The Humboldt Rose Society is gearing up for an exciting week of events, including a meeting, a plant sale, and a birding walk. Whether you’re a seasoned rosarian or just starting out in the world of roses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Humboldt Rose Society will kick off the week with a meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place at a new location, Redwood Acres, located at 3750 Harris St in Eureka. The meeting room is in the front of the Raceway Grandstand building, with ample parking available for attendees. The highlight of the meeting will be a presentation on rose diseases by rosarians, along with door prizes, refreshments, and plenty of helpful information. All are welcome to attend, and those interested in joining the Humboldt Rose Society can do so for an annual family dues of $20 for an electronic membership or $25 for a mail membership. The application is available on their website, along with a wealth of information on rose cultivation.
On Saturday, May 11, the Humboldt Rose Society will host its annual rose and plant sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1525 Harris St in Eureka. Consulting rosarians will be on hand to answer any questions about rose cultivation. For more information about the plant sale or the Humboldt Rose Society, interested individuals can call 707-845-6645 or email jsaffell@suddenlink.net.
For nature enthusiasts, Sanctuary Forest and local birder and photographer Ann Constantino will lead a “Birds of Southern Humboldt” walk at Southern Humboldt Community Park on the same day, May 11. Participants will have the opportunity to observe nesting behavior and possibly see fledglings of various bird species, including Lazuli buntings, Western kingbirds, swallows, Western bluebirds, Bullocks orioles, and more. The walk will also include the search for less common species such as the grasshopper sparrow and chipping sparrow, as well as the possibility of spotting a pileated woodpecker. The walk will begin at Tooby Memorial Park at 8 a.m. and last two to three hours. Participants are encouraged to bring sturdy shoes, binoculars, lunch, water, and sun protection. The event is free, though donations are accepted to support future programs.
On Sunday, May 12, Friends of the Arcata Marsh board member and bicyclist Andy Feinstein will lead the monthly “Second Sunday Cycling Tour” of the Arcata Marsh. The tour will focus on the “Three Ws of the Marsh”: wetlands, wildlife, and wastewater treatment. Participants will meet at the Interpretive Center at 2 p.m. for a 90-minute, docent-led tour around the facility, including the head works, treatment marshes, oxidation ponds, and enhancement marshes. All ages are welcome to bring their own bikes for the tour, with heavy rain being the only factor that would cancel the event. For more information, individuals can call the Interpretive Center at 707-826-2359.
With a week full of events celebrating roses, birding, and cycling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Humboldt area. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge of roses, observe local bird species, or explore the beauty of the Arcata Marsh, these events offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature and like-minded individuals in the community.