Author Archives: jltnatural-admin

A Natural and Un-Natural History of Cappy’s Trails

On October 10, 2018, the Natural History Society led an exploration of the wild and re-wilding pathways of Cappy’s Trails in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor (QWC). We investigated Jefferson Land Trust’s flagship conservation project with Preserve Steward Kathy Darrow. She focused on how the landscape is restoring itself, with some help from Land Trust volunteers, after 100+ years of colonization.

Pileated Woodpeckers, vintage vehicles, terrestrial orchids, English holly, natural wetlands, and sewer lines are all part of this complex blend of mixed coniferous forest and 20th century human influences.

Nan at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact person for more details.

October 2018 Book Selection

On Monday, October 22, the Natural History Society book club will discuss Thor Hanson‘s new book, Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees.

We will meet at the Pink House (next to the library in Port Townsend),   3:30 -5:00.

Buzz is a natural and cultural history of bees.   Amazon’s description of this book states that “bees are like oxygen: ubiquitous, essential, and for the most part unseen. Yet they lie at the heart of relationships that bind the human and natural worlds. Alarmingly, they are at risk of disappearing.  Buzz shows us why all bees are wonders to celebrate and protect.  Read this book and you’ll never overlook them again.”

NHS book club has read two previous books by Hanson, The Triumph of Seeds and Feathers. Hanson delivered this year’s Huntingford Lecture on Thursday, September 27, at Chimacum High School.  His slides presented an overview of some of the beautiful species of bees, and during the question and answer period at the end of the lecture, he answered questions from the audience about bees.

September Outings

Explore Miller Peninsula

On September 10, 2018, the Natural History Society led a hike through a lush ravine to a remote beach on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This is a 7.7-mile walk with 590’ of elevation change on the Miller Peninsula off of Diamond Point Road near Sequim.

We arrived at the beach in time to explore the spit during a minus tide, and enjoy lunch and views of Protection Island.

Michele at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact person for trip details and carpool arrangements. Non-drivers paid $3 for gas.

 

An Insect Afternoon

Harpaphe haydeniana (Yellow-spotted millipede)

Entomologist Richard Lewis joined the Natural History Society on September 22, 2018, for a two-mile insect exploration around Gibbs Lake. We walked through an evergreen forest, beside the lake, and into areas of understory growth and deciduous trees, which all provide habitat for different insects.

Richard caught and identified insects in/under fallen wood, flying around, in the water, and on trees/leaves. He found common insects like beetles, butterflies, ants, bees, wasps, dragonflies, and flies, as well as lesser known springtails, crane flies, and water bugs. We also looked for signs of insects, discussed insect biology, morphology, and diversity, and the role insects play in forest health.

Rhionaeschna multicolor (Blue-eyed Darner) dragonfly

Richard Lewis has a bachelor’s degree in Entomology from the University of Delaware and a master’s from WSU. He works part time with WSU extension doing talks, insect ID’s, and raising honey bees.

Lee at JLTnatural@saveland.org organized carpools. Non-drivers paid $2 for gas.

September 2018 Book Selection

The Jefferson Land Trust Natural History Society book club will meet on Monday, September 24, 3:30-5:00, to discuss The Wonder of Birds: What They Tell Us about Ourselves, the World, and a Better Future by Jim Robbins.  We will meet at the Ilahee Preserve just off of Prospect Avenue near Kala Point.

Author Jim Robbins believes that humans’ relationship to birds is different from our relationship to any other wild creatures.  They are found everywhere and are our most vital connection to nature.  Through various stories of interactions between birds and humans, Robbins illustrates just how valuable birds are to humans, both ecologically and spiritually.  This book brings birds from the background of our lives into the foreground, showing us that we must fight to save imperiled bird populations and the places they live.

A Summer Hike

On August 22, 2018, the Natural History Society led a summer hike along the Upper Dungeness River trail.

This was an easy stroll along a roaring river and among towering trees. The forest canopy was magnificent, with old growth Douglas-fir more than 200 feet high and hundreds of years old. The forest floor was a green, mossy carpet with an array of fascinating fungi.

The trail crosses the river at 2.6 miles, and a junction at 3.2 miles takes you right to the Camp Handy shelter. This is a great turn-around spot for an easy day on the trail.

It is a 1 hour 45 minute drive to the trailhead, a good portion of which is on dirt road. Carpools were organized, and non-drivers paid $10 for gas.