All of these field trips have already taken place. They’re listed here to jog our members’ memory or to give you ideas about places you might want to visit on your own. Looking for current trips? See the main Field Trips pages.
WINTER 2024 Field Trips
February 24, 2024, Saturday. 9:00 am to 12:00pm
Native Plant Restoration at Galbraith Parking Lot
Join the Koma Kulshan Chapter, Bellingham Parks volunteers, and Whatcom Million Trees Project to help plant native plants at the Galbraith Parking Lot restoration site. Check the Volunteer Bellingham website for future updates. Tools and gloves will be provided. Come prepared for the weather and bring a lunch. For more information, contact Jim Davis at jimdaviscpc [at] Comcast (dot] net.
February 18, 2024, Sunday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Maple Creek Park Photography Walk: Drizzle or Shine, Nature Awaits!
Calling all shutterbugs and budding botanists! Join us for a fun hiking adventure through enchanting Maple Creek Park. Whether you’re a seasoned lensman or a smartphone shutterbug, this adventure welcomes everyone to capture the beauty of Pacific Northwest native plants, drizzle or shine. (After all, drizzle just adds a touch of forest magic!) well meander along a scenic trail, keeping our eyes peeled for native plants, from towering cedars to delicate ferns. But the real magic happens when we pool our collective knowledge. Think of it as a nature bingo with friends, where identifying native plants becomes a shared adventure. This hike is designed to be a leisurely stroll, taking around two hours. But hey, if the forest whispers and the moss-covered trails tempt us to linger, we’ll gladly follow! So, pack your rain gear, grab your camera (any kind will do!), and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Maple Creek Park. We’ll see you there! Bonus tip: Wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget to bring a plant ID book and your curiosity! Contact: Deborah Baker, polarcollision@gmail.com. Limit 10..
February 10, 2024 Saturday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Winter Twigs and Buds at Lake Whatcom
Meet at 9:00 am at the North Lake Whatcom Park lower trailhead by the lake shore at the very end of Northshore Road (not at the usual main trailhead that comes first). This winter walk led by Abe Lloyd and Allan Richardson will emphasize identification of deciduous trees and shrubs based on their twigs and buds (copies of a key will be provided). There is a diverse assortment of native and some non-native plants along the trail, including a dry stretch with native oak trees. Bring a hand lens (if you have one), snacks, and dress for the weather. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-305-5270 or asrichardson5 (at) gmail.com to confirm.
January 14, 2024, Sunday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Stimpson Nature Preserve Photography Walk: Drizzle or Shine, Nature Awaits!
**CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER**
Calling all shutterbugs and budding botanists! Join us for a fun hiking adventure through the enchanting Stimpson Nature Preserve. Whether you’re a seasoned lensman or a smartphone shutterbug, this adventure welcomes everyone to capture the beauty of Pacific Northwest native plants, drizzle or shine. (After all, drizzle just adds a touch of forest magic!) well meander along a scenic trail, keeping our eyes peeled for native plants, from towering cedars to delicate ferns. But the real magic happens when we pool our collective knowledge. Think of it as a nature bingo with friends, where identifying native plants becomes a shared adventure. This hike is designed to be a leisurely stroll, taking around two hours. But hey, if the forest whispers and the moss-covered trails tempt us to linger, we’ll gladly follow! So, pack your rain gear, grab your camera (any kind will do!), and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Stimpson Nature Preserve or Maple Creek Park. We’ll see you there! Bonus tip: Wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget to bring a plant ID book and your curiosity! Contact: Deborah Baker, polarcollision@gmail.com. Limit 10.
FALL 2023 Field Trips
October 21, 2023, Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hike to Clayton Beach on the New Trail
Location: Meet at the Clayton Beach parking lot in Larrabee State Park at 10:00 am (remember to bring your state parking pass). Although we will not see many flowers this time of year, if any, this is a great time to visit Clayton Beach. The new trail to the beach is finally completed, so we will be able to use the new bridge over the railroad track (much safer route). In addition to enjoying fall colors (we hope) and trying to identify native plants, we will also examine restoration efforts along the old trail completed by the State Park and discuss what could be done to help restore headlands above the beach that have been degraded by heavy use over the years. Bring your raincoat, rain hat, and something to eat for lunch. Contact Jim Davis at jimdaviscpc(at)comcast(dot)net for more information.
November 11, 2023, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Community Work Party at Galbraith Trailhead
Join Bellingham Parks volunteers and others to plant native shrubs and trees to restore a natural habitat in Lake Padden Park adjacent to the new Galbraith Trailhead parking lot. WNPS has helped select the species and locations for the plantings. Gloves and tools provided at the check in area, 5090 S Samish Way. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Please register in advance with Bellingham Parks Contact Jim Davis at jimdaviscpc (at) comcast (dot) net if you have any questions.
summer 2023 Field Trips
September 11, 2023, Monday, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Moonwort Madness
Hundreds of moonworts (Botrychium ssp.) of seven different species can be found at Yellow Aster Butte in a good year. We’ll see how many we can find and identify. In addition, there are plenty of other ferns, flowering plants, and amazing views on this hike to hold our interest. This is a moderately strenuous, 7-mile round-trip hike, with an elevation gain of up to 2200 feet. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 7:30 AM. Bring a lunch, snacks, and water, and dress for the weather. RSVP required for this trip. Contact Tim McNitt at 360-714-9474 or email mcnitt [at] acies [dot] com.
spring 2023 Field Trips
May 7, 2023, Sunday, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Afternoon Hike Teddy Bear Cove and Woodstock Farm
Highlights will be amazing views of the San Juan Islands, Honeycomb weathered sandstone, beautiful Pacific Madrone Trees and gnarly Douglas-Firs among other remarkable trees. One of them is the only native Oak Tree in Washington, the Garry Oak. This tree needs sunlight and drier soil and is mostly found on rocky outcrops such as these headlands or on the San Juan Islands. We will meet at the North Chuckanut Mountain Trail parking lot at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 7, 2023. From there we will hike the Interurban Trail to the steep descent to Teddy Bear Cove. Going down will be easy, coming back up not so much. After checking out all that’s to see at the cove we will go back the Interurban Trail to the Woodstock Farm and amble the grounds looking for all the interesting plants before we return to our cars at about 5:00 pm. All in all we will cover about 3 miles and 800 ft elevation gain. Please join me if you feel stretching the legs a bit on a Sunday afternoon would be a good idea. Group size is limited. To register, or for questions, please contact Fritz Ulrich at fritz365 [at] gmail [dot] com.
May 20, 2023, Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Baker River Wildflowers and Pollinators
After pre-registering (see below), meet at 10:00 AM at the Baker River Trailhead at the end of the Baker Lake Road. Dense forest limits flowering plant abundance in much of the North Cascade lowlands. However, there are lowland areas with abundant flowers and, of course, their associated pollinators. River and lake margins provide habitats where sunlight penetrates far enough into riparian areas to create healthy flowering plant communities. Meandering rivers (Baker River as a prime example) also create forest openings that gradually recover to mature forest, going through several stages of flowering shrubs and small trees. If we have time, we may even visit a burned area along Park Creek where the shrub layer is slowing recovering. Late May to early June is the best time to visit the Baker River area. We should see quite a few flowers. This will be a relatively easy hike of about 2+ miles on mostly level terrain along the river. Hopefully the weather will be good, but you never know, so bring appropriate rain gear and warm clothing. Also bring a lunch and plenty of water. Don’t forget your Forest Service / Park Service parking pass. There are no fee stations in the area. We will be meeting at the trailhead, so please arrange your own carpools as you think appropriate. It can be up to a two-hour drive to the trailhead, depending on how many stops you need to make along the way. The trip is limited to 12 people, so please register with Jim Davis at jimdaviscpc [at] comcast [dot] net.
May 21, 2023, Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:00-ish pm
Marine Algae and Ecology of Point Whitehorn
We will approach the Point from the Birch Bay side, about 3 miles of beach walking, return total. Rubber boots, field guide, snacks, water, hand-lens, hand towel; all recommended; and ANTICIPATE MUCH COOLER, BREEZY, conditions than in your garden. All knowledge levels and backgrounds are welcome. An algae list is provided; bring whatever field guide you like. If buying or updating, I suggest Pacific Seaweeds (2016, Druehl and Clarkston) and/or The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest (2019, Duane). Meet at S.W. corner of Birch Bay State Park (boat ramp) and last toilet facility at 9:00 AM; Discover Pass required. Bob Lemon and Doug Stark will lead up to 10 interested participants. Required pre-register, or questions, with Bob at lemprev [at] alphahunt [dot] com, preferred; or voice land line (360)714-8629. More information will be supplied via email to registrants.
May 27, 2023, Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Squires Lake / Alger Alp
This is a moderate hike of about 5 miles round trip with 1,000 foot elevation gain. It’s a good early season hike to stretch those muscles for hikes later in the season. Squires Lake is a Skagit County park about 8.5 miles south of Bellingham about a half mile off I-5. We will hike the loop around the east side of the lake, take a brief side trip to see the beaver pond, then continue the loop leading to the Alger Alp trail. Depending on the group, we will go to the top to see views of Alger and the Skagit valley. Meet at 9AM at the east side park and ride off Fairhaven Parkway: Take exit 250, turn left and go under the bridge, and the park and ride will be on the right. Bring a lunch and water. A plant species list can be found here. Trip limit: 12 people. Restroom at trailhead. RSVP Lyle Anderson at lyleand2 [at] comcast [dot] net.
May 28, 2023, Sunday, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Nature Observation Techniques Workshop – Arroyo Nature Reserve
Do you admire the vast knowledge, insight, and perception of a favorite naturalist? With practice, I think you can learn to see and know the natural world more as they do! In this workshop we will practice techniques to enhance attention capacity and to observe and study natural subjects effectively. Our “classroom” will be a short stretch of trail in Arroyo Nature Reserve, just south of Bellingham. Consider attending this workshop if you think you need help with these techniques, and if you are comfortable participating in a structured and focused workshop that includes some sections of guided visualization and observation exercises.
After the workshop finishes at around noon, we’ll have a lunch break and then use up extra energy on an easy 2-mile round trip hike to the nearby Chuckanut Falls, a beautiful waterfall.
Group size is limited for this event. Register with event leader Eric Worden (eric [at] ericworden [dot] seattle [dot] wa [dot] us) for more information.
June 3, 2023, Saturday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chuckanut Bay Shoreline Exploration
The north end of Chuckanut Bay has steep south-facing slopes, a marsh behind a gravelly beach ridge, mature second growth forest, and oak tree meadows. This is also an important location in the traditions of the Nooksack Indians and other Coast Salish peoples, as documented in Nooksack Place Names and by five archaeological sites. We will first explore the slopes above the mud flats at low tide, then investigate the marsh. After a lunch break at the beach we will take the unmarked shoreline trail to reach the oaks at Woodstock Farm. Meet at the end of Fairhaven Ave in the Chuckanut Village neighborhood of Bellingham. Take Chuckanut Drive less than a mile south of Fairhaven Park to a right turn behind the Chuckanut Bay Gallery to reach Fairhaven Ave. Bring boots or shoes suitable for ankle deep mud, and other shoes for the trail. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-305-5270 or asrichardson5 [at] gmail [dot] com if you have any questions.
June 17, 2023, Saturday, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Hoypus Point at Deception Pass State Park
Hoypus Point in Deception Pass State Park features a forest that is quite different from those covering the mountains of Chuckanut sandstone nearer to Bellingham: the forest of Hoypus Point is much moister, supporting an abundance of moisture-loving plants like hemlock and sitka spruce trees, sedges, and also a lot of nettles. Most of it was logged in the distant past but a portion is distinctly old growth, with giant trees and snags, and an open, complex structure that is beautiful to behold. Altogether, it provides a nice lesson on forest succession and the tremendous amount of time needed to reach climax. Many trails are available but we will take a 4-5 mile loop on comfortable, mostly flat trails around the best part, and a short side trail to visit a stretch of pebble beach. Group size is limited. Note that a Discover Pass is required to park. Contact trip leader Eric Worden (eric [at] ericworden [dot] seattle [dot] wa [dot] us) to register and receive specific instructions.
winter 2023 Field Trips
February 25, 2023, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Restoration Work in Maritime Heritage Park
Join NSEA and Bellingham Parks volunteers to continue restoration of native plant habitat in this historic area. The WNPS team will be adding plants and spreading mulch in bare areas and removing invasive plants, all on the southeast bank of Whatcom Creek near the Native Plant Trail. Gloves and tools provided at the check in area, probably near the BTC fish hatchery on the northwest bank of the creek at the end of C Street off West Holly. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-305-5270 or asrichardson5 [at] gmail [dot] com if you have any questions.
March 11, 2023, Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cryptogam Ramble
Join Fred Rhoades for a late winter Cryptogam Ramble to Sharpe Park (south of Anacortes and west of Deception Pass Park). Leave the Bellingham south end Park & Ride at 9 a.m. or meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. We’ll take one of the meandering trails down hill (perhaps Porpoise Point trail – see map in link), if it’s pleasant enough, have lunch along the trail and hope to finish between 3 and 4. Bring a hand lens. Contact Fred (fmrhoades [at]] comcast [dot] net) to let him know you are coming in case the trip has to be changed due to weather. Here’s the link to the park description and map: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/ParksAndRecreation/parks/sharpe.htm
FALL 2022 Field Trips
October 13, 2022, Thursday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hike to Find Plants from 50 Million Years Ago
Location: Meeting location in Bellingham will be shared with participants after pre-registering with Fritz.
The January 2009 landslide near Racehorse Creek has uncovered 50 million-year-old leaf fossils and sits on the shoulder of the aptly named Slide Mountain, only a short drive from Bellingham. The rocks near Racehorse Creek are part of the Chuckanut formation, a 34 to 56 million-year-old sedimentary formation. When it was first deposited, this tropical landscape hosted a floodplain and river system with swamp-dwelling vegetation that was later fossilized.
We will hike along an abandoned logging road for about a mile before we reach a short but very steep part to climb up to the landslide area (I would classify this 0.15-mile part as difficult with a trail grade of about 45% and a possible rope to pull yourself up). There we will spend some time roaming around amongst the rocks in search of the fossils. Once we have discovered enough we will retrace our way back to the cars. Total roundtrip distance is about 2.1 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 ft. We will leave Bellingham at 10:00 am and return around 2:00 pm. Group size limited to 10. Pre-registration required by contacting Fritz at fritz365 [at] gmail [dot] com.
November 5, 2022, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Restoration Work in Maritime Heritage Park
Join NSEA and Bellingham Parks volunteers to continue restoration of salmon habitat in this historic area in Bellingham. A WNPS group will be adding mulch around our earlier plantings and removing invasive plants on the southeast bank of Whatcom Creek near the Native Plant Trail. Gloves and tools provided at the check-in area, probably near the BTC fish hatchery on the northeast bank of the creek at the end of C Street, off West Holly. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-305-5270 or asrichardson5 [at] gmail [dot] com with questions.
SUMMER 2022 FIELD TRIPS
July 13, 2022, Wednesday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Marine Algae, Invertebrates, and Ecology of Point Whitehorn
Location: After pre-registering with Bob, meet at SW corner of Birch Bay State Park (boat ramp and last toilet facility) at 9:00 AM. Discover Pass required for parking there.
Back by popular demand! We will approach the Point from the Birch Bay side, about 3 miles of beach walking, total. Rubber boots, field guide, snacks, water, hand-lens, hand towel all recommended. Anticipate MUCH COOLER, BREEZY conditions than in your garden. All knowledge levels and backgrounds are welcome. An algae list is provided; bring whatever field guide you may own and like. If buying or updating, I suggest Druehl, Louis D and Bridgette E Clarkston, 2016, Pacific Seaweeds, and/or Sept, Duane J, 2019, The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest. Leaders, Bob Lemon, Glen (Alex) Alexander, Lynne Givier. Limit 15 participants. Required pre-register (or questions) with Bob at lemprev [at] alphahunt [dot] com or 360-714-8629.
July 20, 2022, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Sauk Mountain Wildflower Vistas
After pre-registering with Fritz, meet at 8:00 AM at the I-5 Park & Ride in Fairhaven on the WEST side of the freeway or at the Sauk Mountain trailhead at 9:45 AM.
The trail begins and ends in high mountain meadows offering wildflowers and spectacular vistas the entire length. We will hike through 26 gentle switchbacks in the first 1.5 miles in steep terrain and if we go all the way up to the site that once hosted a fire lookout at 5,500 ft elevation, removed by the Forest Service in the 1980s, it will be about 2.1 miles. There we (hopefully) can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the North Cascades, where on a clear day you can see Mt. Rainier to the south, Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands to the west and the rugged Cascade peaks stretching to the east including Glacier Peak and Mount Baker. We expect an outstanding show of wildflowers that includes paintbrush, phlox, tiger lilies, aster, columbine, lupine, and many others. This trail (roundtrip 4.2 miles and 1,200 feet elevation change) is very popular and the reason for the weekday trip. We still may have to yield to lots of hikers during our botanizing and have to be careful in the steep and narrow sections of the trail. There is a decommissioned toilet at the trailhead or otherwise the woods will do (blue bags are required). The trail is south-facing, sunscreen and hiking poles are advisable. Trip limit: 12 people. Register with Fritz at fritz365 [at] gmail [dot] com. Sauk Mountain Plant List.
August 1, 2022, Monday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Heather Meadows Wildflowers and Bumble Bees
Location: After pre-registering with Jim, meet at 10:00 AM at the Visitor’s Center parking lot in Heather Meadows near the Mt Baker Ski Area.
Volunteers from the WNPS Koma Kulshan Chapter monitored wild flower phenology (when plants bloom) and bumble bee foraging from spring snow melt to first snowfall for five years in Heather Meadows. This hike will visit some of the areas that were monitored to see subalpine wild flowers at their peak and learn about how native plants and bumble bees interact to assure pollination and the profusion of wildflowers at Heather Meadows. We will start the hike at the Visitor’s Center parking lot and tour three of the transects we monitored at that elevation. We will then drive to the Artist’s Point parking lot and visit two additional transects at higher elevations. This will be about a three mile hike with about 300 ft elevation gain. There will be an option of walking up the Wild Goose Trail from the Visitor’s Center to the Artist’s Point parking lot (add about 1.6 miles and 500 ft elevation gain to the hike). Bring warm clothes (just in case), sun protection, lunch, and adequate water. Trip limit: 12 people. Register with Jim Davis at jimdaviscpc [at] comcast [dot] net.
