Click on the titles to see the plant checklist.

A partial list for Ben Lily and Signal Peak Meadow, field trip September 11, 2021, led by Russ Kleinman

Russ Kleinman led us on a field trip in the Pinos Altos Range along Highway 15. Highlights included a large stand of Rothrock’s Basketflower (Plectocephalus rothrockii) and an abundance of late summer wildflowers at the roadside meadow at the Signal Peak turnoff. At the close of the field trip a stop at a small rocky meadow featured plants that are often overlooked and stepped on, such as Phemeranthus parviflorus (New Mexico Fameflower) (right), Tagetes micrantha (Licorice Marigold), mosses, lichens and ferns.

Phemeranthus parviflorus, New Mexico Flameflower

City of Rocks State Park, field trips October 19, 2024, October 15, 2022; April 16, 2022; October 16, 2021; led by Bill Norris with guest appearances from Ed Leuck, Russ Kleinman, and Andrew Tree.

Sphaeralcea sp., Globemallow

Hidalgo County near Canador Peak, field trip April 9, 2024, led by Andrew Tree

Andrew Tree led our first field trip of the year to see some of the Chihuahuan desert spring wildflowers that have popped out at lower elevations. Participants gathered at the Visitor’s Center to carpool and drive to Virden in Hidalgo County. Observers could get up close and personal with more than fifty-two species of wildflowers. The afternoon clouds only added to the beauty of the high desert landscape.

 
Spring Canyon Botany Hike, Sunday, June 2, 2024

Lonicera albiflora, White honeysuckle.

The hike, led by Don Graves and Elroy Limmer, focused on pollinator and larval host plants along Sapillo Creek in a wonderful riparian area. Plants included Fremont Cottonwood, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Coyote Willow, and numerous wildflowers. White honeysuckle, Lonicera albiflora, was in full bloom. This was one of three hikes to celebrate the Gila Wilderness Centennial.

 

Meadow Creek

Stephens Creek, Fort Bayard

Fort Bayard Summer Grassland

Pitchfork Ranch

Signal Peak, Meadow Creek