Spring weather brings out wildflowers, and the Columbia Basin Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society makes it easy to learn about all the local beauties. Through the end of May, guided trips will introduce southeast Washington and northeast Oregon’s local landmarks and the wildflowers making their homes there.

Trips include:

• Saturday, April 5: Two Sisters trail at Wallula Gap.Saturday, April 19: Basalt Gardens near Vantage, Washington, between Wanapum Dam and Interstate 90.
• Sunday, April 20: Whiskey Dick Ridge near Vantage, Washington.
• Sunday, April 27: Badger Mountain Skyline Trail, Richland, Washington.
• Sunday, May 11: Mother’s Day walk and tour at Wild Horse Wind Farm near Ellensburg, Washington.
• Sunday, May 18: Multi-stop tour, McBee Grade to Horn Rapids Park, Benton City, Washington.
• Saturday, May 24: Jump Off Joe Butte, south of Kennewick, Washington.
• Monday, May 26: Badger Mountain Sagebrush Trail, Richland, Washington.

Details including when and where to meet and carpool information can be found at www.cbwnps.org/calendar, and will be updated as information becomes available. More information about many of the guided walks, including maps and directions, can be found under the “Self Guided Wildflower Walks” button on the calendar page.

Led by local volunteers, the hiking trips generally last 2-3 hours and cover varied terrain. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, long pants and dress in layers. Bring snacks, water, a camera and hiking poles. Registration is recommended either via the registration link on the society’s website (www.cbwnps.org/calendar) or by emailing cbwnpsfieldtrips@gmail.com and including the name of the hike you are interested in attending. Wildflower walks are free and open to the public.

All participants must fill out a liability release form, available on the website, and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Dates and times for field trips/activities are subject to change depending on weather and access issues, and registered participants will be contacted regarding any changes.

Wildflower walks in the Blue Mountains are coming in May and June.

As part of the Washington Native Plant Society mission, the chapter hosts field trips and programs about native flora that are open to the membership and to the public. Anyone interested in learning about the plants of the local shrubsteppe and the Blue Mountains are welcome to register for field trips and join other native plant-related activities, no special experience or knowledge is required.