2018 - Robert's botantical adventures in Northern California

[Robert]

I had a very busy day in Eldorado National Forest on Thursday, 19 July. My original plan was to spend a short time at one of the habitat restoration sites in the morning and then move on to the Lyons Creek area. The situation at the restoration site was not what I expected. The ended up spending all morning and part of the afternoon at the site. I was a bit overwhelmed by the diversity of species. It is quite amazing and I was very pleased to make some important finds.



I spent the afternoon in the Lyons Creek Basin. There were still many plant species in bloom. The scenery is always pleasant. 



There was a bit on smoke and haze in the air all day from a forest fire in the vicinity of Yosemite National Park. Here it can be seen in the canyon of the South Fork of the American River.

Over all I had a great day and a goodly number of photographs turned out well. I will start writing up a report of the outing this coming week.

[Robert]

We are experiencing a typical California heat wave, however the skies are extremely smoky due to two major fires in Northern California. The Ferguson Fire near Yosemite National Park has burned 49,619 acres and is only 29% contained. To the north, the Carr Fire has burned 48,312 acres, including part of the city of Redding, California. This fire is completely out of control and is only 5% contained. The residents of over 5,000 additional homes have been forced to evacuate, as the fire jumped the Sacramento River and moved toward downtown Redding.



Temperatures are well above average, however they are not at record levels.  As an example, this morning it was 77 F (25 C) at 9:30 a.m. near Riverton, 3,625 feet (1,105 meters), and 86 F (30 C) at 10:00 a.m. on the crest of Peavine Ridge, 5,146 feet (1,569 meters).



To give an idea of our current high temperatures, the high temperature yesterday, 27 July, at the Riverton site was 98 F (36.7 C). On the crest of Peavine Ridge yesterday’s high was 96 F (35.6 C). In the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Sacramento Valley highs have been generally running in the 100 F (38 C) plus range, except near the Sacramento River delta (weak ocean influence).



Even at the head of the Lyons Creek Basin, 6,622 feet (2,018 meters), the temperatures are warm. The high temperature on 26 July was 85 F (29.4 C). This morning it was 78 F (25.6 C) by 11:00 a.m. In addition to the warm temperatures, the air is extremely dry. The relative humidity at Lyons Creek was 19% at 11:00 a.m. By the afternoon it will likely be in the low teens to the single digits.



Our current temperatures are well above average, but are still typical for this time of year. Now we can only hope that the fires are put out and the air clears.

Now that I have some free time, I will work on posting my report on my last outing. 

[Maggi Young]

News reports here of the California fires  have been frightening, Robert.  Things will get worse before they get better, it seems.  Wishing  the best for all affected.

[Robert]

The Carr Fire continues to burn near the town of Redding, California. As of last evening, it has grown to 95,368 acres and is only 17% contained. 7-8 people are known dead, however others are still missing. The dense smoke has blanketed most of Northern California. In our area south of the fire, the smoke was so dense yesterday that cloudless skies appeared overcast all day. This morning the dense smoke remains, as winds have been light.

The good news is that the Carr Fire appears to have turned away from the city of Redding and is moving away from the most densely populated areas. The bad news is that this type of fire seems to be the new “normal” for us in Northern California as many more homes are being built in high-risk areas.



It would not hurt the fire situation if there were some rain. Despite some monsoonal moisture working its way into our region over the past month, most of the precipitation has remained south and east of our area. I have not recorded any rainfall at any of my weather observations sites on the western slope of the Crystal Range since 25 May.

As one can see from the photograph, water levels on Lyons Creek are getting low. The Madden – Julian Oscillation (MJO) is often a driving force of the monsoonal flow in Mexico and the western U.S.A. The forecast appears to indicate that the MJO will move into a neutral phase over the next month or so, however I did notice on the GFS a tropical storm/hurricane developing along the western southern Mexico coast. It is projected to move northward toward southern Baja California and could move close enough to our part of California to bring us some rain. It is all in the Crystal Ball of long-range forecasts, so we will have to see what develops.

[Robert]

Dense smoke blanketed our part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains through the morning and early afternoon hours.



