State & Chapter Events
Updated 20 May 2013
| State | High Desert | Siskiyou |
| Blue Mountain | Klamath Basin | Umpqua Valley |
| Cheahmill | Mid-Columbia | Willamette Valley |
| Corvallis | North Coast | William Cusick |
| Emerald | Portland |
Dog Toothed Lily - Gina Reynolds
State
July 26-28, 2013
2013 NPSO Annual Meeting
The William Cusick Chapter will be hosting the 2013 meeting of the Native Plant Society of Oregon in Baker City from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28. Details are available in the April Bulletin and online at http://williamcusick.npsoregon.org/. Late registration deadline is July 1!
Blue Mountain
For information on Blue Mountain Chapter call Jerry Baker,541-566-2244.
At the moment, Blue Mountain chapter is still dormant. For additional information, contact Jerry Baker at 541-566-2244.
Cheahmill
For more information, visit the chapter Web site, www.oregon-nativeplants.com. To be added to the e-mail list for upcoming programs and events, please contact cheahmillchapternpso@comcast.net.
May 21, Tuesday, 5 - 7 pm
Work Party: McMinnville Library Native Plant Garden.
NPSO has responsibility for maintenance of the demonstration native plant garden surrounding the Carnegie Room at McMinnville Public Library. It is beautiful this year! Volunteers learn to ID both native plants and weeds. Bring work gloves and tools. For more information, contact Susan Williams at helgesusan@comcast.net.
May 23, Thursday, 6:45 pm
Talk: Traditional Basketry and Native Plants.
Margaret Mathewson will show and tell us about basketry, decorative materials, and plants used for natural color. Margaret has studied traditional ways of native peoples in several cultures. She currently works with several tribes teaching traditional technologies. At her Ancient Arts Center in the Oregon Coast Range, she teaches traditional skills, basketry, and textile arts. Program begins at 7:00, doors open at 6:45 for social time. Location: Carnegie Room, McMinnville Public Library, 225 NW Adams St. (corner of HWY 99W and SW 2nd St.) Parking lot entrances on Adams and Second streets. Information: Bonnie Laux, 503-925-4960 or bonlaux@gmail.com
May 25, Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm
Event: Wildflower Show and Native Plant Sale.
Join us for this annual event. View wildflower specimens, buy native plants, and tour the library’s native plant garden. Location: McMinnville Public Library, Carnegie Room, 225 NW Adams St., McMinnville.
June 1, Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm
Field Trip: Restored Oak Savanna and Wildflower Tour.
Lynda Boyer, restoration biologist and Native Seed Manager for Heritage Seedlings, will lead the Cheahmill and Willamette Valley Chapters on a tour of private land near Jefferson being restored to its former savanna glory. Bring your camera, field guide, binoculars, and lunch (outhouses, drinking water, and fruit provided) for a casual walk through the prairie at peak flowering for many native wildflowers and a discussion of successes and frustrations with restoring this endangered habitat. After our walk we’ll enjoy the view of the surrounding savanna from atop Steiwer Hill. Field trip departs 8am sharp from parking lot on corner of Blaine St. and Linfield Ave. on the Linfield College campus, McMinnville. Pre-registration required: Cheahmill Chapter members register with Kareen Sturgeon to receive directions, ksturg@linfield.edu, 503-472-0866.
June 18, Tuesday, 5 - 7 pm
Work Party: McMinnville Library Native Plant Garden.
NPSO has responsibility for maintenance of the demonstration native plant garden surrounding the Carnegie Room at McMinnville Public Library. It is beautiful this year! Volunteers learn to ID both native plants and weeds. Bring work gloves and tools. For more information, contact Susan Williams at helgesusan@comcast.net.
Corvallis
For questions, information on upcoming events, or to be on the Corvallis chapter e-mail list, contact Alexis Brickner and Kevin Weitemier at co_president@NPSOregon.org or 208-921-0827.
June 9, Sunday, 9 am
Field Trip: Drift Creek Falls.
Bruce Waugh leads us on an easy hike, 3 miles round trip with a 340 foot elevation drop. There is a great spot for lunch at the bottom across the suspension bridge by the falls. Meet at 9 am in Corvallis at the OSU parking lot SW of The Beanery on 26th and Monroe for carpooling. Bring a lunch and hiking attire; we will be back in the afternoon. For more information: Esther McEvoy, 541-754-0893.
