About us
This is a group for anyone interested in supporting the Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS). Our mission is to promote the appreciation and conservation of Washington's native plants and their habitats through study, education and advocacy.
The Central Puget Sound Chapter (CPS) hosts regular monthly membership meetings 7 times a year in Seattle and 4 times a year in Bellevue. Following a brief business discussion and announcements, each meeting features a guest speaker who is an expert on a native plant topic such as native plants found on WA hikes, the impact of climate change and wildfires on native plants, and landscaping with native plants. The Seattle meetings also have a plant identification workshop prior to the start of the meeting.
The CPS Chapter also sponsors a Native Plant Steward training program, which provides 100 hours of free instruction on native plants and environmental stewardship in exchange for a commitment of 100 hours of volunteer work. The organization also has 2 native plant sales a year, where you can find both common and rare species of plants.
For more details about our chapter see: http://www.wnps.org/cps/index3.html
Upcoming events
6
50th Anniversary Wildflower Hike to Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake, https://www.google.com/maps/dir//47.3441,-121.4246/@47.3440795,-121.4932663,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!4m3!1m0!1m1!4e1?hl=en, Snoqualmie Region -- Snoqualmie, WA, USTo celebrate the 50th anniversary of our society's founding, WNPS chapters are hosting special field trips throughout the state. Here is one within moderate driving distance from Seattle. Along the trip, we will identify plants we encounter and reconnect with our appreciation of them.
Located east of the Cascade crest and Snoqualmie Pass, this less strenuous hike is suitable for families. Wildflowers should be plentiful on the drive up from the Stampede Pass Exit, and we will be hiking past streams and along a lakeshore, creating a range of habitats.Distance: 2.4 Miles RT
Elevation Gain: 650 FeetBring appropriate footwear and outerwear, lunch, and sunscreen. Meet at the Issaquah Transit Center at 9:00 AM (Row A, Level 1) If you wish to join the group at another location along the way, please, please contact the field trip leader. For directions and a description of the trail, see https://www.wta.org/.../mirror-lake-and-cottonwood-lakes We will leave to return home at approximately 4:00 PM.
Sign up with Geoff Berg at geoffberg@yahoo.com.
2 attendees
Cougar Mtn./Sky Country Hike
Cougar Mountain Park, Sky Country Trailhead, 7301 SE 166th Way SE, Bellevue, WA, USDistance 4 miles, with 800 ft elevation gain and approximate duration of 3 Hours
Join Mary Nakasone of the Washington Native Plant Society and Joel Gartengberg, Issaquah Alps Trail Club board member, for a relaxed hike through Cougar Mountain. We'll take our time on the trail, making plenty of stops to observe and talk about the local plant life—so it's perfect for curious hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Expect forested paths and plenty of opportunities to learn about native species in a beautiful Pacific Northwest setting. All experience levels welcome!
Bring snacks, lots of water, shoes for the trail, weather-appropriate clothing, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
NOTE: Registered participants are required to print and fill out a WNPS waiver to attend. The group will meet in the parking lot of Sky Country Trailhead.Although the hike will show as filled on the Issaquah Alps Trails Club web page, 4 spots have been reserved for WNPS members.
If you are a WNPS member, you can register here
Trailhead: Sky Country Trailhead. Please meet Joel and Mary in the parking lot.4 attendees
WNPS 50th Anniversary Mt Townsend Field Trip
Mt Townsend, FR 27-190, Quilcene, WA, USWNPS 50th Anniversary Mt Townsend Field Trip
Hike leader: Richard Ramsden
Saturday July 18thHike 8.2 miles round trip with 2900 ft elevation gain. Moderately difficult. Allow a full day.
Location: Lower Mt. Townsend Trail
Mt Townsend, located on the east side of the Olympics, has long been a favorite destination for native plant spotters. The trail winds up through mature forests, then small meadow openings, ending in a tundra-like alpine zone on top. An extensive plant list is available through WNPS [https://www.wnps.org/plant-lists/list?Mt_Townsend].
Limited to 12 participants.
Meet at Greenlake Park & Ride at 6 AM. We will take the 7:10 Edmonds ferry leaving for Kingston. Regroup (or meet up) at the Quilcene Ranger Station by 8:15. Registration required by contacting Richard Ramsden: rtramsden@gmail.com
3 attendees
Past events
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