Registration opens March 15 at 6 a.m.
Explore the biologically rich habitats of one of SOLC’s newest properties! This preserve shelters mounded prairie and vernal pool communities that include three threatened and endangered species—a fairy shrimp and two wildflowers. This property also protects legacy oak savanna habitat in the Rogue Valley. We’ll take an approximately 1.5 mile stroll. Highlights will include seeing federally-listed endangered Cook’s desert parsley and large-flowered meadowfoam plants in bloom as well as many other spring wildflowers. We will also be observing abundant bird life. We’ll end the walk learning about the Oregon Department of Transportation’s award-winning vernal pool restoration project.
SOLC currently protects more than 845 acres of vernal pool-mounded prairie habitat at six unique properties in our Agate Desert-Middle Rogue Focus Area. The Agate Desert, Whetstone Savanna, and Rogue River Plains Preserves were recently transferred to SOLC from The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
Guide: TNC SW Oregon Preserves Manager Molly Morison
Focus: Mounded prairie and vernal pool ecology, rare plants, oak habitats and innovative wetland restoration.
Limit: 15
Meeting Location: Whetstone Savanna Preserve, Central Point
Difficulty: Moderate. Flat grassland terrain, but no trail system to follow.
As much as we love our furry friends at SOLC, pets are not allowed. SOLC does make exceptions for ADA service animals. Companion animals, however, are not allowed.
Register:
If you’re having trouble with the checkout box above, use this Register button and you will be sent to EventBrite to register:
Waiting List:
Folks on the waiting list often get invited to the hike, so please add your name if the hike is full.
Banner image: Whetstone Savanna Preserve in Spring.
