Field Notes From Plant Explorations

Preston Peak Botanical and Geological Area ~ Siskiyou Wilderness

The Preston Peak Botanical and Geological Area is contained within a mountain chain known as the Siskiyou Mountains—a sub-range of the Klamath Mountains. It is an arcing range that begins in California near the junction of the Klamath and Trinity Rivers, at Weitchpec. The range continues north and, in most of this initial stretch, the crest is protected within the 200,000 acre Siskiyou Wilderness. These mountains are not the highest or most dramatic in the Klamath but are subtly beautiful, botanically diverse, and the wildest the region has to offer.

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Posted by Michael E. Kauffmann at 5/28/2009 7:18 PM | Add Comment

Carnivorous Plants of the Smith River Region ~ Stoney Creek Trail


In the hinterland of northwest California, the Smith River’s crystal blue waters drain abruptly from the Siskiyou Mountains toward the Pacific Ocean—along the way gouging out sparkling canyons through ancient serpentine rock. High levels of precipitation coupled with serpentine geology have fostered unique plant communities in this region. Because the serpentines soils of the Josephine Ophiolite are rich in heavy metals the ecosystem appears infertile. Seemingly sparse red-rock forests endure in stark contrast to the lush redwood forests of the North Coast Range only a few miles away. But upon closer inspection, the red-rock nurtures ...<< MORE >>

Posted by Michael E. Kauffmann at 4/18/2009 6:37 AM | Add Comment

NEC EcoNews Report 4-15-09 ~ The Bigfoot Trail

Allison Poklemba discusses the Bigfoot Trail with Michael Kauffmann.

Download | Duration: 00:24:01


Visit www.bigfoottrail.org for more information about the route.

Posted by Michael E. Kauffmann at 4/15/2009 6:37 PM | Add Comment

Manzanita Ridge ~ Trinity Alps Wilderness



I hope my amateur filmaking skills are to your liking. Thanks to Dr. Sawyer for his inspiration.

Posted by Michael E. Kauffmann at 3/30/2009 7:17 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

The Bigfoot Trail ~ 350 miles through Northwest California's Klamath Mountains

This has been an idea of mine since moving to northwest California. As I passionately, summer after summer, created loops through many of the region's wilderness areas I dreamed of a long trail that would link these together while at the same time visiting all the diverse conifer species that northwest California fosters. So, this summer I will walk the route I have thus far proposed, writing about what I find along the way, making small tweaks to the route—ultimately establishing a long trail I hope the region will be known for. This long trail will ...<< MORE >>

Posted by Michael E. Kauffmann at 3/29/2009 5:55 AM | Add Comment

Russ Park ~ Ferndale, CA

In the hills south of Ferndale a noticeable transition begins—the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest give way to the drier forests common in coastal northern California. While walking in Russ Park one can witness this transition. The Eel River delta is where western hemlocks near—and western redcedar reach—the southern extent of their range. Grand firs being to flourish here, south of the dense redwood curtain, and Russ Park holds some of the best accessible stands of this species in northwest California. The forest in the park was originally logged in the 1850's—making what grows here now...<< MORE >>
Posted by Michael E. Kauffmann at 3/16/2009 4:17 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

California Native Plant Society Presentations ~ Northwest California's Conifers

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for taking the time to come to the talk. I was inspired by the turn out and elated with the enthusiasm people showed for our charismatic mega-flora. I am opening this thread for your voices. Please ask questions, share experiences, talk about trees, places, or outlets for conservation. 

I appreciate all the information people have shared so far — from range extensions for some of the trees, to stories about visits to some of the areas I have mentioned. Please, keep the information coming. I will start a thread soon pertaining to the ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Michael E. Kauffmann at 1/14/2009 9:52 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge ~ Amargosa Valley, NV

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is located along the eastern border of Death Valley National Park. The area presents an incredible juxtaposition to the desert — lush springs feed streams lined with riparian species; many of which are relicts of a wetter time. In this arid region, when precipitation befalls the mountains of southwestern Nevada, water percolates into aquifers. Over nearly a millennia this primordial water flows underground; forming the headwaters of the aboriginal Amargosa River. At Ash Meadows, these waters are forced up from the underground and a brilliant system of springs can be witnessed; ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Michael E. Kauffmann at 12/29/2008 9:25 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Eureka Dunes ~ Death Valley National Park

One of the most visually spectacular destinations of all desert landscapes in North America has to be the Eureka Dunes of Death Valley National Park. At the end of the Pleistocene an ancient lake that filled the valley floor gradually dried up; as the winds blew newly exposed sand the dunes formed — into one of the highest in North America. The highest dune in the complex rises to 650 feet above the valley floor from which the surroundings are a terrific spectacle to witness. Another fascinating feature of the dunes is their propensity to sing or boom when the sand is pushed ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Michael E. Kauffmann at 12/28/2008 4:21 PM | Add Comment

Saline Valley ~ mesquite dunes

In the center of Saline Valley is a screwbean mesquite dune complex that borders an ancient lake — now a dry salt flat. Sands accumulate, and on some of the dunes grow the screwbean mesquite (Prosopis pubescens) — defining a beautiful ecosystem. They can survive on salty soil, and are hence the dominant mesquite species in Saline Valley. For the Shoshone Indians, the seeds were a staple — being high in protein, fiber, and various minerals. The Timbisha people would grind the pods into a coarse flour that could be easily baked into a "cake."

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Posted by Michael E. Kauffmann at 12/23/2008 9:14 PM | View Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Copyright 2008 ~ Michael Kauffmann ~ www.conifercountry.com