For me, a much greater gloom was the return of the brush clearing machines. Most likely I am the only person who truly knows and has documented what grows at specific sites in this area. Yes, folks do “rare plant treasure hunts” and this is laudable, however there are more than “rare” plants that need attention. In this area, rare forms of common species will likely disappear. Near this site a very unusual low elevation colony of Calochortus minimus can be found, as well as possible Manzanita hybrids involving Arctostaphylos patula, A. mewukka ssp. mewukka and A. viscida ssp. viscida.

There is nothing I can do to save the plants. Back in the 1990’s I watched as commercial logging destroyed colonies of natural hybrid lilies (Lilium pardalinum x L. parvum) as well as very unusual tetraploid forms of Lilium pardalinum. Then there was the colony of Lilium parvum with up-facing flowers. My list goes on and on. It appears that I am the only person aware that the plants ever existed or even cares. From what I understand, this same process is occurring everywhere on the planet. So many possibilities for gardeners and the world are going MIA.



Later in the afternoon I was in the vicinity of Wilson Meadow (pictured). By this time the wind had picked up and the smoke began to disperse. Above the smoke there was a cloud deck of altocumulus clouds. A trickle of monsoonal moisture was working its way northward. Most of the moisture was well south and east of our area.

I checked the 7 day forecast models when I arrived back in Placerville. Despite improved computer programing, the GFS is having a difficult time handling the forecast. Yesterday a tropical cyclone was forecast to develop off the southwestern coast of Mexico. Today it has been omitted from the forecast model.

I did check the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) forecast. Their crystal ball is forecasting enhanced tropical cyclone formation over the Eastern Pacific during the next two weeks. In addition, the MJO index has continued to weaken. Moving over to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) updates, by autumn there is a 65% chance of an ENSO event, by winter a 70% chance. At this time sea surface temperatures (SST) are still below the ENSO threshold, however temperatures are on the rise with Kelvin wave down welling creating much warmer lower level ocean temperatures in the Eastern Pacific.

We will see how the changes influence our summer monsoon season. Both the MJO and ENSO will influence the weather around the globe.

Yes, I am working on my report for the last outing.     Tomorrow I have business to attend to but I am getting closer.        

[Maggi Young]

Grim news indeed, Robert.  And, as you say, this is a scenario being repeated around the world.   Troubling times for the natural world - let alone mankind.

[hamparstum]

.... "Troubling times for the natural world"..."there's often a clue":... mankind...
    Truth is in the mind of the beholder...but at times it may be necessary to clobber the stupid and misinformed with grim news...perhaps they wake up! 
Arturo

[Maggi Young]

Yes, you have that right, Arturo!

[Robert]

Clearly, I confess my disappointment.

Beyond that, I just try to gather myself together and continue onward. What I see occurring is incredibly destructive, wasteful, and counter productive, however there are generally crumbs and pieces leftover that can be seeds for a future. At times the waste can be turned into something beautiful and useful. I attempt to observe as much as possible, especially the species and things that are overlooked, and less apparent for whatever reason. I am sure that the genes are still out there to create up facing forms of Lilium parvum, heat tolerant, easy to grow forms of Calochortus minimus, and many other new and beautiful garden plants. There is no money or glory in such things, so they will remain ignored. For me these circumstances create the perfect project where I can find fascinating things to explore, and hopefully share what is worthy to share.

I will continue to report on the beauty of our natural heritage and the fascinating plants I encounter here in California. At times there may be disappointing encounters, however this is part of the truth too.

Now, back to work. 

[hamparstum]

Robert, minuscule portions of your wonderful plant biodiversity are already in different stages of growth here. I spent this morning getting some of the Penstemon stratified in pots outside. Just this genus ( one of your SO ! many very valuable flowers) has so many variants and species. I checked El Dorado county Pents and 33 are listed in Calflora. Although that site is excellent, many populations are not even registered! Grim circumstances should not deter from your valuable work. (it reminds me of Vavilov's work during WWII, also done silently).
I do pray however that global awareness reaches to decision makers...
Arturo

[Robert]

Arturo,

It is great to hear that you have many plants coming along well. 

Maybe this coming spring you will start to see the first flowers on some of your older plants. I definitely look forward to reports on your progress.

And yes, I agree Nikolai Vavilov was certainly an interesting person. He contributed a great deal to the science of agronomy, and was instrumental in advancing agriculture in the former Soviet Union. At one time I read a great deal about him and others such as Frank Meyer of the USDA.

