Author Archives: jltnatural-admin

January Book Club Selection

The Natural History Society Reading Group will meet from 3:30 – 5:00 on Monday, January 27 to discuss Wolves in the Land of Salmon, by David Moscowitz.

For RSVPs and directions, please email Pat:  jltnatural@saveland.org

Wolves in the Land of Salmon is nature writing at its best. Vivid imagery and a sense of wonder bring the text alive and help the reader understand exactly what it means to be a wolf. David Moskowitz’s training as a wildlife tracker gives him insider knowledge he generously shares with the hope that with greater understanding comes new perspective.

“Using vivid illustrations, maps, scientific research, and field observations, Moskowitz describes his experiences tracking wolf populations throughout the Pacific Northwest. He outlines the evolutionary history, cultural significance, geographic dispersal, and hunting habits of wolves, and examines threats to wolf populations and future directions in wolf conservation. The results are a comprehensive overview of wolves and their interactions with humans and broader ecosystems. An essential read for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of how ecological, political, and geological trends can lead to the decline or restoration of species and their habitats.” (Library Journal)

“This wide-ranging survey about wolves of the Pacific Northwest offers something for both the specialist and the curious layperson. Moskowitz doesn’t offer advice, but instead seeks to evenhandedly discuss human perceptions of and interactions with wolves.  Maps orient the reader to the location of packs while beautiful photographs enliven the tale and line drawings illustrate key points. Residents of the Pacific Northwest will appreciate the specificity of this work, but any fans of wolves or wildlife biology will find this of interest.” (Publishers Weekly)

Plants of Gibbs Lake

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOn Thursday, November 14, we will join with the Native Plant Society for a 3-5 mile hike around Gibbs Lake, through multiple habitat types including mature forests, wetlands and aquatic systems, ending at a bog to search for wild cranberries. Be prepared for wet weather and wear waterproof boots. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABring field guide, water, and lunch.  Carpool at Shold Business Center (Patison Rd. by NOSC office) by 9:00 am or go directly to Gibbs Lake to meet at first parking lot on the right along Gibbs Lake Road at 9:30 am. RSVP to Fred or Ann Weinmann: 379-0986 or fweinmann@cablespeed.com

November Book Club Selection

November selection

November selection

Meet the author!

The Natural History Society Reading Group will meet at 3:30 to 5:00 pm, on Monday, November 25 to discuss Closer to the Ground, by Dylan Tomine. We’re delighted that local author/naturalist Tomine will join us for this meeting!

For RSVPs and directions please email Janell:  jjelliffe@gmail.com

This compelling, masterfully written tale follows Dylan Tomine and his family through four seasons as they hunt chanterelles, fish for salmon, dig clams and gather at the kitchen table, mouths watering, to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Closer to the Ground captures the beauty and surprise of the natural world—and the ways it teaches us how to live—with humor, gratitude and a nose for adventure as keen as a child’s. It is a book filled with weather, natural history and many delicious meals.

“…an eloquent chronicle of a likable family’s attempt to live a more nature-centric life…Tomine writes with respect and humor…refreshingly unsanctimonious…a lovely homage to the oldest seductress around: Mother Nature.” —The Washington Post

Mushrooms 101 in Cappy’s Woods

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Join mushroom enthusiast Caroline Robertson for an introduction to local mushrooms from 10:00 am until noon, on Monday, November 4. We’ll cover features to look for that distinguish one mushroom from another, try our hand at identifying some of the ‘shrooms we find, and learn some ecological roles and astonishing facts.

589Come dressed for the weather and for walking on uneven terrain. For more information and directions, please RSVP to Dave at jltnatural@saveland.org. To make this a richer experience for all, we’re limiting registration, so please contact us early!

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Fires and Forests

FireOn October 17, 2013, we joined for a presentation by fire ecology photographer John Marshall on “Fires and Forests in Washington—Past, Present, and Future.”

John’s presentation covered fire history in our state, including the Olympic Peninsula. He also highlighted the critical role of fire in ecosystems, and the hazards and policy issues surrounding wildfire management.

This event, co-sponsored by the Speakers Bureau of Humanities Washington, was held at the Cotton Building (607 Water St., Port Townsend). It was free and open to the public. $5 donations were appreciated to help defray costs.