Fawns, thunder and rain showers
Early last week Nora and I spotted a mother deer and her two new fawns. They were munching on the alders around our house. The sight was …
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Naturalist Notes
Essential Fire: Blaze on Panther Creek
North Cascades Fire Management observing the Panther Creek Fire from Beebe Mountain, southeast of the fire; photo by Kerry Olson Guest Post by Bob Valen, National …
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Pyramid Lake trail….a beautiful spring jaunt
With a busy week behind us and another looming ahead Ian and I decided nothing sounded better than staying close to home. Of course “staying close to …
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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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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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