The colors of spring
I am always amazed at the difference a few days makes. I leave the learning center for five days and come home to gentians, lilies and orchids! …
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Blog
Naturalist Notes
New Forest Voices
“Cheerio~ Cheeriup~ Cheerio~ Cheeriup~” The American Robin’s song is a loud, optimistic voice of spring. However, at times here in the mountains it is difficult to hear …
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A day on the islands
Last week the Cohort 8 graduate students headed to the islands of Diablo Lake for class. The topic of the day: island biogeography, which is the study …
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Fairy slippers, lady fern and trailing yellow violet
Unbelievable! So many plants are pushing their way out of the ground. Just a quick glimpse at what is rapidly unfurling and flowering around the learning center.
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Snow and ice on Diablo Lake
I woke this morning to what has become a common weather event at the learning center this spring, snow. Perhaps snow in April is “normal” and I’m …
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The State of the Birds
Springtime is slowly and reluctantly arriving in the North Cascades. I’ve been delighted to hear some familiar bird songs returning; brightening up the forest and telling me …
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Tracking the Puma concolor
Puma, Mountain Lion, Cougar…regardless of nomenclature this incredible animal is synonymous with elusive. Many could spend a lifetime in cougar habitat and never glimpse even a sign …
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Twig tracking: a sport for the impatient
A winter weather advisory is currently in effect for the west slopes of the Cascades, the trails around the learning center are covered with deep, crusty snow …
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Middens abound
I went exploring last week, just to see what I could discover on a cold winter day in February. What I found was abundant evidence of one …
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Twig tracking
I’ve recently taken up a new hobby, I like to call it twig tracking. I started twig tracking to feel more connected, to feel at home in …
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