The San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society explores, preserves, and enjoys the flora of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. We roam the area within 150 miles of the Four Corners. Our trips take us to the lands surrounding the San Juan River of Colorado and New Mexico, to the Navajo Reservation of New Mexico and Arizona, to Utah's Canyon Country, to the San Juan National Forest and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument of Colorado, and to many more beautiful areas in the Four Corners region.
We work with botanical and environmental groups of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado and we are part of the San Juan Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Mexico.
We encourage you to join us for our many programs and field trips; they are all free and open to everyone.
If you would like to financially support the field trips, programs, and all the work toward the protection of the plants of the Four Corners region, please make out a check to the "Native Plant Society of New Mexico" and mail it to:
John Bregar, Treasurer
506 Hillcrest Drive
Durango, Colorado, 81301Click to buy plant books from a company that donates to our Native Plant Society.
Thank you.
President: Al Schneider, click to email Al or call him: 970-882-4647
Vice-President: Susan Parks
Treasurer: John Bregar
Publicity: David Wright
Pagosa Springs Area Programs and Field Trips: Susan Halabrin
Telluride Area Programs and Field Trips: Connie Colter
2011-2012 Lectures/Programs
November 8, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. James Wakeley
Subject: How Vegetation Is Used to Identify and Protect Wetlands
Location: Fort Lewis College, Center of Southwest Studies, Lyceum RoomThis talk will describe the use of plants in wetland identification for regulatory purposes under the 1977 Clean Water Act, including ways that botanists and experienced amateurs can help by contributing to the National Wetland Plant List.
Wetlands provide valuable services to society by improving water quality, reducing flood damage, protecting shorelines and communities against storm surge, and providing habitat for fish, shellfish, and wildlife. The Clean Water Act recognizes these benefits by requiring that individuals and developers who want to impact wetlands first obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps uses a three-factor approach involving vegetation, soils, and hydrology to identify and delineate wetlands for permitting purposes. This presentation will focus just on the first factor, vegetation. In particular, we will discuss how one determines what is a hydrophytic plant community, that is, how one determines which plants are typically found in wetlands.
Jim Wakeley is a former Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Chair of the Fish and Wildlife Program at the Pennsylvania State University. He recently retired after 25 years as a wildlife biologist and wetland scientist with the Environmental Laboratory of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As the Corps’ national wetland expert, he taught wetland identification and delineation to thousands of Corps, Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service employees. He is the primary author of the new Regional Supplements to the Corps of Engineers wetland delineation manual and continues to be involved in updating the Corps manual. He and his wife Lillian live in Dolores.December 6, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Speaker: Michael Remke
Subject: Dust, Snow, Alpine Plants, and Skiing
Location: Fort Lewis College, Center of Southwest Studies, Lyceum RoomWhat happens to the plants, especially the alpine plants, of our San Juan Mountains, when our snow is mixed with blowing Arizona sand? How does the plant community respond to this change in its environment, and what happens when the alpine plants are subjected not only to the dirty snow but also to increased warming? And what happens to our spring skiing?!
Land management techniques in arid regions on the Colorado Plateau are proving to have direct impacts on water and land management for mountainous regions as dust storms become more frequent and severe. Understanding how plants respond to our recent and dramatic climate changes is important for land managers in all reaches of the Colorado Plateau but it is poorly understood even though it will continue to be important as the climate shifts to warmer drier conditions.
Michael is a Fort Lewis College senior Environmental Biology Major. His college studies thus far have focused on plant community ecology and topics in geology. His main interests for graduate school are in snow science and snow ecology. He hopes to gain a better understanding of how dynamic snow systems are interacting with plant systems, specifically in alpine ecosystems. Mike loves mountain biking, snowboarding, mountaineering, canyoneering and enjoying the scenic landscapes of the world.
Click for some of Mike's photos of his research areas.
January 24, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Speakers: George San Miguel and Bryan Wender, Mesa Verde National Park
Subject: The Effects on Vegetation and Wildlife of the Mesa Verde Fires of 2000
Location: Fort Lewis College, Center of Southwest Studies, Lyceum RoomIn the summer of 2000, the Bircher and Pony fires burned nearly 30,000 acres in and adjacent to Mesa Verde National Park. An additional 2,300 acres of Park land burned in the Long Mesa Fire of 2002.
