Baxter State Park trip (13–15 August 2004)
The focus of this New England Wild Flower Society trip was to examine the northern flora elements on and around Katahdin (1606 meters; tallest mountain in Maine). During this trip, students stayed at the Big Moose Inn (only a short distance to the south gate of Baxter State Park). During this trip, we visited Ripogenus Gorge, Katahdin, Mattawamkeag River, and several open powerline rights-of-way (with many interesting lycopods and orchids).
Katahdin from the east on the shore of Whidden Ponds. From here, several of the glacial-carved basins can be seen that harbor many New England rare boreal and alpine plants.
Salix uva-ursi (bear willow), which rarely reaches 10 cm of height, was relatively common along the open, exposed ridge of the Hunt Trail (which is the last segment of the Appachian Trail).
Spinulum canadense (northern interrupted clubmoss) was one of many interesting lycopods seen on and around Katahdin. This particular species is most often found at or above treeline on northern New England's higher Appalachian peaks.
Arctous alpinus (alpine bearberry) was one of the low growing shrubs seen above treeline on the Hunt Trail.
Another location the class visited was a section of the Mattawamkeag River that passed through a gorge and series of rock outcrops. This site proved to be very interesting, and harbored a rare composite that had not been seen in Maine for many years.
Artemesia campestris ssp. caudata (field wormword) was one of the interesting composites occurring on the ledges of the Mattawamkeag River. Located far away from coastal dunes (this species' usual habitat), these plants belong to taxonomically complex and challenging group.