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Bristlecone Chapter of the California Native Plant Society

Spring Flower - Mojave Woodyaster

Mojave Woodyaster, Black Canyon,
Photo by Larry Blakely

News:

The May-June 2023 Bristlecone Chapter Newsletter is online - read online or download and print.

The deadline for submitting articles for the next issue is June 15th, 2023.

Looking for somewhere to lead a field trip? Check out new plant lists added under Plants/Plant Checklists!

Upcoming CNPS Events and Other Events of Interest

Field Trips, Meetings, and other events of interest scheduled for the next month or so – for more events, including non-CNPS events which may be of interest to our members, see our Events Page.

CNPS Event May 6, Saturday, 11-2: Native Plant Sale at ESLT Gardenfest, Bristlecone Chapter and Eastern Sierra Land Trust Event

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

CNPS Event 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

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

CNPS Event 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.
CNPS Event May 27, Saturday, 7 am: Black Canyon and Marble Canyon, White Mountains, Bristlecone Chapter Event, Leader: Jerry Zatorski

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.

CNPS Event June 15: July-August Bristlecone Chapter Newsletter Deadline

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.

CNPS Event 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

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.

For more events, including some from other organizations, see the Bristlecone Chapter Events Page

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The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a state-wide 501(c)3 non-profit organization of lay persons and professionals who share an interest in California’s native plants. The Society, working through its local chapters, seeks to increase the understanding of California’s native flora and to preserve this rich resource for future generations. Membership is open to all.

The Bristlecone Chapter covers all of Mono and Inyo Counties and northeastern Kern County, an area that includes the east slope of the Sierra Nevada, the Northern Mojave Desert, the Inyo and White Mountains, and the Owens Valley. The southern end of the Bristlecone Chapter’s geographically large territory, in and around the Indian Wells Valley, has its own sub-chapter, Creosote Ring.

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