Calendar of Events
For our Google Calendar of Events, click here
Official
CNPS Events and those of special interest to plant-lovers!
Upcoming Events:
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About Events
All events are subject to change - please check back here often for updates, additions, cancellations, etc. For trips involving traveling any distance to meet, it's also a good idea to check with the trip leader the day before to make sure nothing has changed.
May
- May 6, Saturday, 11-2: Native Plant Sale at ESLT Gardenfest, Bristlecone Chapter and Eastern Sierra Land Trust Event
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On May 6th from 11-2 the Bristlecone chapter will be having a native plant sale and the Eastern Sierra Land Trust's Gardenfest The event will be held at the Land Trust's back garden, 250 N. Fowler in Bishop. There will be a smattering of plants (click to see list) that were started last fall and Julie Fontaine will be there with her magical compost tea. This is an in-person sale so come early if you have certain plants you really want. See Flyer Here
- May 7, Sunday, 9 am to 1 pm: Rising from the Ashes, Hogback Fire Area near Lone Pine, with leaders: Richard Potashin & Nancy Hadlock; Bristlecone Chapter Field Trip
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Fires have been demonized for centuries. However, fires can produce a positive effect. Following wildland fires, some plant seeds are stimulated by the flames and fertilized by the ashes. What comes up the following years can be a profusion of plant species that have not been viewed for years. Join the BLM volunteer leaders in search of what has appeared this season following 2021's fire season. Meet at Moffitt Ranch turn-off from Hwy 395 (about 3 miles south of Manzanar). High clearance vehicles recommended. Bring water, hats, snacks/ lunch, boots. Any questions, contact 760-258-6574 or aspenluv1@gmail.com
- CANCELED
May 13, Saturday, 7 am: Southern Owens Valley Botanical Exploration, Bristlecone Chapter Event. Leader: Jerry Zatorski -
This will be primarily a driving excursion through some of the Owens Valley, Independence to Lone Pine. This area is often forgotten when it comes to looking for interesting flora, but when the rains do come the desert flats and slope come alive. From the common annuals and shrubs to the often sought after rarities, anything can be possible. The exact route will be determined prior to the trip based on the most favorable floral displays. Participants should bring lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids, field guides, hand lens. Dress for the weather & conditions, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes... For those driving, 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended as the roads are always unpredictable, as a little extra assurance is nice to have, and have your vehicle fueled up and ready to go. Itinerary subject to change based on DWP limits to access because of high run-off. We will meet at 7:00 AM at Independence Park, at the south end of Independence. For more information contact Jerry at jerryzat@gmail.com.
- May 27, Saturday, 7 am: Black Canyon and Marble Canyon, White Mountains, Bristlecone Chapter Event, Leader: Jerry
Zatorski
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Black Canyon begins at about 4500 ft at its opening on the alluvial fan. From there we will head up-canyon making stops along the way as the flowers dictate. At about 5500 ft Marble Canyon forks off to the east, and we’ll hike up to the Montenegro Spring area at about 7000 ft. We will also hike a bit up Black Canyon to at least Lower Black Canyon Spring. At these elevations many botanical treats can be found, and with some determination and little luck, species such as Broom Milkvetch, Buckwheat, Desert Crab Apple, Dwarf Ninebark and Mono Penstemon are all possible and may only scratch the surface here. Don’t forget binoculars! This is not only a great location for plants, but is also an excellent place to see and hear hummingbirds flying about defending breeding territories along with other passerines all in full breeding plumage and song. There will be about 5 miles of hiking, at least half of it up hill. Participants should bring lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids, field guides, hand lens. Dress for the weather conditions, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes... 4WD vehicles with clearance are strongly recommended as the road up Black Canyon is always unpredictable. We will meet at 7:00 AM at the junction of Warm Springs Rd. and East Side Rd. For more information contact Jerry at jerryzat@gmail.com.
June
- June 15: July-August Bristlecone Chapter Newsletter Deadline
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Today is the deadline for submissions for the March-April Bristlecone Chapter Newsletter to our Newsletter Editor, Elaine Chow, at newsletter@bristleconecnps.org. Contact Elaine with any questions.
July
- July 15, Saturday, 10am-4pm: Upslope and into the sky: alpine plant communities and climate change in the
White Mountains, CA, Bristlecone Chapter Event, Leader: Kaleb Goff
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Meet at the Sheep Pass Parking Lot, White Mountains, CA: (37.531658, - 118.205511), Join PhD student and enthusiastic field botanist Kaleb Goff on a field trip to explore the alpine plant communities of the austere yet stunning White Mountains. Learn about the delicate balance of life in these environments, and how these communities are being impacted by climate change. From the delicate blooms of Townsendia to the robust culms of Calamagrostis, see firsthand the adaptations that allow these plants to exist in extreme conditions. Explore the multitude of microhabitats that characterize alpine landscapes, and leave with a renewed sense of wonder. I imagine a relaxed walk and exploration from ~ 10am to 4pm, with time for lunch included. The total walking distance would be about 2 miles, though some of this is steep, rocky and off-trail.