September 7, 2022, Wednesday, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Fronds in High Places – The Geology and Ferns of Yellow Aster Butte
Location: Meeting location in Bellingham will be shared with participants after pre-registering with Tim.
The Yellow Aster Butte trail traverses a complex geological region supporting a remarkable diversity of vascular plants, especially ferns. We can expect to see 30-37 species of ferns and lycophytes, including Asplenium viride, Polystichum lemmonii, P. kruckebergii, and several Botrychium species. That’s more fern species than you will find on any other day hike in North America. This is a 6-mile round trip hike, with a total elevation gain of 2000 feet. We will be leaving Bellingham at 7:30 in the morning, and returning around 6:00 pm, or later. Group size strictly limited to 12. Pre-registration is required by contacting Tim McNitt at 360-714-9474 or mcnitt [at] acies [dot] com.
Spring 2022 Field Trips
May 14, 2022, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Restoration Work in Maritime Heritage Park
Location: Meet at 9:00 am at the BTC fish hatchery parking lot at the end of C St off W Holly.
Join NSEA and Bellingham Parks volunteers to continue restoration of salmon habitat in this historic area in Bellingham. A WNPS groups will focus on invasive plant removal on the SE bank of Whatcom Creek near the Native Plant Trail. Gloves and tools provided at the check in area, near the BTC fish hatchery on the NE bank of the creek, at the end of C St off W Holly. Contact Allan Richardson if you have any questions at 360-305-5270 or asrichardson5 [at] gmail [dot] com.
May 18, 2022, Wednesday, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Marine Algae, Invertebrates, and Ecology of Point Whitehorn
Location: After pre-registering with Bob, meet at SW corner of Birch Bay State Park (boat ramp and last toilet facility) at 9:30 AM. Discover Pass required for parking there.
Does it get any better than greeting a -3.3 ft tide at The Point itself? We will approach it from the Birch Bay side, about 3 miles of beach walking, total. Rubber boots, field guide, snacks, water, hand-lens, hand towel all recommended. Anticipate MUCH COOLER, BREEZY conditions than in your garden. All knowledge levels and backgrounds are welcome. An algae list is provided; bring whatever field guide you may own and like. If buying or updating, I suggest Druehl, Louis D and Bridgette E Clarkston, 2016, Pacific Seaweeds, and/or Sept, Duane J, 2019, The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest. Leaders, Bob Lemon, Glen (Alex) Alexander, Lynne Givier, Doug Stark; limit 16 participants. Required pre-register (or questions) with Bob at lemprev [at] alphahunt [dot] com or 360-714-8629.
May 21, 2022, Saturday
Small Ground-Cones in Port Townsend
To register and for more details, contact the field trip organizer Paul Brallier (pabrallier [at] gmail [dot] com). Instructions for joining the event will come with registration.
Small ground-cones (Kopsiopsis hookeri) look like yellowish or purplish or brown fir cones. These members of the Orobanchaceae family parasitize salal and kinnikinnick by penetrating them with haustoria to tap nutrients. Come to look for small ground-cones and locate several examples of parasitic and mycoheterotrophic vascular plants near Port Townsend, with an easy 1-3 miles level walking on a mix of trails and off trail. This will be a joint Koma Kulshan and Olympic Peninsula Chapters field trip. You must register ahead of time, as group size is limited. Due to location near Port Townsend and taking the ferry, expect to return to Bellingham early evening. We’ll meet at 11:30 am for lunch in Port Townsend before breaking into small groups for botanizing. To register and for more details, contact Paul Brallier (pabrallier [at] gmail [dot] com). Instructions for joining the event will come with registration. Travel from Bellingham includes driving to Whidbey Island and taking the Coupeville to Port Townsend ferry. Plan on making reservations and waiting in line for the ferry.
May 28, 2022, Saturday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Squires Lake/Alger Alp
Location: After pre-registering with Lyle, meet at 9 am at the Park and Ride at I-5 and Fairhaven Parkway on the EAST side of the freeway.
This is a moderate hike of about 5 miles round trip with 1,000 ft elevation gain. It’s a good early season hike to stretch those muscles for hikes later in the season. Squires Lake is a Skagit County park about 10 miles south of Bellingham just off I-5. We will hike the loop around the east side of the lake, take a brief side trip to see the beaver pond, then continue the loop leading to the Alger Alp trail. Depending on the group, we will go to the top to see views of Alger and the Skagit valley. Bring a lunch and water. A plant species list can be found here. Trip limit: 12 people. Restroom at trailhead. RSVP with Lyle Anderson at lyleand2 [at] comcast [dot] net.
June 4, 2022, Saturday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Native Plants Home Garden Tour
Seven unique and beautiful private Whatcom gardens will open to the public, each owned and cultivated by amateur botanists and native plant enthusiasts, all Koma Kulshan members. Dinstinctive among gardens, these will all showcase the beauty and practical advantages of plants that grow natively in the Pacific Northwest. In our region’s relatively short horticultural history, our local native plants remain yet undiscovered wonders to most gardeners. Volunteers will be available to answer your questions, and learning materials will be available to help you bring native plant gardening to your home. Please see the garden tour page for more information.
June 14, 2022, Tuesday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Horseshoe Bend Trail
Location: After pre-registering with Allan, meet at 9 am at the trailhead on Mt Baker Highway across from the Douglas Fir Campground, just after the river bridge 1.2 miles east of the USFS Ranger Station in Glacier.
This is a short hike in the rainforest close to the North Fork Nooksack River; about 3 miles round trip and 300′ elevation gain. The trail is rough due to flood damage, but okay if you don’t mind a bit of scrambling and some mud. The habitat varies from the open, rocky river bank to deep woods and brushy slopes. We will identify all the plants we possibly can to build a plant list to post on the WNPS website. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Contact Allan Richardson with any questions and to confirm: 360-305-5270 or asrichardson5 [at] gmail [dot] com.
Winter 2022 Field Trips
January 22, 2022, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Invasive Plant Removal in Maritime Heritage Park
Location: Meet at 9:00 am at the park pavilion on Holly Street next to Whatcom Creek.
Bellingham Parks and Recreation is making some changes to trails in Maritime Heritage Park. We will be working to remove invasive species, especially blackberry and bittersweet, in the areas where the changes are occurring. This workday is also preparation for the March 12 workday. The city will provide tools, but bring your own gloves and favorite tools if you want. Dress warmly and wear your rain gear if it is wet weather, and bring water and any snacks that you may need. For further information and to RSVP contact Janet Murray at jfaymurray [at] gmail [dot] com.
February 5, 2022, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Winter Trees and Shrubs in Whatcom Falls Park
Location: Meet at St. Clair Park, located at the end of St. Clair Street south of Alabama Street in Bellingham.
In 2019 and 2021, WNPS and Bellingham Parks and Recreation jointly presented a six-week stewardship class. Join 2019 graduate John Bremer and Koma Kulshan Stewardship Committee Chair Allan Richardson on a walk through Whatcom Falls Park woodlands and wetlands. Most of our common lowland tree and shrub species are found in the Park. Explore two decades of restoration challenges and progress. We will walk down the stairs to Woburn Street, across Whatcom Creek and back up to the lower bridge below the falls, with a tour of the new Cemetery Creek restoration. Group limited to 12, please RSVP with John Bremer via johnpaulbremer [at] gmail [dot] com.
March 12, 2022, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Planting Party at Maritime Heritage Park
Location: Meet at the Maritime Heritage Park pavilion on Holly Street next to Whatcom Creek.
Our chapter stewardship committee is working with Bellingham Parks and Recreation to rejuvenate and expand the Native Plant Trail at Maritime Heritage Park. We will be clearing brush, preparing the ground, and planting a number of new plants to go with new (and relocated) signs. The city will provide tools, but bring your own gloves and favorite tools to be sure. Dress for the weather and for getting dirty, and bring water and any snacks that you may need. For further information and to RSVP contact Allan Richardson at asrichardson5 [at] gmail [dot] com.
Fall 2021 Field Trips
October 10, 2021, Sunday, 10:00 am
Introduction to Mosses and Lichens with Pam Borso
Location: Meet at 10:00 am at the Fenton Land Preserve, 8906 Valley View Rd, Custer, WA. Please park at the entrance where there is room for 2-3 cars as well as across the street at Haynie Cemetery.
This will be a basic introduction to lichens and mosses at the Fenton Land Preserve, which is a Whatcom Land Trust property. The trail circumnavigates a small pond through mixed conifer/deciduous forest. It is approximately 2 miles with no noticeable elevation gain. Please bring a hand lens if you have one. We will be exploring the woods for lichens and mosses and will get to see some interesting trees and tree formations as well. Email Pam at borsope [at] aol [dot] com to register or if you have questions. Phone 360-319-9004. Limit 8 people.
October 16, 2021, Saturday, 9:30 am – 3 pm
Finding Plants at Lost Lake (Sumas Mountain)
Location: Meet at the Whatcom County Parks building just before the round-about at the intersection of East Smith and Mt Baker Hwy to carpool or caravan. Vehicles with 4WD or AWD encouraged because of the steep forest road.
From trip leader Abe Lloyd: “I’ve been turning to Sumas Mt during the pandemic for quick escapes from the dismal challenges that face humanity. These trips have taught me that what is often scoffed as a foothill is actually full of interesting features to explore. Serpentine outcrops with dreamy ferns, precipitous cliffs with nesting Peregrine Falcons, rocky balds with amazing spring wildflowers, an abundance of Lodgepole pine, caves, and at least one sedgy fen, are just a few of the treasures to be found.” Abe will be taking us up a steep forest road on the north side of Sumas Mt to an unmarked trailhead. The short trail climbs 500′ (from 2300 – 2800′) in 0.6 miles and may get more use from motorbikes than people, but the lake at the top has a cozy feel to it. We’ll encounter a good diversity of conifers, and many mushrooms will likely be flushing. He’ll do his best to talk about some of the common mosses, and we may explore a wetland south of the lake. Bring a sack lunch. Contact Abe (arcadianabe [at] yahoo [dot] com) for details.
October 23, 2021, Saturday, 9 am – 12 pm
Make a Difference Day Community Work Party at Whatcom Falls Park
Location: Meet at the fish hatchery, access via the Silver Beach Rd entrance off of Lakeway Drive.
The City of Bellingham Parks Department is having a work party and booths at Whatcom Falls Park. Wendy Scherrer will be there with kids’ activities about native trees. Celebrate Make a Difference Day and Arbor Day with the City of Bellingham and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association by helping to improve salmon habitat at Whatcom Falls Park! We will be planting trees and shrubs, removing invasive species, and maintain social trail closures. All ages and abilities welcome. Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Tools, gloves, and instructions are provided. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes and your mask. This event will follow current health department guidelines and Covid-19 safety protocols. Additional information and reminders will be emailed to registered participants. If you sign up, please show up! Register here, and register early due to limited space!
October 30, 2021, Saturday, 9 am – 12 pm
Work Party: Happy Valley Right-of-Way
Location: Meet at Larrabee Ave right of way, between 21st St and 22nd St, Bellingham. Bring shovel, spading fork, trowel, pruners.
This site is an undeveloped Right of Way (ROW). It is a forested wetland ecosystem with both native and nonnative plants, including invasive species. The section of ROW has a small stormwater infrastructure facility on it, which is managed by the City of Bellingham. This past year, the Happy Valley Neighborhood Association has been working collaboratively with COB and WNPS Koma Kulshan Chapter to fund and provide volunteers to implement a restoration plan for the site. We will tour the site and learn about restoration strategies, and examine how the project has progressed in the last year and results so far. We will plant seeds, potted native shrubs, and trees at the site in the pollinator hedgerow and pollinator mound, and build and install blue tubes with bamboo stakes to protect the young plants. We will also remove invasive plants and sheet mulch. For more information, contact Wendy Scherrer at: bluegreen.northwest [at] gmail [dot] com, or 360-319-9518.
summer 2021 Field Trips
July 10, 2021, Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Summer Lake Bog
Location: Meet at 9:00 am at the west side Fairhaven Parkway Park-and-Ride.
A perennial favorite among those that enjoy spending a hot summer day with their feet in soft damp moss, the Summer Lake Bog is one of the most picturesque and diverse peat bogs in Western Washington. It has exciting ericaceous plants like Bog Cranberries and Labrador Tea, enough sedges to occupy the fastidious botanist, and more carnivorous plants than you can shake a drumstick at. Bring water shoes (like aquasocks or sneakers that you are fine getting wet), lunch, a sun hat, and a hand lens (if you have one). Hiking is minimal with virtually no elevation gain, but there is no trail and the terrain can be soft, slippery, and uneven with some potential for total submersion in water. Meet at the west side Fairhaven Parkway Park-and-Ride at 9 AM and expect to return between 3-4 PM. The trip will be led by Vikki Jackson and Abe Lloyd. Contact Abe with questions at arcadianabe [at] yahoo [dot] com.
August 18, 2021, Wednesday, 7:30 am – 6 pm
Boundary Way Trail and Cowap Peak
Location: Meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for a 7:30 am departure.
A moderate hike through forest and wet areas, along a rock slide, and into wildflower meadows, then a summit perch. Trip is about 5 miles round trip and 1,400 feet elevation gain. Many interesting plants and the question: where did the name Cowap come from? Allan will share is knowledge of the 1857-62 Boundary Survey and Nooksack place names from the viewpoint. Contact Allan Richardson (asrichardson5 [at] gmail [dot] com or 360-733-5477) with any questions and to confirm.
September 8, 2021, Wednesday, 8 am – 6 pm
Chain Lakes Loop
Location: Only after pre-registering with Allan, meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for an 8 am departure.
This is an end of summer favorite with our group. We should see several species of late-blooming plants, ripe blueberries, picas, and perhaps marmots and mountain goats. On the way up we will drop a car at the Heather Meadows visitor’s center for the return car shuttle. Out hike starts at Artist’s Point. After a mile we leave the Ptarmigan Ridge trail and descend into the Chain Lakes Basin. After passing three lakes we ascend to Hermann Saddle and drop down to the Bagley Lakes. Distance is 6 miles, elevation gain 600 feet. Trip is limited to 12 people in Mt. Baker Wilderness so please contact Allan Richardson (asrichardson5 [at] gmail [dot] com or 360-733-5477) to register.
spring 2021 Field Trips
April 24, 2021, Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Larrabee Right-of-Way Native Plant Work Party
Location: Only after pre-registering with Wendy, meet at 9:00 am at the Larrabee Right-of-Way between 21st and 22nd Streets in Bellingham.
We will be planting a native plant pollinator garden and hedgerow, including native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs to attract beneficial pollinators and birds. Native plants have been purchased with funds donated by the WNPS Koma Kulshan Chapter and Happy Valley Neighborhood Association, with support from City of Bellingham Parks and Public Works Department. We will be joined by Bellingham Parks volunteers for this Earth Day work party. This is a collaborative project led by the Happy Valley Neighborhood Association. Meet at Larrabee Avenue Right-of-Way between 21st and 22nd Streets, Bellingham. Park on 21st or Larrabee Ave. Bring mask, gloves, and your own tools for planting (eg., shovels, pruning shears, pick ax, spading fork, dibble, wheelbarrow, hori hori knife). Wear a mask, gloves, and sturdy shoes/boots. The ground is wet and you will be digging! Wear weather-appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry too. Contact Wendy Scherrer with questions (360-319-9518, bluegreen.northwest [at] gmail [dot] com).
April 28, 2021, Wednesday, 7:00 pm
Woodland Restoration and Spring Wildflower Tour
Meander the paths through low-elevation second growth forest under bigleaf maples, red alders, black cottonwoods, and the occasional mature conifer. Enjoy spring flowers like bleeding heart, fringecup, piggyback plant, and nettles. Explore the dense shrub layer of thimbleberry, salmonberry, snowberry, and elderberry. Visit areas that are in the process of recovering from severe blackberry infestations and learn about the techniques that Mark, Brian, and Natalie have used to restore these areas, opening them up and planting conifers. You might walk as much as a mile if we visit every path. These 3 acres of woods are our respite and we welcome you to enjoy them with us. RSVP with Mark Turner (mark [at] turnerphotographics [dot] com).
May 8, 2021, Saturday, 8:30 am
Red Mountain Bald
Location: Only after pre-registering with Abe, meet at 8:30 am at the Squalicum Lake parking lot at the intersection of Y Rd and Mt Baker Hwy, to caravan from there.
The bald on Red Mountain is one of the largest and best examples of a bald habitat in Whatcom County. Camas, death camas, and many other colorful wildflowers are abundant, as well as some unusual species known more from North Central Washington. Abe visited the site last May and has not met anyone else who knows of it. The Washington DNR is granting us access to the forest roads to make the hike in much shorter. The forest road is surfaced with large bumpy rocks, but clearance is not an issue. The hiking is flat on a boot path that is a 2-mile round trip. We will return early to mid-afternoon. Please RSVP and direct questions to Abe Lloyd (arcadianabe [at] yahoo [dot] com).
June 12, 2021, Saturday, 8:30 am
Wetlands with Vikki Jackson
Location: Only after pre-registering with Vikki, meet at 8:30 am at the southeast corner of the Safeway parking lot in Sunset Square, Bellingham. We will be caravaning.
Let’s go discover things! Join Vikki Jackson on an off-trail, bush-whacking trip into some obscure, but stunning wetlands in the upper North Fork Nooksack River drainage. Be ready to be wowed, but you will have to earn it. This will be a full day trip. Normal passenger cars are fine, but our route in the field will be off trail so wear suitable clothing (hiking boots, long-sleeved shirt and pants). Contact Vikki to RSVP (360-319-6988).
winter 2021 Field TrIPS
March 13, 2021, Saturday, 10:00 am
Early Spring wildflowers of Sharpe Park
Location: Only after pre-registering with Abe, meet at 10:00 am at the Sharpe Park parking lot off of Rosario Rd (just north of Deception Pass).