Calflora is an excellent resource, however check carefully and research the results to confirm the accuracy of the listings.

[Robert]

NATIONAL FOREST RESTORATION
&
LYONS CREEK

El Dorado County, California
Part I

Thursday, 19 July 2018

Weather Eldorado National Forest, 5,525 feet (1,684 meters)
Weather: High Clouds
Temperature, High: 90 F, 32.2 C
                       Low: 44 F, 6.7 C
Relative Humidity: 31%
Dew Point: 55 F, 12.8 C
Wind: SW 4G7
Precipitation: 0.00 inches (0.0 mm), To date (starting 1 July): 0.00 inches (0.0 mm)

Weather Lyons Creek, 6,622 feet (2,018 meters)
Weather: High Clouds
Temperature, High: 82 F, 27.8 C
                       Low: 39 F, 6.7 C
Relative Humidity: 34%
Dew Point: 48 F (8.9 C)
Wind: NW 4G5
Precipitation: 0.00 inches (0.0 mm), To date (starting 1 July): 00.00 inches (0.0 mm)




Thursday, 19 July, was my first opportunity for botanical outing in many weeks. My goal was to make a quick visit to a habitat restoration site in Eldorado National Forest before traveling to the Lyons Creek Basin to spend the remaining part of the day. There were a number of tasks I needed to accomplish before arriving at the restoration site, so I set off early from Sacramento, 4:30 a.m.

It was a typical summer day in the Sierra Nevada, cool in the morning, warm and dry in the afternoon. The summer monsoon season had started, but to date I had not recorded any rainfall in any of my rain gauges located throughout the western slope of the Crystal Range. When I arrived at the restoration site, it was apparent that the landscape was becoming very dry. This is not unusual for this time of the year.



After downloading data from my data recorders, I proceeded to an area where a number of seasonal ponds are located. When I arrived at the first pond, I found it dry.



The ponds hold water seasonally, so I was not surprised to see this pond dry. Sadly, the damage from the off-road-vehicles is still very apparent. The central area without vegetation is where the off-road-vehicles were driven in continuous circles. If one looks closely at the photograph, the tire tracks and ruts are still visible.

In addition to the damage created by the off-road-vehicles, the approaches to the pond were deeply ripped with a D-8 tractor. This was necessary to prevent access to the area by the off-road-vehicles. Unfortunately, the ripping also impacted the underground and surface hydrology. How this will impact the wetland areas is unknown to me.



One of the resident Black Bears, Ursus americanus, visits the pond site frequently.



I was very surprised to find a single colony of Rosa pisocarpa ssp. pisocarpa at the site. This species is not known occur in this part of California. I checked the plant very carefully to, indeed, confirm its identity. This specimen is just one of a number of “out of place” species I have identified at this site. I have been contemplating how and why these species came to be located at this specific site and nowhere else in the immediate area. The site has a long history of livestock grazing. There is a possibility that the plants arrived with the livestock or perhaps were purposely relocated by those tending the livestock. These are certainly interesting questions to investigate with many possibilities.

[Robert]

A short distance beyond the lower pond is another seasonal pond.



This pond was not directly impacted by the off-road-vehicles. In general, the habitat of this pond is in much better condition than the lower pond, however the commercial logging that occurred in this area during the 1990’s did severally impact the forest in the immediate vicinity surrounding the pond.



Although the site is rapidly drying there is still water flowing through the site. Commercial logging and other human activities have severely impacted the hydrology in this area. I distinctly remember trout living in the creek at this site back in the 1960’s. Over the decades, the creek has experienced a great deal of siltation due to commercial logging on the surrounding slopes. In addition, the logging of the old growth forest on the site has increased evapotranspiration, soil and air temperatures and eliminated the high shade tree canopy. The trout are gone and the creek dries completely by autumn during most seasons. Undoubtedly there have been changes in the flora. Finding remnant populations in the some of the unlogged areas is one of my prime objectives.



The diversity and population numbers of the Lepidoptera species at this site is very impressive. During one visit this spring I observed thousands of adult butterflies congregating at damp soil. On this outing I still observed many butterflies, but in lesser numbers. Adelpha bredowii, California Sister, is one of the butterfly species I encountered on this outing.



