Forest Medicine

With rainy weather returning to our region, the forest ecosystem is getting a long awaited drink. In 2025, South Whidbey experienced the driest period to date in 40 years! Hemlock and cedar are showing signs of drought stress with needles desiccating and dying from an unusually warm and dry summer.

While needle loss is a normal process with trees shedding their older needles every three to five years, drought affects the newer tissues as well causing them to turn brown and die prematurely. The forest soils are still quite dry, but the cooler weather and moisture will help to relieve the stress the trees have been under. 

The understory has really benefited from the recent weather as well, and the mosses in particular are resplendent with new growth and vitality. The drop in temperature along with rain stimulates the mycelium in the soil to expand and begin producing fruiting bodies for spore distribution. These beautiful mushroom structures are an excellent reminder of the abundant life that's active underfoot. 

Fall is a great time of year to get out for a walk in the forest, and take in the magical abundance of the natural world.
 

Larry Rohan, Whidbey Institute Forest Steward