Monthly Meeting
Save the date for our November Monthly Meeting - title and zoom link will be posted nearer the time.
Meeting Information
In Northern Nevada (Reno), attend the in-person meeting in FA 300G on the 3rd floor of Fleischmann Agriculture on the UNR campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking tends to be limited to the street.
In Southern Nevada (Henderson), attend the in-person meeting in A109 on the College of Southern Nevada's Henderson campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking is free and abundant.
Alternatively, you are invited to join remotely via our Zoom meeting which will open at 6:55pm.
Peavine Fire Ecology Field Trip
We'll be driving up Peavine Road to talk generally about fire ecology and recovery, which will take us through older fire scars as well as the recent Hawk Fire burn scars. The plan is to make several stops along the way through different burned and unburned vegetation communities, culminating at the summit. There, we'll be able to see the disjunct hemlock stand and a small grove of western white pine. For those who are sure-footed, we can hike about a quarter mile downslope to one of the only whitebark pines left on Peavine.
The intention of this field trip is to showcase the real-life challenges our landscapes and native vegetation communities face at a location so near to the heart of our society. We plan to continue to witness the post-fire recovery of Peavine through future field trips next spring and hopefully, throughout the coming years.
The road is still drivable as of 10/13, but the clearance and suspension of at least a Subaru Crosstrek is advised. We will try to carpool as much as possible, since some of the parking spots are a bit tight.
Logistics:
WHEN: November 7th, 9am - 1pm or so, depending on how much we get chatting
WHERE: Meeting at this parking lot on USFS land: 39.609048, -119.898871
PLEASE NOTE:
- Sedans can make the drive to the meeting spot. We will carpool from the parking lot into as few vehicles as possible.
- Bring layers (it is cold and windy at the top!), water, snacks, and potentially a lunch as we will be outside all day!
Monthly Meeting
Join us to hear Alison Agneray share "Killer Flora: Nevada's deadliest plants." This talk will be a special Halloween edition! Alison will be talking about the most poisonous plants found in our state. She'll cover what these plants look like, where you're likely to run into them, and the sometimes gruesome stories behind how they do their damage. So come find out which "harmless" wildflowers along your favorite trail have killer secrets.
Meeting Information
In Northern Nevada (Reno), attend the in-person meeting in FA 300G on the 3rd floor of Fleischmann Agriculture on the UNR campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm, PT. Parking tends to be limited to the street.
In Southern Nevada (Henderson), attend the in-person meeting in A109 on the College of Southern Nevada's Henderson campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking is free and abundant.
Alternatively, you are invited to join remotely via our Zoom meeting (October 1st at 6:55pm).
Register in advance here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/.../register/OOhMubPATZifVtMlw3wtSA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Parks for Pollinators Bioblitz
Visit our table, and say hello to Brianna, at the Fourth Annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road. Free park entry for this event!
The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is a national campaign sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. This September, parks throughout the country will be participating in a fun challenge to see how many pollinator species can be documented throughout the month. It is easy for you to participate, too! Simply join our project page, make observations on your own, and upload using the iNaturalist app. With the iNaturalist app, the online community will help identify the species of plant, animal or insect you've observed. By reviewing other observations, you can help make our data "research grade"!
More information here https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Events/Details/Id/third-annual-parks-for-pollinators-bioblitz
Native Orchids of Nevada.
While many plant enthusiasts might not associate the Mojave Desert or the Great Basin floras with orchid diversity, Nevada is still home to over ten native species of orchids. One especially notable Nevada native orchid is the Ash Meadows ladies' tresses orchid, Spiranthes infernalis. This orchid was first discovered in Ash Meadows, and is a Nevada endemic species known from only two localities. Join California Botanic Garden researcher Allison Autry for an introduction to Nevada native orchids, an overview of the research being done on Spiranthes infernalis, and an explanation of why orchids like this one are so rare and threatened.
