About this Event
Let's head out onto the trails to explore what autumn looks like here in the Pacific Northwest! We'll take a closer look at the science behind the changing season, including what is actually happening inside a leaf as its summer green gives way to the yellows, oranges, and reds of autumn. Why do leaves change color in the first place? Why do some species turn brilliant colors while others simply turn brown? And how does a tree know when it's time to drop its leaves?
As ecologists, what are our 'look fors' in this unique habitat, to ensure it's health and vitality for all of the species that depend upon it? Come with your questions and curiosity, and you'll leave with bigger questions. That's how we 'level up' as naturalists.
Of course, changing leaves are only part of the story! We'll look for the other clues that autumn has arrived and investigate how plants and animals are responding to shorter days, cooler temperatures, and the coming winter. Along the way, we'll practice our naturalist skills as we identify plants, examine leaves, look for fruits and seeds, and discover some of the fascinating adaptations happening all around us.
Autumn in the PNW may not look like New England, but our forests have plenty of seasonal secrets of their own. Come explore the colors, changes, and science of fall with us!
THINGS TO KNOW
This class is rain or shine, so please dress in layers and always bring a rain layer, gloves, and a hat at this time of year. If we need to cancel due to severe weather, which is extremely rare, we will send a message by email and phone (windstorm, lightning, etc.).
Due to the content and pace of this program, the suggested age for participation is 13 years and up. The content will be scientific, and botanical terminology will be utilized. If you have an older child or youth who would like to enrich their botany knowledge, they are welcome to attend with you if they are 13 years or older. The ticket price is the same. Infants under one year, worn in a baby backpack, sling, or other baby-wearing device by their caregiver, are also welcome to join you. No ticket is needed for an infant.
Please remember our campus policy is “no dogs unless they are a service animal.”
We'll cap off our adventure together with warm cider & cookies!
Your guide for this program will be IslandWood's Senior Naturalist, Christina Woolf.
Christina is a Washington State Master Naturalist (WSU, 2024), Master Birder (Birds Connect Seattle/Seattle Audubon, 2011), WDFW Wetland Monitor (2014), Certified Beach Naturalist (2014), and Certified Interpretive Guide (National Association of Interpretation (2015), and has been joyfully teaching environmental education for over 25 years.
Christina has completed specialized training in Amphibian Egg Mass Monitoring through WA Dept. Fish & Wildlife, and with USGS and FrogWatch USA's community science vocalization monitoring program.
Here she is geeking out with a fungi, the rufuous milkcap, Lactarius rufus, she found in great number in our sphagnum bog in the autumn season.
Event venue & nearby stays
IslandWood, 4450 Blakely Avenue NE, Bainbridge Island, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.