Starting in Ashland, the day was gloomy. Rain thudded down through gray skies and the chilly air nipped at our hands. Our group had high hopes the rain would become snow at the higher elevation of our destination, a section of the PCT off of old highway 99 toward Pilot Rock. As we piled into the cars and took off, we found that slowly, the rain dissipated and sun broke through the clouds to illuminate the fresh snow along the roadside.
Our guide and teacher for the day, Nolan Richard, a local naturalist and seasoned biology teacher, embarked on an introduction to the world of conifers and shrubs. Nolan, with a decade-long devotion to studying native plants along the West Coast, has shared his expertise in the past by teaching classes for the Native Plant Society. His deep interest in Plant Biogeography—understanding the distribution of plant species and communities—propelled our adventure.
The trees encircled us, prompting Nolan to engage us in identifying the varying conifer species that thrived in this environment. Brushing snow off a couple of saplings, Nolan showcased how to inspect needles to discern between the Grand Fir and the White Fir. As a group, we gathered around, following Nolan's techniques to identify a White Fir displaying hybridization traits and a Grand Fir with minimal signs of hybridization.
Our journey led us to a halt in an area teeming with a dense understory. The shrubbery, devoid of leaves and bereft of vibrant colors, posed a challenge in identification during its dormant phase. Nolan assured us that although daunting, it wasn't impossible. With his guidance, the group keenly observed nuances in branch sizes, textures, and growth formations. Soon, we triumphantly identified snowberry, serviceberry, oregon grape, and several other shrub species amidst the subdued winter landscape.
Nolan often emphasized the importance of identifying conifers and understanding their environmental placement by asking, 'Why are they growing here?' In the end, our hike under Nolan's tutelage was not merely a stroll but an enlightening journey through the diverse world of conifers and shrubs.
