Michael Kauffmann

Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park

May 20, 2019 by Backcountry Press 2 Comments

Hiking and wildflower adventures

Description: Located on a bend in the Van Duzen River, Owen R. Cheatham Grove is a majestic patch of old growth redwoods spared by the founder of what would become the Georgia-Pacific Plywood and Lumber Company. The short hike loops through the grove. From the west side of the parking area two trails lead across the riverbed to the Van Duzen River. Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park offers a small network of trails on the north and south side of the Van Duzen River. A summer bridge crosses the Van Duzen to 1.5 miles of additional trails on the south side. The north side trails include a nature trail with interpretive signs, a meandering walk up and down the hillside east of Grizzly Creek, and a stretch of trail west of Grizzly Creek.

Lassen Geology

April 28, 2019 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

The Earth is not always quiet. An isolated region of northeast California offers a land of boiling springs, steaming sulfur vents, mud pots, and volcanoes. The boisterous geology of the southern Cascades is defined by Lassen Volcanic National Park. A complex and compelling geologic story is told in The Geology of the Lassen Country, a new book by R. Forrest Hopson and Michael A. Clynne.

June 14, 1914 phreatic eruption of Lassen Peak from near Manzanita Lake. Photograph by B.F. Loomis, courtesy of National Park Service.

Mad About Manzanitas

March 26, 2019 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

The In Defense of Plants podcast took deeper look at the most diverse woody plant lineage in western North America (Arctostaphylos spp.) with San Francisco State Professor Dr. Tom Parker who has devoted much of his career to uncovering the ecology and evolution of the manzanita lineage. From mutualistic relationships with rodents and fungi to their dependence on fire, you will soon find that manzanitas play an important role in the ecology of California’s natural ecosystems. It is time we start paying these plants the respect they deserve and I hope this episode is a good start to doing just that.

Tom Parker is also the co-author of Field Guide to Manzanitas!

Bipartisan Conservation

March 6, 2019 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act

Ryan Henson called in to KHUM’s Happy Trails Program to discuss a new public lands bill that is being celebrated as an act of bipartisan conservation. It is a project Ryan has been working on for 11 years and he shares his excitement for the work and what it means for California.

bipartisan conservation explained — Ryan Henson describes his love for wild places on a flight to pursue land conservation in the Klamath Mountain Region. Photo by Michael Kauffmann, October 2018.

Guatemala bearberry

February 16, 2019 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. cratericola)

Jeff Bisbee

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a variable taxa because of the wide range of latitudes it explores across the northern hemisphere. Guatemala bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. cratericola) is a subspecies because of its disjunction distribution in Guatemala. It is also the only taxon not included in Field Guide to Manzanitas. Fernando Tobar recently took a trip to the Sierra Cuchumatanes, in Guatemala and observed these plants in their native habitat. That trip inspired this post.

Drury – Chaney Groves Trail

December 14, 2018 by Backcountry Press 1 Comment

From Hiking Humboldt V2 by Rees Hughes

In the massive flood of 1964, the once bustling community of Pepperwood was inundated by 30 feet of water. What remains on this floodplain of the Eel River are a few homes and farms, some vegetable stands, and a robust redwood forest. The Drury-Chaney Groves trail bisects the flat alluvial bench populated with redwoods that lie between the Avenue of the Giants and US 101. It is a flat walk and an accessible trail through several extensive groves of towering redwoods.

It was Berkeley paleontologist Ralph Chaney who first brought back ‘dawn redwood’ seedlings with him from China in the late 1940s. This deciduous sequoia joins the coast redwood and the giant sequoia as the three conifers known as redwoods.

Peaceful trail along the Eel River floodplain.

Getting there: Drive south on US 101 for 32.5 miles taking Exit 674 (Avenue of the Giants/Pepperwood). Turn left onto the Avenue of the Giants for 2.7 miles. The road passes through what remains of the community of Pepperwood taking a bend to the south, quickly reaching the parking area for the Drury-Chaney Groves trailhead. Parking is available on both sides of the Avenue of the Giants. Approximate driving time, 40 minutes.