Meeting Information
In Northern Nevada (Reno), attend the in-person meeting in FA 300G on the 3rd floor of Fleischmann Agriculture on the UNR campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking tends to be limited to the street.
In Southern Nevada (Henderson), attend the in-person meeting in A109 on the College of Southern Nevada's Henderson campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking is free and abundant.
Alternatively, you are invited to join remotely via our Zoom meeting which will open at 6:55pm.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GuLvn3fOSWuMBP3IwBPrSg
Photo: Spiranthes infernalis, ©LonnyHolmes
CANCELLED Frog Pond / Relay Peak, Mt Rose
THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INJURY!
If you wish to make the trip on your own check out the map. There is room for a couple of cars to park on the Highway near Relay Peak Road, or you can access it from the parking area at Mt Rose Summit.
Tahoe Institute of Natural Sciences has a field trip to Galena Falls on August 20th. Information and registration can be found here: https://tahoerimtrail.org/event/galena-falls-wildflower-hike/
Field Trip, Hope Valley / Upper Carson River
Hope Valley and Upper Carson River 7/26
This field trip will stop at various points along Highway 88, from nearby the Desolation Hotel to just below Carson Pass. Led by the esteemed John Dyer!
We'll have two carpool meeting points:
Meeting place 1: Bowers Mansion, large parking lot by the pool and picnic area, 8:30 am - 4005 Bowers Mansion Rd, New Washoe City, NV 89704
Meeting Place 2: In N Out Burger parking lot, south end of Carson City, near Best Buy, 9:15 am - 957 Topsy Ln, Carson City, NV 89705
Stops are subject to flora in bloom, so changes in stops may well occur by then:
Stop 1: 10:00 an, turnout just past Desolation Hotel 0.3 miles, north side of the Highway; setting - granitic rocks outcrop above the Carson River, and aspen forest
Stop 2: Rest stop with bathrooms, 0.2 mile past Highway
88 and 89 intersect (Meyer/Luther Pass turn-off).
Stop 3: Carson River crossing, turnout for trails 0.8 miles past the
intersection of Highway 88 and 89; setting - streamside, open slope, and open Lodgepole pine forest.
Stop 4: large turnout, both sides of the highway, 4.4 miles past Hwy 88/89 intersect, setting - large meadow, streamside and pine forest.
Stop 5: upper Carson River, stream crossing, 5.5 miles past Hwy 88/89 intersect, large turnout, both sides of Highway; setting - large meadow with beaver ponds, aspen and pine forest.
As always, come prepared to car-pool and for warm summer weather, including possible thunder-storms. Bring food, water, sunscreen, hat, bug repellent. No significant hiking is planned, and there are no restrictions on vehicle clearance. At each stop, be aware of highway traffic - Hwy 88 can be busy and have fast traffic.
Basic Sunflower Identification Class
Basic Sunflower Identification
The University of Nevada Reno Herbarium
Instructor: Arnold (Jerry) Tiehm, M.S, Great Basin Flora Specialist atiehm@unr.edu
This three-day short course covers the unique taxonomy associated with the Sunflower Family, Asteraceae. Basic terminology, dissection skills, and use of a key are critical elements of this class. We will cover not only how to identify sunflowers, but how to collect and press them for future reference or for the purpose of mailing to others for identification or verification. You can anticipate seeing about 60 different sunflower genera. This class is for participants with beginner through intermediate skills.
This class may be taken for 1 unit of optional credit during either semester or summer session. Let the instructor know if you want to receive credit so you can obtain a class number. You must also pay the separate credit fees with UNR.
COST: $ 240.00 non-student
$ 120.00 student (fees for optional credit units are paid separately when you enroll with UNR for Spring or Fall semester or summer session).
Class size is limited to 30 participants.
Class will be from 8:00 am -12:00 pm, one hour lunch break, 1 pm - 5 pm daily. It will be held in room 300G of Fleischman Agriculture at UNR. Hot water and some coffee and tea will be available in the classroom.
Sign up by emailing the instructor. atiehm@unr.edu or call 775-742-9180-C
If you have a copy of Intermountain Flora Volume 5 please bring it to class.