George and Bryan will discuss the effects of these fires and they will review the post-fire management actions. Some key points covered will include: How have the burned areas recovered over the last decade? How do burned areas seeded with grasses differ from non-seeded areas? What effect did fire have on the Park's rare Astragalus schmolliae (Schmoll’s Milkvetch) and other rare plants? What are the impacts of the burns on various wildlife species? How might the increased abundance of Bromus tectorum (Cheatgrass) affect fire dynamics in the future? What might current climate change predictions mean for the long-term recovery of burned areas?For 13 years, George San Miguel has worked at Mesa Verde National Park as the Natural Resource Program Manager. He has also worked in the natural resource field for several other National Park Service units: Olympic, Santa Monica Mountains, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree, Big Cypress, and Devil’s Tower. George is an avid hiker and birder.
Bryan Wender is the Vegetation Ecologist at Mesa Verde National Park. He has also worked as a preserve steward for the Virginia Natural Heritage Program, as the botanist at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, and as a forester for the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. Bryan enjoys gardening, native plant landscaping, and cycling.
February 23, Thursday 6:30 p.m.
Speakers: Ross McCauley and student
Subject: "Violets In Our Own Backyard"... or... "Ecotypic Segregation of Viola adunca in the San Juan Mountains"
Location: Fort Lewis College, Center of Southwest Studies, Lyceum RoomThe origin of species in our own backyard? . Dr. Ross A. McCauley and Benjamin Downing
Viola adunca, our very common blue mountain violet, is a widespread complex of purple-blooming violets that extends across much of western North America. In our home here in the Southern Rockies Viola adunca appears in one of two forms, a lowland forest type and a dwarf form in exposed alpine tundra. Various authors over the past century have treated these forms as a single species, two distinct species, or varieties. So the question is, which is it?
As it turns out the answer is not straight at all forward. By evaluating various aspects of reproductive ecology and genetic similarity, we have found that the Viola adunca forms represent segregated divergent groups driven to their varying characteristics by adaptation to environmental gradients (gradual changes in abiotic factors).
Dr. Ross McCauley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Fort Lewis College. His research interests are focused in the areas of Plant Systematics, Evolutionary Ecology, and Plant Conservation and he is interested in understanding the origin of plant biodiversity. When not studying plants he enjoys hiking, bicycling, and international travel, particularly in the tropics.
Benjamin Downing is a December 2011 graduate of Fort Lewis College with a degree in Environmental Biology focusing on ecology and botany. He is interested in continuing his education with studies in evolution and botany and would ultimately like to attain a better understanding of population genetics and the processes involved in speciation. He enjoys making music, writing, mountain biking, backpacking, and gardening.
March 10, 3:30-5:30
Speakers: John Sir Jesse and Al Schneider
Subject: Rare Mushrooms and Rare Wildflowers of the Telluride Area
Location: Telluride Wilkinson Public LibraryJoin John and Al for photos and discussion of rare mushrooms and wildflowers of the Telluride area. Bring your enthusiasm and questions for a fun and learning time. Refreshments served.
John has been leading trips for several decades in the Telluride area. Al heads up the San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society.
March 13, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Speaker: Julie Korb
Subject: The Missionary Ridge Fire, Beetles, and Tree Death: How Does our San Juan Forest Type and History Determine Our Techniques for Forest Restoration?
Location: Fort Lewis College, Center of Southwest Studies, Lyceum RoomFor many years Dr. Korb has been involved with research on the forest trees of the San Juans. She and other researchers have found that significant ecological changes occurred in the San Juans during the late 19th and all of the 20th centuries especially because of the suppression of fires. They have found that if our forests are going to have a reasonable chance to exist when climate changes, we are going to need to make forest conditions "more similar to the frequently burned, open forests of the past". Further, their research shows that all sections of the forest cannot be treated the same; there is a need to develop site-specific plans for restoration.
Dr. Julie Korb is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Fort Lewis College. Dr. Korb's main research focus is on plant community responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances in the San Juan Mountains. Dr. Korb's research spans a diversity of plant communities from riparian desert environments, ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, aspen and the alpine tundra. Julie loves trail running, telemark skiing and snowboarding, camping, plant hikes, and spending time with her three children and husband.
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Click for special Plant Keys and Lists
of flora in the Four Corners area.___________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
2011 Field Trips
If you have suggestions for future trips, contact Al.
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___________Please join us for trips with beautiful flowers
and friendly companions.General field trip information:
Contact the trip leader to reserve a place on the trip
and to find out about the exact meeting place and time.1) All trips listed on this page are free and open to members and non-members.
