Part 2 of Journal Entry 1
After our exploration of Pack Forest’s lowland forest, we all got into vans and drove down to the Nisqually entrance of the park. During the ride in the van, I noted a few observations and questions of the trees that were lining the road:
- catkins give alders a red color from branches, but…why?
- During this time of the year is the Nisqually River higher/covering more range than October?
- What does a baby alder look like?
- Where did catkins get its name?
- There are emphocytes that look like arm sleeves on the trees they inhabit.
Our van then entered Mt. Rainier National Park. Moss was covering ‘everywhere.’ And there was not a whole lot of understory. We also learned that due to moisture, there are not a whole lot of fires. These trees are definitely not fire dependent. As we got to higher elevation, there was a lot more snow cover and lots of tree fall.
We then got out of our respective vans and proceeded to hike through a section of old growth forest near Longmire. It soon became apparent that some western hemlocks were growing out of the downed logs. These downed logs with a western hemlock tree growing out of them were better known as nurse logs. One of our fellow guides informed us that a nurse log is a type of, “downed material that is used for a tree to grow.” Western hemlock, in particular, are well known for using nurse logs.
As we proceeded along the trail, we noted the difference in types of bark for tree species. A cedar’s bark, for example, was different from that of a western hemlock. We then saw a huge downed log—possibly a doug fir. This led me to wonder how tall a doug fir can become versus a hemlock. So, I did a small bit of research regarding the douglas fir. According to Trees of Seattle, “The greatest dimensions on record for this tree are 415’ x 56 ½.’ Further more, its bark can be over 20” thick! And according to the same field guide, the western hemlock generally reaches somewhere around 150 feet and is about 9 feet around. The largest known hemlock is our State Tree, reaching a maximum of 259’ x 31 ½’.
Our next new specimen to be discovered was a type of lichen called Cladonia. This one in particular was sticking up. One of the guides explained that they grow on downed logs or stumps. This led me to ponder over where else they grow. Little interesting fact: a lot of snails eat lichen. Next we came across a questionable flaky specimen-either a lichen or fungi.
Upon walking back to the vans, I witnessed a raven fly over near the museum parking lot.
I then took a moment to reflect on the different trees I’ve so far seen. Do any deciduous trees have cones?
As we all rode in the vans back to Pack Forest, I realized that I was finally starting to notice differences in tree species with a bit more clarity—example: the shape of a tree’s branches. Some curve upward like a bow. Others stick out straight. I was recognizing a bit more of the opposite and alternate patterning of branches. Then, I started to wonder what an alder would like in summer.
Later that evening after dinner, most of us gathered inside the Pack Forest’s pavilion. We were given the opportunity to try identifying different conifers by looking at the various branches that lay on the three tables. It proved a lot more difficult than I initially thought. But through the two-hour duration of this activity, I started to notice distinct differences among the various branches. Some, for example, had very pointy needles. There was one type that had white lines on both sides of its needles.
I overheard someone ask about folded leaves, which made me curious as to what exactly that looks like. The meaning would appear to be exactly what it describes: the leaves can fold.
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