October 1973

YOSEMITE OCTOBER, 1973

Orchids of Yosemite by James Sleznick Of all the national parks, one of present to the park visitor. the most scenic is our own Among the many interesting Yosemite. Here, in approximately features of Yosemite are the num- 1,200 square miles, one can find a erous lush meadows. With the biome of almost unbelievable variety arrival of spring, these verdant riety. Nature has endowed Yosemite with the largest of living things, while vast meadows, areas begin a succession of wild flower displays that ends only things, the mighty sequoias. And, with the first frost of fall. It is in through a series of fascinating meadows such as these that one geological events, there has been can find Spiranthes romanzoffiana.

VOLUME FORTY-THREE, NUMBER 2

Birding... according to Warren Warren None of the YNHA staff people was able to go along on Dr. Dave DeSante's recent 'bird-banding' seminar at Crane flat. However, Warren White, National Park Service naturalist attended as our man-in-the-field. He sent back a set of notes, which we pass along, edited only slightly. Good Stuff: There was great diversity to the group; each brought different background information, each added to the total educational experience. With incredible luck we saw a great variety of birds — all the "good ones." This was less a matter of luck than a result of DeSante's ability to identify birds by sight and by their song... by his knowledge of the whole park and where the good "birding" spots were located— and by his nearly uncanny sense of which birds to look for in which habitat. The lectures were exemplified in the field— examples of the topic literally "flew by." DeSante knew more than simply why birds lived (or visited) a habitat or life zone—his knowledge of the ecological (continued on page two) National Park Service Photos Rein-orchis : Mountain Lady-slipper : Phantom orchid: Habenaria leucostachys Cypripedium montanum Cephalanthera austinae

One of these orchids, the Rein-orchis (Habenaria leucostachys), has been found in the bogs and meadows of Yosemite. Being a far-ranging species, it can be encountered in many of our national parks. In the bogs and meadows of Yosemite, it starts to bloom in July at elevations of 6,000 feet. The marshes south of Tuolumne Meadows and at Peregoy Meadows are excellent places to see this plant. It can be distinguished

But what of the native orchids that dwell in this sylvan splendor? To date, eleven species representing eight genera compose the park's orchid population. These include Spiranthes, Goodyera, Listera, Epipactis, Cypripedium, Corallorhiza, Cephalanthera, and Habenaria. Dr. Harold Bryant, one of the first park naturalists in the National Park Service, told me that he recalled seeing a Calypso bulbosa in the park years ago. Apparently, it is (or was) so rare that it has not been observed since. Perhaps with time, this delicate Fairy Slipper may come out of concealment and make its beauty present to the park visitor. It can be distinguished quickly by the creamy-white flowers attached to a twisting stalk.

A strange but beautiful orchid at Yosemite is the Phantom Orchid, Cephalanthera austinae. Found frequently in the Big Tree country, it adds a hint of mystery to the cathedral-like atmosphere of the towering sequoias. The leaves of this orchid are vestigial scales and the flowers somewhat reminiscent of a strange kind of Cymbidium. A touch of yellow on the lip breaks up the white waxy form of this saprophyte.

(continued on page two)

(continued from page one) Orchids of winter to arrive. But in all this solitude, we were able to find the reminiscent of a strange kind of bright green-and-white rosette Cymbidium. A touch of yellow on the lip breaks up the white waxy form of this saprophyte. The plant can be seen best in July and August when it is blooming at its peak. The Phantom Orchid is only about 12 to 20 inches high and authorities say that this species is probably the most beautiful flowering plant in the park.

This green-leaved evergreen, the bright green-and-white rosette leaf-pattern of Goodyera oblongifolia, is a Rattlesnake Orchid. These orchids were growing under a canopy of sugar pines and had shed their seeds.