2) There are three different levels of trips; you are welcome on all trips. Leaders on trips are open to all levels of plant questions. Come enjoy and learn with us.a) Trips for *avid botanists*: Weber's Flora of Colorado, West Slope and a hand lens are used to examine very fine details in unusual and often inconspicuous plants. These trips are very slow paced and they focus on determining the exact species using scientific names -- although even avid botanists have been heard to whisper common names.
b) Trips for **budding botanists**: Some plants are examined with a hand lens, and there is plenty of time for questions about basic botany. The leader will name many of the plants observed and will discuss techniques for identifying plants. These trips cover more trail distance and focus on determining genus for most plants, species for some. Common and scientific names are used.
c) Trips for ***wildflower enthusiasts***: These are wildflower appreciation walks. The leader will give basic ideas about wildflower identification and the names of many plants are given. These trips might cover a number of miles. Some common names are used -- although a few folks whisper scientific names.
3) Unless otherwise stated, trips are limited to 15 participants.
4) Trips leave promptly from the trailhead.
5) No pets.
6) Children who are enthusiastic about wildflowers and who are accompanied by an adult are welcome.
7) Most trips are in and out on the same trail so if you can only walk short distances, you may sit down, enjoy the wildflowers, and wait for us to come back.
8) We have extra hand lenses for you to use (and great homemade cookies for you to nibble).9) If you sign-up for a trip and later find out that you cannot attend, please be sure to call the trip leader immediately; otherwise someone who could take your place will not be able to and everyone will be waiting for you at the trailhead.
10) Please be prepared for all weather conditions: always bring top and bottom rain gear, two liters of water, lunch, snacks, sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing, etc. Call the trip leader if you have equipment questions.
11) Please carpool and be sure to reimburse your driver.
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2012 NPS FIELD TRIPS
will be posted in late February, 2012
Email your trip suggestions to Al.2011 NPS FIELD TRIPS
& other botanical events
If you would like a special, free wildflower field trip
arranged for your family, friends, or business,
call Al at 970-882-4647.
____________________________April 16
Enjoy Spring Flowers
Leader: Arnold Clifford
Location: Four Corners AreaThis trip is slow-paced for **budding botanists** and *avid botanists*.
We will spend the day driving roads near the Four Corners, stopping often to study a variety of spring wildflowers: Cryptantha, Astragalus (Locoweeds), Penstemon, Phlox, Calochortus (Sego Lily), Allium (Onions), Erigeron (Daisy Fleabanes), Amsonia, and more. Even if you cannot pronounce the names, you will appreciate the beauty.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
April 21
Spring Wildflowers
Leader: Al Schneider
Location: Sand Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients National MonumentThis trip is moderately paced for ***wildflower enthusiasts*** and **budding botanists**.
We will search for the early spring flowers and we are certain to find many, including a number of Fabaceae (Peas). Click to see the typical show that Astragalus calycosus puts on along the Sand Canyon and East Rock Canyon Trails and click again for a slide show of many flowers of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
We will walk about 4 1/2 miles so we will start early and finish late, spending an entire day leisurely enjoying the beauty of this area. At times, especially at the beginning of the trip, we will walk slowly and identify many species of plants. Then we will walk more continuously, but still stop whenever participants have questions or find new flowers to enjoy.
Be sure to bring lunch, snacks, 2 liters of water, rain gear, etc.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
April 22, Earth Day Tree Planting at the Four Corners Monument
The Tree Planting Ceremony at the Four Corners Monument was a great success with dozens of volunteers planting 12 trees and 46 smaller shrubs and herbs.
In the photo above, Norman Lopez, Ute Mountain Ute Cultural Ambassador, holds his flute and waits to bless the trees. Volunteers behind Norman work together to put a tree into its hole. Joe Imhoff, who with his wife Sara started Plant A Wish, is in the green shirt filming the event for a documentary.
In the photo below, Utes and volunteers are doing a circle dance around the first tree planted in Colorado.
All day long on Earth Day 2011, we continued celebrating the planting of trees in each of the states at the newly constructed plaza of the Four Corners Monument. The San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society worked with the Plant A Wish Organization and the Four Corners Monument Heritage Council to bring about the Earth Day tree planting .
Monetary donations for the trees were given by the San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society; the San Juan Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Mexico; the Arizona, Utah, and Colorado Native Plant Societies; the Garden Club of Durango, the Soil Sisters of Durango, and the Mesa Verde Gardeners; the Farm and Ranch Enterprise of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe; and individual donors.
