NPSO 2012 Annual Meeting

Field Trip - Photographic Exploration of the Deer Creek Fen

Description

Leaders: Mark Turner (botanist, photographer and co-author of Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest) and Karen Phillips (SFI Program Director).

Difficulty: Easy, but uneven and wet ground. Altitude Gain: 200’

Altitude: Starting altitude approximately 1200’.

Karen Phillips

Description: Cross the footbridge over Deer Creek and head uphill into a mosaic of spectacular Darlingtonia fens and serpentine forest environments. Explore photographic techniques to capture intimate details of Darlingtonia californica, Cypripedium californica, and numerous sedges. Look up and raise your lens to Pinus jeffreyi and other trees and shrubs that form a sparse canopy in this nutrient-deprived unique southern Oregon habitat. In addition to the plants on this trip, participants will have a nice opportunity to observe and photograph the rare Black Petaltail dragonfly (Tanypteryx hageni). This is a leisurely, meandering trip with plenty of time to absorb hints, tips, and demonstrations of photo techniques from master plant photographer Mark Turner and SFI program director Karen Phillips. You’ll want to bring your tripod, a remote release, and any portable light modifiers you have because we’ll be working in mid-day sun. Both digital SLRs and pocket cameras are welcome.

Appropriate Foot wear: Either wear rubber boots or shoes that can get wet and muddy. Trekking poles would also be helpful on the rocky, uneven terrain.

Group Size Limit: 15

Finish Time: 3:00 pm

RT Mileage: none