-- Alpine Diversity:
Adapted to the Peaks -- July 31-August 5, 2004 -- Snowbird Resort
-- Salt Lake City -- Utah--
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Field Trip Descriptions |
FT 1 “Alpine Beach”: Catherine Pass/ Sunset Peak Hike
A favorite hike for botanizing in Albion Basin. A 2-mile (each way) hike from
the trailhead at about 9400 feet to 10,648 feet at Sunset Peak, some moderate
exposure. The trail goes through montane, subalpine to alpine plant communities.
The route meanders up through a beautiful wet meadow filled with Pedicularis
groenlandica and Habenaria dilatata to a ridgeline and on to an area we call
the “alpine beach” with sand encrusted Phlox pulvinata, Silene
acaulis and Astragalus kentrophyta. Then it continues along the crest dotted
with Townsendia montana and Zigadenus elegans to the top of a scenic peak with
a panoramic view of the Wasatch Range and Lake Catherine below; great photo
opportunities! Other interesting species that we should encounter are Primula
Parryi, Salix arctica, Anemone multifida, Polemonium pulcherrimum, Swertia
radiata, Chaenactis alpina, Linum kingii, Clematis columbiana, Eriogonum umbellatum var.
porteri and three species each of castilleja and penstemon.
There are many sensitive or endemic species in the area, those that we should
see along the way include Lesquerella utahensis and L. garrettii as well as
Aster kingii and Erigeron garrettii. Wildlife species we might encounter are
moose, deer, weasel, marmot, pika, blue grouse and Clark’s nutcracker.
Hiking shoes or boots and water are required; other suggested equipment includes
hat, camera, sunscreen, layered clothing and walking stick.
FT 2 Ecology and conservation of endemic plant species from the central Wasatch Mountains, Utah.
The scenic central Wasatch mountains are a hotspot for plant endemism. The geology of the area is quite diverse, providing suitable habitat for several local and regional endemics. Many of these endemics are restricted in distribution to only a narrow portion of the central Wasatch Mountains. The extreme rarity of these species and their proximity to the highly populated Wasatch Front makes their conservation critically important. During this full day field trip, we will travel to various populations of local plant endemics of the central Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, including Big Cottonwood and American Fork Canyons. Participants can expect to see and learn about the ecology and conservation biology of select endemic species within the genera Erigeron, “Tonestus”, Penstemon, Chlorocrambe, Jamesia, Dodecatheon, Physaria, etc. In addition, they will have the opportunity to explore the substantial plant diversity of this region and the threats to its existence. All participants will be provided with a guide to the endemic plants of the central Wasatch Mountains. Although most localities will be near the road, some stops may require moderately strenuous walking in rocky habitats at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level. Temperatures can range from nearly 90 degrees F at the lowest elevations to the mid 60's high in the mountains. All participants should bring comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, a jacket or sweater, a change of socks, and sunscreen.
FT 3 Hiking and botanizing in the Wasatch Canyons
All-day vigorous hike from the floor of Big Cottonwood canyon, up to the Wasatch ridgeline at over 10,000 feet, and back down to Little Cottonwood canyon and the meeting site at Snowbird resort. Great trail hiking, tremendous views, gorgeous wildflower displays, multiple vegetation zones, and wildlife spotting. Minimal one-way driving time to the start at Big Cottonwood Canyon, since we’ll be hiking straight back to Snowbird. This will be a long hike with considerable elevation gain and loss with the possibility of some exposure depending on route choice. Please be in good shape and ready to walk for hours over steep terrain. A box lunch and approximately 2 liters of water will be provided per person, but you will also need a day pack, hiking footwear, sunscreen, lipscreen, hat, sunglasses, handlens (for botanizing), binoculars, and a windbreaker.
FT 4 Pteridophytes of the central Wasatch Mountains, Utah
This full day field trip, sponsored by the American Fern Society, is scheduled for Sunday, August 1, 2004. Departing at 7:30AM, we will travel by bus to various fern localities in the central Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, including Big Cottonwood Canyon, American Fork Canyon and Mount Timpanogos. The geology of the area is quite diverse, providing suitable habitats for several local and regional endemics. Participants can expect to see select species of Adiantum, Athyrium, Cryptogramma, Equisetum, Pellaea, Polypodium, Polystichum, Pteridium, Selaginella and Woodsia. In addition, they will have the opportunity to explore the substantial diversity of local Cystopteris, which includes five distinct fertile taxa plus many of the possible hybrids among them. All participants will be provided with a copy of the fern treatment (keys and descriptions) from the soon-to-be-published Flora of the Central Wasatch Mountains and Vicinity. Although most localities are within 200 meters of the road, some stops will require moderately strenuous walking in rocky habitats at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level. Temperatures can range from nearly 90 degrees F at the lowest elevations to the mid 60's high in the mountains. Thunderstorms are possible, especially in the afternoon, and the proximity of many ferns to flowing water almost guarantees wet feet . All participants should bring comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, a jacket or sweater, a change of socks, and sunscreen. If all goes according to plan, we will return to the Snowbird meeting site at 4:30PM.
