Evening Program
Wednesday, March 8. Wiyot Ethnobotany: Indigenous Land Return and Stewardship. Wiyot and other Indigenous Peoples’ efforts to reclaim ancestral lands and habitats can result in both the preservation of eco-cultural traditions and botanical diversity. Adam Canter, Natural Resource Director for the Wiyot Tribe, will discuss Wiyot ethnobotany, plant uses, and the decline of coastal prairie and scrub habitat in the absence of cultural fire and the expansion of settler-colonial development around the Wigi (Humboldt Bay), the lower Wiya’t (Eel River), and lower Baduwa’t (Mad River). In-person at Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Rd., Arcata. Refreshments at 7 p.m.; program at 7:30 p.m. A Zoom option is available through our website www.northcoastcnps.org.
Field Trip
Sunday, March 26. Redwood Creek Day Hike. Giant Purple Wakerobin (Trillium kurabayashii) is the object of an annual pilgrimage for some people to Redwood Creek Trail in Redwood National Park. In the lacy, pastel-hued, leafing-out riparian forest we will see this handsome trillium plus blooming California Hazel, Skunk Cabbage, several gooseberries, and the rare Seaside Bittercress. We will walk 3 miles round-trip on a level trail. Meet at 9 a.m. at Pacific Union School (3001 Janes Rd., Arcata) or arrange another place. Dress for the weather; bring lunch and water. Return late afternoon. Contact Carol at 822-2015 or theralphs@humboldt1.com.
Rohner Park Forest Restoration
Help volunteers restore the redwood forest at Rohner Park by removing invasive English Ivy and French Broom on March 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meet at
Fireman’s Pavilion at 9 a.m. Tools and gloves available but you are encouraged to bring your own. Sponsored by the North Coast Chapter of the Native Plant Society and the Fortuna Parks and Recreation Department. Contact Steve at unde1942@gmail.com. High winds or heavy rain cancels. Light snack provided.
Hemiparasitic Plants
A hemiparasite is a plant that can both parasitize a host as well as photosynthesize for itself. We have two hemiparasites in our local salt marshes: Humboldt Bay owl’s clover (Castilleja ambigua ssp. humboldtiensis) and Point Reyes birds-beak (Chloropyron maritimum ssp. palustris). Both plants are annuals, germinating by January and later forming haustoria (the plant part that pierces the root of the host). Hemiparasites can rob their hosts of water and sugars. This might be one reason why these plants bloom later than most annuals in our area (May and June). Although host plants are suppressed by this parasitism, on another scale it is beneficial to the marsh. Research has shown that where Chloropyron is present in the marsh, species diversity is greater. By suppressing some species, other marsh plants can gain a foothold. Owl’s clover and birds-beak grow in the high marsh, which has the highest diversity. They are both attractive plants, but owl’s cover is especially noticeable due to its fuchsia-colored bracts.