U.S. Postage
Applegater Spring Paid
2009 1
Permit No. 50
Grants Pass, OR
97526
Log on
to our web site
www.applegater.org
Photo: Lee O. Webb
SPRING 2009
Volume 2, No. 2
Applegate Valley Community Newspaper
Serving Jackson and Josephine Counties — Circulation: 9,000
Postal Patron
Hiking Limpy Botanical
and Waters Creek Trails
BY LINDA MULLENS
Two great hiking trails in or near
the headwaters of the Applegate are
Waters Creek Trail and Limpy Botanical
Trail. Both are located not far from
Grants Pass and are at low elevations,
making them accessible year-round and
excellent places to explore the earliest of
the spring flowers.
Limpy Botanical Trail provides
an easy one-mile hike through a variety
of unique habitats, creating one of the
best trails in southwest Oregon to observe
a high diversity of native plant species.
Walking the trail every two to three
weeks during the spring will provide a
visitor with an almost complete change
in flowering species with each visit. As
early as late February, the first bloom
appears—the small “spring-queen”
(Synthyris reniformis), but it requires a
discerning eye to spot it hidden among
many forest-floor species. In early
March, the purple flowering fawn lilies
(Erythronium hendersonii) are easy to
spot carpeting the beginning of the trail.
Other highlights are the sweet smelling
wild azaleas (Rhododendron occidentale)
blooming around Mother’s Day, and
fields of blue camas (Camassia quamash)
showcasing in late May. A plant list is
available from the Ranger District and
records 250 plant species along Limpy
Botanical Trail, including 43 shrub and
tree species.
Beautifully illustrated interpretative
signs by local artist Paula Fong provide
an opportunity to learn about plant
communities, featured plant species, and
serpentine soils. Serpentine soils can limit
the growth of plants and many species
are just unable to tolerate the soil’s high
mineral content and low levels of calcium.
A boardwalk passes through a
Jeffrey pine savannah, protecting the fragile
serpentine soils when wet in the winter.
Jeffrey pine is able to tolerate these soils,
while nearby granitic soils grow the more
common ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa),
another three-needled
pine. Other unusual
species growing on
Author Linda Mullen and son Josh at the waterfall,
Limpy Botanical Trail. Photo by Linda Mullens.
serpentine are California coffeeberry
(Rhamnus californica) and Brewer’s oak
(Quercus garryana var. breweri), a low-
growing subspecies of white oak.
Numerous benches are placed
along the trail and provide places to relax
and spend meditative moments, enjoy
the creek, a waterfall, or a scenic view
overlooking the lower portion of Limpy
Creek drainage (which empties into the
Rogue River). Wooden bridges provide access
across Limpy Creek where red alder (Alnus
rubra), big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum),
and even Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis
lawsoniana) provide lush shade in summer
months.
Directions: Take Highway 199 south
about 7 miles from Grants Pass (measured
from the intersection of Highway 199 and
238). Turn right onto Riverbanks Road (just
after crossing the Applegate River). Go 4.5
miles and turn left onto Limpy Creek Road.
See TRAILS, page 12
Williams Quilt
Show and
beyond
BY CLAUDIA BEAUSOLEIL
AND PEG PRAG
In spite of tough times, the Applegate River
Lodge & Restaurant has stepped up to demonstrate its
continuing support for the Applegater.
On Sunday afternoon, April 26, the Lodge will
hold the first BBQ of the season with all proceeds going
to the Applegater. What a day is planned! In addition to
the tasty menu of chicken, salad, baked beans and bread,
here is what else is happening:
• Our award-winning local Applegate Valley
wineries will be pouring wine.
• Live music will be provided by Duke Davis &
Friends.
• A silent auction is planned with a wide variety
of items to bid on--something for every budget. Some
examples are plants from Forestfarm, gift certificates for
local services, and local artwork. There is even a catered
dinner for six at your home donated by local epicureans
from Eve’s Café. What a way to impress your friends and
family for a special event.
So get your tickets now for the BBQ and join
us from 3 to 7 pm on Sunday, April 26, at the Applegate
River Lodge & Restaurant in downtown Applegate.
Tickets are just $10 for adults and $6 for ages 12 and
under. Kids four and under are free! An affordable
afternoon of food and fun for the whole family! What a
terrific way to support our very own Applegater.
The Applegater is looking for volunteers to help
with the serving and clean-up. We are also looking for
donation items to add to our silent auction display.
We are grateful for the following wineries for their
donation of wine or services: Devitt Winery, Quady
North, Schmidt Family Vineyards, Troon Vineyards and
Wooldridge Creek Winery,
Locations for tickets: Applegate River Lodge &
Restaurant; Applegate Store; McKee Bridge Store and
Restaurant; Ruch Country Store; Outpost Farm and
Garden; Williams General Store; and Murphy Country
Nursery or call 541-846-7673.
A “quilting” is a gathering of people
of many ages and backgrounds to create in
harmony, things of beauty and comfort.
A big thank you to all affiliated with
the Williams Community Quilt show held
on February 8 at the Williams Grange.
Blankets wrap you in warmth,
quilts wrap you in love. When one
person makes one square of a quilt to be
given to celebrate someone, this reflects
a community coming together to share,
create and celebrate a generational gift to
be passed on in families. Forty-eight quilts
were displayed—baby quilts, wedding
quilts, birthday quilts, coming-of-age
quilts, friendship quilts and loving, healing
comfort quilts.
Forestfarm Nursery was the impetus
of making traditional friendship quilts
back in the 1970s. A special quilt was
presented with love and best wishes, along
with a potluck party of celebration. This
tradition has been ongoing throughout
our community in many different homes.
Several members of our community
contributed their time and efforts to help
make the quilt show a success. Kathy
Escott made the flyers. Daryl Jackson and
Lisa Horn took pictures. Tressi Albee,
See QUILT, page 13