RHODODENDRON FLOWERS IN BLOOM
RHODODENDRON FLOWERS IN BLOOM
Our property has naturally occurring rhododendrons sprinkled here and there throughout the entire property, including two very large bushes that happen to frame our chosen vehicle access entrance. Many flowers are pink salmon colored, with other color varieties as well.
FOREST SITE INDEX
FOREST SITE INDEX
Over the years, forestry sciences have developed a classification system for quickly summarizing the tree growing potential of a site. Sites may differ significantly in soil quality, nutrients, water availability, and environmental conditions, enabling the same seed to grow far stronger and larger...
SOIL TYPES AND SOIL MAPS
SOIL TYPES AND SOIL MAPS
Soil is the tissue that holds an ecosystem together. Its characteristics determine the types of plants that exist on a property. When combined with water retention levels, compaction, depth of organic layers, and proximity of underlying hard layers, it all combines to form the underlying structure...
TOPOGRAPHY CONTOUR MAP
TOPOGRAPHY CONTOUR MAP
Contour maps can be helpful in planning site design, locating roads, being aware of slopes, and more. The helpful forester from the Washington Department of Natural Resources sent a copy of a contour map for my property and the surrounding area. By using Google Earth and walking the property, I...
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY AND FOREST HABITAT
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY AND FOREST HABITAT
As part of the Forest Stewardship Program, an interesting wildlife biologist gave us a presentation on wildlife ecology and forest habitat. Quite an interconnected web out there! Forest succession affecting water supply affecting small game affecting large predators affecting food sources affecting...
FIRST CLEARING ALONG DRIVEWAY PATH
FIRST CLEARING ALONG DRIVEWAY PATH
With our new chain saw and brush cutter, plus a trailer in tow behind a station wagon filled with garden tools, we headed to our land for the weekend. Heeding the old carpenter's adage of "measure twice and cut once", we again reviewed our proposed vehicle access path through the forest. I...
CHAIN SAW SAFETY EQUIPMENT
CHAIN SAW SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Chain saws have a lot of cutting power and are fast moving gizmos. So, proper technique and safety precautions are important. In addition to the safety features that come integrated with my chain saw and brush cutter, I also use protective clothing specifically designed for chain saw...
LOW EMISSIONS CHAIN SAW AND BRUSH CUTTER
LOW EMISSIONS CHAIN SAW AND BRUSH CUTTER
Let's face it, most chain saws and brush cutters are not particularly eco-friendly since they spew out lots of 2-stroke oil and gas smoke. Nonetheless, I needed to get both of these devices for making headway into our vehicle access "driveway" and future walking paths around the property. Hence, a...
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS FROM VIRTUAL EARTH
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS FROM VIRTUAL EARTH
Virtual Earth (which later became Bing Maps) provides the most detailed and interesting 2D images available at this time. Virtual Earth's special sauce is the "Bird's Eye View". Throughout all of Whidbey Island,...