Native of the Month: Serviceberry

Native of the Month: Serviceberry

Serviceberry – Amelanchier alnifolia Western service berry, Saskatoon, or Juneberry is a beautiful woody species that can be spotted throughout most of Canada and western North America because it can grow in a plethora of areas including open forests, stream...
Salmon Increases Bird Abundance

Salmon Increases Bird Abundance

In the Pacific Northwest, we value salmon for a multitude of reasons, but the first that comes to mind may not be that they increase bird abundance and diversity. In a study completed by Marlene Wagner and John Reynolds, they found that more birds habited streams and...
Native of the Month: American Robin

Native of the Month: American Robin

American Robin – Turdus migratoriusAmerican robins can be seen anywhere in North America and are often spotted running through lawns or perched in a tree. In the spring and summer, robin calls are a lovely sound to wake up to in the morning. As larger songbirds,...
Plant Xylem Water Filtration

Plant Xylem Water Filtration

Around the world, wildlife and humans alike are facing major challenges for survival. One of our severe challenges is that over 700 million people lack basic access to safe water. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites that live in water infect humans every day and are...
Native of the Month: Wild Ginger

Native of the Month: Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger – Asarum caudatumWild Ginger, a widespread native plant, can be found from British Columbia all the way to southern California and as western as Montana. You can first spot it by its deep green heart-shaped leaves. From April to July, it...
Ecosystem Services: Wetlands

Ecosystem Services: Wetlands

Wetlands are sometimes referred to as the kidneys of the landscape because they function as the receivers of waste and filters of water from both natural and human sources. Different types of wetlands provide a wide range of ecosystem services. Ecosystem...
Native of the Month: Coho salmon

Native of the Month: Coho salmon

Coho salmon – Oncorhynchus kisutchThe Coho (or silver salmon) are anadromous which means they spend most of their lives in the ocean and return to freshwater to spawn. They can grow up to 30 inches and can weigh up to 20 pounds or more. Most...