Photo of FendlerbushThe Gila Native Plant Society will continue its summer program of plant exploration with a field trip on May 20 to Railroad Canyon in the Black Range, led by Hanna Blood. Starting at around 7100 ft. elevation, we will wander along Gallinas Creek. It will be a moderate hike as there are numerous stream crossings, but the creek it isn't running high at this time of year and we shouldn't have to get our boots wet.
Photo of black cherryHanna has checked out the canyon, and this is how she describes the plants we will see:
"The canyon has a wonderful mixture of conifers and deciduous trees and is rich in diversity. We will be greeted by huge Douglas Fir (Pseudosuga menziesii) and blooming Box Elders (Acer negundo) as well as the chime of running water. There are also plenty of lovely Alder (Alnus oblongifolia) unfurling their sweet smelling leaves and Blue Willow (Salix irrorata ) popping out.
The stream bank is home to many friendly forest herbs like violets, wild strawberries, raspberries, Wood's Rose and members of the mint family. We will keep a watchful eye out for Stinging Nettle (Urtica sp.) and Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) – good to know but not too well! Hidden in the understory we will find Meadow Rue (Thalictrum fendleri ) and False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum) pushing new growth out of the pine duff. The Wild Cherries (Prunus sp.) will be blooming along with Fendlerbush (Fendlera rupicola) in all their glory! Come wander this magical canyon and be in love with plants!"
Meet at 8 a.m. in the south parking lot of the WNMU Fine Arts Center Theatre for carpooling. All are welcome. The drive will take about 50 minutes each way on highways 180 and 152. As Hwy 152 winds its way up through the Black Range a sign on the left marks Railroad Canyon, Forest Service Trail #129. Pull in and through the picnic area. At the end of the little track is a parking lot in an old quarry. For further information contact hannablood@gmail.com.
The Gila Native Plant Society conducts field trips on the third Sunday of each month from April through the summer. Each field trip will be to a different location, in order to explore the diversity of our native plants. 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.