FT 5 Ecology and Halophytes of Great Salt Lake
This partial day field trip from 7:30-3:30 will explore the saline playas and oolitic sand dunes along the south shore line of Great Salt Lake. We will visit the Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve, a 10 square mile wetland restoration area managed by Kennecott Copper Corporation as well as the Audubon Society’s new south shore Gilmore preserve. Both sites are private reserves and have areas of unique halophyte plant communities along topographic salt gradients. The salt-succulent tissues and leaves of pickleweed (Salicornia europa var. rubra), inkweed (Sueda depressa), iodine bush (Allenrolfea occidentalis), and greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) will be seen. The salt gland secreting leaves of salt grass (Distichlis spicata) and alkali dropseed (Sporobolus airoides) will be examined and the unique, salt secreting epidermal hairs of the salt bushes (Atriplex confertifolia, A. gardneri) will be observed. These areas are near 4212 ft. elevation, the historic high stand of Great Salt Lake reached in the 1980’s and visitors will be able to see secondary succession patterns developing along the upper shoreline of the lake. The tour will beachcomb at Black Rock near the historic Saltair site and look at the unique halophilic algae, brine shrimp and brine flies using portable field microscopes. Participants will be able to make their own Great Salt Lake microcosm to take home and should bring binoculars and field guides to observe shorebirds. An option to take a group tour boat charter is being examined. Temperatures will be hot and participants should come prepared with hats, sunscreen and insect repellant. We plan to return to the Snowbird meeting site at 3:30 PM
FT 6 Mosses of the High Uinta Mountains, Utah - Note: New return time is 7:00pm
This full day field trip, sponsored by the American Bryological and Lichenological Society. Departing at 7:30 am, we will travel by bus to three localities in the Uinta Mountains east of Salt Lake City: Provo River Falls, Murdock Summit and Mirror Lake. The geology of the area consists entirely of Precambrian quartzite. Elevation at Provo Falls is 9400 ft; Murdock Summit 11200 ft; and Mirror Lake 10400 ft. The vegetation consists of lodgepole pine, subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce at Provo Falls and Mirror Lake, and alpine rock meadow at Murdock Summit. Most localities are within 500 meters of the parking area, but those who wish to hike to the alpine meadow at Murdock Summit should expect a rather strenuous 30-minute hike from the parking area. For each stop, participants will be provided with locality data for herbarium labels—including UTM and cadastral coördinates, elevation, substrate geology, and vascular plant community. Bryologists can expect to see Aulacomnium, Climacium, Dichelyma, Drepanocladus, Fontinalis, Helodium, Hygrohypnum, Orthotrichum, Philonotis, Polytrichum, Sphagnum, Syntrichia and several others. Lichenologists will see mostly crustose Aspicilia, Dimelaena, Lecidea, Pleopsidium, Rhizocarpon, Sporastatia and Staurothele, and possibly squamulose Psora and Psoroma. Lichenologists should be forewarned that the macrolichen flora is poor, the saxicolous crusts predominate, and the Uinta quartzite is extremely hard: Be prepared to chisel! Temperatures can range from 60 - 80 F, but an afternoon thunderstorm at high elevations can drop the temperature into the 50s. Advise coming prepared for thunderstorms, also prepared for sloshing through cold, subalpine fens and snowmelt streams. All participants should bring comfortable hiking shoes, a hat and sunscreen, a jacket or sweater, and possibly a change of socks. If time permits, our return route will be Route 150 to Evanston WY—sagebrush country—where we can expect to see some desert mosses and vagrant lichens. If all goes according to plan, we will return to Snowbird at 7:00 pm.
FT 7 Vegetation of the Uinta Mountains
The Uinta Mountain range of Utah is one of only two major mountain ranges in North America that are oriented east-west rather than north-south. The rocks that make up the high central core are primarily quartzite strata of the Precambrian age. The heavily glaciated topography of the central area is distinctive, with gently sloping cirque valleys, and hundreds of rock-rimmed lakes. The western half of the high Uintas, include the headwaters of the Provo, Weber, Bear, Duchesne, and Uinta Rivers, and is home to the highest mountain peak in Utah, Kings Peak, at 13,528 feet. The variable topography creates many geographic niches, where a variety of plant species thrive. The quartzite substrate weathers to form strongly acidic soils, which support acid loving vegetation dominated by species of the pine and heath families. Additionally, cold climatic conditions favor species of sub-arctic and alpine affinities. It is not unusual to experience summer temperatures that are blistering in exposed areas during the day and freezing at night. Summer thunderstorms frequently bring high winds, hail or snow and frightening displays of lightening. Such storms will send you scrambling for a refuge. Fortunately, summer storms are usually of short duration. Most areas of interest are located close to major roads, however moderate walking will be required and informational handouts will be provided. Participants should wear clothing appropriate for high altitude and occasional summer storms.