The Happy Birders

(continued from page one) Rattlesnake Orchid has also been One day, while hiking to the found on the Half Dome side of Birding.. top of Yosemite Falls, my wife and Tenaya Canyon in the dense interdependencies between I came across Habenaria sparsistands of white fir. other wildlife, (i.e. other birds, flora. Being early autumn, the In early summer, Listera coninsects, predators), the plants plants were all in very late seed vallarioides or Broad-leaved Twayblade starts to flower. By August, this orchid is in the seed stage and completed by September. (for food and nesting places) other material factors of the environment... (rainfall, temperature, snowfall, ground water, winds, etc.) turned birdwatchers into environmentalists. Flowering time at Yosemite is normally around August for this species. Other places one can find this inconspicuous green orchid are in the meadows along the Pohono Trail. There are about six to eight flowers on each plant. An interesting feature the Pohono Trail and around the esting feature of this green-flowDeSante's in depth presentaheavy-forested areas west of Casa Bred orchid is the broad lip. This tions gave the amazing details cade Creek near the new Big Oak characteristic has led some peoof bird life. Survival : winter Flat road. ple to call it the Broad-lipped Twayblade. The forests of sugar pine and white fir are favorite haunts of this small, two-leaved orchid.

August is also the flowering time for Habenaria dilatata var. leucostachys. Akin to the common H. dilatata or White Bog-orchid, this variety is easily distinguishable by the exceptionally long floral spur. Damp meadows above Nevada Fall and Crane Flat on the Big Oak Flat road are typical locations of this striking species.

The ninth orchid known to occur at Yosemite is Epipactis gigantea. Another moisture-loving herb, Epipactis can be found in the lower and moderate elevations. It grows along the Yosemite Falls Trail and wet talus slopes near Rocky Point in the Valley. At 4,500-feet elevation, the Stream Orchid blooms in July and progressively later in higher parts of the park.

Survival: winter adaptations, food adaptations, predator adaptations, migration above Nevada Fall and Crane Flat on the Big Oak Flat road are typical locations of this striking species. In the higher elevations of the park, this orchid blooms in early September.

Along the Merced Lake Trail, herb, Epipactis can be found in the lower and moderate elevations. It grows along the Yosemite Falls Trail and wet talus slopes near Rocky Point in park, this orchid blooms in early the Valley. At 4,500-feet elevation, He went that way!

September. Although H. leucostachys is common to the wet meadows, it has been found growing among the granite talus slopes of Tioga Pass. The Stream Orchid blooms in July and progressively later in higher parts of the park. The attractive flowers can be easily overlooked if one is not careful.

Tions of enormous distances, communities, communications, density, population, maintenance, diversity. Flight : the The third Habenaria found at Surprisingly enough, this species physiology of the adaptations Yosemite is H. unaiascensis. This also grows at Death Valley National Monument!

The third Habenaria found at Yosemite is H. unaiascensis. This orchid is extremely inconspicuous among the grasses and other plants in its habitat. It seems to require a drier location than the other Habenaria. One can find this orchid growing at Eagle Peak Meadows, Big Oak Flat, and along the El Capitan Trail in the red-fir forest. Like the other Habenaria in the park, it tends to bloom in August.

Scattered through the park are several ecological niches of giant sequoias. These mighty patriarchs of the plant kingdom lend a sanctionizing atmosphere to the rich vegetation of the forest floor. It is in such a habitat that a careful observer can find the shy Mountain Lady's-slipper, Cypripedium montanum. This stunning orchid can be seen at the Merced Grove of sequoias and in the dense shade bordering a mountain stream near Wawona Meadows. The flowers at Yosemite vary from three to five inches in size with

Besides creating Park awareness, by giving the names of trees, flowers, place names etc., of the birds' bodies to accomplish this incredible feat are incredible themselves. Dr. DeSante showed the values Meadows, Big Oak Flat, and along vegetation of the forest floor. It of national parks natural or wilthe El Capitan Trail in the red-fir is in such a habitat that a careful derness areas. forest. Like the other Habenaria observer can find the shy MounBad Stuff : Your camping arin the park, it tends to bloom in tain Lady's-slipper, Cypripedium rangements! August. montanum. This stunning orchid We are glad that our good stuff One overcast day in late Nocan be seen at the Merced Grove outweighed our bad stuff. The vember, a group of friends and I of sequoias and in the dense bad stuff was occasioned by a went on a hike to the Hetchshade bordering a mountain soggy Crane Flat Campground, Hetchy-Pate Valley portion of the stream near Wawona Meadows. causing the bird people to muddy park. The vegetation about us had The flowers at Yosemite vary from themselves and their gear and to taken on a drab, brown color, as three to five inches in size with defend themselves against vast though waiting for the first snows (continued on page six) numbers of mosquitoes.

