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IN THE FIELD: Wildflower Hike
April 29, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
It’s wildflower season! Come join BYLT in partnership with California Native Plant Society (CNPS) and Yuba River Charter School (YRCS) for two Wildflower Hikes at Wildflower Ridge Trail.
9:00am guided hike with YRCS is a family friendly/beginner plant and flower identification group that will include a nature activity for the kiddos.
11:30am guided hike with CNPS will be an intermediate/advanced plant and flower identification group.
Wildflower Ridge Trail is a 3 mile loop rated as moderate. Please bring water, snacks, comfortable hiking shoes and a hat.
Meeting location: Please meet at the parking lot of Twin Cities Church, 11726 Rough and Ready Hwy, Grass Valley, CA 95945
About Wildflower Ridge: The Wildflower Ridge Trails wind through the former Kenny Ranch property just west of Grass Valley. This area boasts open meadows and is on a forested hillside that drops down toward Deer Creek. There are two trails located on this property; Wildflower Ridge Trail along the ridge, and Rough & Ready Ditch Trail running along the hillside about ¼ mile below the ridge. Wildflower Ridge Trail is characterized by its thin soil, caused from an ancient volcanic mud flow. This unusual geology supports a rare concentration of native plants. According to the Redbud Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, over 100 plant species have been identified on just 25 acres. April through May are the prime months for seeing the brilliant displays of wildflowers. Hidden away on a peaceful wooded slope below the highway, the Rough & Ready Ditch quietly shuttles water from Nevada City to Rough & Ready — as it has been doing since 1854; this ditch was the first attempt to build a large scale mining ditch in California.
IN THE FIELD is our monthly event series led by naturalists, scientists, local historians, land stewardship partners, and our own BYLT staff and board. Attendees can expect to learn more about the protected lands in our community.
From guided and themed hikes on our 45+ miles of local trails to behind-the-scenes tours of our nature preserves and open spaces, you won’t want to miss IN THE FIELD!
Group size is small and space limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Everyone is welcome! “In the Field” events are open to the public with special discounts for BYLT members. Not a member? Join today!
