On June 14, 2014, at 12 noon, take a stroll with National Park Service botanist, Erik Frenzel, and  plant ecologist, Ann Huber, along Long Meadow (in the Wolverton area). This is one of the most gentle and botanically lovely walks in the front country of Sequoia National Park. The trail is flat to moderately sloping for less than two miles, looping around the open Long Meadow, with shaded portions that dip into the surrounding upper mixed conifer forest. Along the way, the group will catalogue the plants that are discovered and begin a plant list for Long Meadow. After the walk, those who want to continue the botanical adventure will visit Dorst Campground to monitor the rare sunflower Hulsea brevifolia (Short-leaved Hulsea).

The meeting spot will be on the deck of the Wolverton snack shop (now closed) that overlooks the meadow. Gather here for lunch (bring your own) at 12 noon. The guilded walk will begin after lunch, around 12:30 pm. This is a field trip for all ages and is open to everyone.  Long Meadow is at 7,250 ft elevation, two miles north of the General Sherman tree in Giant Forest.

Those people who are interested in carpooling can meet at 10:45 am at the Three Rivers Memorial Building on Highway 198 in Three Rivers. If you decide to drive to Wolverton on your own, follow the signs on the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park.  The Wolverton turn off is two miles north of the General Sherman Tree. The drive to Wolverton from the Ash Mountain entrance station to Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park takes about 45-60 minutes (maybe longer if there is road construction). For directions, it’s best to follow the park map that is given at the entrance station of the park. Be prepared to pay the $20 entrance fee to the park if you do not have an annual pass.

Bring sack lunch, water, hat and sunscreen as needed.

A special group campsite has been reserved for Saturday night, if you are interested. Please RSVP by June 7 to Ann Huber at ahuberdas@gmail.com or call 559-561-4562

[photo © Elsah Cort]