The North Rim is almost known as much for its high-altitude forest as for its enchanting views of the Grand Canyon. Recipient of nearly twice the precipitation as the South Rim, the North Rim is fertile ground for many biotic communities, many of which are worthy of more rigorous study. As a sky island, separated from like habitats by vast expanses of desert in all directions, the North Rim flora has affinities with the flora of the Rocky Mountains, but harbors plant species not found elsewhere. 

This class involves day hikes of up to 6 -10 miles each at elevations of up to 9000 feet, starting with trips of shorter duration and working up to longer trips by the end of the week.  Our destinations for these off-trail day hikes will be remote springs, sinks, and ponds on the North Rim.  Springs and ponds harbor plant species not found elsewhere, much as hanging gardens do within the Canyon.  By collecting in these areas, we expect to add new plant records to the known flora of Grand Canyon National Park, as well improve our knowledge of the regional flora.

Participants should expect to help make these discoveries, learn how to collect and preserve vascular plant specimens, and take notes associated with them.  Along the way, we will discuss unique aspects of the flora of the region, and enjoy the excitement of exploring little-visited areas of the Park. Participants will carpool to the various sites from remote forest camping spots (no services).