ESRM 201(summer)Sustaining Pacific Northwest Ecosystems

Field Trip 1 - The I-90 Corridor

The purpose of this field trip is to examine vegetation, geology, soils, climate, hydrology, disturbances (human, diseases, insects, and fire), wildlife and natural resource management issues along the I-90 corridor from the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture to Suncadia Resort near CleElum. This represents a strong urban to rural gradient as well as a gradient in climate.

Rw -Mesic G7

mesic

G9f - Mesic to cryic

Mc - cryic

InceptisolsAlderwood, Everett, Indianola, Kitsap

EntisolsSkagit, Puget,PuyallupChehalis

Andisols,SpodosolsBarneston, Sheleton, Tokul

G8 - mesic

SpodosolsPhillipa,Skykomish

Spodosols, AndisolsPlayco, Kindy

STOP 1

STOP 2

STOP 3STOP 6

STOP 5

STOP 7STOP 4

Stop 1 – Center for Urban Horticulture, University of Washington – Vegetation, soil climate, hydrology (the impact of impermeable surfaces), and wildlife in urban areas will be briefly discussed.

Stop 2 – Tiger Mountain State Forest (250 ft/76 m elev.). This working forest owned by the Washington, DNR is managed for multiple purposes: production of forest products, recreation, water, and wildlife. It is located in the western hemlock Forest zone

Stop 3 – Snoqualmie Point (989 ft/298 m elev.). Overlook over Mt. Si and the Snoqualmie Valley. Landscape issues involving the clash between production forestry and urban expansion will be discussed.

Stop 4 – Cedar River Watershed Education Center. Discuss water supply/salmon issues. Watershed management philosophy.

Stop 5 – Asahel Curtis Nature Trail (1900 ft/533 m elev.). This patch of old-growth forest is a rare remnant of the forest that used to exist throughout the Puget Sound area. It is still in the western hemlock Forest Zone.

Stop 6 – Snoqualmie Pass (3022 ft/902 m). We are in the Pacific silver fir zone here. This area has been developed for a ski area and has considerable recreational activity.

Stop 7 – Ponderosa pine forest near Suncadia Resort, Cle Elum (2018 ft./615 m). We will discuss the role of fire in these forests and appropriate vegetation management to reduce fire hazard to the forest and dwellings.

At each stop take notes on tree and understory species, soils (including pH, forest floor depth, mineral soil profile), geology, climate (air, soil and stream temperatures), hydrology, the belowground ecosystem (including roots and mycorrhizas), wildlife, presence of fire, insects and diseases, land ownership and natural resource management issues.

Report: There is no strict format for your field trip report. Report your individual observations at each stop. Also include conclusions about what you learned about the vegetation, geology, soils, climate, hydrology, wildlife and natural resource management issues along this urban to rural gradient. Include any data we collected and photos you have taken.

The report is due on Tuesday, October 14, 2008

#1

#2

STOP 2

#3

STOP 3

#5

STOP 5

www.pnwhikes.com

#6

STOP 6

#7

STOP 7