Plant walk and site comparison (Forest between St. Martin’s and The Dept. of Ecology).
Photograph plants of interest:salmonberry, thimbleberry, oxalis, bleeding heart, waterleaf, fringecup, avens, solomon’s seal, sword fern, and others.
5/19/07 Class time in the Garden: pulled more Nootka rose, weeded, mulched, planted bunchberry and fringecup in the same area (it’s so cute), pruned dead branches and those that were sticking out into the path.I avoided pruning parts that were blooming or had berries forming.
Observations
Normally by this time of year in many forests there are lots of fungus growing - I haven't seen much this year. I wonder if anyone else (Lorne) has noticed this as well or if I am not paying close enough attention?
Something or someone is picking at the fringecup and solomon’s seal (there’s hardly any plant left) and left only the stem of the trilliums that Laura had planted a few weeks ago.
On Saturday, I noticed that the big leaf maple had some of the bark stripped off and was spray painted red with a small aluminum tag nailed into the trunk – not sure what that is about?Also, Anastarr and Jamie’s site had been trampled by people and dogs at some point – this was distressing.
Learning Gained
I’ve spent a great deal of time in the forest near St. Martin’s and DOE in various seasons and each year it is a delight to see the plants that return.This site has many of the same plants (or desired plants for our site) as those in mixed forest C:false solomon’s seal, bleeding heart, Oregon grape, salmonberry, thimbleberry, trillium, waterleaf, and sword ferns.There are also many large maples. We (my husband and I) ate some minors lettuce and salmonberry shoots – yum.
The photographs taken of the plants in our site will be nice to use in our presentation – this also helps me to identify plants better by having a solid picture of what plants look like at various life stages.
Tools
Tools from home used in the garden.
FutureGarden Ideas/Tasks
Continue weeding avens patch, mulching, cleaning up center of site near cedar tree. Continue to weed out excess horsetail. Encourage wild trailing blackberry that goes down the slope near the big leaf maple. Find material for the pondering pedestal that will be located near the maple. Plant more inside-out flower near light pole (Laura already planted some). Pull one more fern for Brandi's site.
Project Log #5:Mixed Forest C – Riparian Forest
Date
5/10-16/2007
Time
Various times
Total Hours:
10
Cumulative Hours:
25
Partners
Sometimes alone and some time with Laura
Activities
Plant research (signage information) for the following: Fringecup, waterleaf, Avens
Longhouse Garden Work Being with the garden Planting fringecup (provided by Marja) Site map work
Observations
The LH Garden is looking very alive.Although, I have noticed that the cedar in our site has a bit of browning on its branches.There is still some dead debris that needs to be removed (i.e., branches and other woody plant material that did not return this year).
Learning Gained
SAXIFRAGACEAE - Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora)
The Skagit called this plant t’axobdaloxid and the whole plant was pounded, boiled, and drank as tea for any sickness.It also said to restore the appetite (1:31,37).
Fringecup was said to be eaten by woodland elves to improve night vision (2:167).
Avens (Geum macrophyllum) – This plant likes moist woods and is sensitive to pollution (4:298) (possibly a good indicator for environmental conditions in our site).It seems to really like it at the Longhouse Garden and is present in several sites.The whole herb can be dried as needed (4:298).
Used as an astringent, treatment for boils, and cuts.The leaves were also steeped to avoid conception.This plant was said to be found at the birth of seal pups (1:37).
HYDROPHYLLACEAE - Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum capitatum) – This is one of the first flowering plants of spring and was an early food for American Indians.The leaves are bitter and not very tasty – better when cooked.It prefers moist forest habitat (sun or shade).
The whole plant, leaves, stems, and roots can be used.Used as a poultice, it is good for minor wounds, insect bites, and other skin irritations and has a slight astringent quality.It was named for the way it holds water drops on leaves not for the water content of the plant. (3:154-55).
The root is broken up and eaten (1:45).
Tools
Tools from home used in the garden. Books listed below.
