July 6  Thursday 9 am Wetlands (Ame Doyle-Leader)
Wetlands used to exist in the Blues and enabled early homesteading as springs provided a
year around water source. They still exist where logging and/or grazing practices have not
disturbed. At about the 5,000 foot level between Tollgate and Jubilee Lake, and while
making our way to a huge montane wetland‘complex’, we will visit mosses, flowers, shrubs
and trees, including a small stand of Western White Pine. Once at the wetland, we will see
firsthand how complex these ecosystems can be, including seasonally wet meadow,
perennially wet meadow, fens, and riparian zones. Our plants will shift from generalist and
forest plants to “obligate” wetland plants. 3 mile roundtrip along gated Umatilla National
Forest Service Road. Ame will be drawing from classes he has given for Blue Mountain Land Trust.

Meet for car pooling and registration on Whitman Campus in Walla Walla at Harper Joy Theater parking lot at 9 am with return by 4 pm. 

Bring walking stick, tick repellant, hat, mask (for car ride), lunch, water and a few dollars for driver. Dress appropriately in sturdy walking shoes or boots and long pants. Guests are welcome. This is a leisurely walk with little elevation gain but will involve uneven surfaces.
Plant lists are available. Questions, concerns and corrections regarding the hike can be directed to Darcy Dauble dadauble@gmail.com