The Alta Peak Chapter of the California Native Plant Society is planning a stroll with National Park Service botanist Erik Frenzel and plant ecologist Ann Huber along Long Meadow (in the Wolverton area) starting at noon on June 14. This is one of the most gentle and botanically lovely walks in the front country of Sequoia National Park.
The trail is flat to moderately sloping for less than two miles, looping around the open Long Meadow, with shaded portions that dip into the surrounding upper mixed conifer forest. Along the way, the group will catalogue the plants that are discovered and begin a plant list for Long Meadow. After the walk, those who want to continue the botanical adventure will visit Dorst Campground to monitor the rare sunflower hulsea brevifolia (short-leaved hulsea).
The meeting spot will be at noon on the deck of the Wolverton snack shop (now closed) that overlooks the meadow. The guided walk will begin after lunch, around 12:30pm. This is a field trip for all ages and is open to everyone. Long Meadow is at a 7,250-ft. elevation, two miles north of the General Sherman tree in Giant Forest.
Those who are interested in carpooling can meet at 10:45am at the Three Rivers Memorial Building on Highway 198 in Three Rivers. If you decide to drive to Wolverton on your own, follow the signs on the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park. The Wolverton turnoff is two miles north of the General Sherman Tree. The drive to Wolverton from the Ash Mountain entrance station to Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park takes about 45-60 minutes ( longer if there is road construction).
For directions, it’s best to follow the park map that is given at the entrance station of the park. Be prepared to pay the $20 entrance fee to the park if you do not have an annual pass. Bring sack lunch, water, hat and sunscreen as needed.
A special group campsite has been reserved for Saturday night. RSVP by June 7 to Ann Huber at ahuberdas@gmail.com or 561-4562. For more information about the Alta Peak Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, visit altapeakcnsp.org.