June 22, Saturday, 9 am
Field Trip: Marys Peak
Phil Hays and Esther McEvoy will lead us on the Meadow Edge trail from the campground to the summit and back. It is about a 2 mile hike with elevation gain through the woods and out into the meadow. The rock garden should be in full bloom at this time of year. Bring a lunch and hiking gear; we will be back in the afternoon. Meet at 9 a.m. at the OSU parking lot SW of The Beanery on 26th and Monroe. For more information: Esther McEvoy, 541-754-0893.
July 13, Saturday, 8 am
Field Trip: Iron Mountain.
Spectacular wildflowers with over 200 species of vascular plants recorded along this botanically rich trail west of Santiam Pass. The all-day hike will be 5 miles through moderately difficult terrain. Bring good boots, lunch, and water. Meet at 8 am at the OSU parking lot SW of The Beanery on 26th and Monroe in Corvallis. For more information: Dan Luoma, 541-752-8860.
Emerald
Visit the Emerald Chapter Web site to learn more about the latest chapter events, plant lists and botanical information about Lane County plants and the people who love them.
June 15, Saturday, 9 am
Field Trip: Horse Rock Ridge
Alan Curtis leads a 3-mile hike to a steep, rocky meadow high in the Coburg Hills north of Springfield. Enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and great botanical diversity. Bring water and lunch. Meet at South Eugene High School. Contact: Alan Curtis, 541-345-2571.
July 20, Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm
Field Trip: Upper Elk Meadows.
Alan Curtis will lead a hike to Upper Elk Meadows, 30 miles from Cottage Grove. Elevation of the meadow is 4,000 feet. Over 200 species of vascular plants have been identified here. Of special interest is Frasera umpquaensis at its most northerly known location. Surrounding the meadow is an old-growth forest of Abies amabilis, Abies grandis, and Pseudotsuga menziesii. We will walk about 1.5 miles through moist meadow. Wear boots and bring lunch and water. Location: Meet at South Eugene High School. Contact: Alan Curtis, 541-345-2571
High Desert
This chapter is currently inactive and seeking new leadership. For more information, contact vice-president@npsoregon.org.
Klamath Basin
For information on the Klamath Basin Chapter, contact Sarah Malaby at 541-884-5703 or smalaby[at]cs.com.
The following wildflower field trips are sponsored by the NPSO Klamath Basin Chapter, Klamath County Museum, Fremont-Winema National Forest, Klamath Falls BLM Resource Area, and Crater Lake National Park. For all trips it is recommended that you bring sturdy shoes or boots, plenty of water, sun screen and/or a hat, and a lunch. Be prepared for mosquitoes at most sites.
June 8, Saturday, 9 am
Garden Tour: Gardening with Natives
The Klamath County Museum will offer a tour of some of the 100-plus native plants being grown in the museum’s naturescape garden. A 9:00 session will look at trees, shrubs, lichens and mosses. A 10:00 session will look at flowers, grasses, and herbs. Methods of obtaining native plants will be discussed. Free and open to everyone. Location: 1451 Main St., Klamath Falls. Information: Todd Kepple, Klamath County Museum, 541-883-4208.
June 29, Saturday, 9 am – noon
Field Trip: Pelican Guard Station/Pelican Barn
Located just west of Rocky Point about 30 minutes from Klamath Falls, this area has a complex of forested habitats and meadows with many species of wildflowers. Walking will be less than 2 miles on flat ground. Location: From Klamath Falls take Hwy 140 west to the Westside Rd. about ½ mile past the Rocky Point Junction. Take the Westside Rd. north about 0.2 miles and turn right through the open gate to the Pelican Guard Station. Information: Sarah Malaby, 541-884-5703.
July 13, Saturday, 9 am – noon
Field Trip: Swan Lake Mountain.
We will travel up FS Rd. 9718 to Swan Lake Mt. The trip will consist of several stops of easy walking over uneven terrain for short distances off the road. We will see a variety of forest wildflowers and enjoy the terrific view from the highest point on the Chiloquin Ranger District. Location: Meet at Hagelstein Park, just east of Hwy 97. From Klamath Falls take Hwy 97 north approximately 16 miles. Look for the sign indicating the park turnoff. Information: Missy Anderson, Forest Service Chiloquin District Office, 541- 783-4001
Save the Dates!
