How people living in cold countries survive long winters
Some of the “happiest” countries are the coldest in the winter. Aside from universal healthcare, vacation days, and parental leave, these countries also have a mindset to help keep spirits up. Although there is nothing wrong with acknowledging that we feel down during...
Native of the Month: Crows
In the Pacific Northwest, crows and ravens are ubiquitous, but how often do we stop to admire them? A lot of people have heard of crows bringing humans coins who feed them and can recognize faces but that is only the tip of the iceberg. Crows and ravens belong to the...
SHADOW Spotlight: Devon Clemens
SHADOW is delighted to announce that Devon is back "in the bog"! Devon was the preserve's executive director before taking on a role as the Development Manager at Earth Corps. Devon has returned to serve on the Board of Directors for SHADOW and we could not be...
The Christmas Bird Count Digression
This is an exciting time of year for so many reasons. The final days leading up to the Solstice mark the shift from days shortening to lengthening, which also brings a sense of renewal and hope. Here at SHADOW, we will be ending 2022 with an annual tradition, which is...
SHADOW Spotlight: Sara Parker
SHADOW is fortunate to have a suite of volunteers helping us accomplish our mission! From Mountaineer and Scout Troop work parties to our Board of Directors, volunteers are the very heart of our organization. One such amazing volunteer is Sara...
Native of the Month: Black-tailed deer
Columbian Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus ssp. Columbianus) and deer rubs One of SHADOW's most frequent habitat users, the Columbian Black-tailed deer's footprints and deer rubs can most often be found in the Uplands and Native Garden habitats. What is a deer...
Giving thanks can make you happier
Winter can cause mixed emotions for a lot of people. Although it can be a season of joy, complicated family relationships and the lack of sun can cause sadness and feelings of being overwhelmed. Research suggests though, that gratitude can help alleviate some of the...
A comparison of the recruitment success of introduced and native species under natural conditions
We tend to think that native species have no chance at survival if nonnative species are introduced to an area. Because introduced species often create an imbalance of nutrients and competition, they can create a monoculture and takeover land, but is this always...
In artificial roost comparison, bats show preference for rocket box style
Although we aim to improve and expand habitat for wildlife, sometime creating artificial habitats is necessary to support populations and to understand microhabitat preferences. In this study, three artificial roosts were constructed: bat box, rocket box, and bark...
Native of the Month: Bats
Bats, order Chiroptera, are the second most diverse order of mammals on the planet, outnumbered only by rodents. Bats occur worldwide, except Antarctica, and they display an astonishing range in size. The largest species is the giant golden-crowned flying fox, native...
Biophilia, Biophobia, & Chiroptera, oh my!
In 1984, renowned naturalist and Harvard professor, E. O. Wilson published Biophilia, a book in which he laid out his hypothesis that humans have a deep biological need to connect with the natural world. Wilson didn’t coin the term biophilia -- literally translated to...
Native of the Month: Spiders
Some may cringe or feel repulsed at the thought or sight of spiders, but honestly once you realize their environmental significance, you can’t help but appreciate these 8-legged beauties. SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve hosts a diverse and species rich spider community....
The rise of an apex predator following deglaciation
As us environmental enthusiasts know, finding effective and timely solutions to the climate crisis can feel daunting and upsetting. But appreciating wins for the planet keep us moving towards our goal of creating healthy ecosystems! With the addition of...
Water Quality Month
National Water Quality Month has officially begun, reminding us of the incredible importance of clean water. Take a moment and think about all the ways that we depend on available clean water. It goes well beyond just filling up a glass from the kitchen sink. The...
Native of the Month: Pacific shrew
You’re walking along some bushes in a park, and suddenly see a tiny gray creature skittering into the fallen leaves. At first you may think it’s a rodent, but this frenetic ball of energy is actually a shrew. While it appears small, shrews are one of the most...
Wetlands Can Catch Fire??
It seems that summer is finally here in Western Washington. Time for road trips, camping in the woods, and swimming outside!It also means that it is time to take extra care around all situations of potential risk of starting wildland fires. Last year wildland...
Effect of remnant forest on insect response in fire-impacted peatland
We know that fire can be devastating to wildlife, but its effects on smaller creatures like insects are lesser studied. Some critters thrive in extreme heat like desert insects, they live in sand dunes that reach 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius)! Other...
We’re Hiring
SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve is looking to fill the role of Program and Development Director! The Program and Development Director (updated from Executive Director) is the key management leader and is responsible for overseeing the administration,...
Happy Pride Month!
The natural world is filled with colorful, magnificent, and fabulously diverse wonders. Many species of mammals, fish, and birds engage in nonreproductive sexual behavior and display same-sex courtship, pair-bonding, and co-parenting. Species like bonobos, giraffes,...
World Rainforest Day
Rainforests: the mere mention of the word conjures marvelous visions of lush, steamy jungles full of resplendent parrots and birds of paradise, butterflies on passion flowers, stalking jaguars, poison dart frogs calling beneath sprawling canopies from which...
Native of the Month – Western Hemlock
Western Hemlock - Tsuga heterophyllaIn 1947, RCW 1.20.020 of the Washington state legislature declared, “that certain evergreen tree known and described as the Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is hereby designated as the official tree of the state of...