FutureGarden Ideas/Tasks
Cut back old woody debris in trees and shrubs and continue to care for the new plants. Create signage for the redwood sorrel (oxalis). Create more space for the avens patch by removing more Nootka rose and cutting back other branches to allow light to filter through.
References
Erna Gunther.Ethnobotany of Western Washington.
Pojar, McKinnon.Plants of the Pacific NorthwestCoast.
Tilford. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West.
Moore.Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West.
Project Log #4:Mixed Forest C – Riparian Forest
Date
May 6, 2007
Time
9:00-1:00
Total Hours:
4
Cumulative Hours:
15
Partners
Laura
Activities
Quiet time in the garden – drawing salmonberry.
Weeding more in the avens patch.
Pulling Nootka rose to make room for other plants.
Mulching paths in areas that needed it.
Trimming ferns.
Discussion with Laura about what to work on next.
Observations
After removing some of the Nootka rose the site looks a little torn up.The weather was overcast with occasional rain.
There are other plants such as pacific waterleaf hiding under some of the Nootka rose.
Learning Gained
After drawing the salmonberry I noticed some very fine characteristics of the plant that can help with identification when there are no flowers present.I have found over the last few quarters that it is difficult to id plants when they are not flowering.Without the flower some plants are difficult to identify.This very simple fact has given me a new respect for making sure you know what a plant is before using it.
I believe there is some fireweed growing in the avens patch. Also, removing the Nootka rose without disturbing the plants hiding beneath is difficult.
Tools
Garden tools from home.
FutureGarden Ideas/Tasks
We need help with the Nootka rose and are willing to share with whomever might need some for their site.
Continue to weed and create room for the avens patch.It would be nice to find more of this plant for our site.
Plant more fringecup in our patch at the east end of the site.
Share the false-lily of the valley with mixed forest A.
Procure false solomons seal.
References
None
Project Log #3:Mixed Forest C – Riparian Forest
Date
April 29, 2007
Time
10-1:00
Total Hours:
3
Cumulative Hours:
11
Partners
10-1Laura
Activities Fringecup patch 4-29-07
Plant procurement at Steve Bilhimer’s private property located between Libby and Zangle in Olympia, Washington.We collected false-lily-of-the-valley and some small fringecup plants.
Transplanted procured plants in mixed forest c: riparian forest.
Collected thimbleberry leaf for drawing and pressing.
Observations
A few thimbleberry were hiding under a large fern in our site. There are a couple of maple trees (small) growing under the nootka rose.
The weather was warm and sunny.It was a great day to be outside.
Learning Gained
Pay closer attention to what might be growing under or near other plants.Woops – I requested thimbleberry for our site and when I looked today we had plenty – I must have missed them in their smaller state.I will be sure to send a message to Allison and Derek.
Tools
N/A
FutureGarden Ideas/Tasks
Clean up the area near the western red cedar.There is some dead debris that can be cleared to make room for other plants.
Continue weeding.
We have an abundance of salmonberry and of course the Nootka rose.These can be shared with other sites or if ok with Marja maybe students could take some home?
Adjust my request for the following desired plants:
Evergreen violet (3)
False-solomon’s seal (3)
Red huckleberry (1) This may be the wrong time of year but it would be nice to see at least one more of these in the future.
Trillium (any)
Laura P. mentioned that she may have access to trillium through her boyfriend who works at a camp on the key peninsula.She said there was an abundance of them and the camp is thinking of thinning them anyway – she is going to request them for our site.
References
None
Project Log #2:Mixed Forest C – Riparian Forest
Date
April 24, 2007
Time
8:30-10:30
Total Hours:
2
Cumulative Hours:
8
Partners
None
Activities
Plant research – Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) Plant procurement – posted request on website with Alison/Derek.
Observations
Salmonberry is already present in our site.I have also seen this plant many time during walks in parks that are similar to our site such as Burfoot and Priest Point.
Learning Gained
Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) – This plant likes moist to wet areas and is abundant along stream edges.
Food:Fresh sprouts and berries are eaten by all Northwest Coast peoples. Young stems are gathered in early spring and early summer as a green vegetable.It is peeled and eaten raw or steamed.The berries have been eaten with dried salmon.