July 20, Saturday, 9 am – noon
Field Trip: Tunnel Creek
August 10, Saturday, 9 am – noon
Field Trip: Crater Lake Garfield Peak Trail
Mid-Columbia
For information on the Mid-Columbia Chapter, contact Sara Wu.
June 16, Sunday
Pot-luck: Annual Chapter Pot-luck and Outing
This event will be hosted by Will Bloch and Dell Rhodes. Contact Dell Rhodes, rhodes@reed.edu for details.
June 20, Thursday, 7 pm
Video: Finding David Douglas.
Produced by the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission in collaboration with the US Forest Service and the Forestry Commission Scotland, Finding David Douglas is an hour-long documentary film about the 19th century Scottish botanist/plant hunter, David Douglas (1799-1834). Douglas explored western North America in a time before white settlement altered the landscape. He discovered and introduced more than 200 new species to the gardens and forests of Europe. Location: Room 1.366, Building 1, Columbia Gorge Community College, The Dalles.
North Coast
This chapter is currently inactive and seeking new leadership. For more information, contact vice-president@npsoregon.org.
Portland
If you would like to receive the semi-official Chapter e-mail newsletter, The Calochortus, e-mail Don Jacobson.
Facebook: Take a look at our Facebook page. Native Plant Society of Oregon-Portland-Chapter. It will have the most up-to-date information on hike and other events as well as great plant pictures.
May 18 & 25, Saturday,8:30 am - 4 pm
Field Class: Learn to Use a Botanical Key
This two-day class at Tryon Creek State Park, taught by Brent Miller, will teach you how to use a key to identify live or pressed plants. The first day will be with plants in a classroom, learning to read a key and getting familiar with basic technical vocabulary. The second day you’ll take your knowledge into the field, bringing your flora with you and keying out plants in their native habitats. Fee of $40 and book (Hitchcock & Cronquist) required. We will have a few copies of the book to loan. For more information or to get signed up for the class, contact Nancy Chapman at chapmannj@comcast.net.
June 1, Saturday, 8 am – 1 pm
Field Trip: Restored Oak Savanna and Wildflower Tour.
See full trip description in the Cheahmill Chapter Events. Pre-registration required: Portland Chapter members register with Kareen Sturgeon to receive directions, ksturg@linfield.edu, 503-472-0866.
June 2, Sunday, 10 am - noon
Field Trip: The Great Camas Scotch Broom Pull.
Over the last few years we have made excellent progress toward control of Scotch broom on this piece of property that Russ Jolley loved and cared for. At this work party we will be removing plants and new sprouts. Please bring your clippers, loppers, hand saws, and gloves. You can picnic at the Great Camas Patch or travel to another site to picnic and hike. Parking is limited. Please contact Angie Moore MLM@teleport.com or 503 292 2093 to find out where we will meet for car pools.
June 6, Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Field Trip: Dog Mt. Hike.
Nothing beats this in the Gorge for flowers and views. Balsamroot, lomatiums, orchids, and much more. Difficult hike, 7-mile, 2900 ft elevation gain but at a botanical pace (slow) at least on the way up, and we can shorten the hike. 110 mile RT drive. Contact Nancy Chapman at chapmannj@comcast.net for more information. Hike will be rescheduled in case of rain.
June 13, Thursday, 7 pm
Program Meeting: Mysteries of the Monotropoidae.
Dr. Dan Luoma will integrate wildflower and mushroom natural history for a group of plants that don’t have chlorophyll (snow plants and relatives). The talk will explore the broader interrelationships among fungi, plants, and animals. The beneficial roles of certain root-dwelling fungi, some of which produce choice edible mushrooms and truffles, will be touched on. Meeting location: see above. Contact: Mary Smith at alphiesmith@comcast.net or 503-288-4340.
June 15, Saturday, 10:30 am
Field Trip: Lichens on Marys Peak.
Come explore the world of lichens with US Forest Service lichenologist, Doug Glavich. Observe lush lichen communities from the cool, clean forests of Mary's Peak to the nitrogen-affected lichens in woodlands of the Willamette Valley. Bring a hand lens. We will meet at the Lower Mary’s Peak parking lot. Take I-5 south then Hwy 34 west. About 9 miles past Philomath, turn right onto Mary’s Peak Rd. and the lower parking lot will be in sight. The round trip drive is about 175 miles and takes about 1 hour 40 min. each way. Contact Nancy Chapman, chapmannj@comcast.net or 503-234-0162 for more information including the carpool location in Portland.
