DOCSLIB.ORG

The Cascades Butterfly Project Tracking Butterfly Abundances & Plant Phenology to Better Understand the Influence of Climate Change on Subalpine Ecosystems

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Cascades Butterfly Project Tracking Butterfly Abundances & Plant Phenology to Better Understand the Influence of Climate Change on Subalpine Ecosystems The Cascades Butterfly Project Tracking Butterfly Abundances & Plant Phenology to Better Understand the Influence of Climate Change on Subalpine Ecosystems Regina M. Rochefort, Ph,D. Retired, North Cascades National Park Service Complex What is It ? ◼ Long-term monitoring program ◼ Document Trends in ◼ Butterfly abundance & phenology ◼ Timing of plant flowering Who? ◼ Citizen Scientists ◼ Park Biologists ◼ Student Interns E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Where? National Parks: • North Cascades • Mount Rainier National Forests: • Mount Baker- Snoqualmie • Okanogan- Wenatchee 10 Survey Routes E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Why Monitor Subalpine Species? Science-based Management to Protect Natural Ecosystems in Perpetuity for the American Public Changing Climate Adaptive Management Climate Model Projections Temperatures: 3 to 6° F warmer by the end of the 21st century Precipitation: more rain & less snow, but amounts less certain Subalpine & Alpine Ecosystems are very sensitive to these changes E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Subalpine & Alpine Ecosystems ◼ Lower snowpacks ◼ Longer & drier growing seasons What Changes Do We Expect? • Species distribution changes • Higher treelines • Changes in plant & animal phenology • Glacier loss - extent and volume E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Why did we select butterflies & plants? ◼ Sensitive to temperature & precipitation ◼ Easy to learn – citizen scientists can collect reliable data ◼ Monitored across the world ◼ Butterflies & plants depend on one another Mourning Cloak Anicia Checkerspot Western Tiger Swallowtail How Do We Survey? Two Types of Surveys • Qualitative • Inventory & Distribution • Photographs • Quantitative • Relative Abundance • 10 Survey Routes E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Qualitative Butterfly Surveys (Photos) E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Quantitative Surveys Butterflies ▪ Pollard Walk method ▪ Routes are along trails ▪ Each route is 1 kilometer Phenophase Plant Phenology ▪ Plant list for each route ▪ Phenophase ▪ Abundance ▪ Host plants ▪ Typical flowering pattern Flowering flowering fruit early mid late Overview of Survey Routes Skyline Divide, Mt Baker-Snoqualmie Maple Pass, Okanogan-Wenatchee Sauk Mtn, Mt Baker-Snoqualmie Easy Pass, North Cascades Overview of Survey Routes Cascade Pass, North Cascades Spray Park, Mount Rainier Mazama Ridge, Mount Rainier Naches Loop, Mount Rainier Overview of Survey Routes Skyscraper Mountain, Sunrise Rim, Mount Rainier Mount Rainier E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Common Blues Anna’s Blue Photo Melanie Weiss Photo Melanie Weiss Boisduval’s Blue Arctic Blue Silvery Blue Arctic Blue, dorsal Anna’s Blue, female dorsal Arctic Blue, ventral Anna’s Blue, male dorsal Photos by Melanie Weiss Greater Fritillaries Mormon Fritillary Hydaspe Fritillary Lesser Fritillaries Western Meadow Fritillary Arctic Fritillary Checkerspots Anicia/ Snowberry Edith’s Checkerspot E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Other Observed Butterflies Anise Swallowtail Painted Lady Clouded Suphur Clodius Parnassian Mountain Parnassian Mariposa Copper Purplish Copper Project Accomplishments E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Butterfly Counts 2011 2015 • 7 routes, 29 surveys • 10 routes, 100 surveys • 780 butterflies counted • 4,431 butterflies • 23 species • 30 species 2012 2016 • 8 routes, 29 surveys ▪ 10 routes, 82 surveys • 479 butterflies counted ▪ 3,573 butterflies 21 species ▪ 37 species 2013 2017 • 8 routes, 34 surveys ▪ 10 routes, 88 surveys • 1,665 butterflies ▪ 3,275 butterflies • 21 species ▪ 33 species 2014 2018 • 10 routes, 65 surveys ▪ 10 routes, 86 surveys • 2,442 butterflies ▪ 5,375 butterflies • 30 species ▪ 34 species Butterfly Trends Butterfly Trends Sauk Mountain 2013 vs 2015 ▪ 2013 ▪ W. Meadow Frit July 21 ▪ Other species Peaks July 31 – Aug 12 ▪ 2015 ▪ W. Meadow Frit June 16 ▪ Other species July 15 – July 31 Plant Flowering Patterns E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Weather Records for Sauk Mountain Growing Degree Days = measurement of heat accumulation often used to predict plant development