Sign up for April Field Trips

Our 2013 field trips are starting this April. Don't forget to sign up with trip leaders. 

Sunday, April 21^st: Methow Rapids Natural Area Preserve

Sandra Strieby will lead an exploration of the DNR’s Methow Rapids Natural Area Preserve (NAP).  Located near Pateros, the NAP features two rare types of native shrub-grassland that were once common: the antelope bitterbrush/bluebunch wheatgrass association and the smooth sumac/bluebunch wheatgrass association.  It is also home to a variety of forbs, from ferns (Cystopteris fragilis) to cactus (Opuntia cf fragilis)—we’ll see what’s blooming when we get there.  In particular, we will be looking for any plants that are not already on the DNR’s list for the area.  

When: We will meet at 9:00 in back of Hank’s (next to the apple orchard), and plan to return to Twisp by 2:00.  Parking is very limited at the NAP, so we’ll aim to carpool in as few vehicles as possible.  

Trip rating: 3 (moderate).  The terrain is gently sloping; walking is fairly easy, but there is no trail.  The ground is strewn with granite boulders of various sizes.  The site is fenced and getting in requires climbing over or through the fence.  

The NAP is a sensitive site, accessible only by permit.  The field trip is limited to 12 people, including the leader.  Please bring a lunch, water, sturdy footwear, all-weather clothing and sun protection.  

To join this field trip notify Sandra Strieby, (509) 997-2576 or sandra102 at centurytel.net.  Reservations are strongly recommended as our permit allows only 12 people.  

Thursday, April 25th: Patterson Mountain

Caryl Campbell will lead the trip up Patterson Mountain.  The spring flowers should be in full force by then, but the bitter-root will probably not be blooming yet, but maybe.  Bring binocs, we always notice birds too.  Bring snacks and water and always carry rain gear.

When: Meet at 9:00 am at the MVSTA town trailhead parking lot...or at Patterson Mt. parking area.  Let Caryl know which lot you will be in.

Trip rating: 3 (moderate).  The trail is about 3 miles; we will spend about half a day, depending on how much botanizing we do.  Limit is 12 people.  

To join this field trip notify Caryl Campbell (509)996-3458 or email: bearfight at methownet.com.  

Sunday, April 28th: Aspen Lake Area

Join Bergen Brell and Rosalee de la Forêt for a trip up and around the Aspen Lake area observing early spring wildflowers and medicinals to kick off Native Plant Appreciation Week!  

When: 9 a.m. at the back of the Community Center parking lot in Twisp, then car pool up to the Frost Rd. pull out just before the gate.  

Trip rating: 3 (moderate).  

To join this field trip notify Bergen Brell, (509) 997-0625 or bergenbrell at yahoo.com.  

Sunday, April 28^th: Planting at the Methow Valley Interpretive Center’s Native Garden.  

Join Rob Crandall in planting natives after the Aspen Lake walk, before the Interpretive Center’s last-Sunday talk, or anytime in between.  Please call Rob at (509) 341-4060 or visithttp://www.okanogannativeplants.org/p/field-trips-2013.html for more information.