SEPTEMBER 2012 P # The . ipevine Newsletter of the Mount Lassen Chapter CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY General Meeting SEPTEMBER 5, 2012 Member Photos and . . . Wednesday 7:30 pm Butte County Library WE HAVE A TWO PART PROGRAM FOR OUR MEETING T he most important part will be your photos... whatever nice native plant-related images you’d like to share. Please select about 12 photos (5-10 minutes) and let Jim Bishop (cjbishop1991@sbcglobal.net) know whether they are con- ventional slides or digital images. You might have a few extra in reserve in case we don’t get many contributors, and please be ready to trim down if we get a lot. . . . GLORIA update Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments Presented by JIM BISHOP GLORIA 201 2 Catie Bishop retrieves a buried temperature logger in the White Mountains with its 3 year record of soil temperature. Photo by Jim Bishop They have also contributed a wonderful article to the CNPS journal FREMONTIA, VOL. 38, NO. 4 AND VOL. 39, NO. 1 • OCTOBER 2010 AND JANUARY 2011 “Using Alpine Flora To Measure Ecological Effects Of Climate Change”. It is time to update the progress of alpine plant monitoring in California. Several peaks have been resurveyed, new summits have been added, and detailed surveys of alpine plants over the entire elevation range of the alpine zone in the White Mountains have been completed. The plants are interesting, the scenery is beautiful, and the alpine ecosystem is exposed to bioclimatic changes as the earth warms. C atie and Jim Bishop have worked on the GLORIA project as CNPS volunteers since 2004. They have participated on all of the California and Nevada sites since then, work that has taken them from treeline to highest peaks, from the White Mountains to the Central Sierra, the Carson Range, and east to Nevada’s Snake Range. The project has allowed them the opportunity to meet and work with lead staff from the international GLORIA headquar- ters in Austria, and to learn about alpine-plant ecol- ogy and its potential response to a warming world. Lunch by Crumbaugh Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park September 27, 2009 Photo by Gerry Ingco Wes Dempsey and Gerry Ingco, Co-chairs COLD BOILING & CRUMBAUGH LAKES LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK September 16 Sunday EAGLE ROCKS AND HUMBOLDT SUMMIT September 9 Sunday Meet at the Chico Park & Ride west lot (Hwy 32/99) at 8:30 am. Take hiking gear, light jacket, lunch, water, sun glasses, sun/insect protection, and money for ride shar- ing. We will drive Hwy 32 to Butte Meadows and up the old Humboldt Road built by John Bidwell in 1863. The trail head at 7500 ft, is the summit where we will hike along the Pacific Crest Trail for about 1-1/2 miles to sce- nic Eagle Rocks. The trail is almost level as it contours around the peak through sub-alpine red firs and western white pines, finally arriving at the open rim of the old Mt Yana volcano. We often see the remaining summer flow- ers of pink rockfringe and cycladenia among the scat- tered old Jeffrey pines. Call for a secondary meeting place. Leaders: Wes Dempsey 530-342-2293 and Gerry Ingco 530-893-5123 Meet at Chico Park & Ride west lot (Hwy 32/99) at 8:30 am with a windbreaker or light jacket, lunch, water, in- sect/sun protection, money for ride sharing, and your Park Pass (If you have one). For an alternate meeting place, call a leader. We will drive approximately 81 miles from Chico to the trail head in Lassen Park at 7,380’ ele. The hike is an easy 3 mile round trip in a little traveled area excellent for birds, wildflowers and deer. On the way we pass Cold Boiling Lake where gas bubbles rise to the water’s surface. At Crumbaugh Lake, elevation 7,200‘, see lava cliffs that ring the lake’s basin, and vistas of sur- rounding peaks. Leaders: Gerry Ingco 530-893-5123 and Wes Dempsey 530-342-2293 MAIDU MEDICINE WALK UPPER BIDWELL PARK September 29 Saurday Meet at Horseshoe Lake in Upper Bidwell Park (Parking Area E) at 9 am for a short, one-mile walk to see about 30 of the plants used by the local Maidu Indians for medi- cine, food and crafts including soaproot for cleansing, suds, and catching fish; elderberry for food, flutes and clappers; gray pine for skin ointment, baskets and food. Especially meant for teachers and youth groups. Leader: Wes Dempsey 530-342-2293 2 . The Pipevine September 2012 Executive Board Meeting September 19, 2012 Wednesday 7:00 pm Place to be arranged President’s Message by Paul L. Moore Chapter President I t doesn’t seem possible but we are moving quickly through the summer months. It has been active and enjoyable, but the good news is that we live in Northern California and more wonderful things will happen as we move into fall. I want to join those who are remembering our good friend and great member, Phyllis Lindley, who passed away this summer. She was a wonderful person and citizen who was deeply involved in a broad