We're all familiar with Washington's state flower, the native Pacific Rhododendron. Did you know there is a classification for that ecosystem – it's called the Rhododendron forest. Remnants of the Rhododendron forest are on the Toandos Peninsula in Puget Sound and are technically part of a "globally imperiled plant association". This forest type has been confirmed by botanists with the Department of Natural Resources' Natural Heritage Program. Over the past decade biologists have mapped this globally rare type of forest which represents the largest occurrence of its type left in the world. Although this native forest type was once common west of the Cascades in Washington state, it has largely been eliminated by conversion to tree plantations and development. Join Jackie Canterbury as she talks with Peter Bahls, Director and Biologist for the Northwest Watershed Institute, and Heidi Eisenhour, Jefferson County Commissioner, about their collaborative efforts to protect this globally rare remaining Pacific Rhododendron forest. (Airdate: June 19, 2024)

Learn more:
Northwest Watershed Institute
WA DNR Seeks Public Comment on Expansion of Dabob Bay Natural Area until June 28
Rare Rhododendron Forests by Peter Bahls in the Natural History Society Newsletter
WA DNR Natural Heritage Program

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