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...
As outdoor recreation evolves, it is important to look at non-human animal and human interactions especially when it comes to animals that do not fear humans as much. A study in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada studied how often grizzly and black bears appear in...
Most of us who enjoy spending time on public lands for recreation have probably been exposed to messaging about how to minimize our impact on the environment while still doing the things we love. “Take only pictures and leave only footprints,” is a well-known example...
Pacific Poison Oak – Toxicodendron diversiloba Pacific poison oak, also called Western poison oak, is a native plant that you hope to never come into contact with. Pacific poison oak, like the Atlantic poison oak, contains urushiol, which is...
Every year, acres of healthy, connected habitats are lost to urban development. Did you know that you can help decrease habitat fragmentation at home? Whether you live in an apartment building or a single-family home, you can help promote healthy habitats...
Blue Orchard Bee – Osmia lignariaWhat’s blue, beautiful, beneficial, and buzzes? The blue orchard bee. Native to the US and Canada, these little bees become active in early spring and get right to work pollinating some of our favorite plants. They are known to...
To the observant eye, the natural world around us sends many harbingers of spring: the days are getting longer, buds are beginning to swell and break on deciduous trees and shrubs, and here at SHADOW the frogs are singing their three-chambered hearts out. A very...
In the past, it was believed that sociality i.e. tendency to associate in or form social groups, determined a species’ brain size. It seemed that forming complex relationships and societies allowed for larger brains as seen in communities of primates. Although that...
Long-tailed weasel – Neogale frenata Perhaps the word carnivore conjures a specific image to your mind. Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! But carnivores, mammals belonging to the order Carnivora and specialized in eating meat, come in all shapes and sizes. A...
All living things need water to survive. Did you know that all living things also need nitrogen to survive? Nitrogen is an essential nutrient and a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Without...
Happy Independence Day! We hope your celebrations are joyous and nature filled! SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve's trails, the Richter Education Center, and office will be closed in observance of the holiday. We will reopen on Friday.
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