U.S. Postage Applegater SpringPaid 2009 1 Permit No. 50 Grants Pass, OR 97526

Log on to our web site www.applegater.org Photo: Lee O. Webb Applegate Valley Community Newspaper SPRING 2009 Postal Patron Volume 2, No. 2 Serving Jackson and Josephine Counties — Circulation: 9,000 Hiking Limpy Botanical and Waters Creek Trails By Linda Mullens Two great hiking trails in or near spot carpeting the beginning of the trail. another three-needled the headwaters of the Applegate are Other highlights are the sweet smelling pine. Other unusual Waters Creek Trail and Limpy Botanical wild azaleas (Rhododendron occidentale) species growing on Trail. Both are located not far from blooming around Mother’s Day, and Grants Pass and are at low elevations, fields of blue camas (Camassia quamash) making them accessible year-round and showcasing in late May. A list is excellent places to explore the earliest of available from the Ranger District and the spring flowers. records 250 plant species along Limpy Limpy Botanical Trail provides Botanical Trail, including 43 shrub and an easy one-mile hike through a variety tree species. Author Linda Mullen and son Josh at the waterfall, of unique habitats, creating one of the Beautifully illustrated interpretative Limpy Botanical Trail. Photo by Linda Mullens. best trails in southwest Oregon to observe signs by local artist Paula Fong provide Creek drainage (which empties into the a high diversity of native plant species. an opportunity to learn about plant ). Wooden bridges provide access Walking the trail every two to three communities, featured plant species, and across Limpy Creek where red alder (Alnus weeks during the spring will provide a serpentine soils. Serpentine soils can limit rubra), big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), visitor with an almost complete change the growth of and many species serpentine are California coffeeberry and even Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis in flowering species with each visit. As are just unable to tolerate the soil’s high (Rhamnus californica) and Brewer’s oak lawsoniana) provide lush shade in summer early as late February, the first bloom mineral content and low levels of calcium. ( var. breweri), a low- months. appears—the small “spring-queen” A boardwalk passes through a growing subspecies of white oak. Directions: Take Highway 199 south (Synthyris reniformis), but it requires a Jeffrey pine savannah, protecting the fragile Numerous benches are placed about 7 miles from Grants Pass (measured discerning eye to spot it hidden among serpentine soils when wet in the winter. along the trail and provide places to relax from the intersection of Highway 199 and many forest-floor species. In early Jeffrey pine is able to tolerate these soils, and spend meditative moments, enjoy 238). Turn right onto Riverbanks Road (just March, the purple flowering fawn lilies while nearby granitic soils grow the more the creek, a waterfall, or a scenic view after crossing the ). Go 4.5 ( hendersonii) are easy to common ponderosa pine (), overlooking the lower portion of Limpy miles and turn left onto Limpy Creek Road. See TRAILS, page 12 Williams Quilt Show and beyond By Claudia Beausoleil and Peg Prag A “quilting” is a gathering of people of many ages and backgrounds to create in harmony, things of beauty and comfort. A big thank you to all affiliated with the Williams Community Quilt show held on February 8 at the Williams Grange. Blankets wrap you in warmth, quilts wrap you in love. When one person makes one square of a quilt to be given to celebrate someone, this reflects In spite of tough times, the Applegate River So get your tickets now for the BBQ and join a community coming together to share, Lodge & Restaurant has stepped up to demonstrate its us from 3 to 7 pm on Sunday, April 26, at the Applegate create and celebrate a generational gift to continuing support for the Applegater. River Lodge & Restaurant in downtown Applegate. be passed on in families. Forty-eight quilts On Sunday afternoon, April 26, the Lodge will Tickets are just $10 for adults and $6 for ages 12 and were displayed—baby quilts, wedding hold the first BBQ of the season with all proceeds going under. Kids four and under are free! An affordable quilts, birthday quilts, coming-of-age to the Applegater. What a day is planned! In addition to afternoon of food and fun for the whole family! What a quilts, friendship quilts and loving, healing the tasty menu of chicken, salad, baked beans and bread, terrific way to support our very own Applegater. comfort quilts. here is what else is happening: The Applegater is looking for volunteers to help Forestfarm Nursery was the impetus • Our award-winning local Applegate Valley with the serving and clean-up. We are also looking for of making traditional friendship quilts wineries will be pouring wine. donation items to add to our silent auction display. back in the 1970s. A special quilt was • Live music will be provided by Duke Davis & We are grateful for the following wineries for their presented with love and best wishes, along Friends. donation of wine or services: Devitt Winery, Quady with a potluck party of celebration. This • A silent auction is planned with a wide variety North, Schmidt Family Vineyards, Troon Vineyards and tradition has been ongoing throughout of items to bid on--something for every budget. Some Wooldridge Creek Winery, our community in many different homes. examples are plants from Forestfarm, gift certificates for Locations for tickets: Applegate River Lodge & Several members of our community local services, and local artwork. There is even a catered Restaurant; Applegate Store; McKee Bridge Store and contributed their time and efforts to help dinner for six at your home donated by local epicureans Restaurant; Ruch Country Store; Outpost Farm and make the quilt show a success. Kathy from Eve’s Café. What a way to impress your friends and Garden; Williams General Store; and Murphy Country Escott made the flyers. Daryl Jackson and family for a special event. Nursery or call 541-846-7673. Lisa Horn took pictures. Tressi Albee,

See QUILT, page 13