Introduction to the Alpine Flora of Mt. San Gorgonio
Presented by Tommy Stoughton
Tuesday, July 7, 2015, 7:30 PM
San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands
During this presentation, information will be focused on active research involving the alpine flora of Mt. San Gorgonio including floristic research (biodiversity inventories), new species discoveries, and biogeographic analyses. Technical knowledge of plants is not required, but an interest in the outdoors and an appreciation for our local wild areas is recommended. Everything from origin and diversity to threats and peculiarities of the alpine flora of Mt. San Gorgonio will be discussed.
Tommy is a PhD Candidate at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden studying the Claytonia lanceolata species complex. His interest in the montane and alpine floras of Southern California stems from several years of work for the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) in Big Bear, California. While working for the SBNF, Tommy gained experience in both desert and mountain communities, but developed a serious passion for the relatively under explored San Gorgonio Wilderness. Through a series of backpacking trips and strenuous day-hikes, Tommy has managed to summit Mt. San Gorgonio more than 30 times, each time making observations about the floristic components. Tommy has since moved on to systematic studies focused on particular species groups but he maintains an enthusiastic interest in the rare and unusual flora of Mt. San Gorgonio.
