Monday, October 5, 2015

Linville Gorge Wilderness with Gary Kauffman contributed by Jean Hunnicutt


It was another wonderful day with Gary.
We were a small group (because of the limit of group size in designated Wilderness areas) but our enthusiasm for this beautiful area with its diversity of plant life was huge.
The walk was spectacular:  from the Table Rock parking area through pine-oak/heath forest/woodland, chestnut oak forest to the low-elevation rocky summit at The Chimneys.  These plant communities are fire adapted and maintained with recurrent burns.  We were heartened to see both of the federally listed plants at the summit:  Mountain Golden Heather, Hudsonia montana, and Heller’s Blazing Star, Liatris helleri.  We helped Gary with an inventory of the Liatris; the final count was more than 100 plants!
As usual, we were overwhelmed by Gary's knowledge and enthusiasm - and his ability to challenge us to be better botanists.


Fly Poison

The Group

Rhododendron regrowth after burn

Large Leafed Aster

Tapestry with Indian Cucumber Root

Nancy

View of Table Rock at lunch

Fetterbush 

Corydalis sempervirens, Rock Harlequin

Chinquapin 

Chimney

Chimney

Hudsonian montana 

Chimney

Liatris helleri
Here is a link to a pdf of the plant list.  Linville Plant List Aug 2015