Kirkwood Wildflower Festival July 31
Posted on July 1, 2010
Filed Under South Tahoe Events
It’s one of our favorite summer events where wildflowers take center stage.
The Kirkwood Wildflower Festival on July 31 will feature guided wildflower hiking tours with local naturalist and wildflower author Laird Blackwell, wine and beer tasting from regional makers, live music by the Kingtones, and a collection of artwork by local artists.
Tasting tickets are $20 for adults over 21 and include a commemorative glass for this year’s event. A BBQ will be available on the Plaza for an additional cost for those searching for lunch options during the festival.
The 10th Annual Wildflower Festival benefits the Sugar Pine Foundation, a group dedicated to preserving the flora and fauna of the High Sierra.
For many, identifying wildflowers is serious business (and lots of fun!) Corn Lilly or Monument Plant? Scarlet penstemon or gilia? Balsamroot or Mule Ear?
Local naturalist and wildflower author Laird Blackwell can help settle many a debate heard on the trails. Get the inside scoop from Laird, the godfather of Tahoe wildflowers, during his two guided hikes at the festival. The guided hikes cost $32 and take place at 10am and 1pm. Space is limited so click here to buy your ticket now.
If you’re a wildflower addict (guilty), you probably have one of his wildflower field guides:
- Wildflowers of the Tahoe Sierra (1997)
- Wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley (1999)
- Wildflowers of Mount Rainier (2000)
- Wildflowers of the Eastern Sierra and Adjoining Mojave Desert and Great Basin (2002)
- Great Basin Wildflowers (2006)
- Tahoe Wildflowers: A Month-by-Month Guide (2007)
Laird Blackwell received his Ph.D from Stanford University in 1974 in Education and Psychology and has been Professor at Sierra Nevada College for 26 years, 16 of those years as Chair of the Humanities Department. He teaches courses in psychology, literature, philosophy, and mythology and field courses in wildflowers at Sierra Nevada College.
