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| Irresistible Siren Call of the Calypso |
Did you know that flowers can deceive bees? This month the shady forests of our Cascades and Olympics showcase the blooms of our native Calypso Orchid. Newly emerging bumblebees find the purple petals and the yellow fringe of the white bottom petal lip irresistible. Adding to the attraction is the orchid’s sweet scent-reminiscent of vanilla. But when the bee investigates the enticements of this miniature jewel it realizes that it has been duped: there is no nectar in the flower! Disappointed, the bee moves on to another orchid…unknowingly carrying waxy pollen structures that stick to the bee’s legs and thus pollinating the next orchid it visits. This bit of plant trickery is known as Pollination by Deception; by the time the bumblebee realizes that the calypso orchid is an empty promise it has already unwittingly done what the plant had intended all along…cross-fertilized the flowers! And both the bumblebee and the calypso orchid carry on…
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| Fairy slipper (Calypso bulbosa) photo by Forest Service Northern Region |
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This month we honoring the legendary band Alice in Chains as we look ‘Down in a Hole’ to find our Pacific Northwest ferns! They lie in the understory in our forests and even overhead in our trees. Our ancient ferns are part of the cultural identity of this region and some are part of our dining menu. Grab your smartphone, fire up iNaturalist, and find those ferns!
Learn more and start seeking the legends |
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| Lady Fern photo by Peggy A. Lopipero-Langmo |
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| Cooper's Hawk photo by Mick Thompson |
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| Oregon Grape photo by Leslie Seaton |
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Saturday, June 12, 2021
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Free
Advance Tickets Required
We don’t want to lose these good trees that we got, so let’s learn what we can about them. Lead Naturalist Ed Dominguez has returned to Audubon and will reveal intricate details about our trees both big and small. In our trek through the park, we will find our fruiting trees, nut bearers, and the trees that provide homes to our wildlife.
Learn more and register |
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Sunday, May 30, 2021
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Free
Advance Tickets Required
We are inviting you to come tumbling down to the park and join us in our examination of Seward's geology. Lead Naturalist Ed Dominguez has returned to Audubon and will explain how glacial retreat and seismic events have shaped our region and our park. We'll traverse the park to find visual evidence of our region's geologic journey.
Learn more and register |
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Due to the pandemic, the Center remains closed, but we are now accepting orders for curbside pick-up. Choose from many birdfeed options, fun jigsaw puzzles, handmade bird boxes, and our favorite books. Place your order online for pickup on Saturday or Sunday mornings. All orders must be placed online. No walkup purchases allowed. We’ll see you back in the park soon!
Shop online for curbside pickup |
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| Help us keep these programs free and accessible with your gift today. |
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