After all that work collecting data and studying habitat associations, we identified five habitats as the greatest conservation priorities for reptiles and amphibians in Columbia County. The first of those is the Carcus Creek / Lava Creek complex. Introduction to the Land The area in question is ~6 miles east of Mist in the centerContinue reading “The study is published! Part 3: the Carcus Creek/Lava Creek complex”
Category Archives: Interior Columbia County
July Bird Forum with the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council
Have you ever tried to decode bird language? Wondered which birds flock together and which birds squabble over air space? Well this is the forum for you! Scappoose Bay Watershed Council is hosting an online forum for bird lovers on July 9th from 4 – 6 pm via Zoom. The forum will feature talks fromContinue reading “July Bird Forum with the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council”
An eventful backcountry waterfall hike
Some time ago, Jon and I lumbered through the wilderness to reach one of the highest and most unique waterfalls in Columbia County. The off-trail route was steeped in bushwacking and a steady drumbeat of wildlife sightings, including the coolest shed elk antler we’ve ever found. Unfortunately, the property status has changed and the fallsContinue reading “An eventful backcountry waterfall hike”
Be on the lookout for these special reptiles
You may have noticed that snakes, turtles, lizards, and frogs are all out right now. There are several rare species in our county that we would love for you keep an eye out for. Sighting any of these, especially with a picture, would be a huge help for our study of reptiles and amphibians inContinue reading “Be on the lookout for these special reptiles”
Do you have kids who want to go herping with other kids?
Parents have asked us for group outings where kids can find salamanders, frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles together. Unfortunately, both Matt and Jon are working outside the county and aren’t able to lead trips at the moment. But we think it’s a great idea! We are putting together a contact list for parents with childrenContinue reading “Do you have kids who want to go herping with other kids?”
Everybody can herp!
“Herping” is the art of searching for reptiles and amphibians. It’s like birding, only you look down instead of up. Our daughter Sophia has been herping for as long as she’s been walking. As Sophia’s gotten older, it’s been wonderful to observe her joy in finding reptiles and amphibians when we spend time in theContinue reading “Everybody can herp!”
Oregon has the most delicious mushrooms
The rains are coming back, and with them the fall mushroom season. On September 28 the Scappoose Public Library is hosting Jordan Weiss for a presentation on the fall mushrooms of NW Oregon. I didn’t grow up picking mushrooms, but during last year’s surveys I couldn’t help but see fungi everywhere. At first I wasContinue reading “Oregon has the most delicious mushrooms”
Introducing Mayfly Falls
Matt and I planned to hike to Lava Creek Falls, but in preparation Matt spent time looking for secret waterfalls on Google Earth. He located a potential unmarked falls on West Fork Carcus Creek and decided we should try to make a go at it on our way to Lava Creek. This June day endedContinue reading “Introducing Mayfly Falls”
Discovering Clatskanie Falls
I was reading old USFWS documents trying to find information on the Bonnie Falls fish ladder when I ran into this this paragraph: “Prior to 1953 two fishways were completed on the Clatskanie River and Scappoose Creek at a cost of $26,000 and $32,000, respectively. A complete concrete fishway costing $23,000 was constructed on GobleContinue reading “Discovering Clatskanie Falls”
Camp Wilkerson’s quiet forests
When I was a boy scout Camp Wilkerson was a decent jamboree and camping site. After scouting I didn’t think about it much until Matt and I began our Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians project. Now that I’ve been back to visit 30 years later it’s turned into a gorgeous family hiking destination with beautifulContinue reading “Camp Wilkerson’s quiet forests”
Wild Columbia County 