Ecosystem Challenges in Smith Rock State Park

Join Park Ranger, Sam Vanderbeek, in taking a brief tour of the native plant garden and discussing challenges the park faces with invasives.

About this Event

Lead: Sam Vanderbeek (Park Ranger)

Meeting location: Welcome Center Yurt at 9AM.

Sam manages the restoration efforts in Smith Rock State Park. He has ambitions to restore many areas of the park with their newest grant money. This tour will consist of him showing folks the native plant garden behind the Welcome Center Yurt. It will be a flat 1-2 mile leisure hike between the garden and viewpoint areas. Sam hopes to discuss the changing ecosystem of the park and the challenges they face with invasive species and high use from visitors. Folks are welcome to bring a sack lunch to enjoy after the guided tour ends at 11:30AM, Sam will stick around to answer questions at the picnic shelter.

Smith Rock State Park gets dangerously hot during the peak of the day. Please bring plenty of water, appropriate hiking clothes, and sun hats!

All visitors must pay a $10 parking fee. Carpooling is encouraged!

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