Author: Lindsie Lawson

Species Spotlight – Western Skunk Cabbage

Lindsie Lawson

Species Spotlight: Western Skunk Cabbage (Elgaria coerulea)

This month, we cast the Species Spotlight on Western Skunk Cabbage!

Western Skunk Cabbage, also called Swamp Lantern, is recognized by its bright yellow spathe and flower-covered spadix. If you’ve encountered one in the watershed, you know where the name comes from! The odor is a deterrent to humans but loved by pollinators.

While out exploring Land Trust properties, our Stewardship Team noticed a striking sight- bright yellow and green skunk cabbage pushing up through the snow. One of the earliest to bloom in the spring, this pungent native pollinator plant is a sign that winter will soon be behind us, and warmer days are ahead.

Description

Western skunk cabbage, also called Swamp Lantern, is often recognized by its bright yellow spathe and flower-covered spadix. It has been known to grow up to 5’ tall and 2’ wide with the largest leaves of any native plant in the region. If you have encountered Western skunk cabbage in a wetland, you know the name comes from its foul odor. This is emitted from the spadix, although the leaves can produce a similar odor when crushed.

While the scent is a deterrent for humans, pollinators are attracted to the plant for this very reason. Its primary pollinators include scavenging flies and beetles, particularly a tiny species of rove beetle.

Western skunk cabbage can be easily differentiated from the Eastern variant, which is typically dark purple. Additionally, Eastern skunk cabbage, like many other plants of the Araceae family, generates heat metabolically. Although it is a common misconception, Western skunk cabbage does not generate its own heat.

Habitat

In recent years, Western skunk cabbage has gained attention throughout parts of northern Europe as a highly invasive plant. It was introduced to the region in the early 1900s as an ornamental plant popular among gardeners. It has since spread into the local ecosystem, blocking drainage channels in parts of Britain and adversely impacting their woodlands.

In the Pacific Northwest, however, this is an important native plant that supports the health and proper functioning of stream habitats and forested wetlands. Beyond providing important resources to pollinators, it is a food source for various wildlife species, which consume the stem and seeds. Amphibians and insects take shelter under its large leaves, and its decaying foliage provides important nutrients to the soil.

Although Western skunk cabbage is not listed as endangered, a habitat in which it is one of three characteristic species is currently listed as imperiled. The Land Trust’s work to restore and protect stream and wetland habitats ensures that skunk cabbage, among other plants, can thrive in a healthy environment.

Ethnobotany

Skunk cabbage is moderately toxic and is not recommended for human consumption, as it contains crystalline shards of calcium oxalate. It has, however, been used medicinally through careful preparation to treat coughs, headaches, and respiratory ailments. It is also a great addition to Pacific Northwest gardens, helping to deter common pests like squirrels and raccoons.

As you venture out this spring, look for the bright yellow spathe pushing up through wet areas. You may just get to see (or smell) this beautiful native plant waking up, announcing spring is here!

Species Spotlight – Northern Alligator Lizard

Lindsie Lawson

Species Spotlight: Northern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea)

This month, we cast the Species Spotlight on the Northern Alligator Lizard!

The northern alligator lizard is one of only two lizards in Washington state with square scales and folds on the side of its body. Its dark eyes help differentiate it from the southern alligator lizard.

The northern alligator lizard looks exactly like one might think- akin to a baby alligator. It is known to be a bit secretive and is rarely seen in the open. Luckily, our Stewardship Manager Jake was able to spot this one up close while visiting one of our properties!

Physical Description

This is one of two alligator lizard species commonly found in Washington. Both species differ from other lizards in Washington in that they have square scales and folds on the sides of their body. Although the northern alligator lizard can vary greatly in color, it is typically gray-brown to brown with dark brown eyes. This is one way to differentiate it from the southern alligator lizard, which has yellow or gold eyes.

The northern alligator lizard can grow up to nearly 4 inches long and has a long tail, which it can easily shed if threatened by a predator. For example, the northern alligator lizard is often preyed on by house cats. In this situation, the lizard drops its tail, which will continue to wriggle around, distracting the cat and providing an opening to escape.

Tail loss can negatively impact its reproductive ability and make it more vulnerable to adverse environmental factors. However, in most cases the tail will regrow in a matter of weeks.

The northern alligator lizard has a long tail, which can be shed if threatened by a predator.

Habitat

The northern alligator lizard typically prefers cool temperatures and forested habitat, especially rocky openings, grassy areas, and woody debris. It is known for being adaptable to various conditions. Although it is not currently threatened, the northern alligator lizard can be impacted by large-scale habitat destruction with increasing development.

Habitat Restoration and Protection

Much of our work at the Nisqually Land Trust includes habitat restoration projects to restore and protect forested land. By acquiring forested areas, removing invasive plants, and planting native trees and shrubs, we work to create and conserve healthy habitat for the many species that call the Nisqually Watershed home.

Species Spotlight – Western Red Cedar

Lindsie Lawson

Species Spotlight: Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

This month, we cast the Species Spotlight on the Western Red Cedar!

Western Red Cedar sapling at a Nisqually Land Trust planting near Ohop Creek

As we near the end of planting season, we are highlighting the Western Red Cedar.

This evergreen conifer has long been important in the Pacific Northwest. Culturally, it holds great significance for tribes across Western Washington, having been utilized for millennia in homes, canoes, fishing gear, art, medicine, and more. It is naturally insect- and fungi-resistant, and the wood is evenly grained, making it economically valuable. The Western Red Cedar also provides shade critical for salmon, keeping stream temperatures cool and allowing them to thrive.

This planting season, Nisqually Land Trust staff and volunteers have planted Western Red Cedar saplings, along with other native trees and shrubs, on one of our properties along Ohop Creek.

