowerful. We saw acres of Dodecatheon, shooting stars; Caltha palustris, marsh marigolds; Anemone drummondii, cut-leaf anemone; and Gilia capitata, sky rocket, while trying to keep up with dedicated scramblers. No telling what some botanizing in here will turn up. If inclined we can continue to the pass, and keep our eyes out for serpentine where we can expect to see Claytonia megarhiza, Douglasia nivea, Polysticum lemmoni and Aspidotis densa or just spend our time exploring the meadows.  We might want to save time to continue on a mile or so on the road when we get down to see the fields of hellebore and Pedicularis in the flats by the lake.

   Hike #71 in 100 Hikes in the Alpine Lakes (1985).  Scatter Creek trailhead #1328 is at 3320'.  It ascends steeply 1500' to a junction.  Go left over Scatter Creek.  The trail is evasive and easily lost in meadows.  The way generally follows the creek upward to Scatter Creek Pass (some call it Fish Eagle Pass) at 6200' 4 1/2 miles.  Trip to the meadows 5 mile round trip 1600-1800' elevation gain --to the pass is 9 miles round trip and 2900' elevation gain.  Bring water, lunch, dress for weather.  Need to be in shape for this one!
More explicit directions provided before trip.

Maximum 12 participants.

Mt Rainier, A Botanist's Paradise!

Check website for possible date change.

Leader:  David Biek

Difficulty Level:  4

   David literally wrote the book on Mount Rainier wildflowers!  Take advantage of this opportunity to accompany him into the Park to appreciate the wealth of species to be seen there. Both common as well as unique species will be shown to participants.  Sturdy shoes required, dress for the weather.  Bring lunch and water and trail snacks to keep your energy level high.   Park pass required.  If you  carpool with someone, please see policy about cost-sharing to be fair to your driver.  To sign up or enquire about carpooling, contact David at davidbiek@clearwire.​net

Central Washington

Wild Horse Wind Farm. 

  PSE will present a program at its Visitor Center starting at 9:00 AM  on their wind farm about eighteen miles east of Ellensburg, with talks and slide shows by WNPS members and PSE personnel in the morning, and a hike on the wind farm in the afternoon to look for plants in bloom, such as Pediocactus nigrispinus.  WNPS Central Washington Chapter will have a display at the Visitors Center.

Wild Horse Wind Farm Visitor Center

Wild-Horse Wind Farm

Roslyn Cemetery/Cle Elum River  We will hike from the Roslyn cemetery down along a small stream to the Cle Elum River, then proceed up-river, possibly as far as the dam.  The route goes through various habitats - open pine forest, wetlands, riparian.  The hike will be one-way, with options as to the take-out point.

Noel Knoke, leader.  Email:  nbknoke@yahoo.com  Phone:  (509) 312-3233

Don Knoke, leader.  Email:  donknoke@live.com        Phone:  (509) 964-2274

Don Knoke, leader.  Email:  donknoke@live.com        Phone:  (509) 964-2274

Keyna Bugner, leader.  Email:  keyna@kvalley.com   Phone:  (620) 803-2382 

Columbia Basin

Columbia Basin Hikes

Koma Kulshan

Native Plants that can work in your landscape

Join WNPS at the Backyard Habitat Fair

Introductory Plant Walk:  Padden Lagoon

We will walk from the fair area down the City Greenways trails around Padden Creek to see a variety of fun native plants. Make sure to stop at the fair before the walk to purchase some native plants. Plant sale begins at 10 am.

Ethnobotany along the Trail

Enjoy a walk through along the restored riparian areas along Whatcom Creek and learn about the cultural uses, names and other cool ethnobotany facts about our native plants along the way. A fun and different way to view the park.

Summer Lake, Skagit County

Northeast Washington

Okanogan

2012 Field Trips

Okanogan Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society

1. You must contact the field trip leader ahead of time to join a field trip. Each trip is limited to a maximum number of people – first-come, first-served. Give the leader your phone and email; that way you can be notified of changes in timing or location.

2. Arrive at the designated meeting place ready to go – with food and water for the day, extra clothing appropriate for changes in weather, and gas in your car. We’ll always carpool to take as few vehicles as possible.

