Klamath Basin Chapter

Photo by Dan Hawkes

Founded in 1997, the Klamath Basin Chapter represents plant enthusiasts from across south-central Oregon with activities generally centered around the city of Klamath Falls, Oregon. The Klamath Basin in Oregon covers a broad area bordered by the crest of the Cascade Mountains to the west to the high peaks and ridges of the Basin and Range province to the east. It extends from near Chemult in the north to across the California border in the south. Major habitats in this area include high desert plains, marshes, and alkaline flats to ponderosa and lodgepole pine forests and upwards to sub-alpine meadows and volcanic buttes. As such, the great floristic diversity follows this diversity of habitats creating opportunities for many rare and/or endemic species such as green-tinged paintbrush (Castilleja chlorotica), Applegate’s milkvetch (Astragalus applegatei), and Mt. Mazama collomia (Collomia mazama).

The Klamath Basin Chapter holds annual native plant sales, volunteers at several native plant gardens and/or exhibits in the region, and holds naturescaping and xeriscaping workshops occasionally. The helped put together an amazing field guide for the region, Common Plants of the Upper Klamath Basin (2007), a wonderful resource for over 200 common vascular plants, lichen, and bryophytes.

Photo by Dan Hawkes

The Klamath Basin Chapter meets regularly to host talks, classes, and workshops, and organizes field trips, volunteer opportunities, and plant sales. They are always open to new members eager to learn and help out with chapter activities.

For questions or information on upcoming events, contact kb**********@np*******.org.