VIRGINIA PEAK ' MAYA LAKE CURRENT DEFOLIATION NEW GHOST FOREST OLD KILL MAMMOTH PEAK

Return of the Lodgepole Needle Miner by Thos, W. Koerber Photos by the author.

[MT CONNESS

RAGGED PEAK

Lodgepole Needle miner: Coleotechnites Wien This summer hikers on the John Muir trail along the Lyell fork of the Tuolumne River have been wondering why the trees are so brown. Others passing through Virginia Canyon wonder about the showers of brown needles falling from the trees. Even airline pilots, descending toward San Francisco, have noted and reported great swaths of brown trees in the green carpet of Yosemite's which occurred from 1900-1916 ly inside pine needles, eating forests. and from 1953-1963. Most of the them from the inside. Each larva Has the lodgepole needle mindead trees resulting from the earconsumes an average of five er returned? Actually the lodgeher epidemic have since fallen, needles before reaching maturity pole needle miner has been with but considerable numbers may be in the spring of an odd numbered us constantly, but it has been ten seen in the Tenaya Gap area and year. The mature larva constructs years, or longer, since this insect on the north flank of Fairview a thin silk lining in the last needle was abundant enough to cause Dome. The more recent ghost it has mined. Here it transforms noticeable defoliation of large forests may be seen northeast of to the pupal stage, a jet black, areas of lodgepole pine forest. In Cathedral Lake and from the lowimmobile creature, which, in turn, the meantime, it has been present er reaches of Delany Creek northtransforms to an adult moth. All in low numbers, unnoticed by any ward to Alkali Creek. The ghost of the moths emerge for their but the most careful observers, forests provide many excellent short adult life in July and in early The needle miner is a native inopportunities to observe ecologiAugust of an odd numbered year, sect in the lodgepole pine forests cal processes in action, for it is such as 1973. There were no of Yosemite. Periodically, it deonly in an extensive national park moths in 1972 or any other even velops dense populations which such as Yosemite, that the natural numbered year when all the needefoliate and kill thousands of cycle of replacement of a dead dle miners were half-grown cateracres of lodgepole pine forest. No forest by grasses and by herbs, pillars living inside the needles. other animal, not even man, has and finally by the growth of a new During their long growing persuch a powerful effect on the high forest, is allowed to proceed uniod, the needle miners are preymountain landscape. The dead modified by man's timber salvage ed upon by a host of predatory trees decay very slowly in the cold or by tree planting efforts. insects and birds. Also vast numdry climate of the high mountains The adult needle miner is a little bers of the needle miners are killand the young trees of the new grey moth only 114 inch long. The ed by cold in the winter, or by forest grow very slowly. Thus, females deposit their eggs in holstorms in the summer which stark grey snags standing in thicklowed-out needles or in bark knock the needles from the pines. ets of young trees cover thoucrevices. In about a month, the In fact, the vast majority of needle sands of acres of the high country eggs hatch, producing little catminers do not live to become mawith "ghost forests." The ghost terpillars which bore into lodgeture moths. However, the moths forests in Yosemite date mainly pole pine needles. They spend have a reproductive capacity from needle miner epidemics the next 23 months almost entire- (continued on page four)

An example of an old ghost forest and new trees 30-40 years old. (continued from page three) Needle Miner which allows a thirtyfold increase each generation. Further, the larvae living inside individual neethe forest they, to some extent, ties, the defoliated forests are in dies are protected from many pobegin to make their own weather. areas where natural processes will tential predators, and the fact that The sun penetrates to the ground be allowed to proceed unhinall needle miners develop in step after the needles have been dedered. Therefore, no spraying or may prevent some predators from stroyed and the trees no longer other insect control actions are maintaining large populations shade each other. Thus, a cool, being planned. Entomologists deover the even numbered years shady forest becomes a warm, dry tailed to Yosemite by the U.S. when only small larvae, hidden in place that is more favorable for Forest Service are keeping a close needles, are present. Conseneedle miner survival. Once the watch on the needle miner to quently, the predators do not microclimate has been modified, learn as much as possible about destroy quite enough needle the needle miner population may the phenomenon of unrestrained miners to hold the population in continue to increase or decrease. It has been found that warm dry summer weather without violent storms, and mild winters with early springs, are favorable for needle miner survival. For example, the most recent epidemic was ended by unfavorable weather patterns in 1963 and 1965. Over the last four years, we have had favorable weather patterns which have permitted an average sixteenfold increase under weather conditions which would not normally be favorable for survival.

