Hi Y'all!

Here to deliver a few Reflection Lakes Trail Updates.
Janneke and I hiked (or at least attempted) the Reflection Lakes
trail yesterday. We observed plenty of avalanche lilies budding
and flowering, just not many on the trail and certainly not any in
our plots. There was a lot of snow on the trail from the beginning;
Plot 1 was completely covered and Plot 2 was half covered, but
there were no phenophases to observe. After Plot 2, the trail was
completely snow covered but for a few clear spots scattered
intermittently along the way. When we got to the stream
crossing on the way to Plot 3 we decided to turn around because there was no clear safe way for us to cross.
Additionally, the trail beyond the stream was covered in snow as well; not giving us much hope that
we would be able to find our plots. With all of this said, the snow seems to be melting fairly quickly. The
impediments we faced yesterday might be completely melted by next week, just exercise caution and bring
any gear (microspikes, crampons, poles, etc)  you think will make your hike a safe and enjoyable one. For
weekly trail status updates, including the number of plots uncovered be sure to check the "Trail Status
Update" link on our website that can be found under the the volunteer resources sub-tab titled "Our Hikes."
Happy hiking and I hope to see y'all on the trails!

All the Best,

Joshua and Your MeadoWatch Team

Hello MeadoWatchers!

My name is Joshua Jenkins, the 2018 MeadoWatch intern! I am a rising 2nd year
Public Administration/Public Policy student here at the University of
Washington’s Evans School with a concentration in Environmental Policy.
I hope everyone is excited as I am about this summer!

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We weren’t able to place plot markers at both Plot 7, 9, or 12 because they 
were either partially or fully covered by snow. The trail conditions are pretty
favorable, before you reach Plot 9 there is virtually no snow that will impede
hiking; however, after Plot 9 the snow begins to impede hiking and remains
a constant presence throughout the end of the trail. Be careful crossing over
creeks and streams as there are places that seem to be covered by snow,
but may give way if you step on them. Meera and I were able to hike up
without poles or crampons/microspikes but I decided to use microspikes
on the way down for peace of mind. I recommend bringing whatever gear
makes you feel the most comfortable and surefooted while hiking in snow.
With that said, it seems like the snow is melting quickly!

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I will be out on the trails next week collecting data and placing plot markers that we weren’t able to place
yesterday, don’t hesitate to come say hello if you see me! Happy hiking and I look forward to seeing ya’ll
on the trails this summer!

All the best,

Joshua Jenkins and Your MeadoWatch Team

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