MID-SUMMER PLANT WALK

Get a fresh summer perspective by climbing to 4500 feet above the broiling valley floor of Tucson.  Temperatures may be slightly cooler at this higher elevation, and the landscape shifts to a scrub-oak/grassland ecosystem.  Molino Basin is a gorgeous and rough, boulder-strewn waterway in the Catalina Mountain range.  Observe mountain and riparian plants and the way natives like mesquite change form at higher elevations.  This mid-summer date is the day of Lammas, a mid-season celebration of harvest time and abundance, as plants cycle to maturity after Spring beginnings and Summer growth.  Making and breaking bread was part of many Lammas festivals, to celebrate plentiful grain harvests, with surplus to store for nourishing people through less abundant months ahead.  As an aside, molino is the Spanish word for mill, as in grain mill.

WHERE:  Mt Lemmon, Molino Basin pull-out (campground is closed for the season)

WHEN:  August 2nd, 9am-11:30am

HOW MUCH:  $10/person, up to ten people.  Please CONTACT me to sign up for walk, and pay fee day of walk.

ETC:  Wear comfortable/sensible walking clothes and shoes.  Bring personal gear you need, like walking stick, water bottle, snax, sun protection, extra clothes, pack, camera, first aid, etc.  Bring supplies for notes and drawing if desired.  Please arrive 10 minutes early so walk starts on time.  Carpool if possible.  Snakes are likely to be active, so be aware.  In case of monsoon weather, walk may be rescheduled to following weekend, Aug 9th, same time, same place.

OPTIONAL:  Lunch at Eclectic Cafe on NW corner of Sabino Canyon and Tanque Verde Rds, or Le Buzz, opposite side.