The first blooms of the Spring can be found where the ocean keeps frosts at bay, on sunny south-facing slopes. Located between Anacortes and Deception Pass, Sharpe Park is a good place to find Common Camas and other prairie species that tend to be restricted in our neck of the woods to coastal bluffs and thin-soiled “bald” habitats. In addition to botanizing and discussing ethnobotany, we will be logging observations on iNaturalist for the San Juan Preservation Trust. Bring a pack lunch and an extra layer. The trail is short. RSVP to Abe Lloyd to reserve a spot (arcadianabe AT yahoo DOT com).
January 16, Saturday, 10:00 am
The Hunt for Chuckanut Mountain Cranberries (and other bog flora)
Location: Only after pre-registering with Abe, meet at 10:00 am at the Cyrus Gates parking lot (end of Cleator Road). Watch out for some protruding bedrock towards the top of the road.
While most of our native fruit are long gone by Halloween, Bog Cranberries are amazingly resilient to cold and rain. The Chuckanut Mountains contain numerous small bogs at various stages of formation. We will descend the spectacular Rock Trail, on our way to some wetlands near Lost Lake and Mud Lake, covering close to 7 miles in total with about 600 ft of elevation gain. The pace will be relatively brisk (for a WNPS hike) to allow time for exploration at a few stopping places. Access to the bogs will involve some wading through shallow water, over slippery logs, and through a short distance of brush. What to bring: Lunch, warm clothes, hiking shoes and rubber boots (optional). Contact Abe Lloyd to reserve a spot (arcadianabe AT yahoo DOT com).
January 18, Monday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
A Dozen Tenacious Trees to Hug
Location: Only after pre-registering with Bob, meet at 9:00 am at the South Bellingham Park and Ride, west of I-5.
A pleasant two-mile Chuckanut Hills forested walk brings us to some admirable trees, each with a survival story. Forest ecology, fire, and logging history examples will dominate our journey to the heartland. A few driving miles from town; about 4 miles hiking round trip, and 400 feet vertical of hiking; additional prowling if group desires. Expect and prepare for rough road (though passable by most cars), trail, and weather. Pre-register with leader Bob Lemon (lemprev AT alphahunt DOT com), 360-714-8629.
winter 2020 Field TrIPS
February 8, Saturday, 9:00 am to noon
Native Plant Teaching Trail at Maritime Heritage Park
Location: Meet at 9:00 am at the park building (Environmental Learning Center) on Holly Street in Maritime Heritage Park next to Whatcom Creek.
Native plant enthusiasts, lovers of parks, and community volunteers will be removing invasive plants and planting native trees and shrubs. We will also be cleaning and replacing some of the plant identification signs which feature hand drawn pictures of native plants by Whatcom Middle School 8th graders. Another task will be to remove the covers on older signs so they can be cleaned underneath. Bring a set of hex/Allen wrenches or a cordless drill with hex bits, and pliers, if you have them. Come dressed for the weather, and bring water and a snack. City Parks will provide gloves and tools. More information about the Parks Volunteer Program is at www.cob.org/workparties. Meet at 9:00 AM at the park building (Environmental Learning Center) on Holly Street in Maritime Heritage Park next to Whatcom Creek.
February 29, Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Forest Ecology with Marvelous Old Growth Examples
Location: Meet at Fairhaven west side park and ride, off 32nd Street.
Larrabee Park attracted 12 of us to a big tree sweet spot in 2019. This year the destination will be the same, but the JOURNEY will be longer and more inclusive for those wishing to participate. Group A will ascend 1200 vertical ft. and cover 5 ½ miles, perhaps ½ off trail. Group B will mostly follow last year’s route ascending 400 feet in 3 ½ miles; most on a user established route. Bob Lemon (lemprev@alphahunt.com or (360)714-8629 leads the A group, limit 12. Pam Borso (borsope@aol.com or (360)319-9004 leads the B group, also limit 12. Inquire or pre-register with the leader and route that best suits your needs; only then meet at 9:00 Am at the Fairhaven park and ride off 32nd and west of I-5.
March 7, Saturday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Cryptogam Ramble
Location: Meet at Fairhaven west side park and ride, off 32nd Street
The Cryptogam Ramble is an informal annual event: a slow rambling walk in the early spring focusing on mosses, lichens, ferns, and other small plant-like organisms that are often passed by. Barring drastic increases in snow at the lower elevations, the locale for this year’s Ramble will be the Baker River Trail (end of the Baker River Road on the east side of Mt. Baker. Fred Rhoades leads the Ramble. Carpool from the south-side Park and Ride lot, west side of I-5 off 32nd Street at 8:30 a.m. Meet at trailhead at 10:15 a.m. Forest Pass required at parking lot at trailhead. Return late afternoon/early evening. Please contact Fred at fmrhoades@comcast.net if you plan to attend or if you have any questions. Depending on final road/trail conditions, I may change the locale and timing and changes will be emailed. Bring your hand lens (and I have some $5 ones).
March 14, Saturday, 9:00 am to noon
Turner Woodland: Stewardship Begins at Home
Location: Meet at 4682 Wynn Road, Bellingham.
When Mark Turner and Natalie McClendon purchased five acres just outside Bellingham in late 2013 they found that their back 3 acres of woods had major Himalayan blackberry infestations, a roadside wetland was home to Bohemian knotweed, and there were substantial patches of yellow archangel and English ivy. Their woods and associated wetlands are also home to a few big conifers, the usual deciduous trees and shrubs for our area, and masses of a few shade-loving wildflowers. There are deer, a coyote or two, owls, and myriad small birds that make their home here.
Come meander gentle paths through the woods and see how diligent work can control the blackberries and other invasives, opening the understory for natives to re-establish. You’ll also see young conifers and shrubs they’ve planted getting established, the emerging growth of spring wildflowers, and how the woods connect to a more formal landscape near the house that also includes native species. Meet at 9:00 am at the property, 4682 Wynn Road, Bellingham. Contact Mark Turner, mark@turnerphotographics.com, 360-671-6851, with any questions.
Fall 2019 Field Trips
October 11, Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
WNPS Native Plant Habitat Garden Work Party at NSEA
Location: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA), 3057 E. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. The 6-acre site is east of Hannegan Road, down the hill where E. Bakerview Rd. turns north.
Join us for a work party to help plant and maintain native plants at the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association’s (NSEA) Native Plant Habitat Garden, which was created with WNPS support in 2016. WNPS Koma Kulshan Chapter has a partnership agreement to assist with the management and maintenance of the Native Plant Habitat Garden. We’ll be weeding the garden, planting more native plants, and installing plant signs. Warm drinks and snacks provided! Wear sturdy boots — the ground is wet and you will be digging — and weather appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry! Come morning and/or afternoon! If you have any questions, contact Wendy Scherrer at (360)319-9518 or bluegreen.northwest@gmail.com.
November 2, Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Kelsey Conservation Site Tour and Work Party, Whatcom Land Trust
Location: Meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Safeway parking lot for a 9 am departure.
Visit WLT’s Kelsey site near Ferndale, which is part of the Terrell Creek watershed. We will see the how the site is changing from former farmland to wooded wetland including changes made after beavers moved into the site. We will see current conservation work done to diversify the species makeup at the site with plantings funded through a WNPS grant and grants from American Forests. After the tour we will work on removing invasive species. Bring loppers or hand clippers and dress appropriately for the weather. The site can be soggy underfoot. Meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Safeway parking lot for a 9 am departure. There is limited parking which makes it necessary to car pool and RSVP. Contact Janet at 718-614-8230, or jfaymurray@gmail.com with questions and to confirm.
Summer 2019 Field Trips
July 6, Saturday, 8:30 am to 5:0 0pm
Lily and Lizard Lakes
Location: Meet at the Fairhaven Parkway Park & Ride off 32nd street on the west side of I-5.
We will hike a loop, about 5+ miles with 1100 feet elevation gain on Blanchard Mountain, starting from the east side. If you want to go out onto the sphagnam moss island in Lily Lake, you may want to bring special footgear for that part of the trip. A plant list is available on the WNPS state website. Questions: contact Jim Duemmel at 360-733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
July 14, Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Newhalem Fire and Pyramid Lake
Location: Meet at 8 am at the Fairhaven Parkway Park & Ride off 32nd street on the west side of I-5.
There was a major fire in the Newhalem area during 2015. Extensive regrowth has occurred in the burned area. We will visit one portion of the fire near Goodell Creek to learn more about which plants have returned to the burned area and which plants may still be missing four years after the fire. We will then move further along Highway 20 to a moderately rigorous hike to Pyramid Lake (4.2 miles round trip with 1,500 feet gain). The trail has a high diversity of plants, topped off by a floating log garden in Pyramid Lake. The field trip will be led by Jim Davis and Abe Lloyd. If you have questions, contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net.
August 3, Saturday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Grouse Ridge
Location: Meet to carpool at the southeast corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for a 7:30 am departure.
Hike a way trail to a rocky ridge and endless flower meadows on the slopes of Mt. Baker looking over to Marmot Ridge and the Black Buttes. Explore plant communities of both thin rocky soil and lush alpine meadows. The habitats are like Skyline Divide and Ptarmigan Ridge, but without the crowds. There’s no maintained trail, but the boot track was in good shape in 2017. The hike will be about 5 miles round trip with 1600 feet elevation gain, high point about 5850 feet. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or asrichardson5@gmail.com with any questions and to confirm.
August 23, Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Boundary Way Trail and Cowap Peak
Location: Meet to carpool at the southeast corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for a 7:30 am departure.
A moderate hike to wildflower meadows and a summit perch; about 5 miles round trip and 1,400 feet elevation gain. Allan will share his knowledge of the 1857-62 Boundary Survey and Nooksack place names from the viewpoint, and ethnobotany along the trail. Plant list on the WNPS website. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or asrichardson5@gmail.com with any questions and to confirm.
August 28, Wednesday. 7:30 am to 6 pm
Heliotrope Ridge
Location: Meet to carpool at the southeast corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for a 7:30 am departure.
A challenging hike, about 2.5 miles one way, 2300 feet elevation gain, some steep trail, a little scrambling and a sometimes difficult creek crossing. We will be looking for Arabidopsis kamchatica, Lyre-leaved Rockcress, which has been found in Washington state ONLY on the northwest slopes of Mt. Baker. We are going in the middle of the week to avoid the crowds on this trail. A plant list is available on the WNPS state website. Since we will enter a wilderness area, the group is limited to 12. To sign up contact Jim Duemmel at 360-733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
September 13, Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Chain Lakes Loop
Location: Meet to carpool at the southeast corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for an 8:00 am departure.
This is a fall favorite with our group. We should see several species of late-blooming plants, ripe blueberries, picas, and perhaps marmots and mountain goats. On the way up we will drop a car at the Heather Meadows visitor’s center for the return car shuttle. Our hike starts at Artist Point. After a mile we leave the Ptarmigan Ridge trail and descend into the Chain Lakes Basin. After passing three lakes we ascend to Hermann Saddle and drop down to the Bagley Lakes. Distance 6 miles, elevation gain 600 feet. Plant list on the WNPS website. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or asrichardson5@gmail.com with any questions and to confirm.
Spring 2019 Field Trips
Saturday, March 23, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Kukutali Reserve and Breazeale Interpretive Center
Location: Meet at 9:00 AM at the Fairhaven Parkway Park & Ride off 32nd street on the west side of I-5.
We will be exploring trails on 84-acre Kliket Island, where we can find both remnants of old-growth cedar and madrone as well as driftwood-covered beaches. Kliket, an island in Lang Bay, is accessed by a sand spit or tombolo. This Reserve is jointly managed by Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Washington State Parks Department, and its historical significance is as interesting as its plant communities. Then we will go on to the Breazeale Interpretive Center, where we can explore the lookout over Padilla Bay, the Center itself, and an upland trail that forms a loop through a cedar forest, an upland wetland, and native plants the Center is installing on its property. Total walking distance could be as much as 6 miles with little elevation gain. Bring your lunch; we will eat at Kukutali before heading to Padilla Bay. We plan to return to our cars by 3:00. If you have any questions, call Penny McGinty at (502) 724-8765 (email pennymcginty44@gmail.com)
Saturday, March 30, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pine and Cedar Lakes Trail
Location: Meet at 9am at the Fairhaven Parkway Park & Ride off 32nd street on the west side of I-5.
This is a local trail that, to my memory, the the chapter has not held a field trip on, so this will involve a bit of exploration. Our goal will be to examine the dense forset and the two lakes. The trail is steep, about two miles long with an elevation gain of 1300 feet. The plant list available on the state WNPS website needs much work — the trail was surveyed only during the winter months. If you have questions contact Jim Duemmel at (360) 733-3448 or jimduemmel@q.com.
April 20, Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Deception Pass State Park
Location: Meet at the Fairhaven Parkway Park & Ride off 32nd street on the west side of I-5 to carpool, leaving at 9:00 am and returning around 5:00 pm.
Explore one of the best sites for early season wildflowers on the shore of the Salish Sea at Deception Pass State Park. We’ll ramble across the meadows on Pass Island where the grass widows (Olysynium douglasii) and camas (Camassia quamash) may still be blooming. Examine Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) male and female cones, see red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) clinging to the cliffs just above the splash zone, and see if the first blossoms of harsh paintbrush (Castilleja hispida) are showing. Maybe even a checker lily (Fritillaria affinis) under the trees. Then we’ll head over to West Beach where we should see diminutive Claytonia exigua ssp. exigua in the sand. What else might we find? Mark Turner (mark@turnerphotographics.com, 360-671-6851) is leading.
May 4, Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Peat Bogs of Richmond and Delta
Location: Meet at the southeast corner of the Bellingham Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 9:00 AM or at the Richmond Nature Park at 10:00 AM.
Within the vast developments of metropolitan Vancouver, BC are preserved two exemplary raised peat bogs; we will visit both. First the Richmond Nature Park — where we will also pause for lunch — then the nearby Delta Nature Reserve of Burns Bog. These bogs feature sphagnum moss and other native plants rarely found in our lowlands, such as labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum), bog laurel (Kalmia microphylla), and cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus). Both feature short flat loop trails totaling about four mile altogether. We will be crossing the border so please remember your passports. Our travel route will be rather circuitous and since your phone may have no service (or very expensive service) in the area, consider bringing paper maps. Eric Worden is leading: eric@ericworden.seattle.wa.us, (360) 778-3542.
May 8, Wednesday, 8:00 AM
Marine Algae and Invertebrates of Washington Park
Location: Bellingham carpoolers leave 8:00 AM from Fairhaven Parkway Park & Ride off 32nd street on the west side of I-5.
From splash zone lichen Caloplaca sp., through mid-zone red algae Chondracanthus sp. (Turkish towel), to subtidal vascular Phyllospadix sp. (surfgrass) we will examine all that a minus 1.7-ft tide and time permits. Bring your intertidal ecology questions along with personal knowledge and experience to share. Algae get first billing, but ecology and invertebrates will not be ignored. Please dress for MUCH COOLER conditions than anywhere inland. The likely location is a rocky reef by Green Point in Washington Park, Anacortes, which is a half-mile, 15-minute, flat walk from free, but limited parking. Meet Salal chapter participants at 9:00 AM at the day use parking area near toilet and shower building of Anacortes Washington Park. Leaders, Bob Lemon and Glen “Alex” Alexander admit this is a practice run for the Study Weekend; stimulate us with your best questions! See Study Weekend offerings, trip #207 for more information or email Bob at lemprev@alphahunt.com. Bob cell only on day of trip (360)378-2657.
June 1, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Edfro Creek Preserve and Yúmechiy
Location: Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 9:00 AM.
Explore the natural and cultural world of the upper South Fork Nooksack River valley with Allan Richardson, chapter president and coauthor of Nooksack Place Names. The river bottom upstream from Skookum Creek is being restored through volunteer efforts and help from a colony of beavers. Upstream from Edfro Creek is the important Nooksack cultural site of Yúmechiy (spring salmon place), named for the now endangered South Fork spring Chinook salmon. We will observe and identify a range of native plants in a moss-draped rain forest environment. Bring a lunch and come prepared for the weather. Also, part of the route is a bit rough and the trail may be wet in the area of the beaver ponds, so wear sturdy boots. Contact Allan Richardson at asrichardson5@gmail.com or 360-733-5477 to confirm.
June 2nd, Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
iNaturalist Training and BioBlitz of Connelly Creek Nature Area
Time:
- 9am-12pm iNaturalist Training
- 12pm-1pm lunch (people bring sack lunches)
- 1pm-4pm BioBlitz of Connelly Creek Nature Area
Location: Meet at Cascade Montessori Middle School, 2710 McKenzie Ave, Bellingham.
What: Morning from 9am-12pm, we will meet inside the school to get for an interactive workshop is geared towards introducing you to iNaturalist and how to use it. iNaturalist is a crowd sourced species identification system and data base. You can use it to help you ID species and to maintain data on where and when you have seen different species. You can use it from an app on your smart phone or tablet or on your home PC. This is citizen science at its best and a great way to learn and track plants, fungi and animals! The goal of the training is to get your started and let you know the potential of this tool! You do not need to have a smart phone or tablet to take the class, but we’d recommend you download the iNaturalist app (www.inaturalist.org) and register yourself. It is all free and registration is super simple.
Bring a lunch (12-1pm) and stay to participate in the afternoon BioBlitz of the adjacent city park, Connelly Creek Nature Area.
Afternoon (1pm-4pm) BioBlitz of Connelly Creek Nature Area (CCNA)
- Start to make an accurate list of plants and animals located in CCNA, with the ultimate goal of having a comprehensive list of living organisms in CCNA.
- More deeply connect and engage neighborhood folks and local educators to have more knowledge about CCNA natural history.
- Train folks to use iNaturalist so they can each work to populate a project.
