April is the time to catch the wildflowers at the top McBee Grade, south of Kiona.  This easy walk lays the jewels of the Columbia Basin at your feet. We can expect to see a profusion of Rosy Balsamroot, purple Penstemon, and best of all: Shooting Stars!  

This is a very short walk on the northernmost tip of the ridge that defines the Horse Heaven Hills.  This windblown basalt ridgetop is the home to the precious Rosy Balsamroot, a plant critically imperiled in the state of Oregon.  This wildflower is primarily found of the top of the basalt ridge lines, going southeast from Umtanum Ridge to Wallula Junction. A short distance towards Chandler Butte, we’ll find the grassy slopes nestling magenta stars with ruby stems, our Shooting Stars, a joyful moment for flower photographers. 

Meet:  10:00 a.m. Conoco Park & Ride near I-82, Benton City exit.  Please contact Ernie Crediford, ernest_crediford@live.com if you are planning on attending.