Hegewisch, K.C. and Abatzoglou, J.T..' Climate Tracker' web tool. NW Climate Toolbox (https://climatetoolbox.org/) accessed on 2/10/19 Citizen Scientists & Interns E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Citizen Scientists & Interns • 2011 – 2018: 255 volunteers • 85% only come for one survey • Field contacts: about 1,100 per year • 22 volunteers have been with the program > 3 years E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Regina M. Rochefort [email protected] Group Email [email protected] E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Resources for Project Butterflies of America: http://butterfliesofamerica.com/US-Can-Cat.htm Butterfly and Moths http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ Washington Butterfly Association http://wabutterflyassoc.org/ Cascades Butterfly Project https://www.nps.gov/articles/cascades-butterfly-project.htm Pocket Guide to Butterflies of Washington by Caitlin C. LaBar, available at: https://northwestbutterflies.com/ Butterflies of the Pacific Northwest by Robert Michael Pyle and Caitlin C. LaBar Life Histories of Cascadia Butterflies by David G. James and David Nunnallee E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Monitoring Protocols Link to protocols at : https://www.nps.gov/articles/cascades- butterfly-project.htm E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Feature 05-05
    Families Go Hiking ORGAN Like many of us, my first memories M of hiking were less than positive. AVE Something about that trail above But Why? , D Ross Dam was just too steep, and IEKEMA D my father was so darn cheery even OUG though it was hot and we didn’t 10 great things about hiking , D have much water. Here were all AULSON The smell of fir trees Cooling your feet P these amazing mountains of the ON North Cascades before us and all I Hiking is a way to experience the On a hot day in August, there’s : D sights, sounds and nothing like dipping your could think about was getting back OTTOM smells of the out- toes in an ice-cold B TO to the car and the grape sodas in doors. And whether stream. OP the cooler. , T it’s the taste of alpine But despite that early stumble, I HOTOS snow or the smell of P stuck with hiking and camping, Douglas fir, hiking is Yodeling and now it’s an important part of a treat for all the Hey, when you’re high my life, and my own family’s. I first senses! above a valley, there’s took my daughter on a trail when nothing like letting out a she was an infant and now at 2 big yell or a yodel to hear she’s starting to lead the way. You M & Ms the echoes. Or try just go much slower than you did Okay, we’ll admit singing something when you were 22 and trying to get it—the main from the “Sound to the summit of Granite Mountain reason we like of Music.” in record time.
    [Show full text]
  • MOUNTAINEERS.Orgmountaineerspring 2019 • VOLUME 113 • NO
    WWW.MOUNTAINEERS.ORGMountaineerSpring 2019 • VOLUME 113 • NO. 2 EXPLORE • LEARN • CONSERVE in this issue: Three Generations Outside The Baby Peakbagger Confessions of an Old Scrambling Student tableofcontents tyingin Features The Mountaineers is a nonprofit 20 The Baby Peakbagger As CEO of The Mountaineers I have the organization, founded in 1906 Spring 2019 » Volume 113 » Number 2 Exploring Mount Rainier National Park with my daughter opportunity to attend many events across and dedicated to the responsible The Mountaineers enriches lives and communities by the organization throughout the year. One enjoyment and protection of natural areas. helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy 24 Three Generations Outside of my very favorite events is our Volunteer A love letter to my sons and granddaughters the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Recognition Dinner, which takes place in EDITOR 30 Confessions of an Old Scrambling Student January. I love this event because it celebrates Peter Dunau Using mountains to take on aging the creativity, hard work, and commitment of CONTRIBUTING EDITOR our incredible volunteers. Kristina Ciari 39 A New Program Center for our Kitsap Branch DESIGNER For me, and most everyone who volunteers Opportunities abound in revamped building Sarah Kulfan, Beans n' Rice at The Mountaineers, volunteering is a way of PROOFREADERS sharing the joy of being outdoors with others. Trevor Dickie, Elaine Kelly, Hailey Oppelt Columns Tom and sons on Mt. Rainier We volunteer as an act of love for our wild CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 5 READER FEEDBACK places and out of gratitude for those who Tom Vogl introduced us to a lifetime of outdoor adventure.
