Module 6 Conditions
Resources
Additional activities, a behind-the-scenes gallery, recommended books, and more.
About this Guide
A “bit” of Weather
The best part of field work is that you learn to do things no matter how bad the weather may be. Weather has certainly been challenging for shooting videos over the past week. It feels like a metaphor for life right about now. No matter how overwhelming and intractable problems may be, we get out of bed and make some progress. Eventually we will look back on these times, and if nothing else, we will have an amazing story to tell.
Lesley
Additional Marine Invertebrate Videos
Although we like to spend a lot of time in the field, sometimes an aquarium provides unbeatable access to organisms.
This octopus video was shot at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport OR before the pandemic.
Tiny hermit crabs in a “jewel tank” at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, also in Newport OR.
Although coral reef tanks can be expensive to set up and maintain, once you have rooted in to a location, a marine tank can be a relaxing and rewarding form of indoor gardening.
Visit Succession in Action
We are at the site of the B & B Complex fires that occurred in 2003. This large disturbance has been followed by a period of succession that you can visit as you travel on Highway 20 through the Cascade Mountains.
This location is primarily Ponderosa Pine. Unfortunately decades of fire suppression led to fires laddering (climbing) up trees, causing significant damage.
This is a heavily managed site, with different techniques utilized in different areas. Some areas already have young trees growing, others still have exposed charred stumps.
Charred cones are still visible in some areas. Burnt logs are falling apart. In damp areas they are nursing the next generation of trees.
Shrubs are growing and protected underneath are the new conifer seedlings.
Cloud Collecting
Cloud collecting has become more popular in recent years, in part because some cloud formations are more likely to occur at popular travel destinations. However, unless you are in a low-moisture environment like the tundra or desert, you may have a wide range of clouds to collect in your area. We recommend: clouds at sunset & sunrise as well as taking cloud photos as a passenger by plane, train, or automobile. There are a number of cloud identification resources available online.
Behind-the-Scenes
Uschi “requested” a few takes for the grooming video :).
Arrived at the coast at high tide? You can study the barnacles and clams on the high rocks, or enjoy the unique salt-tolerant coastal vegetation along the trails leading to the tidal pools. No trip is a wasted trip, there is always more to observe.
Many of our photos and videos come from the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Oregon Coast Aquarium, both located in Newport, Oregon. Hatfield is free to the public and has a strong educational and research mission. The Aquarium is not cheap, but has a unique focus on the Pacific Ocean habitats close to Oregon.
Recommended Books (journaling edition)
A classic look at using nature journaling to learn about yourself as well.
Interested in writing on a regular basis, possibly professionally? A great source of ideas.
This book takes the intimidation out of blank pages with creative prompts.
