Renowned forest ecologist, Herb Hammond, kicked off the Summer 2013 Highland Wonders series with a unique perspective on Okanogan Highlands ecology. “Seeing the Forest Among the Trees,” featured a Friday evening presentation with a Saturday outdoor field trip the following day. This two-part approach provided the best of both venues for maximum learning and enjoyment.
On Friday, November 2nd, 2012, Dana Visalli opened OHA’s third indoor educational series with an engaging talk on “Highland Wildflowers: Their Beauty and Their Biology.”
On July 7, 2012, local botanist George Thornton lead a group of community members into a seldom seen Western Red Cedar ecosystem near Chesaw, WA. Mr. Thornton opened the first Highland Wonders series in November 2010 by sharing his knowledge and photos of unique and rarely seen Okanogan Highland plants; in the summer of 2011, he led a walk along the wetland fringe and woods at Lost Lake, and 2012 brought this opportunity to learn more about Okanogan County’s remnant cedar populations. A group of community members ventured Northeast of Buckhorn Mountain, where an extraordinary ecosystem thrives because of the shade, stable soils, organic matter and habitat provided by the Western Red Cedar.
On July 16th, 2011, local botanist, George Thornton led a Native Plant Hike at Lost Lake. George Thornton originally opened the Highland Wonders series in November 2010 by sharing his knowledge and photos of unique and rarely seen Okanogan Highland plants. Summertime Highland Wonders brought a chance to walk the wetland fringe and woods with him and absorb native plant information in three dimensions.
On November 5th, 2010, George Thornton shared stunning photographs, information and reflections from his wide-ranging experience with unique and rarely seen Okanogan Highland plants. Highlighting the biodiversity and beauty that makes these plants – and our area – extraordinary, this was an evening of discovery.
