On Sunday, August 16, the Gila Native Plant Society will sponsor a field trip to Lower Gallinas Canyon (FS Trail 795) in the Black Range. The hike area is Montane Coniferous Forest and Riparian.

The public is invited to join free of charge. Participants should meet at 8:00 am in the south parking lot of the Fine Arts Theater at Western New Mexico University to arrange for carpooling.

Those attending must sign a release-of-liability form and will receive a list of native plants in the hike area.

Hikers are asked to bring water, lunch, a hat and sunscreen and to wear good hiking shoes. For more information on field trips, call Kevin Keith at 575 535-4064.

The Gila Native Plant Society is committed to promote education, research and appreciation of the native flora of the Southwest, to encourage the preservation of rare and endangered plant species and to support the use of suitable native plants in landscaping. For information on programs, publications and membership, please visit www.gilanps.org.