    [Show full text]
  • Mount Rainier NATIONAL PARK Washington It the Most Superb Landmark of the Pacific Northwest
    Mount Rainier NATIONAL PARK Washington it the most superb landmark of the Pacific Northwest. It is lighten your load you can have someone meet you at a camp­ become confused and lost. Dogs and cats cannot be taken with Mount Rainier made doubly impressive by the mantle of glacial ice that con­ ground with additional supplies for the next part of your trip. you on the trails or on cross-country trips. ceals all but the most rugged peaks and ridges. In delightful We suggest that your goal for each day be about 9 miles. Be a good camper. Mount Rainier was established for its contrast to this bold and forceful landscape are the delicate Maybe you believe you can hike farther in a full day; but scenic natural beauty, and the disturbance in any way of trees, NATIONAL PARK flower-covered mountain meadows and the deep forests. The remember, this is rough country; to enjoy it thoroughly you flowers, or birds and other animals is prohibited. Green boughs mountain occupies about one-fourth of the park; the rest of the should take some time to look around and explore. Ten days must never be cut for beds. Leave a clean and sanitary camp area provides the foreground for this scenic setting. after hitting the trail you will have hiked 90 miles and com­ wherever you are. CONTENTS pletely encircled Mount Rainier; and you will have had an expe­ A Guide to the Trails of Mount Rainier National Park, which rience that will need no embellishment for your grandchildren. Page WHAT TO DO IN THE PARK gives further information on hiking, is available for sale at all Parts of the Wonderland Trail afford excellent 1-day hikes What To Do in the Park 3 Along the Trails visitor centers, or it may be obtained by writing the Superin­ for those who are short of time.
    [Show full text]
  • The PAYSTREAK Volume 11, No
    The PAYSTREAK Volume 11, No. 1, Fall 2009 The Newsletter of the Alaska Mining Hall of Fame Foundation (AMHF) In this issue: AMHF New Inductees Page 1 Induction Ceremony Program Page 2 Introduction and Acknowledgements Page 3 Previous AMHF Inductees Pages 4-10 Brief History of the Willow Creek Mining District Pages 11-16 New Inductee Biographies Pages 17-35 Distinguished Alaskans Aid Foundation Page 36 Alaska Mining Hall of Fame Directors and Officers Page 36 Alaska Mining Hall of Fame Foundation New Inductees AMHF Inducts Four Pioneers Important to the Willow Creek Mining District Robert L. Hatcher began the lode mining boom in the Willow Creek mining district with his 1906 discovery of gold- quartz veins on Skyscraper Peak in the Talkeetna Mountains, 50 miles northeast of Anchorage. Hatcher would sell his claims to Orville Herning and the Bartholf brothers. The claims on Skyscraper Mountain later became part of the Independence group of mines on Skyscraper and Granite Mountains. Hatcher would make other discoveries of ‘Hatcher Pass Gold’ in the ensuing years, including the Talkeetna, Rae-Wallace and Gold Mint deposits, as well as promising gold lodes in the Nuka Bay area of southwest Kenai Peninsula. Hatcher served as a representative of Kenai Peninsula interests during the 1939 organization of the Alaska Miners Association. In 1950, he was found paralyzed in a cabin near Seward and died a few days later. Robert Hatcher’s remains lay in an unmarked grave in the Seward Pioneer Cemetery. Orville G. Herning was instrumental in forming an east-coast based exploration group, Klondike and Boston Gold Mining Company, to search for gold in the Cook Inlet Region, two years after the 1896 discovery of the Klondike Gold Fields.
