Join Certified California Naturalist, Lia Klinchik on a hike in the Mammoth Lakes Basin

Who: Lia grew up amongst the densely wooded forests of the Northeast before her love for adventure took her West a couple of years ago. As she spent her weekends in various National Parks and wild lands across the Western US, she slowly learned the flora, terrain, and personalities of each place. Returning year round to the Sierra and the beautiful, resilient life that sprawls across the East-side captivated and fostered her tenderness towards this place. In 2020, she began her studies as a Clinical Herbalist, focusing on medicinal plants, our human relationship to them, and ways we can protect the ecosystems they exist in. As of 2023, Lia became a Certified California Naturalist, solidifying her knowledge in ecology of the High Sierra. When she’s not actively educating folks on plants and ecosystems, you can find her hiking, rock climbing, or connecting with the river.

What: We will be exploring the plant communities within the subalpine zone of the Eastern Sierra. With a touch of traditional and medicinal plant knowledge, we’ll dive into the relationships we have to these forests, how each of these living beings contribute to their environment, and how climate change is impacting this zone. Be curious and feel free to ask questions about birds, insects, plants, and anything you may notice on the trail!

When: Tuesday, August 29th and Saturday, September 2nd, 9am-11:30ish am with stops. We’ll break at the lake for snacks, time to take in our surroundings, and discussion.

Where: Heart Lake Trail from Coldwater Day Use Parking Area (37.591890, -118.989560). The trail is around 2.4 miles, around 564ft elevation gain, and out and back. The trail is slightly steep going up, but manageable with spectacular views. We will be walking at a very slow pace, taking many breaks on the way up! There will be quite a bit of sun exposure, so make sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Why: The subalpine zones of the Sierra Nevada are threatened from climate change in different, less immediately visible ways than lower areas. Woodlands, Aspen groves, and sagebrush communities are all significant to more than just us, but the wildlife and insects they house. Deepening our understanding, as well as learning the names of the non-human beings around us, empowers and transforms us to take better care of the Earth- on and off trail.

To register for this event please email Lindsay@friendsoftheinyo.org

Click here for more information and to register.