Western Red Cedar | Kurt Thorson

Following the preserve’s Sylvan Loop Trail, we will visit a grove of old-growth western red cedar to experience the impressive stature and powerful spirit of these coastal lowland forest denizens. Doug Couvalier and Ruthie Dougherty will share information and stories of the unique natural and cultural history of this signature species, enriching our understanding and appreciation of the arborvitae, “tree of life.”

Douglas Couvalier grew up on the Olympic Peninsula and began working in northwest forests as a young man. He spent time in logging camps in Oregon and Alaska, and 20 years with a small contract logging company in Bellingham, before retraining as a dislocated timber worker. After graduating from Skagit Valley College and Western Washington University, he spent 17 years with the Upper Skagit Tribe Natural Resources Department working in the Skagit River Watershed. Douglas has been gathering and processing cedar bark since 1990, and has taken many weaving classes from tribal and nontribal artisans.

Group size is limited to 15 people.

When: Saturday, August 14th, 1:00pm—3:00pm.

Where: Marilyn and Fred Ellis Preserve, Shaw Island, WA

This event is full, please email Sierra if you’d like to be informed of the next walk, Sierra@sjpt.org.