The training and BioBlitz will be led by Vikki Jackson and Wendy Scherrer. Any questions contact Wendy Scherrer at bluegreen.northwest@gmail.com or (360) 319-9518.
June 15, Saturday, 10:00 AM
Ravencrest Farm
We will welcome summer with a field trip to Ravencrest Farm from 10:00 AM to 1:00 pm. Ravencrest Farm, located on E. Hemmi Road in Whatcom County, is dedicated to habitat restoration and research on native plants. We’ll assess how the understory vegetation is recovering three years after cessation of cattle grazing, and how the unusually cold early spring weather has affected bud break and bloom phenology. Bring lunch, and feel free to supplement it with a garnish of any native edible that is abundant (miner’s lettuce, for example). Hot and cold drinks will be provided. Please call or write for directions. Contact Anu. Phone: (360) 647-8493. Email: anusinghcundy@comcast.net.
Winter 2018–2019 Field Trips
December 16, Sunday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Old Growth Ecology and Evergreen Ethnobotany
Location: Meet at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve trailhead on Lake Louise Road. Directions: From I-5 in Bellingham, drive 3.5 miles east on Lakeway Dr to the Geneva neighborhood, turn right on Austin St (which becomes Lake Louise Rd), trailhead will be on the left in 1.5 miles.
The Stimpson Family Nature Reserve has 5 miles of easy trails through mature forest and thriving forest wetland. In this beautiful forest setting, the conifers appear to be ascendant. The undisturbed woodland provides a stable environment for under-story plants, fungi, and animals to establish themselves at a climax of ecological succession. These forests of trees are sure to have been providing food and shelter to a multitude of species, including to human beings, for many generations. Jazmen Yoder and Jim Davis will walk us through the preserve identifying coniferous trees and other plants, and discussing traditional uses of bark, roots and leaves for things such as medicine, food and fiber for shelter, weaving, art, and more. Wear appropriate clothing for the December weather. We will stop for lunch on the trail around noon and we plan to return to our cars about 3. Questions should be sent to Jazmen at jazbotwwu@gmail.com.
Saturday, January 19, 9:00 AM
Larrabee Old Growth Exploration
Location: Meet at 9:00 AM at the Fairhaven Parkway Park & Ride off 32nd street on the west side of I-5.
I have long enjoyed ridgeline hiking and skiing; only flying could be better. I would like to share an interesting ridge walk in the Chuckanuts that features some wonderfully large fire scarred old growth trees to hug and measure. The area raises many questions concerning the fire and logging history which seems to be this winter’s topic of interest. I think 6 miles and 500 ft elevation gain would get us to the best material, but expansion is possible. Almost none is on constructed trail, but there is little brush on this boot-beaten route. There is parking for only three cars, max (Discover Pass required); therefore this field trip will be limited to 12 participants. Pre-register by contacting Bob Lemon at (360) 714-8629 or lemprev@alphahunt.com. High wind or road closure would dictate a reschedule.
Saturday, February 9, 9:00 AM
Lookout Mountain Exploration
Location: Meet at the Lookout Mountain Trailhead on Lake Louise Road at 9 AM.
Covering almost 4500 forested acres on the south side of Lake Whatcom, the Lookout Mt. Preserve is one of Whatcom County’s newest parks. Last summer the County Parks Department, Washington Trails Association, and City of Bellingham Public Works Department collaborated to construct 6.5 miles of trail. The new trail takes hikers through high quality Douglas fir habitat with a lush understory of sword fern, salal, and red huckleberry. In the early summer this is an excellent place to look for those bizarre mycoherotrophic plants that lack green photosynthetic tissue and therefore depend on mycorrhizal networks to get their energy from trees. This being a winter hike, we will practice identifying plants in their more modest attire (by their twigs, buds, and bark) while pondering what the forest vegetation can tell us about past land use. Our route will take us up the Rufous Creek Trail (moderate grade) for 4.3 miles with the possibility of returning on a different trail. Bring a sack lunch and dress for slow to moderate pace walking for four or five hours. Contact Abe Lloyd for more information at (360) 303-1339 or arcadianabe@yahoo.com.
Saturday, March 2, 8:30 AM
Cryptogam Ramble, Goose Rock, Deception Pass State Park
Location: Meet at 8:30 AM at the Fairhaven Parkway Park & Ride off 32nd street on the west side of I-5.
Goose Rock is wonderfully rich in a variety of ferns, bryophytes, lichens and perhaps a mushroom or two and, of course, other living things. The hike from the parking area on the south side of the Deception Pass bridge to the top of Goose Rock is a bit under a mile and makes about 300 feet elevation gain. As usual, we will take it slowly. Return late afternoon. I plan to meet everyone at West Beach so we can go out and check the Ramalina menziesii which Melissa reports is ailing. Then we’ll carpool back to the Goose Rock trailhead. Plan at this time is to meet at West Beach at 9:30 am. Those coming from Bellingham can carpool at 8:30 am from the I-5 Park and Ride lot on the west side of I-5 off 32nd Street. Bring a lunch and hand lens (I have a few for $5). Be prepared for cold. I will send out a last minute okay on all this next week on Thursday. Contact Fred Rhoades at (360) 733-9149 or fmrhoades@comcast.net to confirm and check on any last minute changes of location and carpool meeting. Discover Pass required for parking.
Autumn 2018 Field Trips
October 20, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Salmon Woods Open Space
This short hike will explore some natural gems hidden in the center of Bellingham. The Salmon Woods Open Space is fairly unique among the parks and open spaces of Bellingham and other cities: due its terrain and limited accessibility it has remained little disturbed for perhaps a hundred years, and harbors a remarkably mature, biologically diverse, and quite beautiful small forest. A city-maintained trail runs through the Salmon Woods and connects to adjacent public properties that also hold botanical interest, including the Red Tail Reach restoration area adjacent to Whatcom Creek — restored in 2008 with a diverse stand of native shrubs, trees, and wetland features. Together, the several segments of our hike offer access to diverse habitats and plants, and lessons on ecological succession and the urban pressures affecting open space ecosystems. The total walking distance is about 2.5 miles. Meet at 9:00 AM at the southeast corner of the Civic Center parking lot, on Puget Street one block north of Lakeway Drive. For questions contact Eric Worden eric@ericworden.seattle.wa.us or 360-778-3542
November 4, Sunday, 9:00 AM to Noon
Introductory Workshop on using iNaturalist
Location: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) campus, 3057 E. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. The 6-acre site is east of Hannegan Road, down the hill where E. Bakerview Rd. turns north.
This interactive workshop is geared towards introducing you to iNaturalist and how to use it. iNaturalist is a crowd sourced species identification system and data base. You can use it to help you ID species and to maintain data on where and when you have seen different species. You can use it from an app on your smart phone or tablet or on your home PC. This is citizen science at its best and a great way to learn and track plants, fungi and animals! The goal of the training is to get your started and let you know the potential of this tool! We will begin in the classroom learning the basics and then we will go out and try it out on plants around the campus. You do not need to have a smart phone or tablet to take the class, but if you do I would recommend you download the iNaturalist app (www.inaturalist.org) and register yourself. It is all free and registration is super simple. Any questions contact Vikki Jackson at Vikki@nwecological.com or 360-319-6988.
*We expect to be done by noon, but bring a lunch and stay to help out in the NSEA Native Plant Habitat Garden planting and caring for native plants. (See details in the separate calendar item.)
November 4, Sunday, 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
NSEA Native Plant Habitat Garden Work Party
Location: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA), 3057 E. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226 The 6-acre site is east of Hannegan Road, down the hill where E. Bakerview Rd. turns north.
Join us for a work party to help plant native plants at the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association’s (NSEA) Native Plant Habitat Garden, which was created with WNPS support in 2016. WNPS Koma Kulshan Chapter has a partnership agreement to assist with the management and maintenance of the Native Plant Habitat Garden. We’ll be weeding the garden and planting more native plants. Warm drinks and snacks provided! Wear sturdy boots—the ground is wet and you will be digging–and weather appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry! If you have any questions, contact Wendy Scherrer at 360-319-9518 or bluegreen.northwest@gmail.com.
Summer 2018 Field Trips
July 28, Saturday, 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Goat Mountain
Goat Mountain has been a favorite Koma Kulshan destination for years. The forest trail, wildflowers, bubbling streams, subalpine meadows, rock outcrops, and stunning views explain why we keep going back for more. Hopefully, interesting plants we have seen in past years will be waiting for us: Corallorhiza trifida, Gaultheria ovatifolia, Botrychium multifidum, and a multitude of species in the higher meadows. This is a moderately strenuous hike. It is 3 miles and 2000 feet elevation gain to reach the meadows. We will continue as far as the snow line and time (and legs) allow. Meet to carpool at the southeast corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for a 7:30 AM departure. Plan for a long day and a likely stop for dinner in Glacier on the way home. Contact trip leader Mark Turner at 360-671-6851 or mark@turnerphotographics.com, to sign up or if you have any questions.
August 4, Saturday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cascade Pass
This hike is one of the classics of North Cascades. In addition, it has particular significance for the Koma Kulshan Chapter. For five or six years we made annual treks to aid in the revegetation of Cascade Pass, a project begun by Margaret and Joe Miller of the Central Puget Sound Chapter, recently commemorated on the state WNPS website. An extensive plant list is available on that website. This is a strenuous hike, 3.6 miles one way with 1800 feet elevation gain. Meet at the Fairhaven west side Park & Ride at the end of 32nd Street at 7 AM. Questions? Contact Jim Duemmel at 360-733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
August 18, Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants in the Summer
Subalpine meadows are among the most productive habitats for edible plants and medicinal plants. Hopefully, this series of short hikes in Heather Meadows will be timed during the peak of Cascade Blueberry production. Subalpine meadows are also important for medicinal plants. Join us on this relatively easy hike through the meadows in the most beautiful part of the summer. Jazmen Yoder and Jim Davis will lead this identify and taste hike along several trails in the vicinity of Heather Meadows. We will carpool from the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot leaving at 8:30 AM. Bring a lunch and wear appropriate clothing for the weather that day (i.e., sun protection). We will return by about 5:00 PM. Please contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net if you have any questions.
August 24, Friday, 7:30 to 5:00 PM
High Pass
This is one of the highest trails in our area, starting at 5200 feet at Twin Lakes, reaching 5950 feet at High Pass, with a rough trail continuing further up the slopes of Mt Larrabee. There will be an interesting variety of plants to study, ripe blueberries to eat, and great views of the North Cascades if it is clear. It is a moderate hike of 5 miles out and back to High Pass. Bring lunch, snacks, water, and extra clothes for weather protection. Meet to carpool at the southeast corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for a 7:30 AM. departure. High clearance vehicles in addition to my all wheel drive car will be needed to get to the trailhead. If you have a suitable vehicle or have any questions, contact trip leader Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or asrichardson5@gmail.com.
September 8, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Nooksack Cirque
Surrounded by Mt. Shuksan, Ruth Mt, and Icy Peak, and Jagged Ridge, the Nooksack Cirque is so freshly chiseled from the early crust that is looks like the glaciers left only moments ago. Curtains of waterfalls cascade over precipitous edges and add a welcomed mist on a hot summer day. If it weren’t for the poor access, the Cirque would be as popular as Skyline Divide. Be prepared to ford Ruth Creek, bushwhack through old growth forest and slide alder, and scamper along the gravel bars of the upper North Fork. Round trip might be up to 9 miles with only 600 feet of elevation gain. The plant diversity should be high since avalanche chutes often deliver alpine flora down to montane valleys like this. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 8:00 AM. We will return with our mountain treasures (of memories and berry stains) around 6 PM. If you have any questions, contact Abe at arcadianabe@yahoo.com or 360-303-1339.
September 18, Tuesday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Ptarmigan Ridge
This late summer hike with spectacular views begins at the end of Mt. Baker Highway at Artists’ Point. We should see a few late-blooming plants, ripe blueberries, and perhaps picas, marmots, and mountain goats. Expect a moderate hike of about 6 or 7 miles, although we could go further depending on the weather and trail conditions. There will likely be some small snow fields to cross. Meet to carpool at the southeast corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or asrichardson5@gmail.com with any questions and to confirm.
Spring 2018 Field Trips
March 31, Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Washington Park
Washington Park, an Anacortes city park, contains some fairly open areas that provide a habitat for early spring wildflowers. Its forested areas, especially its colony of Rocky Mountain Junipers, are impressive. We will make a circuit of the park trails, walking somewhat more than two miles, and see what we can find. Meet at the Fairhaven west side park and ride at the south end of 32nd St. at 8:30 AM. If you have questions contact Jim Duemmel, jimduemmel@q.com or 360-733-3448.
April 21, Saturday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Spring Flowers on Vedder Mountain
Vedder Mtn. is just SE of Sumas. The area has some interesting plants not common elsewhere in western Whatcom County. The trail is lightly used and will be rough and steep in places. The round trip distance will be three+ miles depending on the trail we are able to take. Elevation gain 1040 feet whatever way we go. A plant list (202 species) is available on the WNPS state website. Meet at 8:30 AM at the southeast corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot. If you have questions contact Jim Duemmel at 360 733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
May 9, Wednesday, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Teddy Bear Cove Scotch Broom Removal
We will revisit Whatcom County’s largest publicly accessible Garry Oak grove and remove more of the Scotch Broom that is growing there. This should be easier than last year. Tools needed: clippers, loppers, pruning saws. If someone has a very long-handled pruning saw or lopping tool for the plants growing on the cliffs, that would be a great help. Gather at the North Chuckanut Mountain parking lot along Chuckanut Drive at the west end of Arroyo Park just north of California St. at 9:30 AM. If you have questions contact Jim Duemmel at 360 733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
May 12, Saturday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Wild Edible Plants in the Spring
Finding wild edible foods in the spring before berries are ripe can be a challenge in our area. But, if you like greens, there are more than enough options. Who knows, we may even find other edibles. Jazmen Yoder and Jim Davis will lead this identify and taste hike along multiple trails in the vicinity of Larrabee State Park. We will carpool from the Fairhaven west side Park & Ride (at the end of 32nd St.) leaving at 9:30. Bring a lunch and wear appropriate clothing for the weather that day. We will return by about 4 PM. Please contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net if you have any questions.
May 19, Saturday, 11:00 AM to 4 or 5 PM
Marine Algae of Point Whitehorn
Point Whitehorn proper is Whatcom County’s best algae and invertebrate beach. We will approach it from the Birch Bay side, about 3 miles beach walking, return. Bring rubber boots, guidebook, snacks, water, hand-lens, hand towel, and ANTICIPATE MUCH COOLER conditions than in your garden. All knowledge levels and backgrounds welcome, for some this will be tutorial, others a seminar. I provide plant list; whatever guidebook you own is right for you. If buying, I suggest Druehl, Louis D. and Bridgette E. Clarkston, 2016, Pacific Seaweeds; ISBN 978-1-55017-737-4. Meet for carpooling at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for an 11:00 AM departure, OR be at the S.W. corner of Birch Bay State Park by boat ramp and last toilet facility at 11:35, Discover Pass required. Questions? Bob Lemon lemprev@alphahunt.com or (360) 714-8629.
June 9, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Chilliwack Lake
Located north of Hannegan Pass just across the Canadian border, Chilliwack Lake was the original gateway to the North Cascades for British, American, and Native American surveyors, porters and guides in the late 1850s. We will drive there via Chilliwack, BC, and spend the day exploring the valley bottom old growth forests and climbing trails to the subalpine meadows towering over the lake. Bring passports, lunches, and $ to stop for dinner if we are returning late. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 8:00 AM. Contact Abe Lloyd at 360 303-1339 or arcadianabe@yahoo.com to confirm.
June 23, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Hannegan Pass Trail
This trail becomes a busy route to the back country after the snow melts out, but should be ideal for leisurely botanizing in late June. We will likely go 2 or 3 miles on the gentle valley bottom part of the trail before we are turned back by snow. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 8:00 AM. Bring a lunch and water, dress for the weather, and wear shoes suitable for crossing snow patches. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or asrichardson5@gmail.com to confirm.
Winter 2017-2018 Field Trips
January 20, Saturday, 9:15 AM to 3:00 PM
Birch Bay and Semiahmoo: Plants and Birds in Winter
We will take a short walk starting along the shore in Birch Bay State Park to see plants and birds, then see what is happening in the wetlands by Terrell creek (if you attended the Plant Stewards walk with Jim Evans this is the same + birds). Then we will drive up to Semiahmoo County Park and alternately identify plants by their twigs and buds and the marine birds that should be abundant at this time of year. There will be handouts for identifying plants and several scopes and handouts for the common birds seen at this time of year. You may want to bring binoculars for the closer in water birds and terrestrial birds. Bring a lunch and dress for winter weather. Meet at 9:15 AM at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway, or meet at 10 AM at the BP Heron Center in Birch Bay State Park (Discover Pass required). For questions, contact Lyle Anderson at 360-739-9249 or lyleand2@comcast.net.
February 10, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Winter Twigs and Buds
Short days and drab winter colors need not keep the keen botanist indoors. All of our deciduous trees and shrubs leave little clues that reveal their identity. This field trip will explore the twigs and buds along one of Whatcom County’s newest trails: the Chanterelle Trail, in the Lake Whatcom Park reconveyance land. Dress for the weather. We will eat lunch in a place with potential views of Lake Whatcom, the San Juan Islands, and Skagit County. Total elevation gain will be about 1500’. Meet at the main, upper Lake Whatcom Park trailhead just before the end of Northshore Road at 9:00 AM. Contact Abe at 360-303-1339 or arcadianabe@yahoo.com if you have questions.
February 24, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Lake Whatcom Watershed Work Party
Since 2002 the City of Bellingham has purchased 1,988 acres of land in the Lake Whatcom watershed to be kept in or restored to its natural state to protect water quality. Four members of our chapter serve on the Watershed Advisory Board and we have offered to assist in these stewardship efforts. This work party will also provide an opportunity for the participants of this fall’s Native Plant Stewardship Course to volunteer some hours. More about the course is at http://www.wnps.org/npsp/komakulshan/stewardship/classroom.html. We will be working in the Agate Bay Preserve identifying and flagging native plants to protect them from mowing; other tasks may be determined before the work party. Meet in the parking lot at Bloedel Donovan Park by Lake Whatcom at 9:00 AM. We will carpool to the work sites from there. For further information contact Alice Shilhanek at 360-739-3441 or a.shilhanek@comcast.net.
