Calendar

CALENDAR

Evening programs are free, public programs on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May, at the Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Rd., Arcata. Refreshments at 7:00 p.m.; program at 7:30 p.m. For information or to suggest a speaker or topic contact Michael Kauffmann at 407-7686 or michaelekauffmann @gmail.com

Outings are open to everyone, not just members. All levels of expertise, from beginners to experienced botanizers, are welcome. Address questions about physical requirements to the leader. It is wise to contact the leader before the trip, in case plans change.
 

 February 12, Wednesday. 7:30 p.m. "A Brief Delving into the Lives of Some Gall Wasps Associated with Oaks, Chinquapins, and Tanoak."  Join Dr. John DeMartini, a Humboldt State University professor emeritus with a passion for regional natural history, to learn more about the tiny, gentle wasps of the family Cynipidae that collectively produce galls on members of the oak and rose families.  Galls are tumors produced by specific insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.  Cynipid gall wasps produce from very simple to very ornate galls serving as habitat for egg development to adult.  A goal of this talk is for the audience to become aware of galls and consequently to enjoy time in the field observing their amazing biology and architecture.

February 22, Saturday. Skunk Cabbage-Coastal Trail Day Hike.  Our hikes from the Skunk Cabbage Trail trailhead have never made it all the way north to the beach, so this time we will start at the beach end by Davison Road, walk about a mile at the back of the beach along the base of the bluffs, turn up the Skunk Cabbage Trail, and walk 1.5 miles through coastal scrub and spruce forest as far as the view point.  Total, round-trip hike is 5.6 miles (if we really make it all the way). We will see hints of spring in the scrub and forest, as well as dune, wetland, and riparian plants along the way. This trail is a section of the California Coastal Trail in Redwood National and State Parks.  Dress for the weather on an exposed beach and in a shady forest. Bring lunch and water. Meet at 9 a.m. at Pacific Union School (3001 Janes Rd., Arcata). Tell Carol you are coming, if you want to know of any changes due to weather: 707-822-2015; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

March 11, Wednesday.  7:30 p.m.  "Tribal Uses and Stewardship of Plants, Habitats, and Ecosystems in Northwestern California."  Join Frank Lake, a researcher with the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Fire and Fuels Program, for a presentation focused on California tribal uses and stewardship of plants.  Northwest California offers a dynamic range of ecosystems including coastal headlands, redwood, oak woodland-prairies, Douglas-fir, tanoak, and interior mixed conifer/hardwood forests.  Frank will take us on a historical, ethnographic, and ethnobotany journey across these ecosystems by weaving data and imagery to illustrate the complexity and diversity of tribal knowledge.  The practices discussed will guide collaborative restoration efforts in our region into the future.  He will also focus on plants used for basketry, food, and utilitarian purposes associated with tribal stewardship of those habitats. 

March 22, Sunday. Botanizing Neukom Farm Day Hike.  Neukom Farm covers rich, valley floor with some agricultural fields, but also mature trees, old meadow, a seep, and river bluff above the Trinity River in Willow Creek. The Neukom family has invited us to come see this special habitat.  They have found Calypso Orchids, but not trilliums. With 40 recently-acquired acres to explore, these treasures are a real possibility. We will be tramping around on informal paths, farm roads, and off trail all day. Dress for the weather. Bring lunch and water.  Meet at 9 a.m. at Pacific Union School (3001 Janes Rd., Arcata). Please tell Carol you are coming: 707-822-2015; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

April 8, Wednesday.  7:30 p.m. "Vascular Plants of Northwestern California: a Story of Plants and People."  Dr. James P. Smith, Botany Professor emeritus at Humboldt State University, leads us on an evening celebrating our plants, our local botanists, and our chapter's 50th anniversary.  His recently published book will be for sale.

April 11, Saturday (Good Saturday). Stony Creek Day Hike.  The traditional April destination of the North Coast Chapter in its early days, 50 years ago.

April 25, Saturday. 10 a.m-12 noon.  Ferns in the Dunes, At the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Carol Ralph will introduce eight species of common ferns during an easy walk of about 1/4 mile along the riparian edge of the dunes, and discuss some of the amazing aspects of fern life. Bring a hand lens if you have one and be prepared for mosquitoes. Meet at Pacific Union School, 3001 Janes Road in Arcata and carpool to the protected site. Co-sponsored by the California Native Plant Society and Friends of the Dunes. Please reserve your space by contacting Friends of the Dunes at (707) 444-1397 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

May 1,2,3, Fri., Sat., Sun.  Spring Wildflower Show.  Theme: Pollination and Pollinators.  Jefferson Community Center, 1000 B St., Eureka. 

May 2,3  Native Plant Sale.  Freshwater Farms Reserve,  5851 Myrtle Ave.

May 13, Wednesday. 7:30 p.m.  "Botanizing the BLM Lands of the North Coast."  Jennifer Wheeler, botanist for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Arcata, will take us on a virtual journey across BLM lands on the North Coast.  The BLM manages a diverse collection of habitats across Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino Counties, including Red Mountain, South Fork Eel, and King Range.  Jennifer will introduce us to a variety of wonderful plants including the newly described Wailaki Lomatium (Lomatium kogholiini) from the Red Mountain Area of Critical Environmental Concern.  We will also visit the Douglas-fir forests of Butte Creek Management Area and the oak woodlands of Lacks Creek and Travis Ranch. 

 May 15-17, Friday-Sunday.  Likely weekend of an overnight and day hikes trip around Weaverville with the Shasta Chapter.