range of environmental issues and educational efforts around these issues. Not only was she a dependable and hard worker, she was fun. We all enjoyed her sense of humor and car- ing nature. She will be missed, but, I assure you, not forgotten. I also want to highlight the important environmental and native plant issues on the agenda of the Mount Lassen Chapter. We continue to advocate restrictions on the sale of broom plants which are so invasive and difficult to eradicate. We also visited Brady’s Camp near Quincy which is being considered for Special Interest Area status. Also on the agenda is the proposed foot trail in Butterfly Valley, and the continuing discussion of plans for the North Table Mountain Ecological Preserve. And, of course, the fires which are burning as this edition of The Pipevine is being written complicate the environmental picture a great deal. Again, I encourage all you plant lov- ers to participate in the field trips iden- tified in this newsletter, and attend the programs provided on a monthly schedule which provide a rich intel- lectual and visual context for our com- mitment to native flowers and other plants. I look forward to seeing you at these events. Annual Picnic in Merlo Park June 10,2012 Photo by Woody Elliott Legislative Notes by David Anderson GUIDELINES FOR SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT O n July 27, 2012 the Department of Energy and the Depart- ment of the Interior (through its BLM) made available their joint “Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Solar Energy Development” in six southwestern states (i.e., AZ, CA, CO, NV, N.M., and UT). This final environmental impact statement has been released after consideration of over 200,000 comments to draft and supplemental draft statements. It embodies a blueprint for utility-scale solar energy development by estab- lishing priority, potential and prohibited zones for solar energy development. The idea is to expedite solar energy projects by eliminating case-by-case determinations of the suitability of loca- tions, and to direct project applicants to areas already determined to be characterized by excellent solar resources, good energy transmission potential, and relatively low conflict with biological, cultural and historic lands. The solar development program identifies 285,000 acres in 17 priority development zones, including 2 in Riverside and Imperial counties in southern California. It also identifies 19 million acres in “variance” or potential development areas, and 78 million acres that are excluded from solar energy development. The excluded areas include National Conservation Areas, National Monuments, Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers and lands BLM has previously identified as environmentally sensitive. After a 30 day period for protests, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is expected to promulgate the new guidelines. Like all federal regu- lations adopted after rulemaking procedures, they will have the force and effect of law. It remains to be seen how ef- fective they will be in protecting California’s frag- ile desert eco- systems, which are prime can- didates for solar energy projects, but at least good guidelines are in place. The Pipevine September 2012 3. A New Invasive Plant in Our Area by Susan Mason, Invasives Chair S tinkwort ( Dittrichia graveolens) is an annual plant species that was first reported in Santa Clara County in 1984. It’s gradually expanded its California range and is now found in at least 26 counties including Butte, Glenn, Plumas and Tehama. You can see the affected areas of these counties at Cal Weed Mapper: http://calweedmapper.calflora.org/maps/. Because of its life cycle, large seed production, and methods of dispersal, this plant has the potential to become very invasive in local ag- ricultural, range and wild lands. The plant inhabits disturbed areas or areas where there’s little vegetative competition (last summer, I saw it growing abun- dantly in otherwise barren sandy soil in Mission Bay Park, San Diego). The rosette emerges in May or June and the plant grows rapidly through the summer, producing yellow flowers and seed by September. It’s an erect annual herb that resembles a small Christmas tree during its early growth period. Because it’s still green in late summer, it can be easy to spot in pasture or range- land. This plant produces lots of seeds (up to 15,000 per plant). It’s designed for wind dispersal and is also moved by water & attachment to animals. The seeds, viable for 3 or more years, have a sticky coating that adheres to almost anything. The plant produces terpenes which can cause contact dermati- tis, headaches, itchiness and blistering in humans; its chemical composition can affect meat or milk if eaten by cows and the barbed seedhead can imbed in livestock’s intestines. The plant smells like a mixture of pine and camphor. Correctly timed herbicide and/or hand