NLT Stewardship Manager Jake Pool noted that the Western Red Cedar is “not commonly replanted in wetland areas, and when logged it is often replaced with timber species.” One reason it can be difficult to replant is that it needs to be protected from deer and elk, as they like to eat it. Those who have planted with us over the years have noticed that we stake and tube the new trees and shrubs. In doing so, we provide extra protection for the saplings until they have grown tall enough to thrive.

Black bears and other small animals often strip Western Red Cedars for sapwood.

The Western Red Cedar is also heavily utilized by other wildlife. Jake captured the photo on the right, showing a Western Red Cedar on NLT property where a black bear had clawed open and chewed on the tree, stripping it for the sapwood underneath. Smaller animals, such as porcupines and squirrels also strip the bark to line their nests and for food.

The Western Red Cedar has been heavily impacted by climate change in recent years. While it is a member of the Cypress family, it is not drought tolerant as are other Cypress trees. Since it does not have a taproot, but rather a shallow and wide-spreading root system, it cannot extend deeper for water sources when moisture levels are low. As a result, it has suffered widespread die-off over the past decade in the Pacific Northwest with warmer temperatures and repeated droughts.

One of our greatest priorities for our properties is habitat restoration. For this reason, our Stewardship Team works to plant Western Red Cedars in areas we believe they can thrive, while also removing invasives to minimize competition for water resources.

Species Spotlight – Western Toad

Lindsie Lawson

Species Spotlight: Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas)

This month, we cast the Species Spotlight on the Western Toad!

Photo and Article by Stewardship Manager Jake Pool

Western toad discovered on Land Trust property in Ashford, WA

Stewarding the land is not only about protecting and improving the land, but also observation. During recent summer work in the Nisqually Land Trust properties in Ashford, WA, known as Mt. Rainier Gateway, larger adult Western toads were found in culverts. If there are adults, there must be a breeding location nearby.  

A closer look at the maps led us to some ponds nearby that seemed like ideal habitat. These ponds are in the Nisqually Community Forest lands, a separate subsidiary non-profit of the Nisqually Land Trust. At first, walking up to the pond surrounded by subalpine meadow flowers and grasses yielded nothing in toads, but lots of pollinators enjoying the flowers. Once we got closer to the moist soil on the edge of ponds, the ground looked like it was moving amongst the foliage. We knelt down along an animal trail, and you could see hundreds of toadlets moving and hopping along the ground. All the ponds in the area had thousands of toadlets that had recently metamorphosed from their aquatic habitat.

Part of our stewardship on these lands is to bring the forest and meadows back to their natural functioning state. Most of the area had been planted densely in single conifer species of trees. Little diversity and low light levels at the forest floor does not produce a quality and diverse habitat for many species of wildlife and plants, which the toads and so many other animals need to do well.  

To restore good conditions, we thin the forest, create openings, and plant a diverse community of plants back in these areas. This important work also helps to ensure better water flow and storage over time into our wetlands, streams, and rivers, and recharges our aquifers when we encourage diverse habitats that benefits not only wildlife, but plants, salmon, and the people of the Nisqually Watershed. 

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) would like to have reports of any observations of these Western Toads or other threatened or rare species. To do so, use the ‘At-Risk” wildlife observation form: WDFW Wildlife Observations (arcgis.com) 

Learn more about the Western Toad here: Western toad | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife 

Western Toad Factoids: 

  • WDFW was very excited about the recent find. They confirmed this is the 5th known breeding population of Western Toads in Pierce County. 
  • Individual females produce approximately 12,000 eggs per clutch on average (estimated counts range 6,000 to 20,000).  
  • They spend most of their life in terrestrial habitats, such as prairies, forests, canyon grasslands and ponderosa pine-Oregon oak habitat. They only breed in waterbodies to reproduce, like wetlands, ponds, lakes, reservoir coves, and the still-water off-channel habitats of rivers, as well as river edges. 

Species Spotlight – Western Bumble Bee

Lindsie Lawson

Species Spotlight: Western Bumble Bee (Bombus occidentalis)

This month, we cast the Species Spotlight on the Western Bumble Bee!

While its coloring varies, it is commonly identified by a black abdomen and a tail that appears to be dipped in white.

Upon visiting one of our properties north of Ashford, Stewardship Manager Jake Pool found 14 different pollinators on one goldenrod patch in just 30 minutes of observation! Among these was the Western Bumble Bee.

The Western Bumble Bee is native to the west coast of the United States and Canada. What was once a common species across a vast region is now in decline and even considered quite rare.

As a generalist pollinator, the Western Bumble Bee is very important to the local ecosystem, pollinating a wide variety of flowering plants. It lives in small, annual colonies that depend on diverse flora, as well as logs, stumps, and abandoned nests throughout the nesting season. It prefers the cooler temperatures found in subalpine and montane areas.

Currently, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has classified its sensitivity to climate change as Moderate-High, as shifts in temperature, precipitation, and snowpack impact its nesting and other practices.

Conservation Concerns

The Western Bumble Bee is currently designated as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need under the State Wildlife Action Plan, as well as a Priority Species under the WDFW Priority Habitat and Species Program. In a study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey alongside bumble bee research groups, data showed a 93% decline in occupancy from 1998 to 2018. This trend of decline has continued, and recent surveys in Washington show a small number of remaining populations across the state. WDFW has requested that these be reported whenever seen.

NLT Protects Habitat

Much of our field work by partners, volunteers, and staff includes planting native plants such as Willows, Maples, Goldenrod and Pearly Everlasting, as well as invasive weed management across Nisqually Land Trust properties. By replenishing these plants which are especially popular among pollinators, we hope to support a healthy habitat for the Western Bumble Bee, along with many others.

Photo/Video Credit: Jake Pool