March 10, Saturday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Annual Cryptogamic Ramble
Admire ferns, mosses, fungi, lichens, a slime mold or two and even some “higher” vascular plants.
Fred Rhoades will lead this hike, hopefully (again) to the Maple Creek Park loop trail. Trailhead on east side of Silver Lake Road 1/10 mi north of Mt. Baker Highway in Maple Falls. Mixed forest with a (defunct bridge but if the water is low, manageable) creek crossing, waterfalls and other wet spots. Carpool from Sunset Square Safeway parking lot (SE corner) at 9:30, or meet at trailhead at 10:00 AM. Bring a hand lens and lunch. We will return by about 4 PM. Please contact Fred Rhoades at 360-733-9149 or fmrhoades@comcast.net during the week before for last minute details of location, condition, and carpooling.
Autumn 2017 Field Trips
October 14, Saturday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Fourth Corner Nursery Tour
The tour of the nursery will include a step by step review of how the nursery propagates source identified native plants. We’ll take a look at the seed lab, production fields, green house, grading facilities, and some of the equipment used in the operation. Our guide will be Dylan Levy-Boyd, who gave a presentation to us at a meeting last fall. The tour will involve a fair amount of walking on uneven muddy ground, so wear appropriate footwear. Purchasing containerized stock (1 gal or 4 inch) may be possible.
The farm/nursery is at 5652 Sand Rd, Bellingham, WA. It takes about 15 min driving from the Sunset Ave/Mt Baker Highway I-5 exit. To drive there follow the Mt. Baker Highway to Sand Rd (just before the Rome store). Turn left (north) onto Sand Rd and continue ~1.5 miles (crossing Smith Rd). The farm will be on the right. There is ample parking but carpooling is always encouraged. Please arrive promptly.
November 12, Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Anacortes Forest Lands
Join us for a small out of town field trip to the Anacortes Forest Lands. We will wander among the beautiful conifer forests and enjoy some wetland views. Meet at 9:00 AM at the Fairhaven west side park-and-ride at the end of 32nd St. We will carpool down to Anacortes to enjoy the day. We should be back by 4.
If you have any questions, contact trip leader Vikki Jackson at 360-319-6988.
November 17, Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
WNPS-NSEA Native Plant Garden Work Party
Join us for a WORK PARTY to help plant native plants at the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association’s (NSEA) Native Plant Habitat Garden and to help NSEA winterize, fertilize, and organize the native plant nursery! The NSEA nursery fosters plants until they are ready to provide salmon habitat along Whatcom County streams. NSEA is located at 3057 E. Bakerview Road, Bellingham. Look for the blue NSEA tent! You are invited to come for a whole day or a half day. 9am-12pm and/or 1:00-4:00pm. Questions: Contact Wendy Scherrer (360) 319-9518 or bluegreen.northwest@gmail.com.
Summer 2017 Field Trips
June 24, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Hannegan Pass Trail
This trail becomes a busy route to the back country after the snow melts out, but should be ideal for leisurely botanizing in late June this year. We will likely go 2 or 3 miles on the gentle valley bottom part of the trail before we are turned back by snow. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 8:00 AM. Bring a lunch and water, dress for the weather, and wear shoes suitable for crossing snow patches. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or asrichardson5@gmail.com to confirm.
July 22, Saturday, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Grouse Ridge
Hike a way trail to a rocky ridge and endless flower meadows staring Mt. Baker in the face. Look over to Marmot Ridge, Bastille Ridge, the Black Buttes, and Coleman Glacier. Explore plant communities of both thin rocky soil and lush alpine meadows. Parts of Grouse Ridge feel a bit like Chowder Ridge, parts like Skyline Divide, but without the crowds. There’s no maintained trail, but the boot track was in good shape in 2016. Approximately 5 miles RT with 1600’ elevation gain, high point about 5850’. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 7:00 AM. Contact Mark Turner (mark@turnerphotographics.com) if you have questions.
July 28 – July 30, Friday thru Sunday
Hart’s Pass Adventure
This will be a three day / two night car camping trip to Hart’s Pass on the far eastern edge of Whatcom County. The expectation is that Saturday we hike south along the Pacific Crest Trail out about 4 miles, in Okanogan Co. Our (Fri, Sun) two half days will likely be Slate Peak for one and a damp meadow south of horse parking the other ½ day. Assuming we can secure camping sites, we will be camping just to the south of Hart’s Pass, rather than Meadow camp. There will be a charge for campground sites, although we will likely be able to share these costs. Last year was lovely, warm and dry, but it can be quite chilly in this high elevation area even in late July; I have experienced August snowstorms here and frozen drinking water on Labor Day (snow then too). Bring a tent, sleeping pad, and warm sleeping bag, clothing for ANY weather. Also bring all the food and water you will need for three days. No limit to number of participants; more information when you pre-register with your transportation needs, or offers, before 6 PM July 25th. Questions and registration with Bob Lemon or Annie Prevost: lemprev@alphahunt.com or (360)714-8629.
August 12, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Church Mountain
At the western end of High Divide, Church Mountain towers over the North Fork of the Nooksack and has extensive views in all directions. Three miles of switchbacks and strenuous climbing through Douglas-fir and montane forests will bring us to diverse south-facing meadows. Here the grade lessens and we will botanize our way towards the summit, perhaps plucking a few early blueberries along the way. Overall we will travel 8.5 miles round trip with 3750′ of elevation gain, so bring a lot of water, extra snacks, and anticipate a full day in the mountains. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 8:00 AM. Contact trip leader Abe Lloyd with questions (arcadianabe@yahoo.com) or 360 303-1339.
September 1, Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Lake Ann
The trail is a popular hike — we will go on a Friday to miss the weekend crowd and to get first pick of the blueberries. This is an 8-mile round trip that drops 800 feet to cross Swift Creek and then rises 840 feet to Lake Ann beside Mt. Shuksan, with plenty of interesting plants along the route. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 8:00 AM. If you have questions, contact Jim Duemmel at 360-733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
September 7, Thursday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Moonwort Madness
Hundreds of moonworts (Botrychium ssp.) of six different species can be found at Yellow Aster Butte in a good year (the last was 2011). We’ll see if the melt water from last winter’s ample snowpack will coax the moonworts into making an appearance after being coy for several years. If not, there are plenty of other ferns, flowering plants, and amazing views on this hike to hold our interest. This is a moderately strenuous, 7-mile round-trip hike, with an elevation gain of up to 2200 feet. Bring a lunch, snacks, and water; and dress for the weather. The trail enters the Mount Baker wilderness, so group size is strictly limited to 12. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 7:30 AM. Pre-registration is required for this trip by contacting Tim McNitt at 360-714-9474 or mcnitt@acies.com.
September 16, Saturday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Scott Paul Trail
Mount Baker alpine meadows, forest, and glacial moraines, complete with breathtaking close-ups of the volcano as well as sweeping views of the surrounding North Cascades peaks. We will hike the 8.0 mile loop counterclockwise. The well-graded and smooth trail starts at 3,350 feet and gradually tops out at 5,050 feet. The diverse flora is documented in the plant list available on WNPS.org. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Fairhaven west side park-and-ride at the end of 32nd St. If you have any questions, contact trip leader Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or asrichardson5@gmail.com.
September 24, Sunday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Table Mountain north end (side table) for 8 outlier Pinus albicaulis!
The slightly lower “side table” is accessed from a historic, well-constructed, but neglected trail ascending the west slope. Expect alpine flora, Hippuris montana, and a far west occurrence of Pinus albicaulis (whitebark pine) as we circumambulate the table top. Elevation gain is 650 feet, distance about 8 miles depending on botanical wanderings. Alpine conditions prevail and may lead to a tough day or weather dictated re-scheduling. Limit 12, therefore pre-registration is required and will get you more information. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot for 7:30 AM departure. Questions and sign up with Bob Lemon lemprev@alphahunt.com or (360) 714-8629.
Spring 2017 Field Trips
March 25. Saturday. 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Earliest Flowers at Deception Pass
Explore one of the best sites for early season wildflowers on the shore of the Salish Sea at Deception Pass State Park. We’ll ramble across the meadows on Pass Island where the grass widows (Olysynium douglasii) and camas (Camassia quamash) should be blooming. Examine Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) male and female cones, see red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) clinging to the cliffs just above the splash zone, and see if the first precocious blossoms of harsh paintbrush (Castilleja hispida) are showing. Maybe even a checker lily (Fritillaria affinis) under the trees. Then we’ll head over to West Beach where we should see diminutive Claytonia exigua ssp. exigua in the sand. What else might we find? Mark Turner (mark@turnerphotographics.com, 360-671-6851) is leading. Meet at the Fairhaven west side park & ride to carpool, leaving at 8 am and returning around 5 pm.
April 1. Saturday. 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Larrabee State Park Balds
A dense forest covers most of Larrabee SP. However, there are several small open areas, balds, in the spring filled with vibrant flowers not to be found in the shade of the forest. We will visit several of these balds and then hike to the ridge of Chuckanut Mt. Be prepared for off-trail travel on very steep terrain. Meet at the Fairhaven west side park-and-ride at the south end of 32nd Street at 9 AM. Discover Passes will be necessary. If you have questions contact Jim Duemmel at 733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
April 22, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Oyster Dome
The best view near Bellingham can be enjoyed from the west side of Blanchard Mt. on the rocky precipice known as Oyster Dome. We will botanize our way from the Samish Overlook north, pausing to examine cascading rivulets, ferny glens, massive old-growth stumps and logging relics as we go. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy at the top and be prepared for a 5 mile round trip with almost 2000 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Fairhaven Parkway west side Park and Ride (at the end of 32nd St) at 9:00 AM. Contact Abe (arcadianabe@yahoo.com) if you have questions.
May 7, Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Beaver Botany at Maple Creek Reach
Do you marvel at dams and canals, or have a favorite engineering feat? Or if you think you’re right-brained, maybe you have a favorite masterpiece of art? Well, the mighty beaver will put your bests to the test! Join us as we use both sides of the brain to explore Maple Creek Reach, a property that Whatcom Land Trust has co-managed with Castor canadensis for over a decade. Together, their extensive restorations are forming a highly diverse, textured land and aquascape replete with exciting forest, riparian and wetland flora. In the course of a rambling, 3-4 mile loop, we will puzzle out the complexities of plant succession and the many ways beavers sculpt wood and watersheds. The pace will be leisurely but the terrain is uneven, and both lunch and knee boots are advised. We will depart from the SE corner of Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 9 am and return between 3 and 4 pm. This trip will be ideal with a 12 person max, so please RSVP to Rob (rlrich3@gmail.com) for registration and pre-trip background materials.
May 13, Saturday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Teddy Bear Cove County Park
We will visit Whatcom County’s largest publicly accessible Garry Oak grove and remove the Scotch Broom that is growing there. Our removal technique: pull seedlings and cut older plants at ground level. We want to catch the broom while it is blooming and disturb the soil as little as possible. Tools needed: clippers, loppers, pruning saws. Bring your favorite tool – the county will supply some extras. Gather at the North Chuckanut Mountain parking lot along Chuckanut Drive at the west end of Arroyo Park just north of California St. at 9:30 AM. If you have questions contact Jim Duemmel at 733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
May 20, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Flowering Plant Restoration Through Fire
A very large and hot fire a couple of years ago in and around Newhalem killed many trees and burned the understory in multiple areas. Much of the area is still too dangerous to hike (e.g., falling trees and limbs), but we will find safe areas where regrowth has begun. It will be interesting to note the species that are first colonizing burned areas and whether there are any differences between lightly and severely burned areas. We will meet at 8:00 at the Fairhaven west side Park & Ride (at the end of 32nd St.) in Bellingham and carpool to the Newhalem area along Highway 20. Bring a lunch and wear sturdy clothes/shoes as we may be thrashing around in the brush a little. Please contact Jim Davis at 296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net for more information.
May 29, Monday, Memorial Day, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Marine Algae of Point Whitehorn
Pt. Whitehorn proper is Whatcom County’s best algae and invertebrate beach. We will approach it from the Birch Bay side, continuously tidepooling while making our way to the “mother lode”; about 5 miles of flat walking, return. Rubber boots, guidebook, snacks, water, hand lens, hand towel and clothing for “cooler than I expected” shoreside conditions. All knowledge levels and backgrounds welcome; for some this will be tutorial, others a seminar; invertebrate and bird observations are permitted too! Whatever guidebook you own is just fine; if buying, I suggest Druehl, Louis D. and Bridgette E. Clarkston, 2016, Pacific Seaweeds; ISBN 978-1-55017-737-4. Meet for car pooling at Sunset Safeway lot at 9:00 AM, or meet the group at the S.W. corner of Birch Bay State Park, boat ramp and last toilet facility, at 9:40; vehicle Discover Pass required. Questions? Try Bob Lemon lemprev@alphahunt.com or (360)714-8629.
June 3, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ferns of the Baker River Trail
The trail is an easy 5 miles round-trip, with only about 200 ft. of elevation gain. We should see as many as 20 species of ferns, including the Sierra Marsh Fern, Thelypteris nevadensis, the Male Fern, Dryopteris filix-mas, and Northern Beach Fern Phegopteris connectilis. This trail is also a great place to hunt for fern gametophytes. We may even glance at a few flowering plants along the way. Bring a lunch and water, and dress for the weather. Meet to carpool at the west side Fairhaven Park & Ride at the end of 32nd Street at 8:00 am. Contact Tim McNitt at 360-714-9474 or mcnitt@acies.com with any questions.
Winter 2017 Field Trips
January 14, Saturday. 9:15 AM to 3:00 PM
Semiahmoo Spit: Plants and Birds in Winter
We will walk along the spit and alternate identifying plants by their twigs and buds and the marine birds that should be abundant at this time of year. There will be handouts for identifying plants and several scopes and handouts for the common birds seen at this time of year. You may want to bring binoculars for the closer in water birds and terrestrial birds. Bring a lunch and dress for winter weather. Meet at 9:15 AM at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway, or meet at 10 AM at the parking lot on the left just as you get to the bottom of the hill going out to Semiahmoo spit. For questions, contact Lyle Anderson at 527-3025 or lyleand2@comcast.net.
February 4, Saturday. 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Ambling over the Alger Alp with Abe
Perched on the edge of Skagit and Whatcom Counties, the Alger Alp affords views under the clouds to iconic landmarks like I-5. This trip will explore the subdued wonders along the soggy shores of Squires Lake on our trek through cedar and maple forests on our path to the peak. We will carpool from the west side Fairhaven Park-and-Ride leaving at 9:00 AM. Please bring raingear, a sack lunch, and a weatherproof sense of humor. Expect to return around 3 PM. Pre-trip complaints and questions regarding this description or any other matters can be sent to Abe (arcadianabe@yahoo.com).
February 25, Saturday, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Annual Cryptogamic Ramble
Fred Rhoades will lead this hike, hopefully to the Maple Creek Park loop trail. Trailhead on east side of Silver Lake Road 1/10 mi north of Mt. Baker Highway in Maple Falls. Mixed forest with a (defunct?) creek crossing, waterfalls and other wet spots. Bridge over Maple Creek is supposedly out so we may do something else if access isn’t possible. Carpool from Sunset Safeway parking lot (SE corner) at 9:30, or meet at trailhead at 10:00 AM. Please contact Fred Rhoades at 733-9149 or fmrhoades@comcast.net during the week before for last minute details of location, condition, and carpooling. Bring a hand lens and lunch.
Fall 2016 Field Trips
September 20, Tuesday, 8:00 AM to 5 or 6 PM
Chain Lakes Loop
This is a fall favorite with our group. Bring your berry picking containers. On the way up we will drop a car at the Heather Meadows visitor’s center for the return car shuttle. Our hike starts at Artists Point. After a mile we leave the Ptarmigan Ridge trail and descend into the Chain Lakes Basin. After passing several pretty little lakes we ascend to Hermann Saddle and drop down to the Bagley Lakes. Distance 6 miles, elevation gain 600 feet. Meet at the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot to carpool. Trip limited to 12. Register required with Annie Prevost at 360-714-8629 or lemprev@alphahunt.com.
October 1, Saturday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Pacific Crest Trail, Rainy Pass to Cutthroat Pass
In Washington we have two species of deciduous conifers, Western and Mountain Larch, both of which display beautiful yellows in autumn as they begin to drop their needles. We will hike from Rainy Pass to Cutthroat Pass to view the fall color of the high elevation Mountain Larch, Larix lyallii, as well as whatever late mountain flowers we can find along the trail. The hike will be five miles long (one way) with an elevation gain of about 2000 feet – if we make it all the way to Cutthroat Pass. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the west side Park & Ride off Fairhaven Parkway. If you have any questions contact Jim Duemmel at 733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
October 8, Saturday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Big Beaver Valley
The Big Beaver Valley is one of the most remote and pristine areas in Washington State. It is recognized as a great place to see old growth trees and perhaps even wildlife. It also has a significantly different flora than most of the areas we visit in western Whatcom County. We will hike from the Ross Lake Trailhead on Highway 20, across Ross Dam, and along the west shore of Ross Lake. The hike is seven miles long one way with minimal elevation gain, but quite a bit of up and down along the trail. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the west side Park & Ride off Fairhaven Parkway. If you have any questions, contact Jim Davis at 296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net.
November 5, Saturday
Lily & Lizard Lakes
Join leader Mark Turner for a gentle ramble to Lily and Lizard Lakes in the Chuckanuts. We’ll take the trail from Barrel Springs Road and explore for trailside and lakeside flora. It’s likely to be wet, so dress for wet weather. Maybe even pack a thermos of something hot for lunch. We’ll meet at the Fairhaven west side park and ride lot at 8:00 am. Trip leader is Mark Turner, who may be contacted at 360-671-6851 or mark@turnerphotographics.com.