FT 8 Morning botanizing walk/hike from Snowbird's doorstep
Shed those urban blues and take advantage of the unprecedented opportunity to step out your door and botanize at 8,000 feet in the Wasatch Mountains. This is an early morning hike along and beyond the trails around the meeting venue at Snowbird. Riparian, montane, and subalpine communities are all within a short walking distance from your accommodations in glacier-carved Little Cottonwood Canyon. Sleep until the last possible minute, arise, dress, and join us for this meandering morning walk/hike. Always expect either to be walking uphill or downhill....there are no other directions. Elevation gain depends upon group wishes. However, expect at least a 300 foot gain from the approximately 8,000 foot Snowbird starting point.
FT 9 An afternoon among the ferns of Albion Basin, Utah
This field trip is sponsored by the American Fern Society. Boarding shuttle buses, we will take the short 10 minute drive to Albion Basin, situated at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon just above the meeting venue at Snowbird. The basin encompasses a diverse geology, including massive outcrops of limestone and quartzite that support a mixture of calciphilous and non-calciphilous pteridophytes. As we hike the Secret Lake Trail, participants can expect to see various species of Athyrium, Cryptogramma, Equisetum, Pellaea, Selaginella and Woodsia. The flora of the basin also includes a diversity of Cystopteris (three fertile taxa plus hybrids) and several Botrychium species, which may or may not appear depending on the weather, sunspot intensity, and various planetary alignments. This trip is offered for those unable to participate in the full day trip on Sunday or those who just want to further explore the fern flora surrounding this unique meeting site. All participants will be provided with a copy of the fern treatment (keys and descriptions) from the soon-to-be-published Flora of the Central Wasatch Mountains and Vicinity. The hike to Secret Lake is about 1½ miles round trip, with an elevation gain of ca. 500 feet (from 9,400 to 9,900 feet above sea level). The most interesting fern habitats are off the trail and require some walking in unstable, rocky habitats to fully appreciate. Temperatures are likely to range around 68 degrees F and thunderstorms are a definite possibility. All participants should bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, a hat, a jacket or sweater, and sunscreen.
FT 10 Morning botanizing walk/hike from Snowbird's doorstep
Shed those urban blues and take advantage of the unprecedented opportunity to step out your door and botanize at 8,000 feet in the Wasatch Mountains. This is an early morning hike along and beyond the trails around the meeting venue at Snowbird. Riparian, montane, and subalpine communities are all within a short walking distance from your accommodations in glacier-carved Little Cottonwood Canyon. Sleep until the last possible minute, arise, dress, and join us for this meandering morning walk/hike. Always expect either to be walking uphill or downhill....there are no other directions. Elevation gain depends upon group wishes. However, expect at least a 300 foot gain from the approximately 8,000 foot Snowbird starting point.
FT 11 and FT-12 Alpine Flora of Mt. Baldy
Alpine vegetation in Utah occurs above about 9500 ft (c.2870 m) in elevation. Mt. Baldy rises to 11,068 ft. above the Snowbird Resort and can be reached by a short tram ride and relatively easy climb. This field trip provides an opportunity for a short afternoon/early evening excursion with an expert local botanist. Adaptations to environmental extremes will be discussed in the context of specializations within generic groups common to the Great Basin and Range flora. In explorations near the top of the tram (Hidden Peak area), species of vascular plants will be identified and discussions of ecology will ensue. Participants are responsible for bringing their own water, sunscreen, and snacks. Duration (including ride) is 2 hours. Participants are free to continue hiking and return on their own schedule.
FT 13 Morning botanizing walk/hike from Snowbird's doorstep
Shed those urban blues and take advantage of the unprecedented opportunity to step out your door and botanize at 8,000 feet in the Wasatch Mountains. This is an early morning hike along and beyond the trails around the meeting venue at Snowbird. Riparian, montane, and subalpine communities are all within a short walking distance from your accommodations in glacier-carved Little Cottonwood Canyon. Sleep until the last possible minute, arise, dress, and join us for this meandering morning walk/hike. Always expect either to be walking uphill or downhill....there are no other directions. Elevation gain depends upon group wishes. However, expect at least a 300 foot gain from the approximately 8,000 foot Snowbird starting point.