pulling are the most ef- fective control methods. It’s shallow-rooted so young plants can be easily pulled. Once flowering has commenced, you must bag the pulled weeds as seeds will continue to develop even if the plant is pulled. Mowing, weed-wacking, grazing and burning don’t work as the plant will resprout when cut, grazed or burned. You should clean your equipment, gloves, boots and clothing thoroughly after contact with plant to make sure you aren’t intro- ducing the seed to new locations. Information for this article came from a poster at California Invasive Plant Council Symposium Author: Meg Marriot, USFWS San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex Title: The Spread and Control of Dittrichia graveolens http://www.cal-ipc.org/management/pdf/Dittrichia_poster.jpg CNPS Hires DANIEL GLUESENKAMP as Executive Director by Brett Hall, State Board President I t is our great pleasure to announce the hiring of our new Executive Director, Daniel Gluesenkamp. Most recently, Dan served as Executive Director of The Calflora Database where he led the organization in developing exciting new tools for conservation, research, and appreciation of wild California plants. Dan first fell in love with California plants (and CNPS) at UC Santa Cruz, and earned his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley studying the ecology of native and invasive thistles. He has a long his- tory with California plant conservation and research, with on- the-ground experience restoring native habitat as Director of Habitat Protection for Audubon Canyon Ranch and with lead- ership roles in the California Invasive Plant Council and Bay Area Early Detection Network. CNPS members may remem- ber Dan’s recent Fremontia article telling the story of discovery and conservation of the last wild Franciscan manzanita. In accepting our offer Dan expressed his excitement with the fol- lowing statement, “The chance to lead CNPS is a dream come true. Much of what we love in California is here because it was saved by CNPS. I believe the Society’s greatest successes are still ahead, and I am honored being chosen to serve.” Solanum parishii PARISH’S NIGHTSHADE Flowering June (lavendar) in Upper Bidwell Park, two species from this genus are known to be in the park, a relative to many vegetables we eat from June 2012 Issue Photos by Robert Fischer 4. The Pipevine September 2012 Dear Friends of Mount Lassen Chapter California Native Plant Society, t is time for the Annie B’s Community Drive sponsored by the North Valley Community Foundation (NVCF). From August 1st through September 30th all monies donated to the r L Mount Lassen Chapter, California Native Plant Society during the Annie B’s campaign will be allotted back to our chapter. The benefit is that an additional percentage based on the total monies donated to us will be granted. Your donation to the Mount Lassen Chapter during the drive comes back to us at 100% and more. The Annie B’s Community Drive proves to be an effective way to augment funds for the Mount Lassen Chapter’s operating budget and enables us to continue and promote outreach and education activities important to the protection and appreciation of California’s native flora. The mission of the California Native Plant Society of which the Lassen Chapter is a part, is to con- serve California native flora and their habitats, and increase understanding, appreciation and horticultural use of native plants. The North Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization that builds financial resources to meet local community needs in Butte, Colusa, Glenn and Tehama counties. We appreciate your consideration of donating to Mount Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. As an Annie B donor you also join a community wide effort that involves hundreds of area non-profits and thousands of donors. Please make your donation between August 1st and September 30th Make checks out to: Annie B’s / CNPS Mount Lassen Chapter Send your check to: North Valley Community Foundation 3120 Cohasset Road, Suite 8 Chico, CA 95973 You may also make your donation online through the North Valley Community Foundation website: www.nvcf.org Or the Mount Lassen Chapter website: www.mountlassen.cnps.org. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Moore, President at 530 343-4287 orAlexa Valavanis at 530 891-1150, ext. 30. Sincerely, Paul Moore, President Mount Lassen Chapter California Native Plant Society mountlassen. cnps. org The Pipevine September 2012 5. Phyllis Lindley 1924-2012 Phyllis’ niece Sally Hatch wrote ...found in Phyllis’ scrapbook that she started at age 10. Mom says that Phyllis and their Dad, Leo, were surveying a piece of property where they would go camping in the summer. The first photo I took of Phyllis years ago when they were build- ing Amigeo and the cabin. I like them both because they are so Phyllis; always questioning and always recording!!! The cabin at Amigeo revisited. hyllis was born April 5, 1924 in Oakland, Califor- nia to Cdr. Leo Lindley, USN and Marian Lindley. She attended UC Berkeley, serving as student body president in 1944 and graduating in 1945 with a BA in International Relations. In her mid-20’s she went to a High Sierra Camp in Yosemite, sparking a life-long interest in ecology. From then on every vacation she took was spent backpacking, generally in the Sierra. While living in New York in 1 953, she joined the first East Coast chapter of the Sierra Club. Returning to the Bay Area, she became a naturalist for the Audubon Society, motivating her to earn a second BA in Wildlife Management. Her career with Audubon lasted for 17 years. In the early 1970’s Phyllis and her close friend Pat Cone purchased 20 acres which they named Amigeo. It was sur- rounded by Mendocino National Forest in the foothills west of Stonyford where she lived for almost 30 years. They as- sisted in building their loghouse from trees harvested and cured on their land and also grew much of their food. Amigeo had abundant water from a spring and electricity generated from it by a Peltonwheel. During this time Phyllis tirelessly advocated for the establishment of the Snow Mountain Wil- derness Area west of Amigeo by speaking at governmental hearings over many years, earning her an award from the Mother Lode Chapter of the Sierra Club. Phyllis loved opera and the symphony. There was no television reception at Ami- geo, but luckily she was able to hear radio broadcasts of the New York Metropolitan Opera. Her volunteer invasive plant weeding sessions at Bidwell Park never conflicted with Met broadcasts or North State Symphony performances. M' AtvUtfeo . --ufleo Rf LIM tNVf TREES' 6 . The Pipevine September 2012 Phyllis was an active participant in several environmental organizations, including Mount Lassen Chapter California Native Plant Society, Sierra Club, Altacal Audubon and Bidwell Park Watch. After moving to Chico in 2000, she helped to maintain trails in Upper Park and started a recycling program for her retirement community at Sierra Sunrise. For many years she was newsletter editor for Bidwell Park Watch and docent at Chico Creek Nature Center for which she was honored by the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission. She was a diligent and outstanding Membership Chair for eight years with Mount Lassen Chapter. She regularly assist- ed with the group’s events and promoting our our mission. She will be missed by all her friends in Mount Lassen Chapter and the community of Chico. Phyllis passed peacefully on June 28, 2012. She is survived by her sister Louise Hatch of Asheville, North Carolina and 5 nieces and nephews. The Pipevine September 2012 7. . . . summer JFIlftlf TWjp photos Lower Deer Creek Falls and Fish Ladder June 24, 2012 Carolyn Short reports, What an awesome day - with the most awesome leader - Thanks again Wes!!! top left - Lower Falls and Fish Ladder top right - Variable Checkerspot butterfly on Lemonade Bush by Carolyn Short July 22, 2012 Maria Venturino reports, Beautiful Carter Meadow! Thanks Ann and Woody (and Bandita) for a beautiful day! left - Calachortus by Maria Venturino bottom - Everyone together on the trail by Woody Elliott 8 . The Pipevine September 2012 HUMBUG SUMMIT CHECK-LISTING REPORT August 3, 2012 by Robert Fischer and Rob Schlising F our botanists spent a Friday breathing smoky air from the Chips Fire and combing red fir forest, forest openings, and a small, dry, sea- sonal streambed near Humbug Sum- mit. The mountains dried up early this year and many plant discoveries were based on a few withered flowers and sparse populations. We worked hard but ate well, rewarded ourselves with cookies for new and interesting finds, and only logged one (!) non-native species. Counting a few previously known early-season plants the summit list now stands at approximately 115 species; granted, a few Carex still lack names. It is a rewarding experience sharing with like-minded friends, pool- ing knowledge, plant lore, and bounc- ing ideas and thoughts off of each other. In the field, when many details are shared from someone’s own past experience, learning the plants is fast- er (and more fun) than looking every plant up in a key. This area needs to be examined again, in a “wet year.” The Pipevine September 2012 9. What is The brown haze that we see, drifting on the down-wind breeze; that sordid smog that looks like smoke. ..is not really smoke-it is the heart and , soul of a million trees; it is the dried lifeblood of woody veins, scorched by flames, by Rex Burress hungrily chewing through the life of the forest. The bitter particles in the sky are the singed fur of the fisher; the bodies of the burned, the feathers of the finch. The wings of butterflies are there, and a hundred million spiders cremated in their lairs. We call it smoke, but the fluttering leaves are there, the berries of the blackberry, and the