Fortunately, the lodgepole forest is not as fragile as is generally believed. Healthy lodgepole pines can tolerate three complete defoliations by needle miners before they begin to die, and particularly tough or vigorous individuals will withstand a lot more. After repeated defoliations, the trees begin to die. Usually, bark beetles, such as the mountain pine beetle, invade the weakened trees and finish them off. The bark beetles may continue to attack weakened trees for many years after defoliation has stopped.

According to present National Park Service management policy, in the areas where natural processes will be allowed to proceed unhindered, no spraying or other insect control actions are being planned. Entomologists detailed to Yosemite by the U.S. Forest Service are keeping a close watch on the needle miner to learn as much as possible about the phenomenon of unrestrained insect epidemics. The Park Service naturalist staff at Tuolumne Meadows has been provided with up-to-date information on the needle miner. It is hoped the maximum number of visitors will take advantage of this opportunity to observe ecology in action before their very eyes. crease in the population, resultyears after defoliation has ing in the large areas of defoliated stopped, a phenomenon which trees we now see. is seen in the Delaney Creek area. Once the needle miners are According to present National numerous enough to defoliate Park Service management poiiNew ghost forest at ten years. Dr. Koerber was trained in insect ecology and forest entomology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and the University of California at Berkeley. He has been conducting research on the lodgepole needle miner in Yosemite Park since 1967. He is now Research Entomologist, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, National Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Members' Ostrander Ski Touring Trip Ostrander Lake Ski Hut again will be the destination of threeday environmental ski touring trips, sponsored by your association. Warren White, National Park Service naturalist, will lead these tours, as he did last winter. Parties will leave Badger Pass at about 9 :30 a.m. for the 71/2 mile journey. There is an elevation gain of some 2,000 feet, so the trip Emerging stand of lodgepoles in relatively new ghost forest. would not be enjoyed by the novice. Winter Environmental Seminars The hut will be reached by about 4 p.m. There, sleeping accommodations are provided in bunk beds with mattresses (sleeping bag necessary).

Dr. Carl Sharsmith, well known High Sierra botanist and instructor, will conduct three winter ecology seminars in Yosemite Valley, on Feb. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 1974. During the 14 hours of field work, participants will examine the interrelationships between rocks, soil, plants, animals and microorganisms as they are affected by winter temperatures, wind, light and moisture conditions.

The courses are sponsored by the Yosemite Natural History Association and will earn one quarter credit through arrangement with U.C. Davis (Ext. Div.).

On the second day, Warren will 1974. During the 14 hours of field credit through arrangement with lead a day tour to the Hart Lakes work, participants will examine U.C. Davis (Ext. Div.). Basin, pointing out the effects of the interrelationships between Members interested in receivwinter weather on the plant and rocks, soil, plants, animals and ing complete details may write animal life, the geology of the microorganisms as they are afBox 545, Yosemite National Park, cirques, the effects of glaciation. fected by winter temperatures, CA, or call (209) 372-4532.

The return trip will be along the Merced Crest trail which is somewhat longer but involves less climbing. Tours are scheduled for

Yosemite Sketches Published by Y.N.H.A.

Your Association is pleased to announce that it recently has published a collection of outstanding pencil sketches done by Lee Panza, a talented devotee of the area. These are faithfully reproduced by lithography on fine quality paper. The sheets are gathered in an attractive folder cover and the whole in a white envelope with stiffeners. Each of the familiar Yosemite scenes is accurately rendered and we suggest that the set would make an admirable Christmas gift.