Medicine:Astringent – leaves chewed and spit on burns, bark is pounded and used on an aching tooth or a wound to kill the pain, to lessen labor pains the Quinault boil the bark in seawater to drink, also used to clean infected wounds (1:35).
Meg really wanted to maintain the salmonberries that are currently in our site and pay closer attention to them.We have a small patch that has signage.
Requested the following desired plants for our site:
Evergreen violet (3) False-solomon’s seal (3) Red huckleberry (1) Thimbleberry (3) Trillium (any)
References
1.Gunther, Erna.Ethnobotany of Western Washington: The knowledge and use of indigenous plants by Native Americans.1945. p 35, 51
2.Pojar & Mackinnon. Revised Plants of the Pacific NorthwestCoast. 1994. p 76.
Project Log #1:Mixed Forest C – Riparian Forest
Date
April 14, 2007
Time
9:30-12 1:30-3:30 4:30-6:30
Total Hours:
6
Cumulative Hours:
6
Partners
9:30-12 – Meg V. and Laura P.
Activities
Longhouse Garden – cleared leaves, created and mulched new path near the big leaf maple, pulled “weeds”, trimmed ferns, trimmed nootka rose, cared for oxalis patch by clearing leaves and other debris that was covering it up.
Plant walk at Priest Point Park – compared the plants and habitat in this forest to mixed forest C in the longhouse garden.
Research – looked up plants that are desired for mixed forest C.
Observations
Mixed forest C looks like it has received attention from its caregivers.The paths are clear, the plants are looking lively, and we have discovered room for a few more plants to be added.There are a few false-solomon’s-seal growing at the East corner of the site – we would like to encourage more of this plant to grow in a patch.
The weather was clear and sunny in the morning at the longhouse garden.It rained during my walk in the afternoon – but it was still warm.
Learning Gained
Redwood Sorrel (oxalis oregana) – this plant likes moist, forested sites and grows well in mixed forest c.Redwood sorrel leaves have been used by the Cowlitz, Quileute, and the Quinault to treat scurvy, scrofula, fevers, skin diseases, and as a poultice for tumors and boils. The plant leaves are usually used fresh and have a sour, acidic taste.They can be chewed for mouth sores, nausea, and sore throats. This plant contains oxalic acid and can be harmful in large doses.According to Sacred Plant Medicine the “proper dose is 2-4 cups of the leaf tea per day”.The tea is prepared from fresh leaves.
False-solomon’s-seal (smilacina racemosa) – this plant grows in a wide range including moist forests, stream banks, meadows, and clearings.It prefers growing in clumps. This plant is appropriate for our site.
Tools
I brought tools from home: rake, bucket, hand shovel, clippers.We also utilized the tools located behind the longhouse.
The longhouse garden could use a set of tools for use by the students.If we had a list of tools needed maybe people could donate.
Create signage for the redwood sorrel (oxalis oregana).
Transplant Nootka rose somewhere else in the longhouse garden – need volunteers for this job.
Partners and I will be scheduling a field trip of our own to Burfoot park to compare plants and habitat.
References
Pojar & Mackinnon. Revised Plants of the Pacific NorthwestCoast. 1994. p 315, 100. Buhner, Stephen. Sacred Plant Medicine. 1996. p. 155.
Project Log #9: Mixed Forest C
Date
3/8/2007
Time
11:30-4:30
Total Hours:
5
Cumulative Hours:
38.5
Partners
Meg and Anastrarr
Activities
Project Presentation work. Compiled documents for presentation of signage, book chapter and web page information.
Project Log #8: Mixed Forest C
Date
3/4/2007
Time
10-1 3-6
Total Hours:
6
Cumulative Hours:
33.5
Partners
NA
Activities
Photos and time in the Longhouse garden
Project presentation work.
Learning Gained
Our site looks really nice right now.We have put a lot of work into tidying up and giving the plants some much needed attention.The paths are more defined than at the beginning of the quarter.
As for the presentation work – there is a great deal to be done but we have accomplished quite a bit so far.Our presentation is also turning into a document that can (hopefully) be referenced in the future by Mixed Forest C participants.
