The Claytonia lanceolata vars. peirsonii was thought only to be found in the San Gabriel Mountains of California. Until Earth Day 2011 when it was discovered in the Mountaintop District of the San Bernardino National Forest.

I was able to join Thomas Stoughton and District Botanist Scott Eliason when the species was discovered and collected for record. This lovely little flower is an early bloomer. This is likely why it wasn’t found up until now. The flower fades well before peak field season.

I was later sent out to document the the populations along the ridgeline it was discovered. It turns out that there is a huge amount inhabiting a stretch of about 4 miles across the ridge!

Although I am a botany intern, I have been able to work with the restoration and wildlife biology crews for the forest service. I have participated in a riparian restoration project planting willows in an area annihilated by fires a few years ago. I have learned telemetry when assisting in spotted owl tracking with a wildlife biologist. These experiences have really helped me get the full picture of how the Forest Service manages and conserves forest resources.