In total, over 50 naturalist enthusiasts journeyed out (rain and shine) for a chance to discuss the flora, fauna, and history at one of three community greenspaces we toured this August: Ueland Tree Farm, Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park, and Banner Forest Heritage Park. GPC Executive Director Nate Daniel and Conservation Project Manager Brenna Thompson led the tours, focusing on the identification of native and invasive species, the cultural and natural history, and the overall health of the ecosystem and watershed.
Take a wander to your local park and see if you can identify some of the plants below!
Photos by Claire Voris. Click to expand.
Nate and Brenna look over the map of Ueland Tree Farm with its manager and GPC board member Mark Mauren.
Canadian thistle
False Solomon’s Seal
The group peers over the bridge to Dickerson Falls below at Ueland Tree Farm.
Nate holds up a native snowberry that GPC volunteers planted last fall at Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park.
The group looks out over Port Gamble Bay as member Judy Willott explains the years of cleanup that were needed to remove woody debris from the old mill and restore the shoreline habitat.
Brenna discusses the rings in the downed tree, which is 135 years old.
Nate gets stung while pointing out stinging nettle.
