STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Learn about everything from native Idaho orchids to the big trees like our whitebark pine when the Sawtooth Botanical Garden offers a summer season’s worth of free Wildflower Walks.
The SBG is pairing with the Idaho Native Plant Society-Wood River Chapter to offer the free walks showcasing some of this area’s diverse and spectacular habitats.
The first will be held Saturday, June 3, and will showcase the blue camas now blooming near Fairfield. Walks will run through Sept. 9.
Here’s the schedule:
June 3—“Botany & Birds at Centennial Marsh.” Led by local botanists and birders.
July 1—“Wildflowers of Greenhorn Gulch,” led by John Shelly, retired Forest Service ranger, and Hailey botanist Lisa Horton.
July 21-22—“Native Idaho Orchids, led by Lyn Kintner, botanist with the Idaho Natural Heritage Program. The two-day event will include an evening talk on July 21, followed by a daylong walk on July 22.
Aug. 12—“Exploring Trail Creek Summit,” with John Shelly.
Sept. 9—“Three Big Trees,” led by John Shelly.
Those wishing to take part should meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden on the corner of Gimlet Road and Highway 75 four miles south of Ketchum.
Some walks are appropriate for accompanied children over 7, but organizers ask that you leave Rover at home.
Information: 208-726-9358.