Tulip time is long past and lilacs are fading but native plants are coming into their own. To find out what’s growing in local woods, take a field trip with Washington Native Plant Society. Anyone is welcome to join the group at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 27, at Kettles Trail. Meet amateur naturalists of the Salal Chapter at the trail head gate at Partridge Point Road.

Each spring, Salal Chapter members lead walks at state parks on Whidbey and Fidalgo islands when native wildflowers spangle meadows and glades.

Native Plant Society walks are “excellent” ways to learn about the area, Pat De La Chapelle said earlier this month on a walk at Deception Pass State Park. The walks are designed as introductions to local environments and each stroll focuses on a slightly different ecosystem so people can learn about a variety of plants, animals and geology.

“On the walks, we’ll talk a lot about plants and how they were used, plus we’ll talk about area history,” De La Chapelle said.

The walks help people develop an appreciation for the natural life in the area.

People don’t have to worry about knowing Latin, or the difference between roots and rhizomes to enjoy the native plant walks. There will be no quizzes, no lab experiments to complete. “We want people to enjoy the area, ask questions and have a fun morning,” naturalist Rick Machin said.

Call Harold Mitchell at 360-293-0405 or Ann Dursch at 360-293-3044. Wear good walking shoes and be prepared to pay $5 parking fee. For more information, go to www.wnps.org/salal.