Evergreen [Sword Fern (*Polystichum munitum*)] and deciduous ferns [Lady Fern (*Athyrium filix-femina)*] abound.

The route: From the parking area, the trail crosses a small open space and enters the redwood forest for the remainder of the walk. The level trail crosses the old Barkdull Road (0.6) — a right turn here will take you to another access point from the Avenue of the Giants in half a mile; a left turn leads to the general location of the old Barkdull Ranch (0.1). After crossing the Barkdull Road, the trail reaches the loop trail (0.7). The loop is 0.9 mile long (1.6). The return to the parking area necessitates retracing your steps (2.4).

Extras. Once located between Pepperwood and Stafford, the town of Elinor had a railroad stop, hotel, post office, and logging camp on the east side of the Eel River and a collection of homes, store, and school on the west side. A ferry plied the river connecting the two sides of the town. However, when the 1964 floodwaters receded there was little of Elinor left. Just after you turn left onto the Avenue of the Giants from Exit 674, turn left again on Elinor Road and drive 150 yards to the concrete barriers that block old US 101. You can follow the old road for a short distance to the bridge (dated 1938) crossing Jordan Creek. During periods of low water, it is possible to wander east to the Eel River.

Winter Hiking and Wild Plants

December 4, 2018 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

Hiking Humboldt and Del Norte counties in the winter

Astounding diversity of terrestrial cryptogams exists in the Klamath Mountains—represented by mosses, liverworts, lichen, ferns, and forest mushrooms. In northwestern North America, thousands of species of fungi are complimented by 900 mosses, 1500 lichens, 250 liverworts, and 100 ferns. Winter hiking offers a winder into the life of cryptogams. This is the time of year, after the first rains, that they spring into green. Moisture plays a key role in cryptogams reproduction.

This is the time of year to revel in the cryptogams because this diverse group needs water because they reproduce with spores.

Cryptograms abound along the Craig’s Creek Trail in Del Norte County.

Interested in more? Check out the Conifer Country blog.

Thanks to Cliff and KHUM for capturing this discussion on Happy Trails.

Other great winter trails

https://backcountrypress.com/hikes/region-redwood-national-state-parks/fern-canyon/

https://backcountrypress.com/hikes/hiking-trinidad-california/hiking-trinidad-head/

https://backcountrypress.com/hikes/hike-39-bull-creek-flats/

Forest Service seeks to acquire two botanically spectacular parcels

December 1, 2018 by Backcountry Press 1 Comment

Trinity Alps Wilderness

From Julie Kierstead-Nelson, Shasta-Trinity National Forest Botanist

Hello friends and plant lovers–the two parcels we (Shasta-Trinity NF) have been offered by a private owner are in the heart of the Trinity Alps, in the Klamath Ranges, one encompassing most of Bowerman Meadows, the other Emerald Lake at the head of Stuart Fork. I have attached a map, plus the write up I did in a hurry. We are submitting a funding proposal and will be competing against other acquisition proposals from all over the U.S.

Brenda Tracy, our staff person who is heading up the acquisition process, tells me that our botanical community support and information were very important to the success of our acquisition of lands on Mt. Eddy and Castle Crags. Please consider a short letter of support.

Please address your letter or email by Monday, December 3rd close of business to:

Brenda Tracy
Public Services Staff Officer and Forest Lands Officer
3644 Avtech Parkway
Redding, CA 96002
btracy@fs.fed.us

SAMPLE VERBIAGE: Botanical values of Morris Meadows and Emerald Lake Parcels

Potawot Health Village

September 3, 2018 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

The natural and intentional landscaping has matured into something quite special at the Potawot Health Village in Arcata, California. A sinuous series of wetlands have been created, native grasses and other plants reintroduced, and an extensive food garden and orchard established. While none of the trails are particularly long, they can be combined for a pleasant walk. By parking on Janes Road or in the Mad River Hospital parking lot and walking on the marked shoulder of the entrance parkway into Potawot the walk can be extended. A self-guided nature tour is available with numbered stops on the trails. Seating and a picnic table are spaced around the grounds.

