2023 Events
March 18, 2023 — Postponed
Field Trip to Pixley Vernal Pools Preserve
PIxley Vernal Pool Trip Postponed!
The unusual rainfall this spring has changed the timetables for blooming vernal pool plants. Most of the plants start to bloom as the water recedes, but this year the pools are still getting larger. Only a few plants have started to bloom. The trip will have to occur in April or early May so stay tuned for the new dates as we monitor the vernal pools.
Join Alta Peak Chapter of CNPS, from 9:30-12 noon, for a morning of exploring Pixley Vernal Pools Preserve, a small
relatively unknown remnant habitat of 40 acres, where we will photograph and ID as many
plants as possible. A historical plant list will be provided to participants and we may be able to
add to it or to discover which plants are no longer there. More information and directions HERE.
January 21, 2023
Winter Program: Buckwheats of the Southern Sierra: Latest Discoveries
Three Rivers Memorial Building, 43490 Sierra Drive (HWY 198) from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Dr. Travis Columbus, renowned botany professor from Claremont University and California Botanical Garden, will present exciting new changes to the Buckwheat (Eriogonum) genus and closely related species. Find out if we have a new Eriogonum species right here in Tulare County! Spurred on by the discovery of a variation in the Tulare County Buckwheat, Eriogonum polypodum, Dr. Columbus took on a multi-year research challenge of DNA characterization of many related Eriogonum species. Learn why all those botanical names keep changing!
Tulare Country Buckwheat Eriogonum polypodum © Mary Merriman
Tulare Country Buckwheat Eriogonum polypodum © Mary Merriman
Tulare Country Buckwheat Eriogonum polypodum © Mary Merriman
2023 Events
September 8 – 18, 2022
Alta Peak Chapter’s Online Fall Native Plant Sale
40% Discount for new members! Join CNPS during the plant sale and use this link in the CNPS store LINK HERE.
2021 Events
November 6, 2021
5th Annual Foothills Festival
River Ridge Ranch in Springville
Alta Peak Chapter will have a booth with plants and books manned by President Barbara Brydolf. Also includes live music, art, walking tours, labryrinth walk, crafts and activities.
November 6, 2021
Nature Walk / 5K Run from 9-11 am
Tule River Parkway Native Plant Gardens in Porterville
Includes guided tour of native plant gardens and refreshments. Park at the Jaye Street lot just south of the Tule River Bridge. The event is sponsored by the Tule River Parkway Association.
photo © Cathy Capone
November 13, 2021
Kids vs Climate Chaos
Kaweah Oaks Preserve from 9-12
Directions to the Preserve: Kaweah Oaks Preserve is located east of Visalia, California. Travel seven miles east of downtown Visalia via Highway 198. Drive north on Road 182 one-half mile. The parking lot is on the west side of the road. Walk past the gate to enter.
Activities rum from 9-12 pm.
Are you worried about climate change?
You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference.
Join us for a fun youth-led day of exploration and learn how you can make a difference!
All ages welcome!
Alta Peak Chapter will offer native plant books for sale along with give-away milkweed plants from the Great Valley Seeds.
Presented by Sequoia Riverlands Trust and Tulare Kings Audubon Society
Sign up at sequoiariverlands.org
Sponsored by by Earth Academy from Sequoia Riverlands Trust which aims to bring more outdoor education to area schools. Using science education with an emphasis on the environment and the outdoor world, EARTH Academy prepares students for real careers they never knew existed while also giving them places to go do that.
Every Third Thursday of the Month
Volunteer Working in the Chapter’s Native Plant Garden from 10:30 – 12:30 pm
Tule River Parkway Native Plant Gardens in Porterville
Alta Peak will be working on its native plant plot. Hosted and led by Cathy Capone. Contact Cathy Capone at tulerivergarden@gmail.com for further information. Park at the Jaye Street lot just south of the Tule River Bridge.
See Calendar Archive for past events.
Alta Peak Chapter ❖ California Native Plant Society 