Location: South Puget Sound (Riparian, Estuary, and Garry Oak Prairie). Overnight camp.

Instructors: Elisha, and Theo

• Introduction to the plants of the South Puget Sound region:

  • Plant walks will cover edible, medicinal, and utilitarian uses for local plants, with a focus on oak prairie and wetland ecosystems. There will also be information on the wildlife value of these species, and the ecological impacts of fire suppression following colonization.

• Traditional Land Management Practices:

  • This week includes a visit to a savannah ecosystem dominated by Oregon White Oak (also called the Garry Oak). These habitats have historically been heavily managed by Native American nations in the region. There will be a discussion of the importance of Indigenous land management with fire, as well as the role fire plays in restoration of habitat in traditionally managed areas which have seen fire excluded.

• Connections to plants and place:

  • In order to continue building relationships with the various plants and plant communities of Washington State, we will spend some time doing “sit-spots” in the Oregon White Oak Savannah.