When: Saturday, April 18, 9:00 to 12:00ish OR 9:00 to 3:00ish
Where: Walnut Creek Low-Water Bridge, Forest Service Rd 47
Credit: 3 to 6 hours NiT Training or Continuing Education, (a portion can count as volunteer time for trash pickup)
Time/Difficulty: There are two options.
Option 1: Moderately Easy - 9:00 to 11:30ish. The total distance is approximately 1 mile. We will walk FS Rd 47 between the low-water bridge and Pipe Springs. Along the way we’ll leave the road in several locations and walk a short distance into the woods to see a variety of Spring Flora. It is fairly level but there will be wet spots and places with uneven footing. Even though this is a small area it has great diversity and a lot to see and learn.
Opton 2: Moderately Difficult - 9:00 to 3:00ish. This option will start with Option 1 and continue with a hike into the Walnut Creek valley. Many of you will be familiar with the land marks from previous hikes. From Pipe Springs we will take the Charlton Trail to the Three Amigos. At that point we will “bushwack” our way to Three Knolls, the Road to Nowhere, Pleasant Valley, the Magnolia Mommas, Cottonmouth Crossing, the infamous Pinch, and finally, return to the low-water bridge. The total distance for both options is about 2.5 miles. This is, HANDS DOWN, my favorite hike!
The timing for our Walk and Talk looks great. Spring has sprung! Walnut Creek will be our destination and you will not be disappointed. This is a special place!!! Over the past 8 years we have identified close to 150 species of plants in this one area. There will be a plethora of Spring Flora in bloom. A special treat to this hike is that the area is home to 4 native orchids; Kentucky Lady’s Slipper, Spring Coralroot, Twayblade and Crane-Fly. It is possible that we will see all four on this walk. I thought about listing the many species of plants we’ll see but let’s just say it is a plethora!
Items to bring: Wear sturdy boots/shoes, water, snack or light lunch, insect repellent, walking stick.
Directions: From the intersection of Hwy 270 West and the Mountain Pine Rd, travel west on Hwy 270 for 13 miles, turn right onto North Crystal Springs Rd for approximately 1.8 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Rd 47. Travel approximately 2.25 miles to the low-water bridge. Parking is limited. If possible, please carpool.
Bring a Friend!