EcoExcursions & Other Classes
Spring Twigs: Foliage Follow-up
A new offering at McLane Creek Nature Trail where we’ll revisit the same woody shrubs & trees from our Winter Twig ID class in their fuller spring forms! A great follow-up to that course (or a good prequel for 2025!)
Explore a section of South Salish Prairie & associated oak woodland to identify the many native perennial and annual flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs (and maybe a few lichens!). Spring on our local prairies is spectacular, with an ever-changing bloom cycle, and we are timing this Excursion to capture the blooms of many special species.
South Salish Prairie
We’re offered a special permit for access to study this unique ecosystem! Spend a few hours exploring the unique flora (including carnivorous plants!) of a rarely-visited “poor fen” peatland in Grays Harbor County, with our eco-instructors leading small learning groups.
Peatland Ecosystem
Outer Coastal Backshore & Saltmarsh
Discover the unique plants of these outer coastal substrates, from the sandy backshore to the mucky saltmarsh. We’ll discuss the natural processes that shape these ecosystems and study the unusual plants that can withstand the rigors of life in this zone — an ever-changing beach profile with the seasons, extreme storms and tides, and water/nutrient-limited substrates. Delve into the graminoids and hunt for patches of the gorgeous and unusual plants that beckon us for close-up study of summer flowers.
Alpine Wildflowers & Berries
Botanize with us as we discover the summer bounty of our near Cascade peaks. Timed to capture many species of native wildflowers and the early berries, we’ll geek out over ~100 species, tiny to grand. Part of the trail we’ll explore was burned in 2017, resulting in dense patches of extraordinary summer wildflowers (and special woodpeckers!). Other sections have forested patches with shade-loving specialties, and we’ll see some classic alpine meadows featuring heathers and their associates. In addition to plants, there are stellar views of Mt. Rainier and surrounding peaks all along the way.
Fall Colors: Duckabush River to Big Hump
Join us for this fall hike up the Duckabush River to enjoy the fall colors of three species of native maple trees dripping with mosses and lichens, and so much more! Of the ~120 native plant species found along this trail, many evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, perennials and ferns are all still in evidence to be enjoyed as the weather turns colder.
Image from Washington Trails Association