Getting there: Drive 10 miles north on US 101 and take Exit 716B (Giuntoli exit), proceeding on Giuntoli Lane to the west (follow the roundabout to the third exit). The route passes over 101, rounds a traffic circle and continues on west, veering left (south) and becoming Janes Road. From the initial turn onto Giuntoli Lane to the signed entrance to Potawot is about one mile. Turn left into the entrance parkway for 0.3 mile to parking. Several access points to the trail complex exist south of the parking lot and entrance parkway.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Orleans Ranger District Trails Update

June 22, 2018 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

Spring 2019

Chris Valle-Riestra is an exceptional volunteer and trail steward–with a particular fondness for the Klamath Mountains. He has been spearheading trailwork in the Orleans Ranger District for many years and knows the trails well . He has updated conditions of trails on the forest for summer 2018.

The Orleans Ranger District has administrative responsibility for recreational trails in three designated ranger districts. These include portions of the Marble Mountain Wilderness, the Trinity Alps Wilderness, and the Siskiyou Wilderness.

Chris’ Trail Updates:

Find a Park and Find Our Books

June 6, 2018 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

Support the non-profits that support the parks

It is almost summer and that means visiting our natural wonders. We wanted to highlight a few of the organizations that carry our books so that you might consider supporting them this summer.

Find a Park and Find Our Books — Find a park, and find our books!

Lassen Association

Over 75 Years of Support

The Lassen Association has been supporting Lassen Volcanic National Park since 1939. Your purchase from the Lassen Association goes to support of the educational, and interpretive programs at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

LA is a membership-based co-operating association with over 200 members. Membership fees along with revenues from the Lassen Association Bookstore at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and the Loomis Museum support programs and projects at the park which cannot be funded with tax dollars.

Crater Lake Natural History Association

The Crater Lake Natural History Association (CLNHA) is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, established for the benefit of Crater Lake National Park and Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve under a memorandum of understanding with the National Park Service. A board of directors governs the operation of bookstores at Crater Lake National Park and Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. The board sets policy and authorizes the expenditure of profits back to the park and monument for NPS approved projects that increases the knowledge of the natural history of Crater Lake and Oregon Caves or aides in their interpretation for the benefit of visitors. An Executive Director oversees day-to-day store operations and is responsible for all aspects of CLNHA, including personnel management, sales, ordering, accounting, and product development. The director works in close contact with National Park Service personnel, and is aided by a sales manager and sales clerks who often act as unofficial park interpreters.

Redwood Parks Conservancy

Redwood Parks Conservancy (RPC) is the non-profit partner for your public lands along the North Coast. We were established to foster understanding, enjoyment, and stewardship of your public lands through educational outreach, visitor services, and support of our partners entrusted with the care of these wonderous public lands.

Yosemite Conservancy

Thanks to your support, we provide grants to Yosemite National Park based on the highest-priority needs of the park. Your dedication has funded the restoration of the trail to Lower Yosemite Fall, electronic bear-monitoring equipment to keep bears safe, life-changing youth programs and so much more.

Discover Your Northwest

Discover Your Northwest promotes the discovery of Northwest public lands, enriches the experience of visitors, and encourages stewardship of these special places today and for generations to come.

We envision more residents and visitors as active stewards who understand and care for the unique natural and cultural heritage of Northwest public lands.

Western National Parks Association

WNPA is a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service. WNPA supports more than 70 parks across the West, developing products, services, and programs that enrich the visitor experience.

Report Poaching

May 7, 2018 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

Click to download and print a 8.5 x 11 flyer.

Dudleya Farinosa are being poached along the California Coast.

Recently, it was announced that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife caught folks poaching Dudleya farinosa from coastal Mendocino and Humboldt counties. Report Dudleya poaching!

