Western Pearlshell

Invertebrates > Freshwater Mussels

The Western Pearlshell (Margaritifera falcata) is an ancient, venerable freshwater bivalve that ranks among the longest-lived animals on planet Earth, with individual mussels routinely living for over a century. Clustered in dense multi-generational beds along clean,...

Dunn’s Salamander

Amphibians > Woodland Salamanders

Dunn’s Salamander (Plethodon dunni) is a handsome, lungless woodland salamander endemic to the cool, rain-drenched coastal ranges of the Pacific Northwest. Completely lacking lungs and breathing entirely through its moist, vascularized skin and the lining of its...

Northwestern Garter Snake

Reptiles > Colubrids & Harmless Snakes

The Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) is a gentle, charming, and extraordinarily polymorphic harmless serpent native to the lush maritime habitats of the Pacific Northwest. Famous among herpetologists as one of the most colorfully variable snakes in...

Townsend’s Chipmunk

Mammals > Rodents

Townsend’s Chipmunk (Neotamias townsendii) is the largest and darkest of all western North American chipmunks, perfectly adapted to the dripping, moss-draped temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Darting with lightning speed beneath fallen redwood logs...

Salal

Plants > Shrubs

Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is an iconic, leathery-leaved evergreen shrub that blankets the floor of Pacific Northwest coastal temperate rainforests in an emerald sea of lush, glossy foliage. Revered by indigenous coastal cultures as one of the most vital berry plants...