President’s Message, July 2020

Snowplant. S. Libonati-Barnes.
Snowplant, Sarcodes sanguinea, seen in Lassen Volcanic National Park on June 22, 2020. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.

Dear Members,
While group activities are still suspended, we encourage outings with small numbers and proper physical distancing. Please wear your masks in public, take separate cars to destinations, wash those hands. See our online Get Out! articles for outing ideas.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is awash in early flowers right now. No camping is allowed, but buttercups and fawn lilies cover the meadows, and corn lilies are dramatic, pushing up through the melting snowbanks. Snowplants and a few early balsamroots are already in bloom. All these lovelies, and many others, are available right along the main road (use pullovers carefully).

Thanks to our Propagation Team and the staff at Shasta College, our plant stock is safe. We are working on ways to get plants to you, our members and best customers. Stay tuned and stay safe. -Susan Libonati-Barnes, President

Bear-grass. J. Springer.
Bear-grass, Xerophyllum tenax, growing on Scott Mountain summit, on June 21, 2020. Photo by John Springer.