FT 14 Lichen Communities of Central Utah (bryologists are welcome to participate and round out the field trip with some bryological activity)
Lichen communities of various locations in central Utah including soil crust and Navajo Sandstone communities on the San Rafael Swell, Emery County; and basalt communities at 3500 meters and 2150 meters in the Boulder Mountain region of the Aquarius Plateau, Wayne County, Utah will be visited. Specifically, two soil crust community types will be examined: 1) sandy soils derived from the Navajo Sandstone, and 2) a gypsiferous community derived from the Carmel Formation. In addition, the basalt boulder communities of the Aquarius Plateau, dominated by several species of Xanthoparmelia and three species of Rhizoplaca will be examined. In addition, we will visit several sites in Capitol Reef National Park including the “Goosenecks” of Sulphur Creek as well as several panels of pictographs and petroglyphs left in the steep canyon walls by the ancient Fremont Indian culture (no collecting allowed in the Park). We will spend Thursday night in the quaint rural community of Torrey, Utah near the west entrance to the Park. A brief field guide including state and local maps, site descriptions, and brief species lists for each site will be provided. Maximum high temperatures will be in the mid- 90s? F with low temperatures in the mid 60sº F (usually at night). Central Utah is an arid region located on the Colorado Plateau; however, late afternoon thunderstorms commonly occur in this region during the late summer-early fall months. Minimal hiking – we will be able to drive to within 200 meters of all sites. Participants should bring personal collecting gear, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket/sweater; collecting bags (#4 and #6 paper bags) will be provided. Arrangements for shipping collections to participants can be made directly with the organizer. Day 1: Leave by 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning (August 5th) from Snowbird. Travel south on Interstate Highway 15 to U.S. Highway 6 and then south on SR 10 to Huntington, Utah. From Huntington to the Wedge Overlook on the San Rafael Swell is about 50 km on well developed and maintained gravel roads. The collection sites for the first day are on BLM land on the San Rafael Swell and down Buckhorn Wash. We will then travel, by gravel roads to Interstate Highway 70, then west on I-70 to SR 72 at Fremont Junction, and south on SR 72 to Torrey. Day 2: Leave by 7:00 a.m. visit petroglyphs and Sulphur Creek Goosenecks in Capitol Reef National Park. Travel to Bluebell Knoll on Boulder Mountain Plateau (3500 meters elevation) and then finish with a lower elevation site (2150 meters) northwest of Boulder Mountain. Return to Salt Lake City via SR 24, I-70, SR 28, and I-15. Information for hotel accommodations in Salt Lake City with shuttle service to the Salt Lake International Airport will be provided to all participants (please make your own reservations).
FT 15 Cretaceous and Eocene plants of eastern Utah
In eastern Utah and western Colorado, well-preserved Cretaceous and Eocene floras are exposed in arid landscapes along the Wasatch Plateau and in the Piceance Basin, respectively. We will collect plant macrofossils that reflect typical diversity of major plant groups during these time intervals. On the first day, we will examine Late Cretaceous compressions in the Blackhawk Formation, in central Utah. These fossils include well-preserved cuticle and a variety of extinct angiosperms such as Manihotites. We will also stop at Early Cretaceous sites of the Cedar Mountain Formation to collect permineralizations of the fern Tempskya, cycadeoids, and other fossil woods. On the second day, we will proceed to western Colorado to collect Middle Eocene macrofossils in the Green River Formation near Douglas Pass. The Green River flora is well known and represents a diverse lacustrine assemblage containing abundant Salicaceae, Platanaceae, Ulmaceae, Leguminosae, and other dicot taxa representing both extant and extinct genera. If time permits, we will stop at museums near Vernal. Some hiking will be necessary, so bring appropriate footwear and geologic tools for collecting. Maximum high temperatures will be in the low 90s°F and low temperatures in the 50s°F. Departure, Thursday August 5, 6:30am, and return Salt Lake City Airport, Saturday Aug 7, high noon (arrival to airport earlier than noon cannot be guaranteed). Package includes field guidebook, two nights motel lodging (double occupancy rooms), van transportation, field lunches, and one group dinner at a restaurant. Additional meals paid individually at local restaurants.
Questions about the Meeting program should be directed to
the
BSA Meetings Manager:
Johanne Stogran
Botanical Society of America Meetings Office
2813 Blossom Ave
Columbus, OH 43231
Tele: (614) 899-9356
Fax: (614) 895-7866
E-mail: johanne@botany.org
Or Contact the Program
Officers
Or the Conference Plannning
Team