At great discount, the trees were obtained from Trees of Trail Canyon, and the
Cacti, Yuccas, and shrubs were obtained from Cliff Rose Nursery.The plantings were blessed by Ute and Navajo tribal members, and the celebration included Native American dancers, drums, flute players, and food.
It was a special day.
What were the preparations for this special day? Below, Delmore (Four Corners Monument Security) begins preparing one of the eight triangular areas we planted in by removing the gravel. The trailer behind Jay contains the first of several loads of sandy top soil that was worked into the heavier clay soils of the Monument. Chicken manure compost (from the Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch operation) was then worked into the soil before the holes were dug and the plants inserted. Photo of Delmore by Sharon Stone
After the plants were in the ground, they were deeply watered and then mulched with material from Trees of Trail Canyon and the City of Cortez.
Below, a finished triangular plot holds a Juniper (Juniperus monosperma) in the foreground and a Curl Leaf Mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) in the background.
Near the wall to the right of the Juniper is a Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia polyacantha); in the middle foreground is a Yucca (Yucca baccata); and several other herbaceous plants dot the ground along with rocks from the immediate vicinity of the Monument.
In the summer of 2011, we will add signs giving the Navajo, Ute, common English, Spanish, and scientific names.
If you would like to donate to the tree planting, to the signs, and to the future care of the plants at the Four Corners Monument, make out a check to the
Native Plant Society of New Mexicoand mail the check to:
John Bregar, Treasurer
506 Hillcrest Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301Unless otherwise noted, all Earth Day photos are by Plant A Wish.
May 6
After the Wildfire, Return of the Wildflowers
Leader: Laurie Swisher, Cara MacMillan, Julie Korb, and Al Schneider
Location: Narraguinnep Canyon Natural AreaThis trip will be variably paced and is for **budding botanists** and *avid botanists*.
Narraguinnep Canyon Natural Area suffered a major wildfire in 2009. We will visit a a number of sections of Narraguinnep to create a catalog of plants that are now thriving in the new environment and to examine in detail the effect of the fire on Pinus ponderosa. Students from Fort Lewis College will participate in this trip.
We will spend the day learning about the diverse fire behavior in old-growth Ponderosa Pine forests (low intensity and stand replacing) and assist in cataloging the diverse flora emerging in these low intensity and stand replacing old-growth Ponderosa Pine stands.
Please wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty from hiking in the burn area and bring plenty of water and a bag lunch. If you have a hard hat, please bring one as well; we will try and bring extras.
Schedule: We will carpool to the Canyon, arrive there about 10 a.m., and then take a short hike to the Canyon rim where we will discuss the uniqueness of the burn (low and stand-replacing fire in old-growth). We will then walk to a site of an old-growth low burn area and do plant surveys. After lunch we will walk to a site of old-growth high burn and do another plant survey. We will be back at the cars about 3 p.m. for the drive home.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
May 7
Because of the late snows in the Abajos, we will switch this trip to the nearby Canyonlands National Park, Needles District
Leaders: Alicia Lafever, Needles District Botanist, and Al Schneider
Enjoy Spring Flowers in the Abajos
Leader: Al Schneider
Location:Abajo MountainsThis trip will be variably paced and is for **budding botanists** and *avid botanists*.
The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is just 45 minutes beyond, but 3,000 feet below our original destination in the now snowy Abajos, so many plants will be blooming and temperatures will be delightfully warm.
We will slowly botanize along the 2 1/4 mile long Slick Rock Trail and if time permits and enthusiasm remains, we will walk a very short section of the Confluence Trail for a bit of riparian botanizing.
We are very fortunate that Park Botanist, Alicia Lafever will be joining us for the day.
The Abajos are seldomly visited by hikers and even less often visited by botanists. We should discover some unusual plants and have a great hike in this small and isolated mountain island. We will walk about six miles on trail over sometimes rough terrain.Come prepared with at least two liters of water, rain gear, lunch, etc. We will have plenty of time for you to make a plant list, photograph, and thoroughly enjoy the plants.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
May 17, 18, 19
Utah Red Rock Wildflowers
Leader: Al Schneider
Location: Near MoabThis trip will be variably paced and is for ***wildflower enthusiasts***, **budding botanists**, and *avid botanists*.
We will explore at least three different trails in the Moab area, and we will probably do one cross country, trail-less trip. We will travel through a variety of habitats with numerous flowers, some of which we will quickly identify, and others we will ponder over and attempt to key.