The Southwest Dudleya Dilemma

The genus Dudleya is in the family Crassulaceae which survives in areas that see dry and/or cold periods, often coupled with water scarcity. In California, Crassulaceae is well represented by charismatic genera like Sedum and Dudleya. Both genera have an uncanny ability to store resources, either in leaves or in the root-and-stem-like caudex, to survive sub-optimal climate variations. The succulent perennials in the genus Dudleya(about 45 species) are restricted to southwest North America and are highly prized in the succulent horticultural trade.

Nature lovers have been long-fascinated by natural rock gardens decorated with Dudleya and Sedum. These plant are often locally abundant, highly charismatic, and easy to transport so it is understandable why they are popular with collectors.

Here are some ideas for how we protect California’s unique flora:

Watch beaches for poaching activity and report it to CalTIP.
Promote leave no trace ethics.
Encourage collectors to purchase plants from certified nurseries.
Obscure geoprivacy settings on databases like iNaturalist and Calflora.
Report poaching! From CalTip: Anyone who believes they are witness to unlawful poaching or pollution activity is encouraged to call CalTIP, CDFW’s confidential secret witness program, at (888) 334-2258 or send a text to tip411. Both methods allow the public to provide wildlife officers with factual information to assist with investigations. Callers may remain anonymous, if desired, and a reward can result from successful capture and prosecution.

Humboldt County Wildflower Hikes

February 22, 2018 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

Michael Kauffmann spoke with Cliff Berkowitz on KHUM’s Happy Trails about places to visit–starting now–to explore spectacular Humboldt County wildflower hikes. Flowers start flowering early because of the temperate nature of the region. This means that you can find wildflowers starting in January near the coast, all the way to June and July inland in our mountains.

Humboldt County wildflower hikes by flowers

January-February Bloomers

Fetid Adder’s Tongue (Scoliopus bigelovii)

Russ Park in Ferndale
Rohner Park in Fortuna
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park (Cheatham Grove)

Trillium (Trillium spp.)

March-April Bloomers

Orchids

Lanphere and Ma-le’l Dunes
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park (Cheatham Grove)

Lupines

Bald Hills in Redwood National Park

May-June Bloomers

chickweed monkeyflower (Erythranthe alsinoides)

Visit the Klamath Mountains

Highlights from 2017

January 3, 2018 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

Welcome to a Brave New Year

Here are a few highlights from the world of Backcountry Press in 2017.
Happy Trails and other adventures in 2018 and thanks for your support.

Hiking Humboldt v2 Released
Rees Hughes and Jason Barnes teamed up to create an incredible guidebook to Humboldt County.

Wildflowers of the Trinity Alps Released
Ken DeCamp, Julie Kierstead Nelson and Julie Knorr teamed up on this ode to the Klamath Mountains.

Podcast with Ken DeCamp
The author of Wildflowers of the Trinity Alps discusses the history of the new book.

The Eclipse
On 8.21.2017 a once in a lifetime event occurred, witnessed herein on Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest.

Obi Kaufmann’s Favorite Books 2017
Wildflowers of the Trinity Alps makes Obi’s favorites list for the year, thanks Obi!

Mapping California’s Rarest Conifer
CNPS and Michael Kauffmann worked to map and inventory yellow-cedar in the Siskiyous.

Ken DeCamp Podcast

December 28, 2017 by Backcountry Press Leave a Comment

Ken DeCamp, author of Wildflowers of the Trinity Alps, was born to parents who took him on his first backpacking trip when he was 4 months old into Glacier National Park. Since that time he has logged thousands of trail miles in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, the Carolinas, Georgia, Pakistan, Australia, and Switzerland. He has been drawing and photographing wildflowers for over 40 years and it is from this collection of images that this book became a reality. Though he has traveled widely, he has always considered the mountains of northern California his home and has, for 60 years, explored their most hard to reach places. He retired from the USDA Forest Service in 2008 after a 38 year career in Fire, Land Management Planning, and Public Affairs. He lives with his wife Pam in Shasta Lake where they spend time with their family and their only pet, a cardboard dog named “Flat fido,” gifted by a friend who thought that, someday, they might need serious protection from something. Ken is also an avid backpacker, trail runner, and mountain biker.