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Winter Hiking and Wild Plants

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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

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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

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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.

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Orleans Ranger District Trails Update

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Spring 2019

Chris Valle-Riestra

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

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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!

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

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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

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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

Slinkpod (Scoliopus bigelovii)

Fetid Adder’s Tongue (Scoliopus bigelovii)

Trillium (Trillium spp.)

March-April Bloomers

Ladyslipper orchid (Calypso bulbosa)

Orchids

Lupines

 

 

May-June Bloomers

chickweed monkeyflower (Erythranthe alsinoides)

Visit the Klamath Mountains

 

 

 

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