June 22, Saturday, 9 am
Field Trip: Larch Mt. Hike
This is a moderate to strenuous loop hike of about 6.4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet through both meadow and old growth forest. We will view wildflowers that have emerged within the last several weeks from the recent snow melt. Contact Ron Klump at ronklump55@comcast.net for more information or to sign up for the hike.
June 25, Tuesday, 9 am
Field Trip: Saddle Mountain.
Roger Brewer will lead us to this botanic gem near the coast, with species including Dodecatheon dentatum, Corydalis scouleri, Sidalcea hendersonii, Polypodium scouleri, Saxifraga caespitosa, and many others. If we make it to the summit and the weather cooperates, we’ll be treated to a view from Mt. Rainier to Mt. Jefferson. Full day. Difficult although we will go at a botany pace (slow). 160 miles round trip. For more information contact Roger Brewer at rogerbrewer@comcast.net or 503 789 5027.
July 6, Saturday
Field Trip: Iron Mountain Hike
Iron Mountain is a botanical paradise so wonderful, there's a book about it: Wildflowers of the Western Cascades, by Ross & Chambers. Expect to see several Sedum and Castilleja species, Nothochelone, Aconitum, Orthocarpus imbricatus, Ipomopsis aggregata, Rudbeckia occidentalis and more. We'll have lunch at the top on the new viewing platform. Moderate 3.4 mile hike round-trip with 1,200 feet of elevation. 260 mile drive RT, with an early morning start. NW Forest Pass required (or bring $5 in cash for the self-service kiosk). Contact Brent Miller, 503-382-7605, or foliosus@foliosus.com for more information or to sign up.
July 11, Thursday, 8 am – 5 pm
Field Trip: Silver Star Mountain Hike.
The rocky soil and open meadows of Silver Star Mountain are a wonderland of subalpine and alpine wildflowers, including Xerophyllum tenax, Calochortus subalpinus, Erythronium montanum, Ligusticum grayi, five penstemon species, and more. This moderate hike is 5.6 miles round trip with 1,240 feet elevation gain along a high ridge. Hiking boots and poles recommended; bring lunch, water, binoculars, etc. Drive 95 miles RT, high-clearance vehicles recommended for the last 4 miles. For more information, contact leader Susan Saul, susan103saul@gmail.com or 360-892-5643. To sign up for carpools, contact assistant leader Clarice Johnston, eclaricej@gmail.com or 503-860-9808. Let her know if you are a rider or driver and how many passengers you can take. Group size limited to 12.
Save the Dates
July 20, Saturday
Field Trip: Lookout Mountain Hike.
Siskiyou
To join the Siskiyou Chapter email list: Send an email, from the address at which you want to receive announcements, to announce-join@siskiyou.npsoregon.org. No subject or message is required. You will get a confirmation email. If you would like to volunteer to lead a hike in 2013, make a suggestion, or provide feedback regarding the field trip program please contact Sasha Joachims at: sasharain71@gmail.com. Hikes are rated for difficulty according to the following criteria: Easy: Up to 3 miles, less than 700 ft. elev. gain. Moderate: 3-5 miles, less than 1,200 ft. elev. gain. Strenuous/Difficult: 5-10 miles, up to 2,500 ft. elev. gain. Rugged: Over 10 miles, steep trail, over 2,500 ft. elev. gain.
May 27, Monday, 9 am
Hike: Pokegama Plateau
Join Sasha Joachims on this all day exploration by car and foot with stops to see Whitethorn (Ceanothus cordulatus) at Copco Road, Paeonia brownii, Mimulus pygmaeus and some scabland species at Camp 4, then to meadows along Long Prairie Creek to see where the Indian staple yampa grows along with other meadow species and possibly wild horses, and finally north on Keno Access Road to Surveyor Recreation Area to see the rare green flowered ginger in an old-growth forest. Easy. Bring rubber boots for the wet meadow, hat, lunch, and water. Back by 5:00. Please contact Sasha Joachims at sasharain71@gmail.com or 661-3492 for more information. Meet behind OilStop on Ashland St., just west of the Ashland BiMart/Shop’n Kart parking lot, about ¼ mile west of I-5, exit 14.
June 15, Saturday, 9 am – 2 or 3 pm
Hike: Spring Bloom at Mt. Ashland.
