The Ukiah Valley on a misty morning. Image created by Emma-Quin Smith.
This year CGLHS will explore the sweet and little-known heart of Mendocino County. Nestled in between forested hills that are covered in a mix of oak woodlands and redwood forests, the rich valley floor is called Ukiah Valley. Some of the largest redwood trees in the world grow just west of town.
Ukiah's bustling downtown is adjacent to historic neighborhoods. The town is home to the Sun House, built in 1911 by painter Grace Carpenter Hudson (1865-1937) and her husband John. We'll meet at the Grace Hudson Museum to hear from the landscape architect who was involved in the concept for the museum gardens and learn about basketry plants featured there. We'll tour the gardens and the historic Sun House. The life and legacy of renowned local horticulturalist Carl Purdy (1861-1945) will be explored. The following day we'll visit the nearby Montgomery Woods with a California State Parks representative, with an alternate tour of historic sites in the town of Ukiah.
Ukiah is located about two hours north of San Francisco and one hour north of the Santa Rosa airport. Agricultural businesses flourish in the valley, with wine grapes taking over from pears and hops in recent years. Reaching the town is a pleasant drive along Highway 101; CGLHS will help organize carpools from the Bay Area as needed.
A note on accommodations: Click here to see our list of recommended hotels and camp sites in Ukiah.
Rather than provide one hotel location, CGLHS is suggesting preferred hotels, thereby providing a range of options. Please feel free to stay any place you like. The Holiday Inn Express is offering our members a discount; instructions for booking can be found in in the link above. Some room options are expected to sell out as the summer advances.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Elements of our program are still in development. Please check back for regularly for updates.
Friday, October 13th
5:30 Informal check in, happy hour, and an introduction to the region from Mendocino County Supervisor Glenn McGourty.
7:00 Dinner at the Todd Grove Room.
Saturday, October 14th
8:30 Gather at the Grace Hudson Museum. Coffee and bakery goods available.
9:00 Program begins. Morning talks will focus on the wild gardens and exhibits at the Grace Hudson Museum, while the afternoon program will include a special look at indigenous basketry practices and dive into the life and influence of Ukiah-based horticulturalist Carl Purdy. Lunch will be served, with meeting adjournment around 4:30.
6:00 Dinner at Cultivo in downtown Ukiah.
Sunday, October 15th
8:00 Meet at the Agricultural Board Meeting Room for coffee and bakery treats and a short talk on botanist Ynez Mexia and the history behind the founding of the Montgomery Redwoods State Preserve, followed by an ecology tour of the state park.
An alternate walking tour of historic Ukiah, including a stop at Observatory Park, will also be offered.
SPEAKERS
Ann Baker, RLA of LandCulture LLP, will walk us through the process, concept, and implementation of the design for the wild garden at the Grace Hudson Museum.
Dot Brovarney, a Mendocino-based historian, author, and curator, will provide us with background on the life of local nurseryman Carl Purdy, the "Lily Man of Ukiah". He specialized in the wildflowers and bulbs of California, and created many of the landscapes behind the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915.
Glenn McGourty, Mendocino County Supervisor, educator, and scientist, will speak to us about the history of viticulture and sustainable agricultural practices in the valley.
Steve Jahelka, a naturalist and interpreter with California State Parks, will guide us through the redwoods of the Montgomery Woods State National Reserve and present information on its initial conservation and protection, including the significant role played by botanist Inez Mexia.
CONFERENCE FEES
Registration includes the opening reception and dinner, Saturday programs and meals, and Sunday coffee.
Please reach out to info@cglhs.org with the subject line "2023 Conference" should you have any concerns or questions about the fee. We will make every possible effort to accommodate individual needs and would regret your absence if the only barrier is cost.
Early bird rates end on September 14th.
Registration closes on October 10th.
Review our cancellation policy here.
A former service station along the Redwood Highway in Ukiah. Eleanor Cox.
