Pacific Northwest Forests

by Cheryl Lowe

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is renowned for its diverse and vibrant forest ecosystems, characterized by a unique interplay of climate, geology, and biology. Stretching from Northern California to British Columbia, this region encompasses temperate rainforests, coastal woodlands, and mountainous terrain. The climate, influenced by the Pacific Ocean, brings abundant rainfall and mild temperatures, fostering lush vegetation and rich biodiversity. Key species include towering Douglas firs, Sitka spruce, and western red cedars, which create dense canopies that support a myriad of understory plants, fungi, and wildlife. 

Ursus Americana (American Black Bear)

The ecological dynamics of PNW forests are shaped by a variety of factors, including soil composition, elevation, and human impact. The nutrient-rich soils, particularly in older forest stands, support complex plant communities and contribute to high levels of productivity. These forests are also home to a wide range of animal species, from large mammals like elk and black bears to countless bird species, amphibians, and invertebrates. Interactions among these organisms, including predator-prey relationships and mutualistic partnerships, create a balanced ecosystem that is resilient yet sensitive to environmental changes.

Tree Bark

Beach Walk to Nodule Point

On September 17, from 7:45 to 1:15, the Natural History Society will lead a trip to Nodule Point on Marrowstone Island. We will be exploring the geological features of this unique environment. See the newsletter for more information and how to sign up. 

Bus Trips to Hurricane Ridge

Day trips to Hurricane Ridge without a car are now easy and inexpensive. Bus rides from Port Townsend to Port Angeles are free, and the hourly bus ride to Hurricane Ridge costs $2 round trip. ONP admission is collected at the bus. Passengers can pay $15 or show a pass, including the lifetime Senior Pass.  

Thank the Flower Flies

by Wendy Feltham

In summer, the Olympic Peninsula is a colorful wonderland of wildflowers. Pollinators make this happen— insects including bees, butterflies, and flies. We have hundreds of fly species, some pollinating flowers high in the mountains, and others at sea level.

It’s true that some flies harm crops and bite mammals, but many flies are beneficial insects. Insects in the Syrphidae family, called hoverflies or flower flies, don’t bite people. They’re essential pollinators of agricultural crops and native wildflowers, and the larvae of some species eat aphids.

Flower flies are usually small, about a half-inch long. It’s enchanting to watch them hover like miniature helicopters over their target flower before zooming in for nectar and pollen. Some “mimic” stinging wasps and bees. They tend to prefer white and yellow flowers.

Local entomologist Richard Lewis told me, “Flies (Syrphids) are some of the most evolutionarily advanced of all the insects and play several important ecological roles including decomposers, pest control, pollination, and as a food source for other organisms. They reproduce rapidly, have exceptional vision, amazing agility in flight,
and are highly adaptable. These qualities not only make them important in the natural world but also inspire many scientific studies and technological advances.” You can see more at the iNaturalist project, “Flies of the US and Canada:”
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/flies-of-the-us-and-canada.

Chimacum Ridge

Chimacum Ridge is an over 900-acre forested landscape feature rising between Center and Beaver Valleys. Located among more than 2,000 acres of Land Trust protected farms, forests, and salmon habitat, the Land Trust has been striving to protect this land to keep it undeveloped and managed as healthy timberland and wildlife habitat since 2010. Now owned by Jefferson Land Trust, it is being transformed into a Community Forest to provide public access, plus ecological, social, and economic benefits forever. Many headwater tributaries flow from the ridge into Chimacum Creek, contributing cool clean water to the farms and salmon habitat downstream, and supporting one of the most successful community-based salmon recovery efforts in the area.

The forest has many different forest stands of varying ages, most of which are about 47-year-old planted Douglas-fir mixed with naturally regenerating Western redcedar, Western hemlock, Grand fir, Sitka spruce, Big-leaf maple, Red alder, Bitter cherry, and willows. Plus, there are understory shrub species such as Salal, Pacific rhododendron, Ocean spray, Serviceberry, Evergreen huckleberry, Oregon grape, and Elderberry. Abundant nesting resident and migratory birds, and other wildlife, extensively use the property throughout the year.