Field Trip: Alpine Ecology and Botany
When: Thursday, September 12, from 8am-4pm
Where: Hart's Pass (Carpooling from town)
*Event full. Email Bridger to join the waitlist.*
This full day in the field is a great chance to learn more about the plants and ecosystems that define our local, high alpine environments. We will depart in the morning and drive to Hart's Pass, a great jumping off point for learning about the range of diverse plants that are supported by different ecological features. We’ll explore species in riparian areas, rocky cliffs, alpine meadows, and forest habitats.
This trip will involve walking on uneven terrain, but minimal distance and elevation gain (so many fun plants to stop and discuss). Carpooling will be arranged from the Methow Conservancy and/or Mazama Trailhead as needed. It’s recommended you bring sturdy hiking boots, a packed lunch, and water. If you have a hand lens (10x recommended), camera, and any plant ID books you’d like to bring please do. Reach out to Bridger with any questions you may have.
Facilitator Biographies:
Mack Laverick (she/they): Resource Assistant Botanist for the Methow Valley Ranger District. Mack moved to Washington this January after completing her Msc. in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Biodiversity, and Conservation at the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in London. She received her BS. from the University of Vermont in Botany and has worked various field jobs in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Vermont. Alpine plants are one of their passions, though they’re always happy to go off on other ecological tangents from salamanders to bees and more.
Kelly Baraibar (she/her): Central Washington Initiative Botanist (Wildfire Crisis Restoration), previously the Methow Valley Ranger District Botanist.