3. If you have a digital camera, bring it along and take photos. Save your favorites to show at our annual meeting.

4. Gather native plant seeds - for your own use or for our Naturally Beautiful Roadsides project. Collect them in paper bags or envelopes; never keep seeds in plastic bags or containers. Record the name of the plant, the date, and location. Let the seeds dry out before storing them.

When we can, we’ll issue an email reminder about a week before each of the hikes below.

Moccasin Mountain

George Wooten will lead a spring wildflower hike on Moccasin Mountain between Twisp and Winthrop. This hike is of moderate difficulty. The hike starts gently and continues for 2 miles of hiking through open meadows. There is a steep descent on the way back down. This hike will highlight wildflowers of late spring, when arrowleaf balsamroot, mule's ears, mock orange and bitterbrush come and go before summer. We will try to complete a plant list for the area.

The hike is limited to 12 people and the leaders.

Saturday, May 12, 2012; 9:30 AM - 3 PM

We will try to finish an hour earlier than 3:00 PM, if possible.

Davis Canyon NAP + Malott sand dunes

Co-leaders: Sandra Strieby and George Wooten

We will start by exploring shrub-steppe in bloom at the Davis Canyon Natural Area Preserve, then cross the Okanogan River to visit old-growth Ponderosa Pines growing in dunes on the CCT reservation.  This trip is limited to 10 people.

Mission Ponds Wetlands Trip

Dana Visalli will lead us in investigating the wetland plants and enjoying the birds and butterflies at Mission Ponds up Libby Creek.  This trip is limited to 12 people. 

Storybook Hills Butterfly Walk

Butterflying for beginners, and plants too, with a moderate walk up to Aspen Lake and the hills above it. Bring close-focus binoculars, nets, jars, and butterfly field guides if you have them. No collecting, just catch-identify-and-release. Destination could change, depending on conditions. This trip is limited to 12 people.

Tiffany Springs Campground to Honeymoon Pass

Flowers galore!  Date to be determined; early July, probably, depending on when the snow leaves.  Bring binocs and lunch and proper clothing for the mountains.   This trip is limited to 12 people. 

Tatie Peak or north from the Slate Peak Lookout

This usually hits the peak of the alpine wildflower display.  High but relatively level terrain.  Slow paced with lots of time for wildflower ID and photos. This trip is limited to 12 people. 

Freezeout Ridge

Therese Ohlson will lead a trip to Freezeout Ridge to share with the group the ecology and status of whitebark pine and some of the ongoing restoration efforts that are occurring across the State and within the region.  Whitebark pine has recently been added to the WNHP Sensitive Plant list and is currently a USFW Candidate species for potential listing.  It is a moderate hike into Freezeout Ridge with about ½ the hike being off trail.  Participants limited to 12. 

Freezeout Ridge - Depending on conditions

Therese Ohlson will lead a trip to Freezeout Ridge to share with the group the ecology and status of whitebark pine and some of the ongoing restoration efforts that are occurring across the State and within the Region. Whitebark pine has recently been added to the WNHP Sensitive Plant list and is currently a USFW Candidate species for potential listing. It is a moderate hike into Freezeout Ridge with about ½ the hike being off trail.

Participants limited to 12.

Big Valley

This will be a short before-work walk through riparian woods, with the opportunity for birding by ear as well as exploration of plant communities and possible mushroom sightings.  This trip is limited to 12 people. 

Olympic Peninsula

Kala Point Beach Strand

This walk has traditionally followed a visit to the Kah Tai Prairie. Several of the same plants that bloom at the prairie also occur here. Among them are chocolate lily, Menzies’ larkspur and the desert-parsley. Also in abundance are sea blush, thrift, and harsh paintbrush. Con-tact Ann Weinmann aweinmann@cablespeed.com or call 360-379-0986 for questions and sign up.