Overnight Field Trip: Toiyabe Range
The Toiyabe Range, which rises to over 12,000 feet above Big Smoky Valley, is the crown jewel of Nevada's Central Ranges. Home to imposing alpine peaks, lush wetlands, stunning views, and many rare and endemic plant species, including Toiyabea alpina, Trifolium rollinsii, and Agastache cusickii, the Toiyabes also feature an accessible network of campgrounds and hiking trails.
On Friday 6/26, we will meet at the Columbine Campground on the western slope of the range. On Saturday 6/27, we will take one long, strenuous day hike to Arc Dome, with shorter and less-strenuous options available depending on the final composition of our group. On Sunday 6/28, we will take a shorter morning hike and allow everyone to get on the road home.
Our destination is about a 3.5 hour drive from Reno and a 5.5 hour drive from Las Vegas - we hope that members from all over the state will be able to attend. If you are attending, please be prepared to be self-sufficient for 2 nights of car camping and 1 long day hike in unpredictable Great Basin summer conditions. The campground is accessible by AWD crossover SUV vehicles (think Subaru) with some ground clearance, but passenger sedans may have trouble. Carpooling is a recommended given the distance.
We are excited to host the first NNPS overnight trip in a while, and hope that we can host more in the future.
RSVPs are required so we can plan our campsite access and hiking routes. To RSVP or if you have any questions about the trip, please contact Patrick Silbey (psilbey@gmail.com). An NNPS liability waiver will be required for all attendees. Please include the exact number of attendees you plan on bringing, your point of origin and whether you are interested in carpooling, and any special considerations or desires you have for the trip
Penstemon Society Meeting
Flagstaff, Arizona will be the site of the 2026 joint meeting of the Arizona Native Plant Society (ANPS) and the American Penstemon Society. The dates are June 12-15. A planning committee made up of members of both organizations is in the process of developing the meeting itinerary. https://penstemons.org/index.php/annual-meetings
Photo Flagstaff Arizona. Source: AdobeStock
Cancelled: Field Trip, No Name Trail!
CANCELLED! The dry winter and sheep in the area resulted in very poor conditions and few flowers along the trail.
Join us for a trip to the Unnamed trail which starts at Thomas Creek, but travels along the north facing slope, eventually meeting up with Dry Creek. This is a fantastic area with a huge amount of diversity which tends to start a bit later than the surrounding area. We typically see Phacelia, Penstemon, Eriogonum, Hydrophyllum, and Allium among others!
We'll plan to start at 9am and aim to be out for a couple hours. We will meet at the Thomas Creek Trailhead Bathrooms located off N. Timerbline before heading out on the trail! Exact coordinates are 39.39354009773391, -119.8388704345549 We'll also be keeping an eye on the flora in this location and will notify folks if the sheep that are released this year have had a detrimental impact on the plants.
Garden Tour
John Weiser will have an open garden day on Sunday May 31st located at 485 OBrien Way, Sparks, NV. The Garden will be open from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm; feel free to stop on by at anytime!
The garden features many Western North American dryland species with a mix of other drought adapted species from across the Globe. There are representatives from South Africa, South America, Eurasia, and the Mediterranean. Featured species include collections of Cacti, Agave, Yucca, Penstemon, Eriogonum, Aizoaceae and many others.
If you haven't checked out his garden previously, you're in for quite a treat! Come on by and bring another plant nerd. I'm sure you will find something of interest.
Walker Basin Conservancy Spring Plant Sale
Come visit us and chat about native plants at the plant sale on Saturday. We will have our rulers ($1) and Mary Winter’s wildflower book ($25) for sale. Cash, check or PayPal accepted.
“Shop a beautiful selection of locally adapted native wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses and everything you need to start the pollinator garden you've been dreaming about all winter.”
