Discovering the Forest

We’re pleased to announce a new opportunity to learn together in a free, online series this winter. In Discovering the Forest, an offshoot of the popular Nature in Your Neighborhood  program.

We’ll gather together to deepen our shared understanding of forests and what a community forest can be and to use that understanding to shape our vision of the amazing opportunity we have for community involvement on Chimacum Ridge – learn more about the project here.

Forest ecosystems are characterized by fascinating relationships between wildlife, plants, trees, water, and air. Add human use and economies into the mix, and the dynamics at play become even more complex. Join us as we set out to explore these interconnections and ask, how does a community forest thrive for the good of all?

Local community members will guide our learning each month, sharing their knowledge about the plants, trees, animals and birds that call forests home, and highlighting the ways we benefit from forests and can steward their abundant resources for the future.

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One question each month will guide our learning:

Friday, November 20th, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

How do we know a forest is healthy? We’ll look closely at the forest’s plant and animal biology and learn to identify signs of strength and resilience.

Including presentations by biologist Geoff Hammerson and salmon enthusiast Linda Dacon.

Friday, December 18th, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

How can we help forests be healthy? We’ll learn how stewardship and responsible forest management can impact  forests and support their growth.

Including presentations by  Carrie Clendaniel, Jefferson Land Trust Preserve Manager and David Brownell, Historian at Jamestown S’klallam Tribe.

Friday, January 15th, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

How can healthy forests help us? We’ll talk about the potential human benefits of forests from a variety of perspectives such as economic, cultural, artistic, and educational.

Including presentations by Betsy Davis and Sean Koomen from the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, Tim Lawson from the Port Townsend School of Woodworking and Maureen Walrath, community member, willow weaver and interdisciplinary artist.

 

Upcoming Events:

Friday, February 19th, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

What is our vision for a community forest on Chimacum Ridge that benefits both people and forests?

Including presentations by David Moscowitz, photographer and wildlife tracker, and Erik Kingfisher, Jefferson Land Trust Stewardship Director.

Add to calendar

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Along the way, we’ll also offer bonus Nature in Your Neighborhood Winter Virtual Nature Walks that take a deeper dive into specific forest-related topics. Please save these dates and stay tuned for more to come! 

Wednesday January 27th, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

Mosses with Tracy Hudson

Wednesday, February 3rd, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

Liverworts with Tracy Hudson

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Sign up here to join and receive updates on the series and gain access to the recordings!

 

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Add Your Voice to the Discovering the Forest Video Mosaic!

It is fun, quick, and easy. Just take 5 minutes to go out into a forest near you and use a smartphone or camera to record yourself (or anyone in your household) finishing any or all of the following sentences:

“I can help forests be healthy by…” (submit by Dec 14)

“Healthy forests help me by …”  (submit by Jan 11)

And, if you are familiar with the Chimacum Ridge project, or want to learn about it (here), then go ahead and answer this one too…

“I envision helping Chimacum Ridge forest thrive by…,     

and I envision Chimacum Ridge forest helping me thrive by…” (submit by Feb 15)

Then send your video(s) (5-25 seconds per sentence please) along with your written name and title (please don’t say it in the video) in an email to hharding@saveland.org. Many thanks!