November 19, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Mirror Lake Bog
With Thanksgiving following closely after this trip, a walk to Mirror Lake is a timely chance to harvest fresh Cranberries. Mirror Lake has both our native Little Bog Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) and Big Bog Cranberry (V. macrocarpon) native to the east coast but introduced sporadically throughout the west coast for commercial production. Despite the small size of the Mirror Lake bog, there is a nice diversity of bog vegetation. Meet by the tennis courts at Whatcom Falls Park (off Electric Ave., near Lafeens Donuts) at 9:00 AM to carpool. Rubber boots are highly recommended. If time allows, we may also explore the Barrell Springs bog before returning in the late afternoon. Contact Abe Lloyd (arcadianabe@yahoo.com; 360 303-1339) if you have questions.
SUMMER 2016 FIELD TRIPS
June 29, Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sauk Mountain
Sauk Mountain is a short (4.2 mile round trip), moderate hike with 1,200’ elevation gain starting at 4,350’. It is a “perennial” destination for native plant enthusiasts, including Art Kruckeberg who features it in his Wildflower Walks of Washington. There is a plant list on the WNPS website under Skagit County. The hike initially traverses rich subalpine meadows and continues up a series of switchbacks through meadows and rock outcrops to the rocky ridge on top, which plays host to a number of alpine species. There will likely be snowfields at the top, but we should be able reach the summit with its spectacular views. Meet to carpool at the Fairhaven west side park & ride lot at the end of 32nd St for an 8:00 AM departure. We will return to Bellingham at 5:00 PM or a bit later. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net to confirm.
July 2, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Heather Meadows Wildflowers
This will be a moderately easy hike in Heather Meadows. We will be looking at the variability in flowering of common subalpine meadow species by micro-habitat. We will also take a close look at any pollinators that we find on these meadow flowers. If we are very lucky, we might even find a few ripe huckleberries. Bring a lunch, rain gear (including pants), and sturdy shoes. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway. Contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net with questions or to RSVP.
July 16, Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Agate Pond Preserve
Come see an evolving, newly created beaver wetland in the midst of summer drawdown. Native wetland grasses (Gylceria, Deschampsia, Torreyochloa), sedges and rushes, sparganium, Rumex occidentalis, Sagittaria latifolia, Menyanthes, etc. Our guide Tricia Otto will discuss management techniques and problems. Muskrat, mink, bobcat, and bear are currently in residence on her property located 1 mile off North Shore at Agate Bay. Meet at 10 am for wetland walk, bring lunch to have on the veranda, and walk the 100 acre forest preserve in the afternoon as desired. Call Tricia with questions 360-927-0225. Address is 3695 Agate Bay Lane – corner of Agate Bay Lane and Jensen Road. There is plenty of parking at the site. Bring rubber boots if desired.
July 23, Saturday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Heather Pass and Maple Pass loop
Heather Pass and Maple Pass loop is a classic high-country alpine hike that begins at Rainy Pass, loops past Lake Ann, and climbs to spectacular ridges and alpine meadows dotted with larches. Gain about 2000 feet, with a high point of 6650 ft, and round-trip distance of 7.2 miles. Meet at 7:00 am at the Fairhaven west side park & ride. Plan for a long day. Sign up with leader Mark Turner, 360-671-6851 or mark@turnerphotographics.com.
July 29 – July 31, Friday, 8:00 AM thru Sunday
Hart’s Pass Adventure
This will be a three day / two night camping trip to Hart’s Pass on the far eastern edge of Whatcom County. We will be hiking moderately difficult high elevation sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The views are stunning along the trail and the dry side subalpine wildflowers should be prolific in late July. We will leave Bellingham early on Friday and do a short hike near Hart’s Pass on Friday afternoon. We will also do a long hike on Saturday and a shorter hike on Sunday before we begin our return drive to Bellingham. Assuming we can secure camping sites, we will be camping just to the south of Hart’s Pass. There will be a charge for campground sites, although we will likely be able to share these costs. It can be quite chilly in this high elevation area even in late July. Bring a tent, sleeping pad, and warm sleeping bag (or your cozy warm camper). Also bring all the food and water you will need for three days. Hopefully, the weather will be beautiful, but just in case, bring rain gear, a warm coat, a winter hat, and gloves. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the west side Park & Ride off Fairhaven Parkway. RSVP required for this trip. Contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net.
August 13, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Ridley Creek Trail
Rediscover this recently reopened trail, which begins with a safe crossing of the Middle Fork Nooksack River, then wanders through damp woods before climbing to subalpine meadows at Mazama Park. The hike is 2.9 miles and 1800’ elevation gain one-way. Last September we were about 2 miles up the trail in a yellow cedar forest when we were turned back by rain. This trail was the route used in the Mount Baker Marathon in 1911 and in the recent round-trip run from Bellingham Bay to the summit of Baker. Meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway at 8:00 AM. Trip limited to 12. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net to sign up.
September 10, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Table Mountain North end (side table) Alpine Floral Loop
The slightly lower “side table” is accessed from a historic, well-constructed, but neglected trail ascending the West slope. Expect alpine flora and a far west occurrence of Pinus albicaulis (whitebark pine) as we circumambulate the table top. Group A (Annie with acrophobes) return the same route, botanizing subalpine lake and waterfall. Group B (Bob with bolds) continues on the historic route steeply up (exposure) to the more familiar Table Mt. top where botanizing continues, descending via the east end trail. Elevation gains are 650 or 750 ft; distance about 8.4 miles depending on botanical wanderings. Alpine conditions prevail and may lead to weather dictated re-scheduling. Limit 10, therefore pre-registering required. Questions and register with Bob Lemon lemprev@alphahunt.com or (360) 714-8629.
Spring 2016 Field Trips
April 2, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Early Leaves and Flowers (maybe)
This will be a moderately easy early spring hike along Horseshoe Bend Trail and the lower portion of Canyon Creek Road just outside Glacier. Attractions include a heavily shaded riparian conifer forest along the river and a leafless spring deciduous forest along the road. This outing will be a real test of whether our very early flowering last year carries over to this year. Bring a lunch, rain gear (including pants), and shoes that are good for climbing around on bumpy terrain. Meet at 9:00 AM at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway. Contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net with questions or to RSVP.
April 14 -17, Thursday – Sunday
Backpack to Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park
Shi Shi Beach is the northernmost wilderness beach in ONP. It’s two miles of sand stretching from Portage Head south to the renowned Point of Arches. The plan: drive over on Thursday and walk in two miles to a campsite along the beach, botanize the beach and adjoining forests on Friday and Saturday, and hike out and return home on Sunday. This is a National Park wilderness area so there is a limit of twelve persons in the group. Bear resistant canisters (mainly because of the raccoons) are required and can be rented. For details and to sign up contact Jim Duemmel at 360-733-3448 or jimduemmel@q.com.
April 16, Saturday, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
NSEA Native Plant Habitat Garden Planting Party
A Partnership project with Koma Kulshan Chapter of WNPS and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
Help plant 65 native plants, install plant signs, and mulch trails in the new Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association native plant habitat garden at 3057 E. Bakerview Road, Bellingham. The 6-acre site is east of Hannegan Road, down the hill where E. Bakerview turns north to Dewey Rd. (look for the blue NSEA tents!). Wear weather appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry, including sturdy boots. The ground is very wet and you will be digging.
QUESTIONS? Contact Wendy Scherrer, WNPS+NSEA Member (360) 319-9518 or bluegreen.northwest@gmail.com, or Ben Saari, NSEA Restoration Coordinator (360) 715-0283 or restoration@n-sea.org.
April 23, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Baker River
Native plant flowering and bumble bee activity should be at their peak at Baker River during this field trip. The trail is an easy three mile round trip with very little elevation gain. There will be loads of scenic views (snow capped mountains, cold clear rivers, and more), assuming we are blessed with a sunny day. Bring a lunch, snacks, and water; and dress for the weather. Meet to carpool at the west side Fairhaven Park& Ride at the end of 32nd Street at 8:00 am. The trip will be led by Jim Davis. Contact Jim at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net if you have any questions.
April 30, Saturday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Vendovi Island
Vendovi is a 217 acre island south of Lummi Island being maintained in its natural state by the San Juan Preservation Trust. There are no permanent human inhabitants and no deer or other grazing mammals, so the flora is especially healthy. We will visit near the peak of bloom for camas and other wildflowers in south facing meadows, and also explore forest, wetland and shoreline habitats. Bring water, lunch, sturdy shoes and rain gear. We will take a 22 passenger boat from Anacortes to Vendovi Island. The cost will be $45 per person, round trip, payable on the day of the trip. Contact John Bremer at 360-527-3503 or john.bremer@comcast.net to reserve a space.
May 7, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Edfro Creek Preserve and Yúmechiy
Explore the natural and cultural world of the upper South Fork Nooksack River valley with Whatcom Land Trust volunteer Rob Rich and Nooksack Place Names author Allan Richardson. The river bottom upstream from Skookum Creek is being restored through volunteer efforts and help from a colony of beavers. Upstream from Edfro Creek is the important Nooksack cultural site of Yúmechiy (spring salmon place), named for the now endangered South Fork spring Chinook salmon. We will observe and identify a range of native plants in a moss-draped rain forest environment. Bring a lunch and come prepared for wet weather. Also, the trail may be flooded in the area of the beaver ponds, so bring extra boots or expect to get wet feet. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 9:00 AM. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net to confirm.
May 14, Saturday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Birds, Bees, and Blossoms at Ravencrest Farm
This field trip at Ravencrest Farm will focus on spring-blooming native plants and their pollinators. Ravencrest is a 40 acre property (1411 E. Hemmi Rd) dedicated to research and education about native flora and fauna, and to sustainable horticulture and low-impact forestry with native plants. We’ll start at 11 am and go until about 3 pm, but participants are welcome to come and go on their own schedule. Wear waterproof boots if you’d like to get close to the many wetlands. Bring a lunch if you’d like to chat over lunch; warm drinks are provided. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot to carpool. If you’d like to drive to the farm on your own, please get in touch for directions. RSVP if you plan to come. Trip leaders are Anu Singh-Cundy (360-647-8493 or Anu.Singh-Cundy@wwu.edu) and Jim Davis (360-296-5159 jimdaviscpc@comcast.net).
May 20, Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
North Cascades National Park Bioblitz
Help the National Park Service celebrate their centennial by participating in a botanical blitz. We will be joining specialists in other fields of natural history at North Cascades National Park, and work in solidarity with experts at Parks across the nation to tally species in protected areas. Our survey team will identify and photograph plants in the Newhalem area. Meet at the Fairhaven Park and Ride at 8:00AM. Bring a camera if you have one, a sack lunch, and a field guide. Plan to return by 5:00PM. Our specific destination is still to be determined. Please RSVP to Abe (arcadianabe@yahoo.com).
Saturday, June 4, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
South Fork Valley Plant Survey
Join Whatcom Land Trust director of stewardship Eric Carabba and botanists in our chapter to explore the Catalyst–Riverstead preserve and document its flora. Some of this area along the South Fork Nooksack River just upstream from Acme is natural, but much of the 311 acres is undergoing restoration. We will focus on the natural areas, including the gravelly river bed. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square Safeway parking lot at 9:00 AM to carpool to the site. It will also be possible to meet us a bit later near the property at 5400 Rothenbuhler Road. Contact Allan Richardson at 733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net with any questions.
June 11, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Salal Native Plant Garden
Brenda Cunningham, garden manager for the Salal Chapter’s Native Plant Garden, will lead us on a tour of this 1/2-acre garden and nursery in Mount Vernon. The garden was planted in 1998 and has developed into a valuable resource for demonstrating the use of native plants appropriate for the home landscape. The garden includes more than 125 species of plants, and there are a few mystery plants that are in need of identification. A large nursery area under a shade structure is used for plant propagation and their semi-annual plant sales. Come to be inspired and share your ideas on how to improve this facility for the promotion of native plant landscaping. After touring the Native Plant Garden, Brenda will also introduce us to the fruit orchard (maintained by Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation volunteers) and the Master Gardener Display Garden (http://mtvernon.wsu.edu/gardens.html). We will eat lunch in the garden pavilion. Meet at the Fairhaven west side park and ride at 8:00 AM to carpool, or meet us at the gardens at 8:45 AM. Contact Katrina Poppe if you plan to attend (katrinalee_98@yahoo.com or 360-303-7806).
Winter 2016 Field Trips
January 16, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Entish Code
If trees could talk, what would you ask them? With silent resilience, trees stand through fire, drought, wind and snow. Both hard times and good leave their marks for centuries to follow, and this workshop will explore how to measure trees and decipher their Entish code. We will travel to Arcadia—the new property of Abe and Katrina—to estimate tree height and diameter, core, and examine stumps in a grove of mature trees. Tea and coffee provided. Address questions to trip leader Abe Lloyd (arcadianabe@yahoo.com 360-303-1339). Meet at 9 AM at the Fork Restaurant parking lot (intersection of Northshore Rd and Y Rd).
January 23, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Winter Twigs and Buds of Haner Peak, Stewart Mt
Short days and drab winter colors need not keep the keen botanist indoors. All of our deciduous trees and shrubs leave little clues that reveal their identity. This field trip will explore the twigs and buds along the route to Haner Peak, in the Lake Whatcom Park reconveyance land. Wear sturdy boots suitable for hiking on snow, and dress for the weather. We will eat lunch in a place with potential views of Lake Whatcom, the San Juan Islands, and Skagit County. Total elevation gain will be about 1500’. Meet at the main, upper Lake Whatcom Park trailhead just before the end of Northshore Road at 9:00 AM. Bob Lemon, Allan Richardson, and Abe Lloyd are teaming up to lead this trip. Contact Abe at 360-303-1339 or arcadianabe@yahoo.com if you have questions.
February 21, Sunday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Snowshoe Outing
Don your snowshoes and head out to explore the conifers and bare branches along one of the many side roads leading off from Mt. Baker Highway. The exact destination will depend on the snowpack on February 21, but it’s likely to be somewhere between the Wells Creek Road (Nooksack Falls) and the White Salmon Road just a mile or two below the ski area. We’ll look at twigs, buds, and any remaining fruits or seeds we find from last year. Dress for the weather, bring lunch, and prepare to have fun. Meet at 8:00 AM at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway. We might decide to stop for dinner on the way back down the road. Tell Mark Turner mark@turnerphotographics.com, 360-671-6851, you’re going.
March 5, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Annual Cryptogamic Ramble
This year the cryptogam ramble will be along the trails of Sharpe Park on Fidalgo Island, Skagit County (trail map and info at http://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/ParksAndRecreation/parks/sharpe.htm). There could be some relatively steep but negotiable bits and there may be wet bits as well. Meet at the Fairhaven west side Park & Ride lot off 32nd Street at 9 AM or the trailhead at 10. Return between 4 & 5 PM. Contact trip leader Fred Rhoades at 733-9149 or fmrhoades@comcast.net if you have any questions. Bring a hand lens and lunch, and dress for the weather.
March 12, Saturday. 8:00AM to 4:00 PM
Lily Lake Trail
We will be looking for early spring flowers on Blanchard Mtn. This will be a little more than six miles round trip with 1200 foot altitude gain. A plant list is available on the WNPS website. Meet at the Fairhaven west side Park & Ride (at end of 32nd St.) at 8:00 AM. To sign up or if you have questions contact Jim Duemmel at 733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
Autumn 2015 Field Trips
Sunday, September 20, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Ridley Creek Trail
Rediscover this recently reopened trail, which begins with a safe crossing of the Middle Fork Nooksack River, then wanders through damp woods before climbing to subalpine meadows at Mazama Park. The hike is 2.9 miles and 1800’ elevation gain one-way. This trail was the route used in the Mount Baker Marathon in 1911 and in the recent round-trip run from Bellingham Bay to the summit of Baker. Meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway at 8:00 AM. Contact Allan Richardson at 733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net to confirm.
Saturday, October 10, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Hannegan Pass Trail
Join us for an autumn visit to the mountains. There may not be any flowers, but we can study the fruits and seeds, and consider what food is available for wildlife. The trail starts at 3100 feet, and is 4 miles and 2000’ elevation gain to the pass. We will hike as far as the snow level and the weather allow. Be sure to bring rain gear and a lunch. Meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway at 8:00 AM to form carpools. To sign up contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 by phone or by email at jimdaviscpc@comcast.net.
Saturday, October 24, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Whatcom Land Trust Catalyst—Riverstead Property
For the morning we will join a Make a Difference Day work party planting native trees and controlling invasive plants “deep in the heart of WLT’s 311-acre Catalyst–Riverstead property on the South Fork Nooksack River near Acme.” After a lunch break, Eric Carraba, WLT stewardship director, and volunteer John Bremer will lead us on an exploration of the property, directing us to areas of botanical interest. During this tour we will also be starting a plant list as part of a more complete botanical survey. Wear sturdy boots and clothes suitable for a work party, bring rain gear and a lunch. Meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway at 8:00 AM to form carpools. Contact Allan Richardson at 733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net to confirm. If you are driving directly to the site, here are the directions: Travel east on Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542) to Highway 9 (SR9). Head south to Acme and turn left onto Rothenbuhler Road. Travel ¼ mile and turn right at gate, then travel on a gravel road and park by the WLT signs. From there you will need to be prepared to walk a half mile back into the restoration site.
Summer 2015 Field Trips
Friday, July 3, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm or later
Kelcema Lake and a Snohomish County Fen
We will visit Kelcema Lake and an interesting mountain fen along with nearby areas if time permits, all in Snohomish County along the Mountain Loop Highway. This is a long drive, about ninety miles on pavement and four miles on gravel one way. Meet to carpool at the west side Fairhaven park and ride at the south end of 32nd Street at 7:30 AM. A Forest Service permit for parking will be necessary. The fen is small enough that a large group could easily overwhelm the site – so the group is limited to twelve people. To sign up contact Jim Duemmel at 360-733-3448 by phone or by email at JimDuemmel@q.com.
