Activity Report Explorer

Central Oregon Bitterbrush Broads • Entered by Rynda Clark on July 30, 2023

Hand Lake/Scott Mountain/Tenas/Benson Lakes loop—

July 18, 2023

Key Issue: Multiple apply
Activity Type: Education & Outreach (tabling, films & lectures, regional B-walks/works)
Key Partners: Bitterbrush Broads

Measurable Outcomes

Outcome 1: Hiked (9 miles)
Outcome 2: Event Attendees (6 people)

Short Description of Activity

First, the three Vaccinium (huckleberry) species were, V. scoparium, the dwarf red huckleberry or grouse berry; black or mountain huckleberry, V. membranaceum, which has shiny bright green leaves, somewhat reddish stems; and red/black shiny berries; V. ovalifolium, which has blue-green leaves and blue berries covered with a yeast. V membranaceum protects itself from sun by the red/purple mix of anthocyaninin pigments in its leaves and fruit, while V ovalifolium protects it self from sun with the yeast “bloom” it cultivates on the leaves and berries.
Superficially similar to the is the fools huckleberry or false azalea, Menziesia ferrruginea, that produces no fruit. It has slightly longer/larger/sharper and very shiny leaves ( like V…) but with green stems, not reddish.
We also saw: Ssubalpine spirea, Spirea densiflora, with its thinly lovely domed clusters of pink flowers; dwarf bramble, Rubus lasiococcus, a trailing ground cover in the black and raspberry family; round-leaved violet, Viola orbiculata; several Lupine sp; pink spreading phlox, Phlox diffuse; red columbine, Aquilegia formosa; the lovely cram colored sub-alpine Mariposa lily/cats ear, Calochortus subalpinus; a red paintbrush, probably Castilleja parviflora.; and a groundsel, probably Senecio integerrimus, at the summit.

Trees included loads of Pacific Silver Fir, Grand Fir, Sub-alpine Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Mountain Hemlock, and a few White Pine.

Reflection/Evaluation

Learned about all of above

Photos/Uploads