tender stems of a hundred million flowers severed from their lifelines. The perspiration of a thousand fire fighters is there, and the evaporated water of a hundred thousand gallons dropped from the air. Afire can be so cozy in the cold of the night, and so helpful in boiling the coffee and cook- ing the food, but a fire gone wild and uncon- trolled can reap the devil’s doomsday. What is smoke? It is the signal that fire is at work, fire that has been waiting, waiting to be ignited, waiting to break away from confinement and become a demon pos- sessed without any compassion, taking what will burn or melt, and sending their remains to the wind. When we breathe smoke from the mountain wildfire, we are breathing the forest primeval. Breathe lightly, and carry a big hoe. Be fire-safe. Be careful with fire. Chips Fire from Lassen Park Hwy above King’s Creek Meadow, 4 pm, August 4, 2012. Photo by Gerry Ingco 10 . The Pipevine September 2012 2012 WORKSHOPS FRIENDS of the HERBARIUM California State University, Chico Officers & Chairs September 8 INTRO TO KEYING SUNFLOWERS (ASTERACEAE) by John Dittes The sunflower family is the largest plant family in the world and the most diverse plant family in California. Come join us for an overview of this remarkable group. John Dittes will lead this workshop using the 2nd edition of The Jepson Manual. He will provide fresh specimens comprising 40-60 species from 30 gen- era. 9 am to 5 pm, 129 Holt Hall at CSU, Chico. $100.00. Please register in advance. October 1 3 PERFUMES, PIGMENTS AND POISONS AN INTRO TO THE CHEMISTRY OF PLANTS by Greti Sequin Plants have evolved a wealth of fragrances that attract pollina- tors and scents that repel browsing animals. Colorful pigments in flowers and bright colors in fruits attract insects and birds. This workshop is an introduction to the chemistry of plants, with a focus on plant smells, plant colors, and chemical plant de- fenses. Greti Sequin has taught chemistry and is a plant enthu- siast. 9am to 1pm, 129 Holt Hall at CSU, Chico. $45.00. Please register in advance For more information about the workshops contact the CSU, Chico Biology office at 530-898-5356 orjbraden@csuchico.edu Detailed workshop descriptions and sign up forms are available on the Chico State Herbarium website: www.csuchico.edu/biol/ Herb/Events. html November3 SAVE THE DATE FOR ANNUAL MEETING With Connie Millar, US Forest Service, Pacific southwest Research Station, as the guest speaker talking about climate change. Keep up with MLC Activities on our website and Facebook California Native Plant Society, Mount Lassen Chapter and LIKE US facebook mountlassen.cnps.org ELECTED OFFICERS President Past President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Member-at-Large (530) 343-4287 PAUL MOORE pmoore@csuchico.edu JANNALATHROP 636-4547 jlathrop4mlc@comcast.net JOHN MEEHAN 894-5339 jsmeehan64@yahoo.com JIM BISHOP cjbishopl 991 @sbcglobal.net SUSAN BAZELL 876-1475 bazell@maxinet.com PAULA SHAPIRO 343-7440 paulashapiro@wildblue.net CATIE BISHOP cjbishopl 991 @sbcg lobal.net CINDY WEINER 342-7645 wildflowermaven@comcast.net CHAIRS Conservation WOODY ELLIOTT 342-6053 woodyelliott@gmail.com Education ADRIENNE EDWARDS aledwards@csuchico.edu Invasive Plants SUSAN MASON 892-1666 smason908@gmail.com Field Trips WES DEMPSEY 342-2293 Co-chairs wdempsey@csuchico.edu GERRY INGCO 893-5123 genaroingco@aol.com Membership SUSAN MASON 892-1666 smason908@gmail.com Horticulture PAULA SHAPIRO 343-7440 paulashapiro@wildblue.net Newsletter Editor DENISE DEVINE 345-8444 dsrdevine@hotmail.com Programs JIM BISHOP Co-chairs cjbishopl 991 @sbcglobal. net WOODY ELLIOTT 342-6053 woodyelliott@gmail.com Rare Plants RON COLEY 533-1238 rcoley64@comcast.net Publicity CINDY WEINER 342-7645 wildflowermaven@comcast.net Sales JOHN MEEHAN 894-5339 Co-chairs jsmeehan64@yahoo.com ELLEN COPELAND copelande12@yahoo.com Vol. Recognition / Chapter Council Delegate CATIE BISHOP cjbishopl 991 @sbcglobal. net The Pipevine September 2012 11 . MOUNT LASSEN CHAPTER CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY P O. BOX 3212 CHICO, CA 95927-3212 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Chico, CA Permit No. 553 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Time Value SEPTEMBER 2012 issue SEPT 5 Phyllis would say Join Today ! MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY I wish to affiliate with the Mount Lassen Chapter new renew Name Address City _ State Zip Phone Email Send Membership Applications to: MOUNT LASSEN CHAPTER CNPS P. O. BOX 3212 CHICO, CA 95927-3212 mountlassen.cnps.org Student / Limited Income $25 Individual $45 Family / Library $75 Plant Lover $100 Patron $300 Benefactor $600 September 5 - General Meeting 9 - Humboldt Summit 16 - Lakes in Lassen VNP 19 - Exec Board Meeting 29 - Maidu /Upper Bidwell Park 30 - Annie B’s Fund Drive Ends October 3 - General Meeting 17 - Exec Board Meeting November 7 - General Meeting 21 - Exec Board Meeting