Thursday, July 23, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Alpine Cryptograms
Join the Licheneers on an alpine cryptogam field trip. We will meet at 8:00 a.m. in the Safeway parking lot (in the Sunset Square shopping center on Mt. Baker Highway Rte 542 I-5 exit 255) at the southeast end. We’ll investigate the lichens (and other living things) along and off the Huntoon Point trail from Artist’s Point (elev. 5100 feet). This is about 1/2 mile trail with modest (couple hundred feet) elevation gain. Bring sunscreen, a lunch and water, hand lens and, if you drive, make sure you have a forest parking permit (or we can stop in Glacier to get one). Depending on interest and daily heat (let’s hope it cools down some), we’ll return to Bellingham between 4 and 5 p.m. Please contact Fred Rhoades at 733-9149 or fmrhoades@comcast.net, if you plan to come, so we’ll wait for you.
Wednesday, July 29, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm or later
Anderson and Watson Lakes
We will visit Anderson and Watson Lakes east of Baker Lake near the North Cascades National Park. These secluded subalpine lakes should not be very crowded mid week. In fact, we may not see any other hikers. Late July should be perfect for huckleberries this year, so bring an appetite for berries. It is a long drive to the trailhead with more than 12 miles on a gravel road. Meet to carpool at the west side Fairhaven park and ride at the south end of 32nd Street at 7:30 AM. A Forest Service permit for parking will be necessary. To sign up contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 by phone or by email at jimdaviscpc@comcast.net.
Sunday, August 23, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
South Twin Sisters Sortie
If you heard stories about last year’s trip to “Muenscher meadow” below the South Twin, you might recall it was an all-out bush-whack. However, our toils were richly rewarded when we encountered rich alpine wet-meadows (at 2700 feet!). This year we will attack a different valley and expect to see a dozen or more sedges, some fun Pedicularis species, Dwarf Bilberry (Vaccinium caespitosum), and 10 or more conifers. The geology of the Twin Sister’s range makes for all sorts of botanical surprises! The outing will begin at the south trailhead of the Elbow Lake Trail at the end of Forest Road 12 south of Mt Baker. After 2 miles we will leave the trail and traverse into a basin to the west. The trip will be led by Allan Richardson and Abe Lloyd. Meet at the west side Fairhaven park-and-ride (at the south end of 32nd St) at 7:30 am, and expect to return around 6 PM. Be prepared for some off-trail hiking and small creek crossings. Please RSVP to arcadianabe@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, September 9, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Bogs of Lower British Columbia
Burns Bog and the Richmond Nature Preserve are both extensive peat bogs just across the border in British Columbia. With excellent representations of Ericaceous vegetation we can expect to see some rare blueberries such as Bog Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) and Velvet-leaf Blueberry (V. myrtilloides), as well as Highbush Blueberries (V. corymbosum) gone wild. The keen eyed may spot Lowbush Cranberry (V. vitus-ideae) and the tiny vines of Bog Cranberry (V. oxycoccos). Burns Bog is the largest raised bog on the west coast of North America. Meet at the SE corner of the Sunset Square parking lot at 8:30 AM. Bring your passport, a lunch, sandals or boots, and some gas money. Contact trip leader Abe Lloyd (arcadianabe@yahoo.com) if you have questions.
2015 Introductory Plant Walks
All walks are free and no registration is required, just show up at the meeting spot. The walks will focus on a variety of habitats, with your expert guide introducing you to common trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants native to our area. Leaders will share tidbits on ethnobotany, wildlife use, gardening with natives, and other interesting plant related facts. People of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes that may get wet. Each walk stands alone, or attend them all to get a free mini-course on plant identification. For more information contact: Allan Richardson at 733-5477 or via email at boghill@earthlink.net.
Sunday, April 26, 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve
Visit this gem of a county park, preserved through efforts of the Whatcom Land Trust, at the start of Native Plant Appreciation Week. The forest floor at Point Whitehorn is carpeted with small wild flowers in the spring. Join us for a walk and learn about the flowers, shrubs and trees of this forest on the edge of the sea. The walk will take us to the beach. At this time you may choose to linger on the beach or return to the cars.
Meet at the Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve Park. Directions: take the Grandview Road exit on I-5. Head west on Grandview to the end, turn left (south) on Koehn Rd. and you will soon see the parking lot on the left.
Thursday, May 7, 6:00 pm to dusk
Hidden Forest Foray at Sehome Hill Arboretum
Explore the plants of the Sehome Hill Arboretum, a “secret” natural area in the heart of Bellingham with guidebook author and Arboretum board member Mark Turner. Sehome Hill was logged in the early 20th century and is now developing a mature second-growth forest. We’ll look at trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and a vine or two. Learn what’s native and what’s not.
Meet in the parking area at the top of Arboretum Drive (off Bill McDonald Parkway).
Saturday, May 16, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Padden Lagoon
Join WNPS at the Backyard Habitat & Native Flora Fair. We will walk from the fair area to the City Greenways trails around Padden Creek to see a variety of trees, shrubs and flowering native plants. Make sure to stop at the fair before the walk to purchase some native plants and see various displays.
Meet at the stage at Fairhaven Village Green.
Thursday, May 21, 6:00 pm to dusk
Coastal Ethnobotany at Woodstock Farm
Salish people have harvested food and fiber from coastal areas like Woodstock Farm for thousands of years. Ethnobotanist Abe Lloyd will share traditional uses and identification tips for the colorful plants we will encounter.
Meet at the North Chuckanut Trailhead Parking Lot. We will walk to Woodstock Farm and enjoy good views, unique flora, and conversation.
Thursday, May 28, 6:00 pm to dusk
Downtown Plants at Maritime Heritage Park
Enjoy an evening walk investigating native plants in the urban environment. We will follow the Native Plant Teaching Trail in Maritime Heritage Park along Whatcom Creek and learn about the plants, their names, and uses in native Salish tradition. The walk will be led by anthropologist Allan Richardson, co-author of Nooksack Place Names.
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center, just east of Whatcom Creek, on West Holly Street at Maritime Heritage Park in downtown Bellingham.
Spring 2015 Field Trips
April 18, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Baker River Trail
Join us for a low elevation hike in the North Cascades. The trail is an easy 3 mile round trip with very little elevation gain. We will see a diverse range of native shrubs, annuals, trees, and ferns. Flowers should be very abundant and pollinators should be active in mid April. It is a beautiful setting with glimpses of high peaks. Bring a lunch and snacks, and dress for the weather. We will likely be back to town after 5. Meet to carpool at the west side Fairhaven Park & Ride at the end of 32nd St at 8:00 AM. Trip will be led by Jim Davis. Contact Jim at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net with any questions.
May 2, Saturday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Vendovi Island
Vendovi is a 217 acre island south of Lummi Island being maintained in its natural state by the San Juan Preservation Trust. There are no permanent human inhabitants and no deer or other grazing mammals, so the flora is especially healthy. We will visit near the peak of bloom for camas and other wildflowers in south facing meadows, and also explore forest, wetland and shoreline habitats. Bring water, lunch, sturdy shoes and rain gear. We will take a 22 passenger boat from Anacortes to Vendovi Island. The cost will be $35 per person, round trip, payable on the day of the trip. Contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net to reserve a space.
May 9, Saturday, 8:45 AM to 3 PM
Clark’s Point Work Party
Join us at this WLT Conservation Easement property to restore the hillside where an escaped fire burned native vegetation. We will be planting trees and shrubs and removing invasive plant species. Meet at Fairhaven Park just inside the park entrance on Chuckanut Drive at 8:45 am to coordinate carpooling before heading to Clark’s Point. The formal work party ends at noon, but there may be more to do after we take a lunch break. Wear sturdy clothes and bring rain gear, water and lunch.
May 30, Saturday, 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a public garden containing a unique blend of Pacific Northwest native plants and unusual exotics in a naturalistic, wooded setting. Located in Shoreline, Washington (near Seattle), the Garden was founded in 1958 by Dr. Arthur Kruckeberg and his wife Mareen, who amassed the plant collection over 50 years in the property surrounding their home. We will meet at 8:15 am at the west side Fairhaven Park and Ride to carpool. A Garden docent will be giving us a private tour starting at 10 am, after which we’ll have the afternoon to amble around on our own and be back to Bellingham by 5 pm. Bring a lunch and $10 for the tour. Please RSVP with Katrina Poppe at katrinalee_98@yahoo.com or (360) 303-7806.
June 6, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Jorgenson Bog
Many of the peat bogs in Whatcom County were drained and converted into farm fields by early pioneers. Jorgenson bog has weathered some peat mining, but still has bog cranberries, bog laurel, and several other interesting bog plants. This is the first of a series of bogs that we hope to visit. Stay tuned for trips to Burns Bog and the Richmond Bog this summer. Meet at the Sunset Square parking lot in front of Safeway near Taco Bell at 9:00 AM. Pack a sack lunch and bring rubber boots. We anticipate returning around 3:00 PM. Contact Abe Lloyd (arcadianabe@yahoo.com) if you have questions.
June 14, Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5 PM
Big Tree Experience
An Ancient Forest contrasted with a Managed Forest, both low elevation and having conifers to 8ft diameter. Focus will be on experience and feel of the 2 forests as well as forest ecology and site history. Species lists provided, but not emphasized. Two sites along Mt Baker Highway will be visited: MP 44 Research Natural Area, and MP 31, Whatcom Land Trust Steiner Property. There will be about 6 miles, flatish, but rough walking with some bushwhacking, log walking (elevated trail), and creek crossings. Bring water, lunch, sturdy shoes and rain gear. Meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway at 9:00 AM. Trip will be led by Bob Lemon. Contact him at 714-8629 or lemprev@alphahunt.com if you have any questions.
June 24, Wednesday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Skyline Divide to Deadhorse Volcano
Skyline Divide is noted for its spectacular views of Mt Baker and lush wildflower meadows. Depending on the amount of snow, we plan to go to the end of the established trail and explore the ridge that extends to meet Chowder Ridge. From here we can view the nearby headwaters of Deadhorse Creek, the location of the ancient “Deadhorse Volcano.” The hike is 4.1 miles one way and 2200’ elevation gain to the end of the trail. Bring extra water and enough food for a long day. Meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot out from the Safeway at 7:00 AM. Contact Allan Richardson at 733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net to confirm.
Winter 2015 Field Trips
February 21, Saturday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Winter Twigs and Buds at the Curry Preserve, Lummi Island
Short days and drab winter colors need not keep the keen botanist indoors. All of our deciduous trees and shrubs leave little clues that reveal their identity. This field trip will explore the twigs and buds of the new Curry Preserve on Lummi Island. We will eat lunch in a place with potential views of the San Juan Islands, Mt. Baker, and the BC Coast Range. Meet at the east part of the Sunset Square parking lot near the Skagit Bank at 8:30 AM to carpool. We will return to Bellingham around 3:00 PM. Bring $10 cash for the ferry, a hand lens if you have one, and warm clothes. Contact trip leader Abe Lloyd at (360) 303-1339 or arcadianabe@yahoo.com if you have questions.
March 7, Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Shoreline Plants at Larrabee State Park
Join us for a hike along the beach and up on the headlands within 100 feet of the ocean. This unique and relatively dry habitat is significantly influenced by sun, wind, and salt spray exposure. We should see a few plants that are seldom seen in other habitats (e.g., madrone) and if we are lucky early spring leaves and flowers may be emerging. An afternoon low tide should add even more variation to the hike. We will meet at the Fairhaven west side Park & Ride (at end of 32nd St.) at 10:00 and carpool to the Clayton Beach parking lot. Bring a lunch, rain gear, and shoes that are good for climbing around on rocks. Contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net with questions or to RSVP.
March 22, Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Annual Cryptogamic Ramble
Fred Rhoades will lead this hike, hopefully to the Nesset farm property of the Whatcom Land Trust, if we can get the permission. This lowland area north of the South Fork includes habitats around the farmhouse with some interesting cyanolichens plus the usual treasures along several woodland trails. Please contact Fred Rhoades at 733-9149 or fmrhoades@comcast.net during the week before for final details of location and carpooling. Bring a hand lens and lunch.
March 28, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Samish Island
This will be a visit to a very unusual grove of Garry Oaks, a lowland bald and a salt water shore on the west end of Samish Island. We will walk at most a few miles with some minor scrambling. This is on private property and the group will be limited to 12 people. To reserve a spot contact Jim Duemmel, by phone at 733-3448 or by email at JimDuemmel@q.com. We will meet at the Fairhaven west side Park & Ride (at end of 32nd St.) at 9:00 AM.
Autumn 2014 Field Trips: Sorry You Missed These
November 15, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Lookout Mountain Preserve
This foray will investigate the new Lookout Mountain Preserve near Sudden Valley. There is a wondrous network of trails that visit young and old forests along with scattered wetlands and numerous streams. There are some great waterfall views that harbor some nice fern habitat. The trails are sloped and moderately strenuous. There is ample parking at the site so we will meet there. To get there head east on Lakeway Drive until it becomes Cable Street, then take a right on Lake Louise Road (just before Lake Whatcom). Follow Lake Louise Road for approximately 3 miles. The parking area is very evident on the right (west) side of the road. Be prepared for the weather and bring a sack lunch. If you have questions call trip leader Vikki Jackson at 319-6988 or you can reach her via email at vikki@nwecological.com.
October 18, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fragrance Lake
Fire in the rainforests? Explore the Chuckanut Mountains looking for clues of fire history. Where are the fire-scarred trees? What can the presence and absence of old growth stumps tell us about previous landscapes? Who might have been burning, and why? We will hike from Chuckanut Drive to Fragrance Lake in Larrabee State Park in search of clues in the vegetation. Meet at the Fairhaven west side Park & Ride on Saturday October 18th at 9:00 AM. Contact Abe Lloyd at 360-303-1339 or arcadianabe@yahoo.com if you have questions. We will eat lunch at the lake and return to our cars by mid-afternoon. The round trip is 5.5 miles with 950 feet of elevation gain.
Summer 2014 Field Trips: Sorry You Missed These
July 12, Saturday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM or later
South Twin Sisters Exploration
We will be exploring off-trail to reach the olivine-rich dunite rocks and related soils of the Twin Sisters Mt Range. The outing will begin at the south trailhead of the Elbow Lake Trail at the end of Forest Road 12 south of Mt Baker. At the 2500’ level we will leave the trail and traverse into one of the two basins off to the west. The trip will be lead by Allan Richardson and Abe Lloyd. Meet at the Fairhaven Parkway park-and-ride (west side of I-5 on 32nd St) at 7:30 am to form carpools. Contact Allan at 733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net with any questions.
August 2, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Schreiber’s Meadow Cinder Cone and Lava Fields
Please join us for a subalpine meadow hike on the lower southwest slopes of Mt Baker on August 2. We will be exploring the lava fields and cinder cone of Schreiber’s Meadow and expect to identify many flowering plants, including huckleberries, salmonberries, elderberries, and others. Special attention will be paid to sorting out the various huckleberry species that can be found in the area. We may even learn a little about subalpine pollinators, especially bumble bees. We will meet at the Fairhaven Parkway Park & Ride (west side, on 32nd Street) at 8:00 and return late afternoon. Contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net with questions or to RSVP.
August 8-9, Friday and Saturday
Lone Fir Campground and Cutthroat Lake
Join us to explore these areas along Highway 20 six miles east of Washington Pass. On Friday, starting at 1:00 PM, hike a loop trail from the campground though a very unusual forest that is a mixture of east side and west side species. Stay in the campground Friday night and then, Saturday morning, starting at 9:00 AM, hike to and botanize around Cutthroat Lake, a high mountain lake. Lone Fir is a Forest Service campground very popular as a stopover for travelers along Highway 20. It can fill rapidly in the late afternoon. A morning arrival is advised. People who want to come for just one of the days are welcome. For details or sign up contact Jim Duemmel at 733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
August 23, Saturday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM or later
Boulder Ridge
This sometimes overlooked trail on the SE flank of Mt. Baker passes through a beautiful shaded forest, an extensive wetland, subalpine meadows, and reaches a spectacular moraine and basalt cliffs near Boulder Glacier. Wildflowers abound. This is a moderately strenuous hike of 6-8 miles round trip with one steep and rough stretch of about 500′ vertical. Insect repellant strongly recommended, but maybe bug season will be mostly over. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Fairhaven Parkway west-side Park and Ride. Contact trip leader Allan Richardson at 733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net with any questions.
September 6, Saturday, 7:30 to 6:00 PM
Huckleberries and Ferns at Gold Run Pass and Yellow Aster Butte
The subalpine meadows of Gold Run Pass and serpentine slopes of Yellow Aster Butte host a diversity of unusual plants. We can expect to see numerous ferns and several plants adapted to ultramaephic soils. This is a moderately strenuous, 6-mile round-trip hike, with a total elevation gain of 1800 feet. We will be leaving Bellingham at 7:30 in the morning, eating lunch (and berries) atop Gold Run pass, and then taking a jaunt partway up Yellow Aster Butte to explore the ferns, returning around 6:00PM or later. Hike will be led by Abe Lloyd. Meet at 7:30AM at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square parking lot south of the Cost Cutter/Safeway Market. Contact Abe at (360) 303-1339 or arcadianabe@yahoo.com if you have questions.
September 13, Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or later
Cryptogam Ramble
We’ll do the Damfino Lakes trail at the end of Canyon Creek Road east of Glacier to perhaps gain Excelsior Ridge with its fabulous view of Baker from the north. Return late afternoon/early evening. We should see many subalpine (and alpine?) cryptogams, perhaps a mushroom or two and, of course, other living things. Meet at 8:00 AM at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square parking lot south of the Cost Cutter/Safeway Market. Contact Fred Rhoades at 733-9149 or fmrhoades@comcast.net to confirm and check on last minute details.