    [Show full text]
  • Part Iii: Useful Information
    PART III: USEFUL INFORMATION REFERENCES REFERENCES CITED River, Washington, with Goldfield, Nevada: Geosphere, v. 3, no. 2, Butler, M. C., 1934, Summit mining district of Yakima and Pierce Coun- p. 91-107. ties: U.S. Works Progress Administration, 13 p. Allaback, Sarah; Jacobson, Victoria, [undated], 100 years at Longmire Vil- Blunt, D. J.; Easterbrook, D. J.; Rutter, N. W.,1987, Chronology of Pleisto- Cain, H. T.,1950, Petroglyphs of central Washington: University of Wash- lage: Northwest Interpretive Association, 15 p. cene sediments in the Puget Lowland, Washington. In Schuster, J. E., ington Press, 57 p. Arno, S. F.;Hammerly, R. P.,1984, Timberline—Mountain and arctic for- editor, Selected papers on the geology of Washington:WashingtonDi- Cameron, K. A.; Pringle, P.T.,1990, Avalanche-generated debris flow of 9 est frontiers: The Mountaineers [Seattle, Wash.], 304 p. vision of Geology and Earth Resources Bulletin 77, p. 321-353. May 1986, at Mount St. Helens, Washington: Northwest Science, Atwater, B. F., 1986, Pleistocene glacial-lake deposits of the Sanpoil River Booth, D. B.; Goldstein, B. S., 1994, Patterns and processes of landscape v. 64, no. 3, p. 159-164.p. 159-164. [http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ valley, northeastern Washington: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin development by the Puget lobe ice sheet. In Lasmanis, Raymond; org_NWS/Journal%20reprints.htm] 1661, 39 p., 3 plates. Cheney, E. S., convenors, Regional geology of Washington State: Campbell, N. P.,1975, A geologic road log over Chinook, White Pass, and Atwater, B. F., 1999, Radiocarbon dating of a Seattle earthquake to A.D. Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources Bulletin 80, Ellensburg to Yakima highways: Washington Division of Geology 900–930 [abstract]: Seismological Research Letters, v.
    [Show full text]
  • Fljwitntomik
    /fljwitntoMik/ NATIONAL PARK Washington The National Park System, of which this park is a unit, is dedicated to conserving the scenic, scientific, and historic heritage of the United States for the benefit and enjoyment of its people. Historic Events 1792 Capt. George Vancouver, of the Royal British Navy, first white man to record sight of "The Mountain," named it Mount Rainier in honor of his friend, Admiral Peter Rainier. 1833 l-)r- William Fraser Tolmie entered northwest corner of what is now the park. First white man to penetrate this region. 1857 Lt. A. V. Kautz and four companions made first attempt to scale Mount Rainier but did not reach summit. 1870 Hazard Stevens and P. B. Van Trump made the first successful ascent via Gibraltar route. 1890 7he first woman, Fay Fuller, reached the summit of Mount Rainier. 1899 Mount Rainier National Park established by act of Congress. 1913 Elevation of Mount Rainier established as 14,408 feet above sea level by the Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. 1915 First public travel by automobile to Paradise Valley. 1916 National Park Service established in the United States Department of the Interior to administer the national parks and national monuments. 1931 Road completed to Sunrise, Yakima Park. 1940 East Side Highway completed. WILD ANIMALS It is dangerous for you to get near wild animals though they may appear tame. Some have become accustomed to humans but they still are wild and may seriously injure you if you approach them. Regulations prohibiting feeding, teasing, touching, or molesting wild animals are enforced for your own safety.
