Photos / Sounds
What
Pezizas, Desert Truffles, and Allies (Family Pezizaceae)Observer
taylorgoforth
Photos / Sounds
What
Desert Holly (Atriplex hymenelytra)Observer
taylorgoforthDescription
Isolated, Awesome little plant in alkali meadow with leaves whose edges were slightly crispy/dry and whose centers were soft and almost fuzzy.
Photos / Sounds
What
Western Pearlshell (Margaritifera falcata)Observer
taylorgoforthDescription
Yesterday (april 7, 2016) I was out working with Matt Unzelman and Brian Meier, two of Thurston Counties finest, on a project in Beaver Creek, at tributary to the Black River. As we were talking about frogs and fish we looked a little harder and realized there was not one, but two species of freshwater mussels within a meter of each other.
Anyway we found at least 2 live western pearlshells (length 50 -70 mm) and 2 live Oregon Floaters (60 - 80mm) and a shell of each species as well. I have attached some images and recorded a little more locality information below. There will be a small footprint of dewatering later this summer and hopefully there will be an opportunity to do a quick count or some temporary relocation of individuals as well.
Location information:Washington, Thurston County, Crossing of Beaver Creek Rd SW and Beaver Creek (Black River Tributary WRIA 23 stream # 0667) .
UTM: E505514.93?, N5193220.74 Zone10N
See images for habitat detail: Incised channel (likely straightened and deepened in the past, Reed canary grass flood plain giving way to Spirea thickets and Doug fir dominated uplands a ~ 100 feet from channel edge. substrate was sand,grave mix with some organics and evidence of past beaver activity.
Mussel found just upstream of culvert in County ROW, but likely common in the uniform channel. Trout and cottus sp observed, likely Coho, Dace, mudminnow, Shiners? as well.
