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”
Tag Archives: oregon
Kauppi Lake and Weyerhaeuser permits
We’ve lost a lot of access to forest land over the last ten years. Many places I grew up exploring have been restricted or made off limits. But you can still find nice spots out there if you know the right route. This week, we’re showing you the way to Kauppi Lake. No matter howContinue reading “Kauppi Lake and Weyerhaeuser permits”
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!”
2022 Wildlife Photos
Just a little compilation of some of the wildlife photos that Matt, Jon, and Luke took in Columbia County this year. Enjoy! Note – The Liberty Hill depicted in the above photo is once again in danger of being destroyed for the purposes of commercial crushed rock. More information on what makes Liberty Hill specialContinue reading “2022 Wildlife Photos”
One of the wildest creeks in Northwest Oregon
Picturesque ravines drop hundreds of yards from ridge to water. Old growth giants tower above the creek. Waterfalls burst into mammoth basalt cauldrons. You wouldn’t think such a place existed in Columbia County. And it doesn’t. But a mile outside the county border, hidden in the forested hills above Westport, runs a remarkable stretch ofContinue reading “One of the wildest creeks in Northwest Oregon”
Nob Hill work party on November 5
You’re invited to the work parties at Nob Hill Nature Park on November 5th. One group will work from 9am to noon and the other from 1pm to 4pm. The focus for the morning party will be weeding, mulching, and planting new native vegetation. The afternoon work party will be removing ivy and building aContinue reading “Nob Hill work party on November 5”
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”
Searching for the long lost Kerry Tunnel
Nehalem Divide is the most famous logging railroad tunnel in Columbia County, but it wasn’t the largest. That honor belongs to Kerry Tunnel, a landmark so grown over and remote that few residents even know it exists. Both entrances to the tunnel were blown over 80 years ago to keep people from going inside, andContinue reading “Searching for the long lost Kerry Tunnel”
Rare and extirpated butterflies of Northwest Oregon
Butterflies are often among the most endangered of insects. Some of their caterpillars can only survive on select host plants, so if their habitats are destroyed and the host plants disappear, the butterflies disappear as well. Of the 65 species of butterfly native to northwest Oregon, 15 are now rare or missing entirely. (“Extirpated” isContinue reading “Rare and extirpated butterflies of Northwest Oregon”
Wild Columbia County 