LOPEZ ISLAND:
Lopez Preserve Steward, Amanda Wedow: White Fawn-lily, Erythronium oregonum I love spotting fawn lilies in the mossy balds along Lopez Hill Preserve. The white flower petals curve up towards the sky, while at ground level distinctive purple mottled leaves are found. These delicate natives are a sure sign spring has sprung.
ORCAS ISLAND:
Orcas Field Assistant, Andrew Jansen: Great camas, Cammassia leichtlinii There are so many, it’s hard to pick only one! This time of year, Fawn lily and Great camas are sure bets, and Ship Peak Loop at south Turtleback Mountain Preserve is a favorite “go-to” for viewing. Oh, and I can’t leave out Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) – a great early blooming shrub as well.
SAN JUAN ISLAND:
Land Steward, Eliza Habegger: Sea-blush, Plectritis congesta April is the month to catch this cheerful little beauty. True to its name, sea-blush grows on sunny outcrops near the shore, but it also graces inland sites where thin soil and rocky outcrops occur. On San Juan Island, Ihiya Biological Preserve (owned and managed by partner’s San Juan Preservation Trust) is a great place to enjoy its bright pink blooms. Look for sea-blush along the trail between the trailhead and the wetland overlook. You might also spot it on the south slopes of Turtleback Mountain Preserve in Garry oak restoration areas.