Author Archives: jltnatural-admin

A Summer Hike

Members of the Natural History Society joined for a summer hike on July 11, 2017 to Hurricane Ridge with native plant buffs, Coca Sanchez and Dana Ecelberger. Coca and Dana are local landscapers, Rare Care volunteers, and graduates of the Land Trust’s first Northwest Naturalist course.

We carpooled from Port Townsend to Hurricane Ridge. From there we hiked the Roaring Winds/Obstruction Point Trail, a 6.4-mile round-trip hike with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Dogs were not allowed, per the National Park rules.

Obstruction Point Trail is the highest trail in the Park, passing through alpine country and great viewsheds. We expected to see early season wildflowers, such as Glacier Lily, Phlox, Frittilarias, and orchids.

We recommended: layers for temperature fluctuations, plenty of food and water, field guides, binoculars, hand lenses, hiking boots, hats, and hiking poles. A group of 12 or less was preferred, but we did not turn anyone away.

Lee at JLTnatural@saveland.org provided details.

July 2017 Book Selection

Rachel Carson: Witness for Nature will be discussed on Monday, July 24, 2017.  We will meet at the Ilahee Preserve from 3:30 – 5:00.  Contact Jean at jltnatural@saveland.org for directions or any questions.

Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, published in 1962, did more than any other single publication to alert the world to the hazards of environmental poisoning and to inspire a powerful social movement that would alter the course of American history. This definitive, sweeping biography shows the origins of Carson’s fierce dedication to natural science–and tells the dramatic story of how Carson, already a famous nature writer, became a brilliant if reluctant reformer. Drawing on unprecendented access to sources and interviews, Lear masterfully explores the roots of Carson’s powerful connection to the natural world, crafting a ” fine portrait of the environmentalist as a human being” (Smithsonian).

Lower Graywolf Botanizing Walk

On June 21, 2017, the Natural History Society joined for a botanizing walk and picnic along the Lower Graywolf River.

The Lower Graywolf River trail meanders through a wide variety of northwest native plants under old growth forest of hemlock and fir reserved in the Buckhorn Wilderness. A lowland hike, the trail heads downward 1,400 feet for about two miles to the river, which is often within earshot.  The trail traverses many small feeder creeks. The Graywolf River is a beautiful, year-round stream that in the lower reaches flows through a scenic canyon cut in pillow basalt.

While the trail  continues another two miles, we stopped here. This is our lunch spot
and turn-around point.

The walk was a round trip of 4-5 miles, rated ‘2’ for difficulty. We recommended bringing a lunch, water, layers of clothing, hiking shoes, a rain jacket, field guides, and binoculars.

Marcia at  JLTnatural@saveland.org provided details about location and carpooling.

June 2017 Book Selection

 

Elwha: A River Reborn by Lynda Mapes is the Natural History Society’s book selection for June 2017.  The discussion of this book will be held on Monday, June 26, 2017, 3:30-5:00, at the shelter at Ilahee Preserve.  For directions or further information, contact Jean at jltnatural@saveland.org

Seattle Times science writer Lynda Mapes tells the story behind the removal of the two dams on the Elwha River in Olympic National Park, the largest dam removal project in the world to date.  She tells the story of the building of the dams, as well as the long political fight that led to their removal.  In this book we meet members of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, who had fished the river for generations; the biologists who study the Elwha and its plants and animals; and the dam workers who ultimately powered down the old turbines.  The book includes many color photographs and historic images.

The impact of the removal of the Elwha dams at Glines Canyon and Lake Aldwell continues to be studied by scientists around the world, and these results are a consideration in the political battles over proposed dam removals in the United States.

Anderson Lake Ethnobotanical Hike

On May 17, 2017, Jeanmarie Morell led a hike for the Natural History Society, at Anderson Lake State Park.

It was an easy three-mile ramble around the lake. We checked out the flora and ethnobotanical uses of plants, by examining cedar trees for signs of bark harvest (from before the land was a park); noting the formation of tiny fruits on edible berry shrubs; discussing how we use local native plants; tasting licorice fern; and much more.

Participation was not limited, and carpools were arranged. We suggested wearing light hiking boots and dressing in layers for changing weather, and bringing field guides, binoculars, and plenty of food and water.

Eileen at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact for carpool and other information.