The height of the blooming season had passed, however there were still stray flowers on some of the earlier blooming species. At one site I found a few Helenium bigelovii still in bloom.

[Robert]

Coyote Mint, Mondarella odoratissima ssp. pallida, was blooming at many dry, sunny sites throughout this area. This species is a major attractant for adult Lepidoptera species during the summer months. A number of Grass-Skipper species can be found in the Sierra Nevada. Pictured is a Polites species, perhaps P. sonora or P. sabuleti.



Fritillaries are notoriously difficult to identify to the species level. This Fritillary may have been a Callippe Fritillary, Speyeria callippe, or a Zerene Fritillary, Speyeria zerene.



Viola tomentosa was seen in dry locations. Many were drying and going dormant for the summer, however a few were found in growth with flowers.

I was hoping to limit my time at the site. In an attempt to streamline my activities, I took very few photographs. Some of the interesting species seen but not photographed were: Cordylanthus tenuis ssp. tenuis, Ranunculus orthorhynchus var. orthrhynchus, Veronica arvense, Ranunculus flammula var. ovalis, and Trichostema oblongum. Before I knew it, it was 2:00 p.m. and I was still exploring the site. I quickly wrapped up my activities and proceeded to the Lyons Creek Basin.



I arrived at the head of the Lyons Creek Basin at approximately 3:00 p.m. There was still plenty of daylight remaining, so I started off up the trail to see what I might find.



The head of the Lyons Creek Basin is at approximately 6,700 feet (2,042 meters). Although, here too, the peak of the blooming season had passed, there were still many flowering plants in bloom.

The lower portions of the basin consist of a mosaic series of meadows ranging from hydric, mesic, to xeric. Each meadow has it own unique mix of plant species. I was very pleased to see Pedicularis attollens in bloom. This species tends to prefer the moist meadows that often become very dry by the end of the season.

[Robert]

As one can see from the photograph, Lupinus lepidus var. sellulus is seen frequently with Pedicularis attollens. Lupinus lepidus var. sellulus is tolerant of much drier conditions than P. attollens. In the drier meadows it is seen with a different mix of species.



Spiraea splendens is one of my favorite flowering shrubs from the high Sierra Nevada. The species stays reasonably compact and preforms well in garden situations, even in our Sacramento Valley garden with the long hot summers. With careful selections forms can be found that have nice crimson autumn foliage and deep pink flowers that retain much of their deep color at much lower elevations.



Eurybia integrifolia is one of the late season bloomers. On this outing they were just starting to bloom. This species is often seen in very dry locations, however they are certainly tolerant of more moisture.



Eriogonum incanum definitely prefers dry sunny locations. It is seen in the driest meadow often associated with Calyptridium and Allium campanulatum.



The larger meadows are surrounded by Lodgepole Pine forest, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana mixed with California Red Fir, Abies magnifica var. magnifica. Often there are small clearings that intersect the forest. These small clearings are often filled with a succession of interesting wildflowers. I often get distracted exploring these areas, and this day was no exception.

1 August 2018

We had an interesting day here in El Dorado County, California. About 2:30 p.m. the Bumper Fire started burning about 2 miles from the farm. The Calfire fire station is about 0.5 miles from the farm, so when I heard the sirens I was not concerned as I hear them frequently as they respond to fires in our area. Not long after I heard the sirens, a jet borate plane flew a few hundred feet above the roof of the house. Huge plumes of smoke filled the sky as the winds blew the fire almost directly in our direction. I dialed in the emergency frequency and discovered that the neighborhoods just over the hill from us were being ordered to evacuate! Maybe some have seen the images of the Carr Fire or the Mendocino Complex Fires that are still burning in California (they can be easily viewed on the internet). If this fire was not extinguished quickly, a firestorm could reach the house in 15 minutes or less. Needless to say, I watched the forward progress of the fire and was prepared to evacuate immediately if necessary. Fortunately, there were plenty of borate planes and helicopters available and the fire was controlled within an hour or two. This time we were spared, however the consequences of climate change have brought devastating wildfires to our part of California. It was only a few years ago that the King Fire burned a huge swath through the central portion of El Dorado County. Now wildfires burn through portions of cities (Redding this year, Santa Rosa last year, not to mention Southern California) and become international news.