2004 ACTIVITIES

"The California Wilderness Coalition (CWC) works to identify, protect and restore critical wildlife habitat areas and habitat linkages in California's distinctive bioregions. Through the California Wildlands Project, the CWC is working to provide a blueprint for the preservation of California’s flora and fauna using scientific principles to identify the habitat necessary to assure the survival of the Golden State’s diverse species."

Dave will be describing the very unique and threatened Crescent City Marsh, home to more than half the global distribution of western lily at least 12 other CNPS listed species, and plant communities found nowhere else in northern California, and the equally unique Point St. George, recently acquired by Del Norte County. The two habitats together contain not less than 25% of all rare plant species in Del Norte County. Cal Fish and Game's draft management plan for the Crescent City Marsh Wildlife Area, and the recently adopted management plan for Point St. George will also be discussed. Both areas will be managed to benefit the western lily and many other sensitive species present.

Dave was a Forest Service botanist for 5 years, then a biological consultant for 15 years, and three years ago became an ecologist for USFWS responsible for the listing and recovery of federally listed plants in the northwestern five counties of California.

Emily will describe how this administration and its supporters in Congress have instituted an unprecedented program of anti-environment roll-backs. Since most individual policy changes are relatively small in scope, the cumulative significance has largely escaped public attention. Public input is being circumvented and the recommendations of agency staff are being bypassed, and more than ever before, public policy is being re-written by small groups of individuals meeting behind closed doors in Washington DC.

"We will have a wide array of native plants for sale, including trees and shrubs for landscaping. Now is the time to plant perennials for the best root growth over the winter (plus no watering necessary!). For the best selection, come Saturday morning. The Native Plant Arboretum behind the school is a great place to see many of the species that we'll be selling. Hope to see you there." Jennifer Kalt, Plant Sales Coordinator North Coast Chapter.

Join fire ecologist Steve Norman in part of Humboldt Redwoods State Park that burned last summer to see what is sprouting, what is not, and the patchy nature of fire. We have permission to be in the burned area, which is closed to the general public. We will hike 2-4 miles in the alluvial redwood forest and the upslope Doug fir-redwood forest. The list we make of all we see will be useful to the researchers and park interpreters. We need lots of sharp eyes! Bring food and water for a day, appropriate clothing, and footwear in which to wade across the river if the bridge has been taken out. We'll be back at the cars about 4 p.m. Meet at Pacific Union School, 3001 Janes Rd., Arcata, at 8:30 am or at the Garden Club of America Grove in the state park at 10:00 a.m.. That grove is along Avenue of the Giants south of Weott and the visitors center, and north of Myers Flat. Questions and trip confirmation: Carol Ralph 822-2015.

Follow a transect across Northern California from local dunes through the Klamath Mountains to Cascade lakes. The diversity of the Sedge family, which includes many rare taxa and wetland plants, will be explored. This talk will travel from salt marsh to lakeshore, and talus slope to floating island. The beaked-rushes, bulrushes, cotton grasses and spike rushes will guest-star in this sedge-fest travel-log.

"Sedges are the largest genus of flowering plants in California. They also are the largest genus of wetland indicators in the state. You can find out even more about sedges at this full day workshop. Immerse yourself in sedge morphology, keying, and identification of local coastal taxa. We'll begin with a basic review of sedge biology and morphology. The rest of the day will be hands-on, keying and identifying specimens in the lab. The workshop is suitable for beginners as well as all other levels of caricology. Participants should bring a dissection kit, including extra-fine forceps, a Jepson Manual, and a lunch. Coffee, tea and bagels will be provided in the morning. Space is limited so register early." Gordon Leppig

Late addition from Carol (10/25):" I have just arranged a second Ferndale property for us to explore on Nov 6, when we've finished with the 43 acres of pasture and riparian. We are invited to a 100-acre forested property along the coast. An old logging road runs the length of it, and we can walk that. The owners of both these properties are really looking forward to help with their plant lists."