FutureGarden Ideas/Tasks
Our presentation is still in the document phase but will be easy to turn into a powerpoint presentation for our Saturday class.
Michelle sent the document to Anastarr and Meg for review and editing.
Anastarr will add her story about cedar to the document.
Meg will put in a few factoids about last quarter in the seasonal section on the garden.
Split into three sections for each of us to talk about..
Project Log #7: Mixed Forest C
Date
3/3/2007
Time
9-1 8-10:30
Total Hours:
6.5
Cumulative Hours:
27.5
Partners
Meg and Anastarr
Activities
Project presentation work.
Learning Gained
There are maps and plant lists available in our site materials, unfortunately they are anonymous and are not dated. They are useful for the records of what has been there and the maps themselves are creatively done.
Working collaboratively as a group and using reflections and project logs makes the presentation building process manageable.
FutureGarden Ideas/Tasks
Michelle will send Meg and Anastarr the draft version of our presentation in Word format.
Meg and Anastarr will review and edit document and send back to Michelle to incorporate into the final draft.
The final will be transferred to Powerpoint for actual presentation. The project will be split into three agreed upon portions to discuss during our presentation.
*Michelle will create a time sequenced slide show of photos taken throughout the quarter accompanied by music for the end of the presentation.
*If time allows.
Project Log #6: Mixed Forest C
Date
2/27/2007
Time
10-1
Total Hours:
3
Cumulative Hours:
21
Partners
NA
Activities
Organized materials for Project Presentation into categories:
Introduction to site including discussion of the representative zone, plant lists for the site, accomplishments by the end of spring 2007.
Learning Gained
The zones discussed in both "Keeping it Living" and "The Natural History of Puget Sound" described zones that could fit our site. Although, "The Natural Histroy of Puget Sound" describes the "Western Hemlock Zone" as ranging from sea level to lower mountain slopes, which is the correct range of our site. The "biogeoclimatic zones" described in "Keeping it Living" fit our site as well. This zone is described as the "Coastal Douglas-fir Zone". Now we need to decide which description we should use in our introduction.
FutureGarden Ideas/Tasks
Michelle will build a plant list using a table format and photos (if available).
Michelle will research the habitat that is represented in our site.
Meg will work on site goals to take place by the end of Spring Quarter 2007.
Anastarr will put together information regarding the Wester Red Cedar that has become the focus of our lovely site.
Set another meeting with Anastarr and Meg regarding the Presentation format and finalization.
Sources: The Natural History of Puget Sound Country
Keeping it Living
Project Log #5:Mixed Forest C
Date
2/17/07
Time
10-1:00
Total Hours:
3
Cumulative Hours:
18
Partners
Anastarr
Observations
It is very quiet at the Garden on Saturdays.It was sunny and in the 50’s.There is clover of some type coming up near the large maple
Activities
Cleared leaves, wild blackberry vines, worked on path definition, picked up garbage, and started creating a space to “be” with the cedar. I did some light pruning of plants that were sticking too far into the path.
Learning Gained
Clearing leaves helps clear your head.
Future Tasks/Ideas
Big Leaf Maple
Western Red Cedar
Create a path near the maple that connects site A to site C.This path can connect up with the horseshoe path in our site.It would be nice to walk continuously from one site to another to see differences in plants and landscapes with signage along the way to identify culturally significant plants/trees.
Clear clover for a path – transplant in another area.
Clear Nootka Rose – will need help from the class on this project.
Check with Marja to find out where these can be transplanted.
Continue creating a space to be near the cedar.Once this space is cleared we need to decide what will be planted there.
Plant Ideas:
Huckleberry would be a good choice near the cedar.
Project Log #4:Mixed Forest C
Date
2/12/07
Time
5:30-6 pm
Total Hours:
.5
Cumulative Hours:
15
Partners
Meg and Anastarr
Activities
Discussed site introduction and theme.I will send Meg information found on plants that like to grow near cedar or in wetter sites as well as what might grow well with maple.Anastarr will look up specific information on cedar and Meg will compile our comments into one document for review by Marja.We briefly looked at the site binder for the first time.It is need of reorganizing.