Mt.Townsend, North Ridge

This classic trip takes us off trail through the snow and straight up the north ridge- there is quite a bit of blow-down but it is possible to pick your way through. It's a fairly strenuous gaiters and boots trip. If we are lucky we will see an Olympic endemic: Synthyris pinnatifida var. lanuginosa. It blooms briefly just after the snow melts. I usually see at least a few every year. Depending on the snow level we may have to cancel or take an alternative route (last fall I discovered the abandoned lower north side trail- adds more elevation to the trip), so please call me a few days before to get a road report.

Griff Creek Trail

Wendy McClure and Pat Willits will led a hike up the Griff Creek trail on Saturday June 2. This is a strenuous uphill hike for about three miles ending at some nice balds that overlook the Elwha River and (the former) Lake Mills. Bring a lunch and be prepared for any kind of weather.

Quimper Peninsula Along the Shoreline; Coastal Adaptations of Shoreline Plants

This is the fourth in the “Cross Quimper Peninsula” series exploring the diverse habitats in the city limits of Port Townsend. We start walking the shores of Juan de Fuca, pass the light house to Admiralty Inlet, and end at Port Townsend Bay. This 5 to 6 mile hike will include some history, geology, seaweed identification, and even a crack plant or two. The final destination is the Port Townsend Boat Haven estuary where we might see the golden sedge (Carex aurea). We plan a car shuttle back to North Beach Park, so email ahead for details. Low tide –3.3

Fort Townsend State Park focusing on parasitic flowering plants

This will be a relaxed 2-3 mile walk along quiet trails among big trees in the state designated Natural Forest at (Old) Fort Townsend State Park. We will search for those specialized plants that have for-gone the photosynthetic tradition of green plants and instead have adopted a parasitic existence by tapping into the roots of their neighbors. Fort Townsend State Park is an epicenter for such plant species as it harbors more kinds than any other comparable sized area in Washington.

Contact Ann Weinmann at aweinmann@cablespeed.com

or 360-379-0986.

Mt. Townsend, two days, both ways

On Thursday, June 14, we will hike up Mt. Townsend from the south on the Mt. Townsend trail number 839. We will start the hike at the end of Forest Service Road 190, elevation 3250 ft. and end at the summit of Mt. Townsend at ele-vation 6200 ft. In between we will look at plants and flowers including (hopefully) rare plants and Olympic Peninsula endemic species.

On Friday, June 15, we will hike the Little Quilcene trail to ascend Mt. Townsend from the north. Elevation gain will be about 1000 ft. less than the ascent from the south. In case of schedule changes due to road closures, fatigue or injury please sign up in advance for either one or both hikes. Contact Fred Weinmann at fweinmann@cablespeed.com or 360-379-0986.

On Thursday, meet at Fat Smitty’s for car pooling before 8:30 AM or at the Quilcene Forest Service Ranger Station before 9 AM.

On Friday June 15 meet at Fat Smitty’s before 8:30 AM or at the Quilcene Forest Service Ranger Station before 9 AM.

Obstruction Point Lillian Ridge from Obstruction Point

The road along Obstruction Point should be splendid with vistas of avalanche lilies leading to prime wildflowers along Lillian Ridge. Depending on snow conditions, many alpine wildflowers including Olympic Peninsula endemic species will be in full bloom. Road and snow conditions are highly variable.

Hurricane Ridge Klahhane Ridge switchback trail loop

We plan to drop off cars at the Klahhane Switchback Trail and start hiking from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking lot. We will walk the ridge trail 3.7 miles to the Switchback Trail junction; then descend on the Switchback Trail for a total of 6 miles. A car shuttle will provide return transportation to Hurricane Ridge. Wildflowers should be at their peak, including some Olympic endemics.

Salal

Field trips will be scheduled as snow melt and weather permit. If you would like to know about the trips as they are scheduled (generally at short notice), please send me your phone number if you want to be called, or your e-mail address.  Susan Alaynick, 360-333-7437 or s_alaynick@hotmail.com

San Juan Islands

Botanical activities

South Sound

Ashford County Park Walk, Survey and Picnic

Join Bill Brookreson and Kathy Kravit-Smith, Director of Pierce County Parks and Recreation, for a tour of one of the newest county parks in Ashford. Ashford County Park is located along SR 706 just minutes from Mt. Rainier National Park.  The park is 30 acres with 1.2 miles of trails, mostly paved with permeable asphalt.  As part of the development of this delightful park, Pierce County Parks and Recreation has plans for signage for the native plants in the park.  We have tentative lists from a fall survey, but we would like to complete that list in the spring.  Bring your Pojar, iItchcock and other identification tools. 

