Hello again from Umpqua National Forest!

August has been a month focused primarily on seed collection, as many plants have begun to dry out and complete their life cycles. We’ve broadened our collection this month to include several new species: nettle-leaf giant hyssop, celebrated for its aromatic foliage and striking spikes of purple flowers (the fragrance of which lingers on your hands long after you touch it); cow parsnip, with its towering, umbrella-like clusters of white blooms that almost look like something from a prehistoric landscape; aspen fleabane, a delicate wildflower resembling a daisy; and Rydberg’s penstemon, whose vibrant tubular flowers act like a neon “open” sign for pollinators.

The mornings here are starting to feel notably cooler, hinting at the gradual onset of the fall season. The crisp air is a refreshing reminder of the changing times and the approaching end of our busy fieldwork season. With the cold also comes the ceremonial layering of jackets and sweaters, only to strip them off by noon because the day heats up again—a constant guessing game with the weather.

Our botany team has also evolved this month. We’ve gone from nine members to five, as some colleagues have left to return to school for the academic year. It feels a bit like losing key players in a big game, but I’m committed to making the best of it and continuing our work with the same dedication and enthusiasm. Another development this month has been the gradual improvement in fire conditions. Earlier, wildfires limited our access to many regions, with heavy smoke reducing visibility. Now, as some of the fires subside, air quality has noticeably improved, and previously closed areas are becoming accessible once more. Overall, August has been a month of transition and discovery.

Each day feels like a new chapter in this ongoing adventure, filled with stunning views, unexpected encounters, and the ever-present reminder that nature’s beauty is both resilient and ever-changing.

I’ve been working in the Umpqua National Forest for a month and a half now, and in that time, I’ve witnessed incredible changes in the landscape around me. I’ve made memories that I’ll cherish for a long time, and I’ve captured countless photos. Beyond the breathtaking scenery I’m fortunate to work in every day, the most fascinating transformation I’ve observed has been the plants’ progression from fruit development to seed dispersal. This shift in the natural world has also marked a change in my work, as I’ve transitioned from managing invasive species to the exciting task of seed collection. So far, we’ve gathered seeds from 14 different native species (to list a few: Oregon sunshine, yarrow, blue wild rye, red columbine, deer vetch, serviceberries, etc.)

In this short time, I’ve learned so much. Being part of a larger botany team—nine strong—composed of like-minded, hardworking individuals has been an incredible experience. Our shared enthusiasm turns each day’s work into a collective endeavor that feels both purposeful and rewarding. We’ve supported each other through challenging tasks, celebrated our successes, and learned from the forest and from each other.

However, the recent wildfires here in the Umpqua National Forest have posed a significant challenge. These fires have lead to forest closures that overlap with many populations of interest, which has forced us to adapt and develop new strategies. These have included scouting for new populations to collect from that are large enough and with viable seed, with no previous historic data. Another hardship has been waiting for waivers to come in to permit us to enter parts of the forest closed due to fire activity, which has delayed both scouting and collection efforts.

The work we do in managing invasive species and collecting seeds becomes even more crucial in this context, as these efforts help to ensure that the forest can recover and continue to thrive after a fire. In the end, my experience here has deepened my appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and the critical role we play in preserving it.

My journey to the Umpqua National Forest began in Tucson, Arizona, just as summer temperatures were beginning to soar above 100°F—truly perfect timing. As I traversed through Nevada, the landscape stretched out into endless desert, a stark contrast to the lush greenery that awaited me in northern California and Oregon. Having lived my entire life amidst the color palette of earthy reds, oranges, and browns of southern Arizona, the sudden transition to Oregon’s verdant scenery felt like stepping into another world entirely. Towering trees and dense foliage surrounded me upon my arrival, hiding rivers, lakes, and waterfalls within their depths. Mosses, ferns, and wildflowers thrive beneath the canopy, painting the forest floor with bursts of color.

My experience thus far working in the Umpqua National Forest has been both magical and educational. Coming into this internship with limited knowledge of plant physiology and identification, I initially felt a bit nervous. However, any uncertainty quickly dissipated when I met my coworkers and incredible supervisor. Working alongside such kind and knowledgeable botanists who patiently answer my questions has not only allowed me to learn a wealth of new information in just two weeks but has also been an absolute delight. The sense of community and welcoming atmosphere here is truly remarkable. I deeply appreciate the effort they put into planning group gatherings and events, especially for those of us who are far from home and may feel a bit lonely during this internship.

During my short time here, I’ve learned to identify numerous native species that call this forest home, some of which we will later collect seeds from. I’ve also been sharpening my hiking, navigation, and mapping skills. Furthermore, I’ve been gaining valuable experience in restoration work, including identifying and properly removing invasive species.

In the past few weeks, I’ve seen some of the most breathtaking sights and more stunning wildflowers and vegetation than I have in my entire life. It’s still surreal to me that I get to spend my summer in this beautiful place, and I’m eagerly looking forward to embarking on new adventures and absorbing more knowledge each day!