Nature enthusiasts, those who love to hike, and folks just wanting an outing this spring will enjoy the hikes being offered by Southwestern Oregon Community College in Curry County. The hikes are offered at no cost, and led by Curry nature experts Walt Schroeder and Fred Bowen.
On April 10, the hike will start at Oak Flat, south of Agness on the Illinois River, for a wildflower observation and identification tour of one of the most botanically diverse areas in the county. The hike is easy to moderate and those attending may leave the group at any time to return via the well-established trail to the parking area. The group will meet at the Southwestern Gold Beach Center at the fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m. to travel to the trailhead.
On May 29, hikers will meet at the Southwestern Brookings Center at 8:30 a.m., to travel by paved and rough gravel road to the trailhead by Vulcan Lake. Another easy to moderate walk up a winding, climbing trail will bring the group to the rare ice-age plant, the Kalmiopsis azalea, which should be in bloom. Another rare plant, the Brewer or Weeping Spruce, is also found in this area, as well as Darlingtonia flycatchers, many other unique plants and historical mining activities.
Visit any Curry college location to register, or call 541-247-2741. Car pooling from the start location is encouraged, or those participating may meet the group at the trailhead. Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch, water and weather appropriate clothing and shoes.