Suksdorfia

Dalles Mountain Ranch

Hikes led by coordinator: Don Hardin, dthardin@gorge.net, 509 493 4819

* Times are dates are tentative and may need to be changed due to alterations in expected weather, blossom peaks, or other reasons

Hikes led by coordinator: Don Hardin, dthardin@gorge.net, 509 493 4819

* Times are dates are tentative and may need to be changed due to alterations in expected weather, blossom peaks, or other reasons

Hikes led by coordinator: Don Hardin, dthardin@gorge.net, 509 493 4819

* Times are dates are tentative and may need to be changed due to alterations in expected weather, blossom peaks, or other reasons

USFS Rd. 4220

Hikes led by coordinator: Don Hardin, dthardin@gorge.net, 509 493 4819

* Times are dates are tentative and may need to be changed due to alterations in expected weather, blossom peaks, or other reasons

Wenatchee Valley

• Call the trip leader to reserve your spot- trips fill quickly!
• You’ll be asked to sign a liability release
• Carpooling is encouraged from the trip meeting location
• Bring what you need to be comfortable in the outdoors for a few hours: wear study shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, lunch, water, hand lenses, camera, pencil, and notebook.  If you have plant identification books, bring them with you.    
• No dogs, please.

Wild Horse Wind Farm Wildflower Programs (2 events)

Puget Sound Energy will present a program starting at 9 AM at its Visitor Center on their wind farm about eighteen miles east of Ellensburg, with talks and slide shows by WNPS members and PSE personnel in the morning, and a hike on the wind farm in the afternoon to look for plants in bloom, such as Viola trinervata. WNPS Central Washington Chapter will have a display at the Visitors Center.

Duffy Creek Wildflower Walk

Led by Holly Eagleston

This joint WNPS and Bureau of Land Management hike will explore the spring wildflowers of an upland lithosol environment. There are great views of the Cascades and the Waterville Plateau.  Relatively flat hike, 2.5 miles total. Wear sturdy shoes for walking over rocky and uneven ground, bring a lunch and dress for the weather, it could be breezy.  Hike is open to the public but limited to 10 people.

Clara Lake Wildflower Walk

Led by Julie Sanderson

Join Julie Sanderson for her annual walk to see what’s in bloom along the way to Clara Lake.  The walk is open to the public, but limited to 12 participants. The hike is moderately strenuous with a steep pitch at the beginning, 3 mile total round trip distance with elevation gain of 900 feet over 1.5 miles.  Bring what you need to be comfortable in the outdoors for a few hours, layered clothing, lunch, water hand lenses and all the plant books you want to carry.

Wedge Mountain Wildflower Hike                                                               
Led by Ted Alway                                                                     
Join Ted Alway for spectacular views and unique flora (including species adapted to serpentine soils).  The walk is open to the public but limited to 15 participants.  The hike is moderately strenuous and steep (elevation gain: 1900’ feet over 1.7 miles), but the group will move slowly with a 3.4-mile total round trip distance.  Bring what you need to be comfortable in the outdoors for a several hours: layered clothing, snacks, water, walking sticks, plant books, etc.  No dogs please.  The access road is steep and rough; tell Ted if you have a suitable 4WD vehicle with good clearance and can carry riders to the trailhead.

Local resources for learning about native plants include:

Chelan-Douglas Land Trust has published a wildflower brochure that is available at 3 trailhead kiosks at Horse Lake Preserve, Day Drive, and the Jacobson Preserve.  Visit their website to use a photo identification guide to 60 common plants in the foothills  http://www.cdlandtrust.org/

Okanogan & Wenatchee National Forests Supervisor’s Office, 215 Melody Lane. Plan to take a self-guided tour any day at the native plant demonstration garden. Thirty-two species of native wildflowers and grasses are labeled and easily visible in the artistically designed garden.