    [Show full text]
  • Mount Rainier National Park Place Names
    Mount Rainier National Park Place Names Gary Fuller Reese. April 10, 2009. PREFACE. Because of its prominence as the "Great Mountain of the Pacific Northwest" Rainier was one of the first features in the Pacific Northwest named by early explorers. The center of a National Park since 1899 most prominent features around the mountain have received names, some of which have become official and some of which a common use. In 1919 Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Roger Toll wrote about names in the National Park: "The park service is interested in having names applied to the various...scenic points that are now unnamed....the most desirable names...are the original Indian names, or, if these are too long and unpronounceable their English equivalents are often very good. "If no original name can be found, and a name is to be supplied, the Indian names may be drawn upon with advantage, but this should be done by an expert...Descriptive names are good. The only thing most difficult to avoid is the indiscriminate naming of scenic features after persons." While name origins have been found for many locations within the National Park there are a number of places for which origins are missing, especially on the northern side of the mountain. In 1916 Edmond S. Meany wrote about Mount Rainier. He listed many places for which he could not find a name origin. In 1932 the writers of the Encyclopedia of Information on Mount Rainier National Park made a list of locations on the mountain recording that they were unable to supply origins for numbers of them.
    [Show full text]
  • Backpacking-The-Wonderland-Trail.Pdf
    The Big Outside Complete Guide to Backpacking the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park © 2020 Michael Lanza/The Big Outside All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying or other electronic, digital, or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, contact the publisher at the address below. Michael Lanza/The Big Outside 921 W. Resseguie St. Boise, ID 83702 TheBigOutside.com Hiking and backpacking is a personal choice and requires that YOU understand that you are personally responsible for any actions you may take based on the information in this e-guide. Using any information in this e-guide is your own personal responsibility. Hiking and associated trail activities can be dangerous and can result in injury and/or death. Hiking exposes you to risks, especially in the wilderness, including but not limited to: • Weather conditions such as flash floods, wind, rain, snow and lightning; • Hazardous plants or wild animals; • Your own physical condition, or your own acts or omissions; • Conditions of roads, trails, or terrain; • Accidents and injuries occurring while traveling to or from the hiking areas; • The remoteness of the hiking areas, which may delay rescue and medical treatment; • The distance of the hiking areas from emergency medical facilities and law enforcement personnel. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER MICHAEL LANZA NOR THE BIG OUTSIDE, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS, NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING OR DELIVERING THIS E-GUIDE IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THIS E-GUIDE.
    [Show full text]
  • Day Hiking Mount Rainier National Park - Glaciers, Wildflowers & Waterfalls! AMC Adventure Travel Trip August 2-9, 2020 (Trip # 2049)
    Day Hiking Mount Rainier National Park - Glaciers, Wildflowers & Waterfalls! AMC Adventure Travel Trip August 2-9, 2020 (Trip # 2049) Experience the incredible beauty of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State - a 369 sq. mile reserve promising wildflower-filled meadows, gushing waterfalls, and ancient glaciers. Marvel at spectacular scenery as you pass below towering hemlocks and hike on the shoulder of the most glaciated peak in the contiguous US - the glacier-capped, 14,410 ft Mount Rainier - the fifth highest mountain in the lower 48 states! We will stay in a small former lumbering town adjacent to the park in double occupancy, hotel-style accommodation, and enjoy five full days of hiking at this iconic destination considered a crown jewel of Washington State! Expect incredible views of Mts. Adams, Hood and Saint Helens, massive glaciers, alpine lakes and fields of wildflowers. There is abundant wildlife, so perhaps you will even spy a marmot, black bear, elk, or mountain goat! Kos-Langhan Rainier Aug 2020 Page 1 Planned Itinerary Day 1, Sunday 8/2/20 Arrive at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport Be at airport no later than 1pm to meet fellow participants and transfer to hotel in Packwood that will be our home-base for the week. We’ll take two rented mini vans south into the park, gathering food & supplies along the way. Later in the afternoon, we’ll settle in, explore the town, and enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Day 2, Monday, 8/3/20 Burroughs. Mountain Trail, MRNP Hike is 7.4miles, 1,000 ft elevation gain, max elevation 7,400 ft.
