What an exciting and amazing 4 weeks it has been! Working with Doug Kendig and Marcus Lorusso out of the Medford, OR field office has been quite the educational experience. My favorite plant we’ve come across has defintely been the Darlingtonia californica; what an incredible species native to our area. We have been focusing a lot on sepantine soils, and searching for endemic species found there. Just yesterday we vouchered a Horkelia sericata and completed a collection of a Lomatium californicum, which brings us to 19 completed collections. I have been learning so much about identifying key characteristics within plant families, and the proper terminology to describe said characteristics. I am getting more and more familiar with the Jepson and other field manuals; making it easier and easier to identify and key out specific plants. Marcus and Doug have been incredibly patient and understanding, and I have learned so much from both in such a short amount of time. As I look ahead to the weeks to come I can’t help but feel as though it’s going to be a wild ride! I am so grateful for this opportunity, and the experiences for personal growth encompassed within. Plants are awesome!