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SOLC spring hikes return By Mail Tribune staff Apr 01, 2022 01:00 AM A A Courtesy photo Pompadour Bluff is located just outside of Ashland. The Southern Oregon Land Conservancy will host a series of guided hikes this spring on protected properties throughout the Rogue Valley. The hikes include: Vernal Pools of Whetstone Savanna , Sunday, Apr. 10, 9 a.m. to noon. A 1.5-mile stroll exploring the biologically rich mounded prairie and vernal pool communities. Highlights will include seeing federally listed endangered Cook’s desert parsley and large-flowered meadowfoam plants in bloom, many other spring wildflowers and observing abundant bird life. Open Lands Day at the Rogue River Preserve with two hike options, Saturday, Apr. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will explore the Preserve’s trails on their own, or join experts for a guided interpretive hike. Hike option 1, Wildflowers, runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The Rogue River Preserve will be used as an outdoor laboratory to learn about botany for this excursion. Hike option 2, Plants & People, will run from 1 to 2 p.m. The walk will focus on plants and ethnobotany, including how the plants adapt to the preserve’s unique environment and how animals, Native Americans and early settlers depend on them for food, medicine, shelter and tools. Vernal Pool Flower Power at Whetstone Savanna Preserve , Saturday, Apr. 30, from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn about some of the flowers found in vernal pool habitats. Explore the Bluff at The Harry & Marilyn Fisher Preserve at Pompadour Bluff, Wednesdays, May 4, 11 and 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants will hike Pompadour Bluff just outside of Ashland. Walk through oaks and grasslands to the top to take in the views of the valley and beyond. Jacksonville Woodlands History Tour , Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Southern Oregon University research archaeologist Chelsea Rose will lead a three-hour hike around the woodlands and share her expertise on the mining history of Jacksonville. Petals & Feathers at Pompadour Bluff , Sunday, May 8, 9 a.m. to noon. Bird biologist Frank Lospalluto and SOLC botanist Kristi Mergenthaler will lead hikers on an exploration of the bluff with a special focus on birds and flowers. Geologic Discoveries at Pompadour Bluff , Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Professor of geology Dr. Jad D'Allura will take participants on an a hike to explore the geology of Pompadour Bluff. Family Open Lands Day at the Rogue River Preserve with two hike options, Saturday, June 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hike option 1: Reptiles, 10 a.m. to noon. Dr. Michael Parker, Southern Oregon University professor of biology, will lead participants on a two-mile exploration of the preserve to search out resident reptiles. Hike option 2: Butterflies, 1 to 3:30 pm. Led by naturalist Linda Kappen, participants will learn how to carefully catch butterflies with nets and identify them. Preregistration is required for the hikes. For more information and to register, see www.landconserve.org/events or call at 541-482-3069.