May 30 & 31, 2026
9am – 3pm
170 Smith Gage Rd, Smith, Nevada
Field Trip, Red Hill Evening Walk
Red Hill, off Dandini Blvd., is home to five species of Eriogonum: E. umbellatum var. nevadense, E. sphaerocephalum, E. ochrocephalum, E. strictum var. anserinum and E. robustum. Eriognum robustum is endemic to southern Washoe County and extreme western Storey County, Nevada, in the Virginia and Carson ranges, and on Peavine Mountain and the Red Hill area. It is found in shallow, rocky, highly acidic (pH 3.3-5.5) soils derived from weathering of hydrothermal iron sulfide deposits formed mainly in andesite, and occasionally in rhyolitic or granitoid rocks, on dry, nearly barren ridges, knolls, and gentle to steep slopes on all aspects.
Parking available here https://maps.app.goo.go/WF7bWWPJW5vQidrP9?g_st=ic
Field Trip to Incandescent Hills
If anybody wants to carpool, we will meet up at the Save Mart in Spanish Springs around 8am: 9750 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89441. Otherwise, parking for the walk is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/igz2kKXrkzRHtmub6?g_st=ic
The two-track out there is relatively fine; anything with the clearance of a Subaru Crosstrek will be good. We can shuttle from Grass Valley road if anybody’s concerned about it.
The area comprises various layers of welded tuff and andesite, and is slightly west of an extinct caldera. There are layers of diatomite nearby that contain Miocene age fossils of willows and alders.
We be out there until at least noon or one, hiking anywhere from a mile or 3+ (depending on interest and how hot it gets). Species to look for: Erythranthe nasuata, Phacelia curvipes, Galium aparine, Scutellaria nana, and Eriogonum heermanii. We’ll also look for anything that looks like Eriogonum microthecum var schoolcraftii or E. alexanderae.
If anyone is interested, after this hike, we can swing by the newly described Pyrrocoma pyramidis in this area: 39.847616, -119.717463.
Bring plenty of water and salty snacks!
May Arboretum Plant Sale
We have lots of plants for sale, grown or transplanted by our members. Prices range from$5-$10 for most plants. We prefer cash or check but will also accept PayPal.
Song Dog Nursery Visit
Song Dog is Lake Mead National Recreational Area's (LAKE) dedicated nursery that aims to preserve the plant composition and genetic integrity of the Mojave region. Join us on Saturday, May 9th at 8 am to learn more about the process of native plant seed collection, growth, tending, and restoration projects. The tour includes walks through the main yard, greenhouses, seed storage unit, as well as a drive down to a nearby site restored with plants grown from Song Dog! Optionally, participants can also check out the visitor center afterwards to learn about the rich cultural, geological, and biological history of the area. Participants should dress for heat (sun shirts, hats, sunglasses) and bring sunscreen and water. Also, bring curious minds and plenty of questions!
There is a maximum capacity of 20 people, and carpooling is encouraged. Emails with more details will be sent out closer to the date. To RSVP for the event, contact Brianna Kramer at bmkramer05@gmail.com.
May Monthly Meeting
Our presenter this month will be Cory King from the State Conservation Nurseries Program, his talk is entitled "Cultivating Wild: Nevada's Conservation Nursery Program." Cory will be presenting in person in Reno.
Meeting Information
In Northern Nevada (Reno), attend the in-person meeting in FA 300G on the 3rd floor of Fleischmann Agriculture on the UNR campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking tends to be limited to the street.
In Southern Nevada (Henderson), attend the in-person meeting in A109 on the College of Southern Nevada's Henderson campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking is free and abundant.
Alternatively, you are invited to join remotely via our Zoom meeting which will open at 6:55pm.
Register in advance here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ByTIsRQxQO-gTwMYqhLc6Q
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Christmas Tree Pass Botanical Tour
Join us for a 17 mile drive through Spirit Mountain to see unique native, montane plants in various reproductive stages and ancient petroglyphs nestled in a canyon.
4×4 or high clearance cars recommend. Bring sun protective gear and plenty of water.
