Photo of Penstemon linarioides
Photo courtesy of the Dale A. Zimmerman Herbarium, WNMUOn Sunday, September 17, 2017, the Gila Native Plant Society will conduct its last field trip of the season. We will head for Black Jack Trail in the Big Lue Mountains in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, just over the state line in Arizona. One-way travel time is approximately 1½ hours. This moderate hike on FS Trail 568 at elevation 6300 feet starts at the Black Jack Campground. Expect to see geraniums, fleabanes, penstemons, Chihuahua pines and more. The forecast is for good September weather.

All those interested should meet a little before 8 a.m. in the south parking lot of the WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater for carpooling. Please come prepared with good footgear, sun protection, plenty of water and lunch or snacks. For further information contact Kevin Keith at 575-535-4064.

The Gila Native Plant Society conducts field trips on the third Sunday of each month from April through September. Each field trip is to a different location, in order to explore the diversity of our native plants. All field trips are free and open to the public.

Gila Native Plant Society is committed to promoting education, research and appreciation of the native flora of the Southwest, encouraging the preservation of rare and endangered plant species and supporting the use of suitable native plants in landscaping. For information on programs, publications and membership, please visit www.gilanps.org.