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Native Plants SIG - Pine Barrens Field Trip 2022
Wharton State Forest Atsion Ranger Station
744 US-206
Shamong, NJ
Friday, July 29, 2022, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM EDT
Category: Annual Events & Programs

Native Plants SIG - Pine Barrens Field Trip

This Event is full.

Members Only. Limited to 12 people. Cost: $15 per person, proceeds benefit the Orchid Society Conference. Registration is closed.

Please see below for recommendations on what to wear and bring. I also suggest bringing a full water bottle and some snacks. We will make a lunch stop at a cute hot dog stand. You purchase your own hot dog and beverage. If you prefer not to eat hotdogs, please also bring a bag lunch.

Amy and Margaret are pleased to be your escorts for a day in the Pine Barrens. We hope to have close-up looks at native orchids in their natural habitat. We'll visit sites in the Pinelands National Reserve to see 3-5 orchids in bloom as well as the interesting insectivorous plants that often accompany them. Although some of you may be seasoned orchid hunters, some are not. The following information will help you prepare for the day.

How to Prepare
Expect short walks on level but wet terrain (rubber boots or old sneakers are best ... no sandals or flip-flops please). Mosquitoes, biting flies, chiggers or ticks may be present. Hats and/or sunscreen are important as is light-weight, quick-drying clothing and extra socks. Long sleeves and long pants are preferable.

Meeting Location
We will meet at the Atsion Ranger Station in the Wharton State Forest, Atsion, NJ. It's located at the juncture of Atsion Road and Rt. 206 approximately 8 miles north of Hammonton, NJ.

Agenda
9:30 am - Meet at the ranger station (free parking is available as is a "porta-potty"). If you encounter any travel issues, call Bob at (484) 919-2922. Meet and greet, potty break and shuttle into the forest. (NOTE: One or more high-clearance vehicles are needed and will be most appreciated).
10:00 am - Gather for explanation of protocol for entering sensitive habitat. We will briefly discuss topography, hydrology and the special adaptations plants have made to survive in the nutrient-poor conditions of the pine barrens (all of which helps explain why it's not a good idea to try growing native terrestrial orchids at home). In addition to orchids and insectivores, we will note other plant families found at this very unusual site.
11:30 am - Depart bog and return to vehicles.
12:00 pm - Drive to a quaint, roadside hot dog stand for lunch.
1:30 pm - Short drive to spectacular roadside site of area's largest white-fringed orchid colony.
2:30 pm - Short drive to the site of a rare, natural hybrid orchid.
3:00 pm - Depart for home.

Photography opportunities abound ... especially for macro-photographers

Recommended reading:

 

A Field Guide to the Pine Barrens

by Howard P. Boyd 

 

  

 

 

The Pine Barrens

by John McPhee

 

 

 

HPS/MAG COVID-19 PRACTICES AND POLICIES: All HPS/MAG In-Person Events shall be subject to all COVID-related requirements imposed by any state, local and/or federal agency.  Guests and invitees should apprise themselves of any such requirements prior to attendance.  All HPS/MAG In-Person Events shall also be subject to the COVID-related requirements, if any, of the garden host.  All attendees must bring a mask for every In-Person Event, in case it is required. 

Non-vaccinated attendees at events must sign a COVID waiver. Click here for the waiver. Please bring it with you to the event.


Contact: Margaret Moore [email protected]