Come for one, two, or all three days. Some folks will camp and others will stay in a Moab motel. Moab is popular in the spring so you should make lodging reservations immediately.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
May 21 and/or 22
Largo Canyon, New Mexico
Leaders: Sheila Williams and Dana Price
Location: South of Bloomfield, New MexicoThis trip is moderately paced for ***wildflower enthusiasts*** and **budding botanists**.
Explore the wildflowers, geology, and ancient ruins of Largo Canyon.
Camp Friday and/or Saturday nights, stay in a motel, or join just for one day.
Largo Canyon is about an hour and a half southeast of Bloomfield, New Mexico. This is a joint trip of the San Juan and Albuquerque Chapters of the Native Plant Society of New Mexico.
Email or call Dana Price at 505-872-2646 for information and reservations.
May 22
Canyon Country Wildflowers
Leaders: Judith Franklin, John Godby, and Mary Kemp
Location: Big Gypsum ValleyThis trip was cancelled last year because of sand storms. We will try again this year. The trip is moderately paced for **budding botanists** and *avid botanists*.
Join Judith, John, and Mary to share in their expertise about this rarely visited area. The dynamic threesome has worked for the San Juan National Forest in this area for a number of years. This will be an exploratory trip to find early spring wildflowers in this dry canyon country. We should see Chaetopappa ericoides (Sand Aster), Erigeron pumilus (Dwarf Fleabane), various Penstemons, Alliums (Onions), Phlox hoodii (Hood's Phlox), a variety of Cacti, and much more.
Call Judith Franklin, 970-564-1042, for information and reservations.
May 26
Sand Canyon/East Rock Canyon Trail
Leader: Al Schneider
Location: Canyons of the Ancients National MonumentThis trip is moderately paced for ***wildflower enthusiasts*** and **budding botanists**.
Sand Canyon is a favorite of wildflower lovers and in late May we will find Purshia stansburiana (Cliff Rose) in full bloom. Because of its profusion of sweetly scented flowers, this shrub is one of everyone's favorite plants. Numerous other flowers will dot the sand and rocks that we travel through.
We will walk about 4 1/2 miles so we will start early and finish late, spending an entire day leisurely enjoying the beauty of this area. At times, especially at the beginning of the trip, we will walk slowly and identify many species of plants. Then we will walk more continuously, but still stop whenever participants have questions or find new flowers to enjoy.
Be sure to bring lunch, snacks, 2 liters of water, rain gear, etc.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
May 28
Five Springs Farm
Leaders: Mike and Mona Price
Location: Near Dove Creek, ColoradoThis trip is moderately paced for ***wildflower enthusiasts*** and **budding botanists**.
Join the Price family for spring botanizing on their wildflower filled farm at the edge of Monument Canyon near Dove Creek. We will do some slow walking and botanizing before lunch, enjoy our meal on the Price's patio, and then walk the canyon rim for more flowers and long views.
The vegetation at Five Springs is Pinyon-Juniper with a wide variety of understory flowers. On the trail to the point we will see Pedicularis (Wood Betony) and Townsendia (Easter Daisy) as well as Ipomopsis aggregata (Scarlet Gilia), and a number of Astragalus (Loco Weed), Lupinus (Lupine), and much more. N-NW of the house along the low rim we will find Opuntia and other Cacti, and when we drop into the bottom there will be a riparian community with a canopy of Populus deltoides (Cottonwoods). The Price's also have a number of rare plants on their property and we will probably find these in bloom.
To add to the enjoyment of the day, we will find a number of Anasazi dwellings.
Email or call the Prices at 970-677-2514 for information and reservations.
Durango Town Wildflower Walks
Every Wednesday Evening, 7-8 p.m., June-AugustCome enjoy a free wildflower walk led by the San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society.
Each week the walk will be at a different location around town. We will stroll along and look at, talk about, and enjoy wildflowers.
Check your newspaper or call Susan 403-3732 or Travis 247-1310 for directions.
June 1&2
Class: Introduction to Wildflower Identification
Instructors: John Bregar and Al Schneider
Location: Mesa Verde National Park
Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. each day
Cost: $25.00
Two spaces left.The class is June 1 and the field session is June 2. You may attend June 1 without attending June 2.
See the bottom of this page for details about the class.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
June 18
Field Tour of Southwest SeedCompany
Leaders: Walter & Al
Location: Southwest Seed Fields
This trip is for fun-loving ***wildflower enthusiasts***.
We will tour the blooming fields of Southwest Seed Company to see how the company raises native plants and harvests the seeds.
Following the 1.5 mile, two hour tour, we will have cold drinks and a hay ride back to our cars. We should be finished by noon.
