Journal Entry #1 - March 31, 2012
Pack Forest – Eatonville, WA
Weather: cloud cover, light rain off and on.
Soil conditions: extremely wet, muddy.
Upon arriving to Pack Forest, we were directed to a large open space surrounded by a predominantly coniferous forest. In this field, I observed robins foraging through the grass and surveyed species around the edges of the forest. Salal and salmonberry were observed in abundance among this thick understory vegetation. Upon proceeding into the forest, I observed Alder species surrounding a stagnant pond with what appeared to be algae blooms on the surface. Alder is an important species in forest ecology as it can fix nitrogen, and because of this plays an important part in species succession. Pack Forest is a considered to be a working forest and is comprised of secondary growth – and the thick, dense understory is indicative of this. The soil conditions were extremely wet and the vegetation was clearly adapted to this wetland environment.
The presence of Red-flowering currant was noted throughout much of the dense understory, and Alder and Firs were among the dominant tree species. There was also an abundance of lichen and moss, and observed morels in muddy soil conditions. Something interesting I noted was what appeared to be marks in the trees from woodpecker activity – later identified as sapsuckers.
Trail of Shadows – Longmire, WA (Mount Rainier)
Weather: partly cloudy, raining off and on, higher altitude – snowpack present.
Soil conditions: extremely wet and muddy, surrounding mineral springs – wetland.
Upon arriving at the base of Mount Rainier, we observed snowpack and the drop in temperature was noticeable as we ascended in elevation. The Trail of Shadows was a beautiful hike surrounding iron mineral springs – which colored the water a vibrant rusty, copper color. These springs were historically used as a health spa for people to come nurse various ailments in the soothing mineral water. We observed the brick formations of spas, mostly still intact, and information boards explained the homeopathic qualities of the healing mineral waters. The water was also warm and bubbling in certain areas.
This forest was much more open than Pack Forest, and appeared to be older growth. This was evident by the sheer size of the trees, and also the presence of down and dead trees throughout the understory. Alders and Western Yews were observed, as well as several species of Pines. There was minimal light which shown past the canopy of the trees, and what light did come through was filtered. This was optimal for lichen, moss, and fungi to grow and it was observed in abundance and quite colorful than that compared to Pack Forest. I observed British solder lichen and yellow brain fungus near the water’s edge. A meandering stream along most of the trail was lined with deer fern in abundance along both banks. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the spotted owl among the snags of old growth, but sadly no animal sightings.
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