SPRING. That’s a word many of us are looking for signs of. What do native plants, panning for gold and beach combing have in common? With each one, it’s our anticipation of finding a treasure.

For weeks I’ve been checking “the spot” for signs of the elusive native plant, Fetid adders tongue. A beautiful, seasonal plant, that only grows in coastal redwood forests and has blooms that look like tiny orchids. Yesterday I spotted my first one of the 2022 season! The first of many (I hope) to return to our local patch. I also noticed that another one of my personal favorites, skunk cabbage, has sprouted. Spring seems to be coming a little early this year.

Personally satisfied that my favorite native plants have returned, I left the forest and headed down the trail to Trinidad State Beach where I stumbled upon a man panning for gold. He was working diligently in the river and in the sand nearby, in anticipation of finding some treasure. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The same holds true for treasure. To some a delicate blossom is a treasure, others focus on monetary scores, and some cherish shells and pretty rocks in the sand. Enjoy my pics! #iluvtowalk #fetidadderstongue #nativeplants #skunkcabbage #treasure #humboldtcounty #humboldt