Those who would like to make a longer day of it will drive a few miles down the road to do the mile loop walk around the main canyon at Hovenweep National Monument. Wildflowers should be very nice there and the Anasazi ruins are always spectacular.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
June 20-26
National Pollinator Week
June 25
Magnificent Wildflowers of Mesa Verde National Park
Leader: Al Schneider
Location: Prater Ridge TrailThis trip is moderately paced for ***wildflower enthusiasts*** who want to do some walking.
June on the Prater Ridge Trail near the entrance of Mesa Verde National Park provides a superb wildflower display. We will see dozens of species of flowers, some of which will carpet the ground. We will also see a number of birds as well as tracks of Deer, Turkey, and Mountain Lion.
As we walk the Trail, we will be watched by the Sleeping Ute Mountain to the west and all of the La Platas to the east. With Utah far to the west and Lizard Head far to the north, what more could we ask for?
Depending on the weather and the group, we will walk 3 1/2 or 4 1/2 miles.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
Durango Town Wildflower Walks
Every Wednesday Evening, 7-8 p.m., June-AugustCome enjoy a free wildflower walk led by the San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society.
Each week the walk will be at a different location around town. We will stroll along and look at, talk about, and enjoy wildflowers.
Check your newspaper or call Susan 403-3732 or Travis 247-1310 for directions.
July 9
Beginners Wildflower Appreciation Trip
Leader: Bob Powell
Location: East Fork of Hermosa Creek, 10 minutes north of DurangoThis trip is slow-paced for ***wildflower enthusiasts***.
Come learn about some of the more common wildflowers of the area just north of Durango. The pace will be slow, the flowers lovely, and the company friendly.
Be sure to bring lunch, snacks, 2 liters of water, rain gear, etc.
Email or call Bob 970-385-8949 for information and reservations.
July 17
Alpine Wildflowers
Leader: John Bregar
Location: Above SilvertonThis trip is is moderately paced for ***wildflower enthusiasts*** and **budding botanists**.
We will travel to an alpine area near Silverton for an exploratory trip, so come prepared for surprises! We will enjoy and name some of the more common flora as we stroll along, but if we encounter something unusual, we will unsheathe the hand lenses and take the time to work through botanical keys.
The flowers and alpine scenery are always magnificent.
There will be plenty of time for taking photographs and visiting with trip participants.
We will meet in Durango at 6:30 AM to carpool. If you have 4WD, please bring it. Our early departure will give us a better chance to enjoy morning sunshine before possible monsoon thundershowers chase us away. Come prepared with sun block for sunshine, layers of clothing in case it's cool, and rain gear should we be caught in deluge.
Email or call John 970-385-1814 for information and reservations.
July 20 (Wednesday)
Alpine Wildflowers
Leader: John Bregar
Location: Above SilvertonThis trip is is variably paced for *avid botanists*.
We will travel to an alpine area near Silverton and then walk in about 2 miles to a special area of unusual and rare plants. Once we arrive at our botanizing location, we will use hand lenses and slowly, even laboriously, work through botanical keys so we can precisely determine the identity of a number of species.
This will be an exploratory trip, so come prepared for surprises!
We will meet in Durango at 6:30 AM to carpool. If you have 4WD, please bring it. Our early departure will give us a better chance to enjoy morning sunshine before possible monsoon thundershowers chase us away. Come prepared with sun block for sunshine, layers of clothing in case it's cool, and rain gear should we be caught in deluge.
Email or call John 970-385-1814 for information and reservations.
July 21 (Thursday)
Annual Pilgrimage to Worship the Wildflowers
Leader: Al Schneider
Location: Pass Creek Trail, 40 minutes north of Durango
This trip is moderately paced for ***wildflower enthusiasts*** who want to do some walking.The Pass Creek Trail is a favorite. We will see 80-100 species of wildflowers blooming in abundance along the two miles of trail (4 miles round trip) covered on this trip from subalpine forest to alpine meadows. Our focus will be on enjoying the overall mass of flowers, not on identifying every species or looking at them in great detail.
We will make many stops, especially at the beginning, so we'll hardly notice the 800 feet of elevation gain. Participants can wait anywhere along the trail if they are tired, and the group will come back past them on the way down-trail to the cars.
Bring lunch, 2 liters of water, rain gear, layers of clothing, etc. Hiking boots are recommended.
Trip limit is 15.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
July 24
Wildflowers of the Continental Divide Trail
Leader: Susan Halabrin
Location: Wolf Creek PassThis trip is for ***wildflower enthusiasts***, **budding botanists**, and *avid botanists*.
