Enjoying nearly twice the precipitation of the lower-elevation South Rim, the majestic North Rim is fertile ground for many biotic communities. As a veritable “sky island,” separated from similar habitats by vast expanses of desert in all directions, the North Rim flora has affinities with that of the Rocky Mountains but harbors plant species found nowhere else. 

This class is the latest installment in a long-running survey conducted by GCFI to further botanical understanding at Grand Canyon National Park. Embarking on daily hikes from a base camp in the forest, participants will explore remote springs, sinks and ponds. Such niche ecosystems represent the best opportunity to discover unrecorded plant species, much the same as hanging gardens do within the canyon itself. 

Participants will learn how to collect, preserve and record vascular plant specimens. The class will discuss unique aspects of the flora of the region and share the excitement of exploring seldom-visited areas of Grand Canyon National Park.