A Hike for Earth Day
Sunday, in celebration of Earth Day, I planned a big hike up Thomas Creek. I decided to attempt a higher elevation than my usual winter treks but ended up abandoning my Jeep ¾ of the way up the road because the snow was still incredibly deep. I found a deer trail and continued my assent on foot. On this beautiful Earth Day here in the Sierra Nevada, I intended to go hunting for the elusive ruby-colored Snow Plant.
These plants are amazing and belong to a unique group of plants that do not depend on chlorophyll or photosynthesis for food. They inhabit pine needle-covered floors of the forests and live on decaying organic matter. They miraculously emerge through the pine needles, appearing for a brief time – only when the soil has been moistened by melting snow and then warmed by the sun.
The snow was so deep on the Northern slopes (where my trail was) that I imagined it might be a month or so until any Snow Plants finally emerge. They look like plants from another world – they are bright red with scale-like leaves and flowers and look like they are made out of wax. They are somewhat rare along the trail, so it’s always remarkable when I finally stumble across one or more. They seem to grow in groups – like mushrooms do, forming a “fairly ring”. I will report back when I finally do find one – but it may be awhile.
I traveled through a beautiful meadow where I saw a lot of critter tracks coming out from the creek, before turning back and trekking home.
