Spring 2013
Roark's Cove
Sun., Apr. 7th, 1:30 p.m. Yolande Gottfried
A private property at the base of the plateau is being made available for a wildflower walk to see some species not seen on the upper plateau, such as Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and possibly some early shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia), as well as trilliums and much more. Meet at the Sewanee tennis courts parking lot (on Green’s View Road behind the Sewanee Inn site) to carpool or caravan to the location of this easy to moderate walk.
“Why Water Plants Don't Drown” in the Torian Room
Thurs., Apr. 11th, 4:30 p.m. Victoria L. Sullivan
The author will talk about her new book, Why Water Plants Don't Drown: Survival Strategies of Aquatic and Wetland Plants, explaining how some plants adapted strategies for overcoming the hazardous conditions of living in aquatic and wetlands habitats. Copies of the book and notecards of the illustrations will be available for purchase. The Torian Room is on mezzanine of the duPont Library on the front of the building.
Trails and Trillium
Fri - Sat., April 12 - 14
This year's 10th “perennial” Trails and Trilliums event plans to include hikes in Shakerag Hollow and the South Cumberland State Recreation Area, including Collins Gulf, as well as bird walks led by David Haskell. T&T is sponsored by the Friends of the South Cumberland and held at the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly. Go to trailsandtrilliums.org for more information.
Shakerag Hollow
Sun., Apr. 21st, 1:30 p.m. Mary Priestley
This is Sewanee’s “Mecca” for wildflower lovers, and the flowers should be diverse and abundant. Meet at the Green’s View parking lot (past the golf course). 2 miles, moderate to strenuous, with one fairly challenging incline.
Collins West
Sat., Apr. 27th, 9:30 a.m. Mary Priestley
This section of the South Cumberland State Recreation Area is the only other local spot on the plateau that rivals Shakerag Hollow for number and diversity of spring wildflowers. Meet at the Collins West trailhead, just beyond the Swiss-Memorial School in Gruetli-Laager. Bring lunch and extra water. 6 miles, strenuous. For directions to Collins West contact the South Cumberland State Park Visitors’ Center (931.924.2980).
Garlic Mustard Pull
Sun., Apr. 28th, 1:30 p.m. Mary Priestley
Join in an attempt to control this invasive exotic plant that is threatening to take over some sensitive areas of our forest. It is easy to pull (even good to eat when young and tender!). No equipment is necessary but work gloves would be a good idea. Meet at Morgan's Steep.
Piney Point
Sat., May 4th, 1:30 p.m. George Ramseur
The community of plants that grows on the sandstone outcrops along the trail to Piney Point, including the rare elf orpine, is a specialty of Dr. Ramseur’s. Join him for this moderate one-to-two hour walk, meeting at the tennis courts at St. Andrew's-Sewanee School (beyond the football field).
Click here for two maps showing event locations.
All times are CDT. Wear appropriate shoes on all of these walks. Risks involved in hiking include physical exertion, rough terrain, forces of nature, and other hazards not present in everyday life. Picking flowers and digging plants are prohibited in all of the above-mentioned natural areas. For more information on these events contact Yolande Gottfried at the Herbarium (931.598.3346) during regular business hours or by e-mail at ygottfri@sewanee.edu. Directions are available on the Herbarium website, http://lal.sewanee.edu/herbarium, under the calendar of events.