Join the San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society on a moderate to difficult hike to explore and identify wildflowers on the Continental Divide. We will walk a portion of the Continental Divide Trail that offers a variety of high-country wildflower habitats.
Our hike, which will have a 1,000 foot elevation gain, begins in a moist meadow, climbs through a spruce-fir woodland, follows the side of a scree field (home to pika), and ends in alpine tundra. The total distance of the hike is approximately 5 miles.
Given the terrain and chance for weather change on the Divide, come prepared with good hiking boots, sun-block, water, lunch, layers of clothes, and rain gear.
Trip limit is 15.
Email or call Susan 970-403-3732 for information and reservations.
July 23-August 5
Assist with the monitoring of plants for global climate assessments
Leaders: Members of the GLORIA project
Location: Mountain tops north east of SilvertonAssist the Mountain Studies Institute of Silverton with its annual plant counting project to determine the effects of changing weather patterns on blooming time and abundance of plants.
No experience is necessary and you can commit to one or several days.
Contact Chris Peltz (970-387-5161) for information.
July 28 (Thursday)
Annual Trip to the Wildflowers of Bridal Veil Basin IS CANCELLED
because of construction on the road, but the following trip has been substituted:July 28: Wildflowers of the Upper Montane
Location: LAKE HOPE TRAIL (Lizard Head Pass Area)
Leaders: Connie Colter & Al SchneiderThis trip is for **budding botanists** and *avid botanists* who want to see a variety of habitats and a myriad of wonderful flowers. This is a slow-paced trip with a goal of opening ourselves to the beauty and intricacy of numerous plants. We will not make it to Lake Hope, but we will make it to a deep appreciation of the plants in the first few miles of the Lake Hope Trail.
We will find dozens of species from tall and robust Delphiniums (Delphinium barbeyi) and Cow Parsnips (Heracleum sphondylium) to minute Buttercups and Orchids. There will be plenty of time for questions about plants, for wildflower photography, and for enjoying the views.
Be sure to bring lunch, 2 liters of water, rain gear, layers of clothing, etc.
Email or call Connie 970-728-4678 for information and reservations. The trip is limited to 12 people.
Durango Town Wildflower Walks
Every Wednesday Evening, 7-8 p.m., June-AugustCome enjoy a free wildflower walk led by the San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society.
Each week the walk will be at a different location around town. We will stroll along and look at, talk about, and enjoy wildflowers.
Check your newspaper or call Susan 403-3732 or Travis 247-1310 for directions.
August 4-7
The Native Plant Society of New Mexico Annual Meeting
Location: Santa Fe, New MexicoThe Native Plant Society of New Mexico always puts on an informative and friendly meeting with excellent speakers and field trips. This year's meeting has the added attraction of the history, culture, and beauty of Santa Fe.
Click for details. If you plan to go to this meeting, please call Al, 970-882-4647, if you would like to arrange carpooling and room sharing.
August 18 (Thursday)
Botrychiums of Molas Pass
Location: Molas Pass north of Durango
Trip Leader: Al SchneiderThis field trip is for **budding botanists** and *avid botanists*.
Botrychiums are tiny Ferns that very few people notice and as a result much remains to be understood about their characteristics, systematics, and distribution. It is great fun to search for these minute plants and so highly rewarding to find them.
At Molas Pass we will find many Botrychium plants and as many as 6 species, including B. echo, B. lanceolatum, B. lunaria, B. minganense, B. pinnatum, and B. hesperium.
We will walk only a few hundred yards from the Molas Pass parking area and then we will spend our day searching several small meadows for plants that we will take considerable time keying with the new Botrychium key. Our very slow pace will give us plenty of time to assist one another with the difficult task of finding and keying the elusive Botrychiums and will, of course, also give us plenty of time to socialize and get to know one another and to photograph the Botrychium and other plants we find.
This is a day for folks with an inquisitive mind, an eye for detail, and a great deal of patience.
The trip is limited to 10 participants. Bring lunch, water, paper and pen, hand lens, camp chair/sitting pad, layers of clothing, rain gear, etc.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
August 27
THIS TRIP IS FULL
Wild Mushroom Hunting
Leader: John Sir Jesse
Location: In the Mountains South of TellurideThis trip is slow-paced for ***wildflower enthusiasts*** and **budding botanists**.