Learning Gained
This was mostly to meet and organize our thoughts – make sure we were on the same page in our planning.
Date
2/11/07
Time
7-9 pm
Total Hours:
2
Cumulative Hours:
14.5
Activities
Research on Western Red Cedar and Big Leaf Maple – looked at uses for the Cedar and plants that will grow well with Cedar and Big Leaf Maple.
Learning Gained
It is the “Tree of Life” and has many medicinal uses
The Cedar tree was an important part of the daily lives of the native peoples of this area.It was valued for its use in practical materials as well as its medicinal qualities.
Material Uses: Shredded bark used for padding, woven to make clothing, and wood for Longhouse and other shelters, and canoes.
Ceremonial Uses:Cedar is used as incense and for other ceremonial needs (this needs more research).
Medicinal Uses:It is a strong anti-fungal and antibacterial, said to be effective in treating athletes foot, ringworm, and nail fungi.
Medicinal properties of this tree act as a stimulus to smooth muscles.It is helpful for respiratory problems, urinary tract infections, and reproductive problems for both women and men.
Woman’s Medicinal Uses:Used in treatment of vaginitis, sluggish periods, and as a douche.It is also used to treat urinary tract infections.It is said to be used as a cold infusion for heavy, boggy uterus with dull aches, long cycles, and frequent low level vaginal irritation.
Men’s Medicinal Uses: Cedar is used to treat boggy enlarged prostate with ache upon urination and ejaculation.
Plants that Grow Well in Wetter Sites – Near Cedar: (need to add scientific names)
Most of these plants are growing in the site already.I am unsure about the huckleberry.
Salal
Sword Fern
Deer Fern
Red Huckleberry
Cascade Oregon Grape
Trailing Blackberry
Big Leaf Maple During February 2007 there are Sword Ferns, two types of Oregon Grape (need to be more specific), and the beginning of what appears to be some type of clover growing near the Maple tree.
Plants that Grow Well in Drier Sites – Near Big Leaf Maple
Red Flowering Current
Ocean Spray
Trillium
Vanilla Leaf?
References
The Natural History of Puget Sound
Date
2/9/07
Time
5-8 pm
Total Hours:
3
Cumulative Hours:
12.5
Partners
Anastarr
Activities
We worked on our site introduction and discussed what type of theme might be appropriate for our site.
Learning Gained
We all seem to agree that the Western Red Cedar should be the main focus of the site and that we should landscape in ways that draw more attention to it.We also thought it would be nice to highlight plants that would be useful to women’s health.
There is a nice mix of varied space within our site:a drier area near mixed forest A that has a large Big Leaf Maple, a small sloped area, and a wetter middle portion.
FutureGarden Ideas
Mixed forest C has a young Cedar that would make a lovely centerpiece and focus for the garden.We would like to focus on traditional cultural knowledge and uses of the plants in our site as well as tie plants together that are beneficial for women’s health.
Plants present at site:Winter-February 2007
Cedar, Nootka Rose, Salmonberry, Coltsfoot, Clover, Horsetail, Sword Fern, Salal, Herb Robert, Wild Trailing Blackberry, Big Leaf Maple Red Alder, Oregon Grape.
Plants desired for our site:Winter-February 2007
Evergreen Violet, Trillium, Devil’s Club, Wild Ginger, and maybe a little more Salal.
Project Log #3:Mixed Forest C
Date
2/3/2007
Time
1:30-2:00 (Longhouse)
4:00-6:00 (Research)
Total Hours:
2.5
Cumulative Hours:
9.5 out of (15)
Partners
NA
Activities
Spent a short time at the site to observe the landscape.
Research on transplanting ferns.
Observations
I didn’t do any work at the site today because the weather was very wet and cold.The landscape is still covered in a thick layer of leaves.There are many trailing blackberry vines in the areas that I cleared previously.Annastarr also noticed this as well.
