Heidi Newsome will be speaking with us on the White Bluffs bladder pod. The only known population of White Bluffs bladder pod, (Physaria douglasii ssp. tuplashensis), inhabits a narrow 17-km long band in dry, steep exposures on the White Bluffs in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River—part of the Hanford Reach National Monument and managed as part of the USFWS Central Washington National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The species was discovered in 1995, listed as threatened by the State of Washington in 1999 and listed as federally threatened in 2013. Populations of this plant fluctuate annually likely due to climatic factors, but the population declined to historic lows during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Join us to hear how Refuge biologists develop management and conservation actions to protect this rare plant.

There will also be a bonus presentation by Laura Brazeal on how to hike farther and smarter. Learn how moving smarter can keep you moving longer and farther when out in the field. Get specific tips on how to reduce strain on knees and backs while out exploring. Laura Brazeal is a personal trainer specializing in helping you feel great doing the activities you love. Her business is Mind Over Muscle and she lives and works in the Tri-Cities.