Come find wild mushrooms and learn about their habitats and edibility. We will walk the woods to gather a number of mushroom species and then we will drive to John Sir Jesse's house to feast on them at an early dinner. If you plan to attend the dinner after the mushroom gathering, be sure to bring a potluck dish (homemade fare such as breads, salads, soups, deserts) to accompany the mushrooms.
Our trip leader, John Sir Jesse, has been running mushroom walks in the Telluride area since the 1970s and John heads up the Telluride Mushroom Festival as well as his own business, Herb Walker Tours.
We will meet at 8:30 a.m. about an hour north of Cortez. We will walk several miles so wear hiking boots. Be sure to bring lunch, several liters of water, rain gear (no matter how sunny it might appear to be), and collecting bags.
Limit of 15 participants. This is a joint trip with the San Juan Mountains Association.
Email or call Gabi 970-385-1256 for information and reservations.
September 10, 1-5 p.m.
Wild Mushroom Hunting
Leader: Katrina Blair
Location: In the Mountains North of DurangoThis trip is slow-paced for ***wildflower enthusiasts*** and **budding botanists**.
Come find wild mushrooms and other wild edibles and learn about their habitats and edibility.
Our trip leader, Katrina Blair, began studying wild plants in her teens when she camped out alone for a summer with the intention of eating primarily wild foods. She later wrote “The Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants of the San Juan Mountains” for her senior project at Colorado College. In 1998 she co-founded the Turtle Lake Refuge Restaurant in Durango.
This is a joint trip with the San Juan Mountains Association.
Limit of 15 participants.
Email or call Gabi 970-385-1256 for information and reservations.
NEW DATE: Trip changed from September 11 to September 12
Finding Ferns
Leaders: John Bregar and Al Schneider
Location: Vallicito Creek TrailThis field trip is for **budding botanists** and *avid botanists*.
Join us for a look at the many ferns of Vallecito on this 3-4 mile leisurely walk along a beautiful trail. The area is considered one of the best fern spots in Colorado and we will find and key a number of species. We will also, of course, enjoy fall wildflowers along the trail, photography, the magnificent views, and good friends.
Bring lunch, snacks, 2 liters of water, rain gear, layers of clothing for intense fall weather changes, etc.
Limit of 15 participants.
Email or call Al 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
Phil Kemp tells us about Aspen/Spruce/Fir forests in the chill of a 2007
field trip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION CLASS
____________________________
The following class is offered most years. If you or your group would like the class, please call Al Schneider, 970-882-4647. John Bregar and Al will present it for you anywhere in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, or Utah.
HOW TO IDENTIFY WILDFLOWERS
Are you a wildflower lover who gets frustrated year after year at not being able to identify (or remember!) the gorgeous plants you see each summer? Do you remember the plants but want to know more about them? Come learn at a wildflower class presented by the San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society.
You will learn to identify plants using a number of methods, short cuts, and plant keys. Detailed characteristics of leaves and flowers will be discussed using photos and live specimens. Characteristics of the major plant families will be noted. Other subjects covered include: the difference between common and scientific names, pronouncing and understanding scientific names, which identification books to buy, the differences in various wildflower books and botanical keys, how to use keys, and common keying problems and solutions. The Four Corners wildflower site (www.swcoloradowildflowers.com), plant photo shows, plant keys, microscopes, and live specimens of plants will be used. There will be plenty of time for your questions.
Presenters of the Workshop are San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society members Al Schneider and John Bregar. Al is President of the Society and author of www.swcoloradowildflowers.com. John is Treasurer of the Society, a retired geologist, superb botanist and birder, and leads many trips with the Colorado Mountain Club and Durango Birding Group.
Al and John look forward to seeing you.
Cost of the class is typically $25.
You should bring: magnifying glass if you have one, sack lunch, cup, plate, cloth napkin, etc. Refreshments will be served.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
PAYMENT WITH REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
REGISTER EARLY; CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED.When you mail your registration and check,
please include your
mailing address,
phone number,
and email address.Make your check out to: ____ and mail to:____
Call Al (970-882-4647) or email him for more information.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel more than two weeks before the class, i.e., before ___, all but $5 of your fee will be refunded. There will be no refunds in the last two weeks before the class, i.e., no refunds after ____.
Your notice of cancellation may be given by email (coloradowildflowers@yahoo.com ) or phone (970-882-4647).
If it is given by regular mail (Al Schneider, 19049 Road V, Lewis, Colorado 81327), it must be postmarked by the above dates.
WILDFLOWER HOME PAGE CONTACT THE SAN JUAN FOUR CORNERS NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