    [Show full text]
  • NATIONAL PARK Washington CONTENTS UNITED STATES PAGE DEPARTMENT Mount Rainier and Eunice Lake
    II NATIONAL PARK Washington CONTENTS UNITED STATES PAGE DEPARTMENT Mount Rainier and Eunice Lake . Front Cover "The Mountain" 3 OF THE The Origin of Mount Rainier .... 4 INTERIOR Glaciers 4 Flowers and Forests 6 J. A. Krug, Secretary Wildlife 10 NATIONAL PARK • WASHINGTON Weather 11 Roads and Trails in the Park .... 11 Interpretive Service 11 Fishing 12 Mountaineering 12 Open All Year Winter Use 12 Approach Highways to the Park ... 12 OUNT Rainier National deep lake filling the caldera of ancient Railroad, Bus, and Airplane Services . 13 Park is one of the areas of Mount Mazama in Crater Lake Na­ Free Public, Camp Grounds 13 NATIONAL PARK the National Park System tional Park, Oregon, the recently Administration 13 M SERVICE owned by the people of the United active volcano of Lassen Volcanic Motor Coach Service to and from the Stales and administered for them by National Park, California, and the Park 14 the National Park Service of the Hotel and Cabin Facilities 14 Newton B. Drury, Director active volcanoes of Hawaii National Mountain Topics 14 Department of the Interior. In these Park, Hawaii, are a part with Mount areas the scenic features, the wildlife Rainier of the story of volcanism. and flora, and the objects of historic, Mount Rainier National Park was prehistoric, or scientific interest are established by act of Congress on Historic Events preserved and displayed for public en­ March 2, 1899. It contains more than joyment. Twenty-eight of the areas of 241,000 acres of Federal lands. 1792 Capt. George Vancouver, of the Royal British Navy, first white man to the National Park System are known record sight of "The Mountain," named it Mount Rainier in honor of his as national parks.
    [Show full text]
  • Mount Rainier National Park Place Names
    Mount Rainier National Park Place Names Gary Fuller Reese. April 10, 2009. PREFACE. Because of its prominence as the "Great Mountain of the Pacific Northwest" Rainier was one of the first features in the Pacific Northwest named by early explorers. The center of a National Park since 1899 most prominent features around the mountain have received names, some of which have become official and some of which a common use. In 1919 Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Roger Toll wrote about names in the National Park: "The park service is interested in having names applied to the various...scenic points that are now unnamed....the most desirable names...are the original Indian names, or, if these are too long and unpronounceable their English equivalents are often very good. "If no original name can be found, and a name is to be supplied, the Indian names may be drawn upon with advantage, but this should be done by an expert...Descriptive names are good. The only thing most difficult to avoid is the indiscriminate naming of scenic features after persons." While name origins have been found for many locations within the National Park there are a number of places for which origins are missing, especially on the northern side of the mountain. In 1916 Edmond S. Meany wrote about Mount Rainier. He listed many places for which he could not find a name origin. In 1932 the writers of the Encyclopedia of Information on Mount Rainier National Park made a list of locations on the mountain recording that they were unable to supply origins for numbers of them.
    [Show full text]
  • Camp Cascades July 28 – August 8, 2021 © 2020
    CAMP CASCADES JULY 28 – AUGUST 8, 2021 © 2020 Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park © Michael O'Brien Camp Cascades, co-sponsored by Black Swamp Bird Observatory (Ohio), the American Birding Association, and Leica Sport Optics, offers young naturalists between the ages of 14 and 18 the opportunity to explore and discover the unique ecosystems of the Puget Sound and Cascade Mountain regions. The primary focus is on the birdlife of this biologically rich state, but we will take time to observe all facets of the region’s flora and fauna. The camp is set in a productive learning environment in which campers will be educated on ecology, habitats, and ecosystems, and on increasing observation skills. Daily activities are based on thorough exploration of each of the distinct regions we visit. Hikes, field trips, and discussions will complement free time, during which campers will have the luxury of exploring their natural surroundings in small groups. Campers do not need to be expert birders, but do need to have an interest in nature. From Seattle, we will travel to Whidbey Island on the shores of majestic Puget Sound. Our base for four nights is the Casey Conference Center, a restored military post now operated for youth groups and students by Seattle Pacific University. Old Fort Casey is a perfect location from which to discover the diversity of habitats and accompanying birds of the Puget Sound region. Morning walks in the nearby forest and hedgerows will turn up many of the characteristic birds of the Pacific Northwest. Camp Cascades, Page 2 Nearby Crockett Lake typically hosts a variety of migrant waterfowl and shorebirds.
    [Show full text]