STORY BY KAREN BOSSICK

PHOTO BY KRISTIN FLETCHER

Take a walk in the Sagebrush Ocean this evening when Wood River Valley naturalist Kristin Fletcher leads a wildflower walk in Slaughterhouse Canyon.

Fletcher, a longtime member of the Wood River Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society, will lead walkers along a portion of the Belle and Vue trail system up Slaughterhouse Canyon just east of Bellevue tonight—Wednesday, May 14.

The mostly easy walking trail promises to feature such plants as the Astragulus, a plant belonging to the legume family that was reputed to spur the production of milk in goats.

“The BLM’s new trail system out Slaughterhouse is a treasure trove of great hikes and gorgeous wildflowers,” said Fletcher, “This walk will feature a little of everything.  We’ll share a little about the local geology and mining history of the canyon and then saunter to a fine spot overlooking the Wood River Valley, observing spring blooms along the way.”

Those interested in taking part can meet at Hop Porter Park in Hailey, ready to leave at 5:30 p.m. Or, meet at the south side of Bellevue’s Memorial Park, ready to leave at 5:45 p.m. The hike is expected to conclude between 7 and 7:30 p.m.

The Idaho Native Plant Society is a non-profit, statewide organization with more than 600 members.  It is dedicated to fostering an understanding and appreciation of native flora and its habitats while preserving this heritage for future generations. 

To learn more, visit https://idahonativeplants.org/wood-river/ or call 559-696-9953.