RSVP: Brianna Kramer bmkramer@gmail.com
Guided Hike in in Avi Kwa Ame National Monument
On April 25th we will help Avi Kwa Ame National Monument celebrate their anniversary by participating in the Time Travel in Avi Kwa Ame National Monument event. This guided hike will begin at 9:30am at Walking Box Ranch and will cover parts of Avi Kwa Ame as well as the Wee Thump Wilderness. We will be exploring creosote, blackbrush, and Joshua Tree habitats and discussing the native ecology of the area as well as plant adaptations to the Mojave Desert. We will be walking through spiny/thorny plants and over uneven ground. Participants should dress for the heat and provide their own water. The hike will end around 11:30, providing enough time to return to Walking Box Ranch for the afternoon events. More information can be found here:
April Monthly Meeting
Our April program will be given by Dr. Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation programs at California Botanic Garden. Her talk is titled a “A Story of Three Salty Bird’s Beaks: Genetic and morphological research reveal two new Chloropyron (Orobanchaceae) taxa native to the Great Basin and Mojave deserts in California and Nevada”.
Chloropyron tecopense (Tecopa Bird’s Beak) is a rare, hemiparasitic annual herb in the Orobanchaceae that is restricted to alkali wetlands in the transition zone between the Great Basin and Mojave deserts in Inyo and San Bernardino counties in California and Esmeralda and Nye counties in Nevada. It was first described in 1950 from material collected in 1949 in Tecopa Hot Springs, Inyo County, California, although the first voucher collection was made in 1888 by William H. Shockley at Gap Spring, Esmeralda County, Nevada. Major threats include hydrological alteration, groundwater depletion, mining exploration, geothermal exploration, proposed industrial solar projects, off highway vehicle incursion, browsing and trampling by feral horses and cattle, and climate change. We collected and analyzed genetic, morphological and ecological data, to evaluate the conservation and taxonomic status of C. tecopense across its range. Our study finds that C. tecopense is strongly supported as a single lineage in a phylogenetic analysis, with strong genetic differentiation between three isolated locations at Fish Lake Valley, Ash Meadows region, and Shoshone/Tecopa region. These three occurrences are also differentiated by phenology, morphology, and their ecological requirements, providing evidence for the recognition of two new taxa native to the Mojave and Great Basin deserts. A fourth historical occurrence in Death Valley National Park is presumed extirpated, possibly due to climate change or hydrological alteration. This presentation will provide an overview of recent findings that contribute to our understanding of these rare habitat specialists.
Dr. Fraga will be presenting in-person in southern Nevada.
Meeting Information
In Northern Nevada (Reno), attend the in-person meeting in FA 300G on the 3rd floor of Fleischmann Agriculture on the UNR campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking tends to be limited to the street.
In Southern Nevada (Henderson), attend the in-person meeting in A109 on the College of Southern Nevada's Henderson campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking is free and abundant.
Alternatively, you are invited to join remotely via our Zoom meeting which will open at 6:55pm.
Register in advance here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LqDlLjovSMmzXmL_UMVMaA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you next week!
Marcus Hooker, NNPS Programs Southern Nevada
Sarah Kulpa, NNPS Programs Northern Nevada
Photo credit: Rod Colvin/USFWS volunteer
March Monthly Meeting
Mahima Dixit, 2023 recipient of a Margaret Williams Research Grant, will give the program: “Wild Buckwheats of Nevada + Research in Eriogonum subgenus Ganysma”
Meeting Information
In Northern Nevada (Reno), attend the in-person meeting in FA 300G on the 3rd floor of Fleischmann Agriculture on the UNR campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking tends to be limited to the street.
In Southern Nevada (Henderson), attend the in-person meeting in A109 on the College of Southern Nevada's Henderson campus. Social time and refreshments begin at 6:30pm. Parking is free and abundant.
Alternatively, you are invited to join remotely via our Zoom meeting which will open at 6:55pm. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86734167478
Photo: Eriogonum deflexum © 2023 Mike Russler CC-BY-NC 4.0