August
- August 15: September-October Bristlecone Chapter Newsletter Deadline
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Today is the deadline for submissions for the September-October Bristlecone Chapter Newsletter to our Newsletter Editor, Elaine Chow, at newsletter@bristleconecnps.org. Contact Elaine with any questions.
- Saturday, August 26, 8 am: Saddlebag Lake and Hummingbird Lake, Bristlecone Chapter Event, Leader Jerry
Zatorski
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This will be a backcountry hike from the parking lot at Saddlebag Lake. The trail around Saddlebag Lake is well maintained and the views of the back side of Yosemite are spectacular. The hike around Saddlebag Lake is relatively flat, and once on the northern end of the lake we’ll head north making our way up to Hummingbird Lake, and maybe a little further on trails and some cross country. Most of this area is in the alpine zone, above tree line, and the snows should have receded enough for us to be greeted by many alpine species. Depending on your level of fitness, this is a moderate to strenuous hike at high elevation (all above 10,000 ft), and is only recommended for those in good hiking condition. This trip will take most of the day and participants should bring plenty of fluids and food, field guide, camera, a hand lens, and dress for weather. We will meet at the Saddlebag Lake parking lot at 8:00 AM. From Lee Vining, go west 9.8 miles up SR 120 (Tioga Pass Rd), just after the first lake on the left (Ellery Lake) take the right turn to Saddlebag Lake and go 2.5 miles to the trail head. For more information contact Jerry at jerryzat@gmail.com.
Being Planned:
Check the CNPS state website at https://www.cnps.org/education/workshops for 2023 workshops or to sign up to get their announcements.
In the past, the Bristlecone Chapter has hosted two events on alternate years – a Spring or Summer Sojourn and the Bristlecone Chapter Banquet. We haven't held these in a number of years, but they could be revived if there are more volunteers and interest! In 2013 we held a Spring Sojourn in Big Pine. The Sojourn is a weekend of field trips, evening programs and visiting. In 2009 it was held in July at the Crooked Creek Facility in the White Mountains. In 2011 and 2012 we did not hold a special event due to lack of available volunteers. The 2010 Banquet was held in July at the Crowley Lake Community Center. In order to continue hosting these events, we need volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering to help organize events or to lead a trip, contact any board member!
About Bristlecone Chapter Events
Bristlecone Chapter Field Trips:
Every year the Bristlecone Chapter plans a variety of excursions to interesting and floriferous places. Our trips usually begin in late March to points in the low desert of our region, such as Death Valley or the Mojave Desert, where the flower display begins in early spring. We generally follow the flowers up in elevation as spring and summer progress, ending our quest for blooms in the highest regions of our awesome surrounding mountains in mid-summer. Our explorations usually finish with an appreciation of fall colors displayed in the extensive aspen groves found in the Eastern Sierra. We also schedule seed collecting or cleaning trips and work parties at the Mary DeDecker Native Plant Garden in Independence.
Everyone is welcome on our field trips, whether or not you are a member of CNPS, and whether or not you know a turnip from a scarlet monkeyflower!
Please keep in mind that all events, especially field trips which rely on outdoor conditions, are subject to change. Check back here often for updates, additions, cancellations, etc. Also, especially for events requiring travel, consider contacting the trip leader the day before the trip to confirm.
Field Trip Policies
Event Photos
Annual Bristlecone Chapter Events:
The Bristlecone Chapter hosts two events on alternate years – a Sierra Spring or Summer Sojourn, and the Bristlecone Chapter Banquet. Whether we hold these special events or not in a given year depends on how many dedicated volunteers step up to organize and help make them happen. If you are interested in volunteering to help us put on one of these events, or for any other reason, contact any board member!Our chapter members are encouraged to attend both events. The public is also welcome.
The Sojourn is a weekend of field trips, evening programs and visiting. In 2013 it was held at the end of May at the Sierra Adventure Center at Bernasconi Ranch located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains west of Big Pine at an elevation of about 5000 feet. In 2009 it was held in July at the Crooked Creek Facility in the White Mountains. Watch the newsletters and events page for when the next event is planned!
Also don't miss our Annual Native Plant Sales!
General Bristlecone Chapter Meetings and Presentations:
Membership meetings include brief discussion of chapter business, followed by a presentation by a guest speaker. Presentations are geared to appeal to persons of a wide range of knowledge of native plants, from beginners to professional botanists. The November meeting each year is a pot luck, often with a members’ slide show in lieu of a speaker.
Unless otherwise announced, General Chapter Meetings will be at the White Mountain Research Station (3000 E. Line St. Bishop).