Learning Gained
Since sword ferns (Polystichum munitum) are a major part of the landscape in our site I wanted to know more about them.Sword ferns are a hardy old evergreen plant that grows well in a community of red huckleberry, Oregon grape, and trailing blackberry, and among trees such as hemlock and cedar.Sword ferns are a good sign that hemlocks and cedars will grow there.Also, vine maple sometimes grows with the other plants mentioned.
I’ve been told by my mother that they can be pruned back in February so that they will grow bigger.I read on the Washington Native Plant Society website (http://www.wnps.org/landscaping/plantofthemonth/west/jan.html) that they can be transplanted in March (in sun or shade - drought tolerant once established) and that there is no real need to cut back the whole plant but rather trimming the dead parts to encourage new growth.
Tools
Notebook, computer, pen, and all my senses.
FutureGarden Ideas
Pruning – Sword ferns and trailing blackberry.
Transplanting – Sword ferns to other areas on the site.
Started clearing the underbrush of leaves and other debris.Began defining walking paths.
Observations
The weather was cold and foggy.It eventually burned off and became a beautiful sunny day.There are a few plants that are starting to come up – not sure what they are just yet.
Learning Gained
I’ve been taking some time to get to know my site by just being there – when it is quiet.Clearing the leaves and touching the soil gives me a sense of where plants are and where they will be coming up in the Spring.During my last visit to the garden I took a photo of what I thought was Bleeding Heart.Meg told me it was Herb Robert.The two plants are very similar before they flower.I looked up both plants and made sure I understood the major differences – one has a reddish stem and hairs, the other has no hairs and has a green stem; their flowers are different.
Tools
I brought a few tools from home:
Blue bucket
Gloves
2 small planting shovels
1 small hand rake
Clippers
We used the wheel barrow that was in the back of the longhouse.
FutureGarden Ideas/Tasks
Remove Nootka Rose
Mulch paths
Continue defining the paths
Continue to clear leaves and debris
Transplant a few ferns to the hillside near the parking lot
Plant Trillium, Wild Ginger, Blue Violets, Ocean Spray
Project Log #1
Date:January 20, 2007 Time:10-1:30 (3.5 Hours)
Partners:I spoke with Meg on the phone and agreed to share notes on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 with her and Anastar.We were unable to be out there at the same time.
Activities:Walked through the garden area and became acquainted with the site and the plants that are currently visible.I also took video footage and photographs of the plants and site as a whole.I would like to post those on the student pages for others to view.
Observations:The weather was cold (low 40s), breezy, clear, and sunny.The trails were visible and looked to be in good shape although they could use some minor maintenance and definition. Colts foot was just starting to come up and there were also some Bleeding Hearts growing – this surprised me.I didn’t know they could withstand the cold.The seasonal creek is full of water and the area surrounding it is wet and muddy.There were some dead Horsetail plants near the back slope by the parking lot – otherwise it was pretty bare.I also observed a moderate amount of sword fern.
Plant List:
Bleeding Hearts
Salal
Red Cedar
Alder
Oregon Grape
Sword Fern
Moss
Horsetail (dead)
Nootka Rose
Salmonberry
Sedges
Forget-me-not
Colts Foot
Deer Fern
Trailing Blackberry?
Learning Gained:I am beginning to become familiar and acquainted with the site I am working in by simply spending time with the plants and surrounding landscape.During my time spent in the garden this week I wanted to pay particular attention to the existing plants as well as observe what plants are beginning to sprout in Winter.The natural system will predict plant availability but making those plants accessible from trails would be beneficial to users of the garden.Grouping plants accordingly seems logical.
I view the trails as working paths for viewing and harvesting plants.I found two sites that were ideal for viewing/contemplation platforms that could be an inviting way to access plants or simply be with them.Also, I noticed that the back part of the site is bare during the winter season and there is an abundance of Sword Fern on the sidewalk next to the Longhouse.A few of these ferns might be glad to move to a less crowded location such as the slope by the parking lot replacing some of the horsetail that needs thinning.
Ideas for the garden:Planting violets, maidenhair ferns, and nettles if they do not already exist there and if it will fit with the landscape.
