It's peak wildflower season and Laird Blackwell, author of Tahoe Wildflowers, A Month by Month Guide couldn't be busier. Between hunting for rare and unique species to teaching wildflower classes and leading hikes, tahoe.com had the opportunity to catch up with Laird for a few quick seconds. Check out what he had to say:

Q - Laird, what are your top three picks for seeing wildflowers in the Tahoe region?
Right now, I'd have to say Winnemucca Lake and Frog Lake in South Lake Tahoe. And in the Truckee area, Castle Peak, north of Interstate 80. Also, Mt. Rose and Freel Peak both above Timberline. They're long, strenuous hikes but they're worth it.

Q - What do you think is the most rare wildflower species in the Tahoe area?
I'd have to say the Woody Fruit Evening Primrose. It only blooms on one night and when it does it smells like coconut oil. The next day it turns a scarlet red.

Q - And where might one find this rare bloom?
I know you can find one on Mt. Rose, near the old road.

Learn more! Check out these upcoming festivals, hikes and classes below!

Kirkwood Wildflower Festival, Aug. 2
Kirkwood partners with The Amador Vintners to benefit the Sugar Pine Foundation by hosting live music, wine tasting & local artisans, 12-5 p.m. on Village Plaza. All are welcome to enjoy music and shop the art booths for free. Wine tasting tickets are $20 and include commemorative glass and many tastes of award winning wines of Amador County. Savory barbecue will be available all day for additional cost. Laird Blackwell will also lead guided hikes for $25 per person.

Free Guided Tahoe Rim Trail Hikes
• Mt. Rose Trail to Waterfall, Sunday, July 27
Hike towards Mt. Rose, stopping at a beautiful waterfall for lunch, and then continuing the loop back to the trailhead. Enjoy the wildflowers, learning them by name with plenty of photo opportunities. Total of 7 miles, bring your lunch! Please, only children over 10 years old and no dogs. Meet at Mt. Rose Trailhead @ 10 a.m.

• Barker Pass to Tahoe City, Tuesday, July 29
Enjoy the wildflowers on this moderately difficult 11 ½ mile hike. The trail dips in and out of flowery meadows and swoops around craggy volcanic peaks. Space is limited to 8 hikers. Meet at Tahoe City Trailhead @ 7 a.m. to shuttle. Hedda Anya and Sue Henson will lead the hike.

Spend the weekend at Sorenson's Resort
• Wildflowers of the Carson Pass, Aug. 1
Spectacular views of Lake Tahoe, snow-capped peaks, and gorgeous wildflowers will be viewed and appreciated as this hike leads to a magical viewpoint. Learn to identify over 35 wildflowers, trees and shrubs and learn their cultural uses. This is a 3-mile moderate, round-trip hike with a moderate grade up to the viewpoint. Leading this popular trek is the talented and personable Karen Wiese, author of Sierra Nevada Wildflowers, who has been guiding natural history hikes for over 20 years. Karen works for the U.S. Forest Service. For class reservations and lodging, call (800) 423-9949. Bring water, sun protection, camera and wear sturdy shoes.
Details: Hike starts at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 and returns by 3 p.m. Sign up early and order bag lunch when making reservations, included in price. Cost: $50 lodging guests/$75 for non-guests.

• Llama walk & birdwatching tour, Aug. 8
Take a lovely amble leading a Llama or go bird-watching…all in beautiful Hope Valley. Either way, join naturalists Diane and Chuck Campbell on their early morning, introductory birding class. Or learn about the fascinating life of Llamas on an easy walk – a great outing for families (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Details: Call Sorensen’s to reserve either class and also book your lodging (800) 423-9949. Date: Aug. 8. Cost: $50 lodging guests/$65 non-guests, $35/kids 14 and under, includes lunch. (Children must be accompanied by an adult).

• Tales by the campfire - history of Hope Valley, Aug. 10
Spinning stories of ghosts, legends of the Old West, or poignant tales of the people who once lived in and around Hope Valley, storyteller Art Ewart enraptures his audience – every summer in the evening, near the campfire. Art entertains, enlightens, and educates interested minds of all ages with his delightful yarns.
Details: Dress warmly; hot cocoa and cookies provided to round out a fun evening of imagination. Cost: $10 adults/$5 kids suggested donation. Matched by Sorensen’s to benefit Alpine County Friends of the Library.