The Clark Fork Chapter serves the greater Missoula Area and west-central Montana.
For more information check the Chapter Facebook Page, which has field trip details and maps and photos, more on the UM Native Plant Garden, and so on; it’s really the best up-to-the-minute info we have; or contact our president via email:
Teagan Hayes
Missoula MT
- Interested in Native Plant Landscaping in our area? Click here
- The Chapter has reprinted and is now selling Sheila Morrison’s 2003 book, The Magic of Montana Native Plants: A Gardener’s Guide to Growing over 150 Species from Seed. For all the information and to buy the book, click here.
- Here is a link to a page featuring the Lackshewitz – Preece Montana Native Botanic Garden on the University of Montana Campus
Programs include Evening Presentations, Field Trips, and other events. MANY EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION. CHECK LOCALLY BEFORE ATTENDING!
EVENING PRESENTATIONS (held 2nd Thursday of the month, with some exceptions):
Thursday May 12, 6:30 pm. Our Spring Potluck will be held at the Pineview Park Pavilion in the Upper Rattlesnake off of Rattlesnake Drive, just west of Rattlesnake School (note the different location). Bring your own plate, utensils and a dish to share. No alcohol please. We’ll be putting label sticks together for the annual native plant sale. Call Peter (728-8740) or Clare (728-0189) for directions.
2022 FIELD TRIPS and OTHER EVENTS
Tuesday, May 10 – Trillium Walk in Spring Gulch, Rattlesnake Recreation Area (Missoula). 5:30pm – Tarn Ream – Leader Folks who walk along the forested streams and seeps of western Montana in the spring are likely to encounter a beautiful plant called Trillium (or Wake Robin). Did you know that those white flowers only occur once a plant has reached about 20 years of age, and that many of the plants will outlive you? Come find out what else you can learn about this fascinating plant and other early blooming species along the trail. Meet at the main Rattlesnake trailhead parking area for an easy, 2mi round-trip stroll. Info: Tarn Ream, [email protected]
Wednesday, May 25 – Pattee Canyon Native Plant Hike. 6:30 pm. Anne Garde – Leader. Last year’s Pattee Canyon hike was to the south facing side. This year we’ll walk the north facing slope to look for camas, balsamroot, paintbrush, huckleberry and other shrubs. Prizes given to the first folks who find fairy slippers or trillium. Bring snacks and water for a fun, not-too-strenuous hike with Annie. We will meet at the main trailhead (top of Pattee Canyon Road by the outhouse). To register email, text or call Paul Buck: [email protected] or 970-901-2418.
Saturday, June 4 – Native Plant Sale, Clark Fork Market. 8am-1pm. The Montana Native Plant Society – Clark Fork Chapter will hold its Annual Native Plant Sale at the Clark Fork River Market in Missoula. Many species of Montana native plants will be for sale on this one-day fundraising event, along with information and gardening advice. Come early for the best selection of native plants to add to your landscape! Plants are grown by our members. Sheila Morrison’s book, The Magic of Montana Native Plants: A Gardener’s Guide to Growing over 150 Species from Seed, will also be for sale.
Saturday, July 23 – Mosses of Rattlesnake Creek 10:00am Joe Elliott – Leader Rattlesnake Creek has a rich aquatic moss flora and the species are quite distinct. Aquatic mosses are ecologically very valuable as they provide important habitat for benthic invertebrates (i.e. fish food). Mosses would first be collected in the Creek (wading would be required) and then bring them back Joe’s house and view them through compound and stereo microscopes. A backyard picnic is also part of this most unique field trip. Meet at the trailhead parking at the end of Duncan Drive. To register email, text or call Paul Buck: [email protected] or 970-901-2418.
Saturday, August 6. Mud Lake, Skalkaho Pass Peter Lesica – Leader We will explore two fens just east of Skalkaho Pass. Easy walking but wet ground, so bring boots or sandals. Bring a lunch. Meet at southwest end of Walmart parking lot on 93 South and Miller Ck. Road at 9:00 am or if you are closer to Hamilton, at the junction of Hwy 93 and Skalkaho Rd. (Hwy 38) at 9:45ish. We hope to return by 5:00 pm. Limit 12 people. To register email Peter Lesica at: [email protected]
Don’t forget to check out the Clark Fork Chapter Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MNPSClarkForkChapter/events), and the State MT Native Plant Society Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/MTNativePlantSociety).
*Events could be canceled due to weather. Hikes typically proceed at a leisurely pace. Please bring adequate food, water, sunscreen, a hat, and be prepared for Montana’s unpredictable, inclement weather. No pets please!
Clark Fork chapter members enjoy a robust schedule of hikes every year. Here a few members stay safe while botanizing together at Cliff Lake. (Peter Lesica photo)
* Camera Geek trips are designed with ample time for photography and exchanging camera tips and techniques.