Spring 2014 Introductory Plant Walks: Sorry You Missed These
Join our fun, informal walks and get familiar with plants native to WhatcomCounty. Sponsored by the Koma Kulshan Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society, these introductory plant identification walks feature an easy pace and will each last a couple of hours. The walks will focus on a variety of habitats, with your expert guide introducing you to common trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants native to our area. Tidbits on ethnobotany, wildlife use, gardening with natives, and other interesting plant related facts will be shared. People of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes that may get wet. Each walk stands alone, or attend them all to get a free mini-course on plant identification. For more information contact: Vikki Jackson at 319-6988 or via email at vikki.jackson8@gmail.com.
Monday, April 21, 6:00 p.m. to dusk
Wild Foods of Chuckanut Bay
Learning plants is fun when you can eat them too! The picturesque forests along the beaches of ChuckanutBay are rich with wild edibles. Trip leaders Abe Lloyd and Katrina Poppe will share identification tips, traditional Native American plant uses, and their favorite recipes for enjoying nature’s bounty. Rubber boots are recommended.
Location: Meet at the end of Fairhaven Ave in Chuckanut Village (Driving South on Chuckanut Drive, turn Right onto 21st Street and then Right again onto Fairhaven Ave).
Sunday April 27, 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Spring Plant Walk at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve
This week is Native Plant Week and the walk is sponsored by the Whatcom Land Trust and the Washington Native Plant Society. The forest floor at Point Whitehorn is carpeted with small wild-flowers in the spring. Join us for a walk and learn about the flowers, shrubs and trees of this forest on the edge of the sea. The walk will take us to the beach. At this time you may choose to linger on the beach or return to the cars.
Location: Meet at the Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve Park. Directions: take the Grandview Road exit on I-5 head drive West on Grandview to the end, turn L (south) on Koehn Rd. and you will soon see the parking lot on the left.
Saturday May 3, 1-3 p.m.
Backyard Habitat Fair Padden Lagoon Walk
Join WNPS at the Backyard Habitat Fair. We will walk from the fair area down the City Greenways trails around Padden Creek to see a variety of fun native plants. Make sure to stop at the fair before the walk to purchase some native plants.
Location: Fairhaven Green. Meet at the stage at the Fairhaven Village Green.
Thursday, May 8, 6:00 p.m. to dusk
Hidden Forest Foray
Explore the plants of the Sehome Hill Arboretum, a “secret” natural area in the heart of Bellingham with guidebook author and Arboretum board member Mark Turner. Sehome Hill was logged in the early 20th century and is now developing a mature second-growth forest. We’ll look at trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and a vine or two. Learn what’s native and what’s not.
Location: Meet in the parking area at the top of Arboretum Drive (off Bill McDonald Parkway).
Thursday, May 29, 6:00 p.m. to dusk
Downtown Plants
Enjoy an evening walk investigating native plants in the urban environment. We will follow the Native Plant Teaching Trail in Maritime Heritage Park along Whatcom Creek and learn about the plants, their names, and uses in native Salish tradition. The walk will be led by anthropologist Allan Richardson, co-author of Nooksack Place Names.
Location: Meet at the Environmental Learning Center on West Holly Street at Maritime Heritage Park in downtown Bellingham.
Spring 2014 Field Trips: Sorry You Missed These
April 26, Saturday, 9:00 to 4:00
Maple Creek Reach Plant Survey
Join Whatcom Land Trust preserve steward Michael Taylor and botanists in our chapter to explore the Maple Creek Reach preserve and document its flora. This area along the Nooksack where the creek reaches the river has created a distinctive ecosystem known as the Maple Creek Reach (a “reach” being a stretch of river). Some of the area is natural, but much of the 110 acres is undergoing restoration. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Rubber boots may be needed to reach some areas. Meet at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square parking lot by the rock wall just west of Orleans Street at 9:00 AM to carpool to the site. Contact Allan Richardson at 733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net with any questions.
May 10, Saturday
The Balds in Larrabee State Park
We will examine some open areas in the otherwise heavily forested Larrabee State Park. The balds are very steep and the “soil” is shallow, sometimes only moss on bedrock. Due to the fragility of the habitat and safety considerations this trip is limited to six persons. To sign up contact Jim Duemmel at 733-3448 or JimDuemmel@q.com.
May 11, Sunday, 8:30 am to 9:00 pm
Iceberg Point, Lopez Island
Join botanical illustrator Linda Ann Vorobik for an exploration of the natural highlights of Lopez Island, including camas meadows at Iceberg Point in the new San Juan Islands National Monument. Bring lunch and snacks, and dress for variable weather. We will visit a show of Linda’s art in Lopez Village and can get take-out food for early dinner, before lining up for our return ferry. Meet at the Fairhaven Parkway park-and-ride (west side of I-5 on 32nd St) at 8:30 AM to form carpools. Contact Allan Richardson at 733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net if you want to go on this trip. Transportation plans may change depending on the numbers.
May 31, Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sumas Mountain Spring Hike
We will hike from the trailhead on end of Sealund Road, a spur road off South Pass Road, at the north end of Sumas Mountain. After a boggy start (bring boots to stash for initial muddy area) the trail traverses lower elevation mixed forest, passing mining relics and stream views to Friendly Cabin with valley views and then up to Bald Spots for camas and other spring flowers. For those who wish, further up the trail may still lead to calypso orchids and the summit of Sumas Mt. Elevation gain is about 1500′ to the balds with moderate to some steeper trail sections and a bit over 3000’ gain to the summit. Meet at 8:00 AM at the southeast corner of the Sunset Square parking lot, near the closed Cost Cutters. Contact Alan Fritzberg at (360) 671-3985 or arfritz@comcast.net, or Abe Lloyd at (360) 303-1339 or arcadianabe@yahoo.com if you have questions.
June 8, Sunday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Skagit Estuary Salt Marsh and Craft Island
Roger Fuller will lead us on an exploration of the estuarine salt marsh near the north fork of the Skagit River. We’ll check out the lower marsh with the morning’s low tide, then move higher as the tide comes in. A trail from the end of Rawlins Rd. will lead us through the marsh to Craft Island, a lovely lunch spot with grand delta views, and some interesting rocky balds surrounded by junipers that may provide some interesting botanizing opportunities of their own. Bring your preferred footwear for soggy conditions, as well as a WA State Discover Pass if you have one. Meet at the Fairhaven Parkway park-and-ride (west side of I-5 on 32nd St) at 7:30 am to form carpools. Blame the tides for the early start. Contact Katrina Poppe at 360-303-7806 or katrinalee_98@yahoo.com to confirm.
June 21, Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Schreibers Meadow Lava Fields
Please join us for a subalpine meadow hike on the lower southwest slopes of Mt Baker on June 21. We will be exploring the lava fields of Schreibers Meadow and expect to identify many flowering plants, including huckleberries, salmonberries, elderberries, and others. Special attention will be paid to sorting out the various huckleberry species that can be found in the area. We may even learn a little about subalpine pollinators, especially bumble bees that are out in force that time of year. We will meet at the Fairhaven Parkway Park & Ride (west side, on 32nd Street) at 8:00 and return late afternoon. Bring a lunch, warm clothes, and rain gear. Yes, it can still be raining in the mountains in late June. Contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net with questions or to RSVP.
Winter 2014 Field Trips: Sorry You Missed These
January 18, Saturday, 9:00 to 4:00
Larrabee State Park, Coast to Ridge Top
Explore the diversity of habitats from the beaches and bluffs along Samish Bay up through second growth forest to a ridge top overlooking the bay. We will visit Clayton Beach and nearby bluffs during the morning to observe dryer habitats with madrone trees and associated understory plants. For those who want to further indulge their love of our January weather, we will head up to a Chuckanut Mountain ridge top in the afternoon to examine plants associated with dense coastal forests and steep bluffs. Bring a lunch and come prepared for wet weather. Meet at the North Chuckanut Trailhead parking lot at 9:00 AM. Contact Jim Davis at 360-296-5159 or jimdaviscpc@comcast.net to confirm.
February 22, Saturday, 9:00 to noonish
Winter in the Arb
Walk the second-growth forest in the heart of Bellingham at the top of the hill in Sehome Arboretum, affectionately known to many WWU students as “the arb.” We’ll explore the soft and subtle winter palette of dusky evergreens, fallen leaves, and bare twigs. Will the first buds have begun to swell, anxious for spring? How many species can we identify without their leaves? What shrubs would you add to the hilltop, replacing toppled bigleaf maples and red alders that were blocking views from the tower? Meet at 9 am in the parking lot at the top of Sehome Hill. Tell leader Mark Turner (360-671-6851, mark@turnerphotographics.com) you’re coming. Co-leader, Abe Lloyd.
March 22, Saturday, 8:30 to 5:00
Cryptogamic ramble to the Sulfur Creek Lava Flow
Join Fred Rhoades in looking at a rich diversity of lichens, bryophytes and vascular cryptogams. This lava flow leaves the southeast side of Mt. Baker at Schreiber’s Meadow and eventually runs into Baker Lake at about 720 feet elevation. The blocky andesitic rocks are also home to an unusually low-elevation subalpine fir population. We will bushwhack out onto the habitat as high up as the snow has melted. Meet at the south-side, Fairhaven Parkway, Park & Ride lot (west side of I-5 on 32nd Street) at 8:30 a.m. We will return by 5 p.m. Wear sturdy boots. Contact Fred Rhoades at 733-9149 or fmrhoades@comcast.net to confirm.
Fall 2013 Field Trips: Sorry You Missed These
Sunday. October 13, 2013. 8:30 AM
Whatcom Land Trust Survey
The Whatcom Land Trust would like some help documenting the plants at a new site near Glacier known as Bottinger‘s Pond. This is a 66 acre property on the North Fork of the Nooksack River with an upland forest, wetland forest, meadow, and open wetlands. This will be a preliminary visit focused on late season plants of the forested areas and possibly adjacent wetlands. Bushwhacking is likely. Bring a lunch and appropriate clothing. Meet at the S.E. corner of the Sunset Mall lot at 8:30 am for carpooling. Call Barry at 671-8403 for details.
Sunday. October 20, 2013. 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Anacortes Forest Lands – Little Cranberry Lake Wetlands
Join us for a fall wander on the Anacortes Forest Lands on the trails and wetlands around Little Cranberry Lake. The forest lands always provide wonderful botanical finds. Since the trip leader is Vikki Jackson we will surely spend some time pondering wetland flora and if we are lucky some froggy fauna. Be prepared for the weather and bring a lunch. Meet in the Fairhaven West side Park and Ride at 9:00 am.
Summer 2013 Field Trips: Sorry You Missed These
July 13, Saturday, 7:30 AM
Goat Mountain
Goat Mountain has been a favorite Koma Kulshan destination for years. The forest trail, wildflowers, bubbling streams, subalpine meadows, rock outcrops, and stunning views explain why we keep going back for more. Hopefully, interesting plants we have seen in past years will be waiting for us: Corallorhiza trifida, Gaultheria ovatifolia, Botrychium multifidum, and a multitude of species in the higher meadows. This is a moderately strenuous hike. It is 3 miles and 2000 feet elevation gain to reach the meadows. We will continue as far as the snow line and time (and legs) allow. Meet to carpool at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot for a 7:30 a.m. departure. Contact trip leader Abe Lloyd at 303-1339 or arcadianabe@yahoo.com, if you have any questions.
July 27, Saturday, 6:00 AM
Chowder Ridge
Chowder Ridge is a high, rocky, alpine habitat that is home to several uncommon or rare plants as well as being a prime example of alpine areas in the Mt. Baker area. Our route will take us along Cougar Divide (often thick with mosquitoes) and then up the north slope of Chowder to the ridge. There’s likely to be snow along the way, so bring your ice axe for the final ascent to the ridge. Read up on the area in Ron Taylor & George Douglas’s 1978 article <http://tinyurl.com/n57c3vf>. Dave Tucker writes about the geology of the area at <http://tinyurl.com/m3xan9t> and <http://tinyurl.com/memv9zc>. Meet at 6 am at the SE corner of Sunset Square to carpool. This will be a very long day. Bring two meals and plenty of water.
![Moss Campion [Silene acaulis]](https://wnpskoma.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Turner_0813068.jpg)
![Arctic Asters on scree [Aster sibiricus (Eurybia sibirica)]](https://wnpskoma.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Turner_0813044.jpg)
Cougar Divide Topo Map (PDF). It’s about 3.75 miles each way from the trailhead at the end of Wells Creek Road to Chowder Ridge, with about 2325′ elevation gain, with the steepest part at the end.
Sign up with the leader, Mark Turner, 360-671-6851 or mark@turnerphotographics.com.
August 17, Saturday, 7:30 AM
Scott Paul Trail
Mount Baker alpine meadows, forest, and glacial moraine, complete with breathtaking close-ups of the volcano as well as sweeping views of the surrounding North Cascades peaks. We will walk the 8.0 mile loop counterclockwise. The well-graded and smooth trail starts at 3,350 feet and gradually tops out at 5,050 feet. See the plant list on WNPS.org. Notes from a 2012 geology field trip will also be shared. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Fairhaven west side park-and-ride. If you have questions, contact John Bremer at 360-527-3503 or john.bremer@comcast.net.
August 28, Wednesday, 7:30 AM
Lake Ann
The Lake Ann trail has open woods, wet meadows, and rock slopes for botanizing, and a spectacular close-up view of Mt. Shuksan. The trail drops 800’, then climbs 900’ before reaching to Lake Ann in 4.1 miles—of course there is a drop followed by a climb on the way back. There may be some snow fields to cross, but not on steep slopes. Meet to carpool at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot for a 7:30 a.m. departure. Contact Allan Richardson at 733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net with any questions.
September 7, Saturday, 7:30 AM
Ptarmigan Ridge
This late summer hike with spectacular views begins at the end of Mt. Baker highway at Artists’ Point. We should see a few late-blooming plants, ripe blueberries and wildlife. Expect a moderate hike of about 6 or 7 miles, although we could go further depending on the weather and trail conditions. There will likely be some snow fields to cross. Meet to carpool at the southeast corner of Sunset Square parking lot for a 7:30 a.m. departure. Contact Allan Richardson at 733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net with any questions.
September 21, Saturday, 8:00 AM
Cryptogam Ramble
Update: Canyon Creek Road is still closed. The updated location is probably Boulder Ridge on the east side of Mt. Baker. Meeting place is still the southeast corner of Sunset Square in Bellingham.
Hopefully the Canyon Creek road will be back in business by the end of the summer. If so, we’ll do the Damfino Lakes trail at the end of Canyon Creek Road east of Glacier to perhaps gain Excelsior Ridge with its fabulous view of Baker from the north. Meet at 8:00 AM at the usual Sunset parking area south of Cost Cutter Market. Return late afternoon/early evening. If the road isn’t repaired we will return to Dock Butte on the south side of Baker. Either place we should see many subalpine (and alpine?) cryptogams, perhaps a mushroom or two and, of course, other living things. Contact Fred Rhoades at 733-9149 or fmrhoades@comcast.net to confirm and check on last minute details of location and carpool meeting.
Spring 2013 Field Trips: Sorry You Missed These …
April 20, Saturday, 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Woodstock Farm Spring Work Party
The camas we planted last year is up and thriving! Come and help us continue the long-term enhancement and protection of native vegetation in this special place. Bring your clippers and loppers for removal of invasives. Other tools will be provided. We will also take a walk around the property and look at potential planting sites for next fall. Meet at Woodstock Farm at 9:30 AM, the gate will be open so drive down to the house. Dress for the weather (it can be windy there) and bring lunch or snack. Call Annie Prevost at 360-714-8629 with questions.
May 4, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Vendovi Island
Vendovi is a 217 acre island south of Lummi Island being maintained in its natural state by the San Juan Preservation Trust. There are no permanent human inhabitants and no deer or other grazing mammals, so the flora is especially healthy. We will visit at the peak of bloom for camas and other wildflowers in south facing meadows, and also explore forest, wetland and shoreline habitats. Bring water, lunch, sturdy shoes and rain gear. The boat we will use to get from Bellingham to Vendovi has a limit of 12 passengers and will cost $51 per person, round trip, payable at the dock. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net to reserve a space.
May 27, Monday, Memorial Day, 9:15 AM to 3:00 PM
Marine Algae at Cherry Point
This trip will be, depending on your background, a tutorial or seminar focusing on marine algae, somewhat at the expense of animals. The brackish wetland will be an after 3 PM option. Rubber boots, raingear, knee pads, magnifier, a float out pan, lunch, and whatever algae publication you may have, will all be helpful. Meet at 9:15 AM at Cost Cutter lot, Sunset and Orleans, or 10 AM at beach end of Henry-Gulf Rd. Limit 12, therefore please pre-register with Bob Lemon (360) 714-8629 or lemprev@alphahunt.com.
June 8, Saturday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Stimpson Reserve, Wetland Plant Walk
Wandering through the towering Douglas Firs at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve one finds an ancient landscape, spared from the logging that ravaged the remaining lowland forests around Lake Whatcom. Join us as we weave our way through the Reserve’s rich cedar swamps, sedgy stream sides, and marshy ponds on a mission to explore wetland floral diversity and identification. Meet at the Stimpson Reserve parking lot on Lake Louise Road at 9:00 AM. Parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged. Bring a sack lunch, water, and rubber boots. Dogs are not allowed in the Reserve. The trip will be led by Lyle Anderson and Abe Lloyd. If you have questions, contact Lyle at 360-527-3025 or lyleand2@comcast.net.
June 22, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Edfro Creek Preserve and Yúmechiy
Explore the natural and cultural world of the upper South Fork Nooksack River valley with Whatcom Land Trust volunteer John Bremer and Nooksack Place Names author Allan Richardson. The river bottom upstream from Skookum Creek is being restored through volunteer efforts and help from a colony of beavers. Upstream from Edfro Creek is the important Nooksack cultural site of Yúmechiy (spring salmon place), named for the now endangered South Fork spring Chinook salmon. We will observe and identify a range of native plants in a moss-draped rain forest environment. Bring a lunch and come prepared for wet weather. Also, the trail may be flooded in the area of the beaver ponds, so bring extra boots or expect to get wet feet. Meet at the southeast corner of Sunset Cost Cutter parking lot at 9:00 AM. Contact Allan Richardson at 360-733-5477 or boghill@earthlink.net to confirm.