Join Alex Maksymowicz on this easy (but at 8,000’ altitude), mostly car tour, of what is in bloom along the FS 20 road, Rabbit Ears, and optional walking tour of the first half mile of the Pacific Crest Trail through Grouse Meadow. Bring water, lunch, and shoes for a boggy meadow. Location: meet behind OilStop on Ashland St., just west of the Ashland BiMart/Shop’n Kart parking lot, about ¼ mile west of I-5, exit 14. Contact Sasha Joachims, sasharain71@gmail.com or 541-661-3492 for more information.
June 22, Saturday, 9 am – 12:30 or 1 pm
Tour: Applegate Road Restoration/Decommission
Join BLM botanist Doug Kendig on this easy tour of Ladybug Gulch and Lick Creek road obliteration sites in the Applegate Valley. The focus will be road obliteration techniques and native plant selection, seeding and planting to revegetate disturbed areas. There will be opportunities for botanizing. Walking will be about 1 mile, along fairly level old roadbed; wear sturdy shoes and bring snacks and water, but there won’t be a lunch break. Location: meet at Ruch Country Store in Ruch. Contact Sasha Joachims, sasharain71@gmail.com or 541-661-3492 for more information.
Save the Dates!
August 3, Saturday
Alpine Flowers at Crater Lake National Park
August 11, Sunday
Walch Meadow (SW Cascades).
August 17, Saturday
Late summer on Mt. Ashland.
Umpqua Valley
Visit www.umpquavalleynativeplants.com/ for more information on chapter activities.
Willamette Valley
For program information, contact John Savage at 503-399-8615 or Alexandra Ninneman at 503-391-4145.
May 21 and May 28, Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm; June 1, Saturday, field trip TBA
Class: Wildflower Identification.
Learn how to identify flowers of forest, field, woodlands, and riparian areas in this three-part class. Aislinn Adams and John Savage, Willamette Valley Chapter members, will explain the basics, focusing on common plant families and species in Oregon. Details about the June 1 field trip will be announced in class. Location: Straub Environmental Learning Center, 1320 A St. NE, next to Olinger Pool near North Salem High. This class is open to the public and costs $5. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center and the Willamette Valley Chapter NPSO. Registration is required. To register, call 503-391-4145 or email fselc@fselc.org.
June 1, Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm
Field Trip: Restored Oak Savanna and Wildflower Tour.
See full trip description in the Cheahmill Chapter Events. Pre-registration required: Willamette Valley members register with John Savage to receive directions, 503-399-8615 after 7 pm.
Summer Nature Hikes
Participants in the following hikes will meet at the Straub Environmental Learning Center, 1320 A St. NE, Salem, to carpool. To register and get instructions, call John Savage at 503-399-8615 after 7 pm. The hikes are free and open to the public.
June 2, Sunday, 7 am – 5 pm
Hike: Dog Mountain.
We will view wildflowers on Dog Mountain, located in the Columbia Gorge on the Washington side. This is a premier wildflower area and a very difficult hike (more than 2,800 feet of elevation gain). Bring lunch and water.
June 8, Saturday, 8:30 am – noon
Hike: Kingston Prairie
This 52-acre Nature Conservancy Preserve southeast of Stayton is the best example of native prairie remaining in the Central Willamette Valley. Both wet and dry prairie habitats harbor native grasses and host several rare wildflowers. Bring lunch and water.
William Cusick
Visit our Web site at williamcusick.npsoregon.org or contact Laurie Allen at 541-805-0499 for updates and general information.
Field Trip Notes:
- Field trips take place rain or shine, so proper dress and footwear are essential.
- Bring water and lunch.
- Trips may be strenuous and/or hazardous. Participation is at your own risk. Be prepared to sign a release form indicating this. Sample waiver form.
- Trip leader checklist is here.
- Please contact the trip leader or chapter representative about dificulty, distance, and terrain to be expected on field trips.
- All NPSO field trips are open to the public at no charge (other than contribution to carpool driver) and newcomers and visitors are always welcome.
- National Forests require a Northwest Forest Pass for some field trip locations. Permits can be acquired at forest headquarters and ranger districts.
- The Forest Service and other agencies have set policies limiting group size in many wilderness areas to 12. The reason is to limit human impacts on these fragile areas. Groups using wilderness areas should be no larger than 12.
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