Introductory Plant Walks: Native Plants at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve

Join our fun, informal introductory native plant walks and get familiar with plants native to Whatcom County.

Sponsored by the Koma Kulshan Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS), these introductory plant identification walks feature an easy pace and will each last about two hours. All walks are free and no registration is required, just show up at the meeting spot. The walks will focus on a variety of habitats, with your expert guide introducing you to common trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants native to our area. Leaders will share tidbits on ethnobotany, wildlife use, gardening with natives, and other interesting plant related facts. People of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes that may get wet. Each walk stands alone, or attend them all to get a free mini-course on plant identification. For more information contact Allan Richardson at 360-305-5270 or asrichardson5@gmail.com

Native Plants at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve:

Enjoy an early evening walk investigating native plants in a wild area just outside the city. We will explore a portion of this area of mature forest and wetlands, and learn about the plants, their names, and uses in native Salish traditions. The walk will be led by anthropologist Allan Richardson, co-author of Nooksack Place Names.

Meet at the trailhead on Lake Louise Road. Directions: From I-5 in Bellingham, drive 3.5 miles east on Lakeway Dr to the Geneva neighborhood, turn right on Austin St (which becomes Lake Louise Rd), trailhead will be on the left in 1.5 miles.

Photo by Mark Turner.