Tag: native plants

The Amazing Tale of Sagebrush Galls

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If you’ve stopped trailside to look at a big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata), it’s likely you’ve noticed  grape-like growths attached to a leaf or stem.    Some are round, smooth and reddish, Continue Reading →

Eco-tourism is at your backdoor

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For me, the change of season to spring makes me want get to outside to explore new places and see wildlife, wildflowers, and expansive views.  Similar to being a tourist Continue Reading →

New guide points out our native shrubs, trees

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June in the Wenatchee Valley is peak bloom time for many native shrubs that form dense thickets in foothill ravines and alongside streams. Have you caught a whiff of sweet Continue Reading →

Unlocking the needs and habits of our mule deer

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The foothills are softly greening up, bright yellow buttercups are in bloom, and male western meadowlarks sing loudly from atop sagebrush. From our human perspective, the harsh conditions of winter Continue Reading →

April, Douglas Co. Shrub-steppe: the green carpet of annual grasses creates a continuous fuel connecting the native shrubs and wildflowers

In appreciation of sagebrush

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In our arid region of low rainfall, cold winters and hot dry summers, big sagebrush grows 5-8 feet tall, forming a canopy above a sea of grasses, smaller shrubs, and wildflowers.   Wildlife species from birds to mammals to insects utilize sagebrush for food, shelter, and nesting materials. Continue Reading →

We can help keep nature in balance

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Since early March, our foothills have been ablaze with a sequence of blooming wildflowers. Starting with sagebrush buttercup, over 50 different kinds have bloomed and set seed during the three Continue Reading →