Time For a Change of Geology...

5/31/2014      Eastern Slope of the Cascades     73*F +       Partly Cloudy

Caterpillars almost ready to take on the world

Our trip began just across the Yakima river. After coming from Seattle, it was almost felt like we were in a whole different state or part of country. The impact of the cascades on the climate was made very clear on this day! Everything was dry and tan. The sun was unforgiving and there was no shade. Typical of the dry climate there were was a lot of dry grass, sage brush and even cacti! Because we were by the river there were plenty of wetland species as well. The area was teaming with black cottonwood and native quaking aspen. It was truly an experience to see so many different species living side by side with one another.

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The little horned lizard I found

Everything about this place was different from the natural history I've come to know in the puget sound region. The plants were different, the invertebrates were different and of course the birds were different. Before going on this field trip I wasn't expecting to see much life because of course when you think desert you think desolate and empty. This was not the case at all. It was different life over here. One of the wonders of the Yakima river area was seeing the quaking aspen in it's native habitat. I learned that the species is a cloning reproducer and seen that there were dozens of smaller trees that were all cluttered around the same area coming from the roots of one older, larger aspen at the center. Much of the organism life in the area was huddled near the river. I got the handy tip of identifying poison oak (which looks very similar to red osier dogwood) at the expense of one of our TA's running through it with shorts. Near the river there were lots of species from the rose family and trees. What I thought was so interesting is that right across the pathway that walked alongside the river there were cacti on the ground. I got one literally stuck in my hand trying to pick it up and get a closer look. It was really in there pretty good. The birds were great as well. when we first pulled in we found a bald eagle circling and shortly after a vulture. The bird sightings in this area were quick and consistent. We got great view of several others through the scope and were allowed to explore. The bridge that crossed the Yakima river was swarming with cliff and barn swallows. This area really helped me to understand the practice of humans and all other living species throughout history to stick close to the water. The life was abundant.

Paintbrush plant utilizes the sagebrushes' water underground

Moving along on our trip we went to the actual dessert. The area was just a few miles outside the town of Ellensberg but it looked like one of the isolated places out of a movie. The plant and species life was much different here. There was no river or any real source of water for miles and everything in the area either preferred it that way or adapted. It was interesting that there were several birds in the flat land but I wasn't able to see any of them. We learned that their call carries long distances when there aren't trees or other barriers to stop it. The plant life wasn't incredibly diverse but it was amazing nonetheless. I appreciated being warned against stepping carelessly on plants as I walked. We learned that the plants that live here have fought hard for their survival and that we needed to be very careful to preserve their lives. All the plants were very low to the ground due to the high winds and the warm temperatures. I think the tallest brush I found was about 3 ft tall at best. The wildflowers of this area were a pleasant surprise. You wouldn't think that you could find so many flowers in such a dry and empty environment, but nature has a way of keeping beauty in all it's corners.

 The wildlife of this area were really cool. Everybody was on the hunt for the horned lizard of the area
 being determined to be the first one to find it. On
 my individual lizard hunt I ran square into a
 scorpion. We have scorpions in Washington!

Second stop!

 It was terrifying but that is what I love about natural history is that you never know what is going to pop out on you. It was pretty awesome actually. I must say…I felt pretty brave.
Our final stop was one of the most interesting geological layouts I've ever seen. We were only about five minutes out of the driest of our stops and we ran into a lush green trail. Walking into the trail I looked to my left and seen all desert and looked to my right and seen a forest filled with wildlife. The class began making their way to see the waterfall but I didn't make it that far. We walked slowly and enjoyed the scenery of birds, plants, insects, and even mammals. As we were walking a we were startled by a very loud rustling in the bushes next to us. It sounded too big to be a squrell and too close to be any other animal. After looking closely through the camouflage of the woods we spotted a huge rabbit. Ok run away rabbit, we've seen you. No it just stopped and looked at us then jumped toward us in an act of intimidation. It worked and we ran away. Definitely a first time experience. We got to spot several new birds and just sit quietly listening to the steam run through the woods. This trip was an awesome experience to see the other side of Washington state's diverse range of climate and organisms. For me it was a lesson in natural history. The diversity is endless. Each landscape has something unique to offer. We always hear the the pacific northwest is the most beautiful place in the world, but I don't think I buy that anymore. The driest desert was absolutely stunning in its own way.