Join Kevin Head to see the early flowers in the prairies in Thurston County. We will see the beginnings of a special place in south Thurston County.

The early sightings bring us to peak of fawn lilies (Erythronium oregonum), Henderson’s Shooting Stars (Dodecatheon hendersonii), and a host of other prairie plants. This hike is a three-mile round trip through prairie and oak habitats. We will meet in Olympia at 9 am and carpool to our hike. Bring a lunch and rain gear plus sitting pad if you want. Contact Kevin Head at khead@ekit.com or 360.943.3752. This hike is open to the first twelve people to sign up.



Bresemann Forest Walk and Native Plant Survey
Sunday, May 1, 2011       1-3 PM

Come join Bill Brookreson, test your plant identification skills, and open Native Plant Appreciation Week with a walk and native plant survey of Pierce County’s Bresemann Forest. Bresemann Forest, a part of Pierce County Parks, is located in Spanaway west of the Sprinkler Recreation Center. Bresemann Forest is approximately 70 naturally wooded acres featuring a network of pedestrian nature trails with a delightful native plant assembly (so far, we have identified 43 native plant species as we have begun assembly of a plant list for the park), and many bird species for the bird watcher. The park features Morey Creek with its wetlands as well as the woodland species. There are numerous plants of interest including a surprising number of Pacific yew (Taxis brevifolia) and, in early summer, a glorious display of ocean spray (Holodiscus discolor).

Our goal will be to see how many new plants, native and non-native we can identify and add to our plant list. Prizes will be offered to those finding the most new plant additions. Bring your favorite plant ID book.

Bresemann is a short drive from Tacoma. From I-5, take exit 27 (Highway 512) east. Take the second exit (Parkland/Spanaway-Pacific Avenue.) Turn right on Pacific Avenue (SR 7).. Head south for 2.7 miles then turn right on Military Road (152nd St.).  Sprinker Recreation Center is 1 1/2 blocks down on the right. We will assemble on the west side of the parking lot at 10 am. For more information or to sign up, contact Bill Brookreson at 253.564.1137 or b.brookreson@comcast.net.
 

Columbia Coast Field Trips 

In February, check http://www.reachone.com/columbiacoastplants/, Kathleen Sayce’s website, to learn about this year’s field trips on both sides of the Columbia River near the coast.