The set retails for $4.95; the price to members with their 20% discount will be $3.95. We will mail these to you, or to whomever you direct, for $4.65, including tax, postage and handling. Foreign mailings are $1 additional. We will enclose a gift card if you indicate.

Tours are scheduled for March 29, 30 and 31 and April 19, 20, 21. The charge for the trip is $25.00, which includes two dinners, two breakfasts and two lunches, use of the hut. Participants need bring only a sleeping bag, lunch for the in trip and personal necessities. Reservations and more information may be had from the YNHA office. Bulletin of the Yosemite Natural History Association October, 1973. P.O. Box 545, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 Director David Karraker Managing Editor Henry Berrey Treasurer Roland G. Ele Board of Trustees Dana Morgenson, Chairman Virginia Adams Sterling Cramer John Good A non-profit, educational association dedicated to the interpretation of the natural and human history of Yosemite National Park, in cooperation with the National Park Service. Contributions and donations are tax deductible,

(continued from page two) Orchids Except for the white pouch, this species is very similar to the common Yellow Lady's-slipper.

(Additional details about location and stripes on the floral parts. In addition to growing near the Big Oak Flat road, it can be found in such remote areas as Illilouette Canyon.) The last genus of Orchidaceae at Yosemite is Corallorhiza. Corallorhiza maculata, or Spotted Coral-root, grows in the Mariposa grove of sequoias; along the old Oak Flat road and with Goodyera oblongifolia along the El Capitan Trail. I have found numerous plants under the red firs near the Harden Lake Campground. This common native orchid is found in many of the western parks and is abundant in rich, decaying humus. Visitors should be careful not to disturb this delicate saprophyte in the park, as the fleshy and knobby rhizomes are very brittle.

The Striped Coral-root, Corallorhiza striata, has been found growing in the same general areas as Listera convallarioides. Around Cascade Creek (5,800 feet), it flourishes in dense shade and moderately moist soil. Some flower stalks of C. striata have had as many as 24 blooms whereas others as few as 6 or 4. This very attractive Coral-root is easily identified by the distinctive purple.

Yosemite has an interesting selection of native orchids. Although many are relatively inconspicuous, they are nevertheless an important part of the total park flora. When you are in Yosemite, make a stop at the visitor Center for an orientation by a park naturalist before "orchid hunting." Giant sequoias, lofty waterfalls, and delicate orchids are yours to enjoy at Yosemite. Help protect the park and all that it contains for those that may follow after you.

Jim Sleznick has been with the National Park Service thirteen years and has served at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in New Mexico, Buck Island Reef, St. Croix, V.I. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Sleznick has a primary degree in Botany, a masters in Biology. He is presently Chief of Visitors Services and Public Information in Yosemite. This article is one of several he has done on orchids.

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49'er SUPER MARKET Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 Highway 140 and 49 Reservations (209) 692-5811 (in Calif.) Mariposa, California (out of state) (209) 372-4671 Round House A massive but beautifully simple Miwok round house is being built in the Indian Garden. In Miwok, it is called a "have" (pronounced hanje). When completed next month, it will serve as the focal point for the reestablishment of the Indian culture of Yosemite and the scene of spiritual ceremony and ritual dancing, the same as in pre-Caucasian time. The harje will have a "three-man" radius, the measure used by the Miwok. Three men, lying head to toe, will reach from the perimeter to the center, or roughly 20 feet. It will be semi-subterranean, the whole being some five feet below ground level. The roof line basically is conical; but when covered first with cedar bark, then thatched with wormwood, pine needles and finally with a covering of earth, it will present a domed shape. Craig Bates, of the Valley interpretive staff "engineered" the construction, piecing the plan together from descriptions given him by the old people. Most of the work has been done by the interpreters, with some aid from National Park Service people and their heavy machinery. The harje will be a most significant addition to the revival of Yosemite Indian history and culture and will give park visitors a singular opportunity to enjoy learning about the first inhabitants of this Valley. Four other round houses exist in central California; at the Tuolumne Rancheria, at Grindstone, in Glen County, at Stewart's Point, west of Healdsburg and at Ahwahnee in Madera County, The earliest of these is that at Grindstone, having been built about 1900 by the Wintuns.

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