Kamiak Butte County Park with Landon Day 13

Day 13 July 21, 2017

Today we got up and drove toward Pullman, about 10 to 15 miles before Pullman there is a state park, Kamiak Butte. There we met up with a graduate student from WSU that is from the Flathead tribe. He has been studying Pileated Woodpeckers. It was very interesting learning about the woodpeckers. I didn't know they were a keystone species. The cavity they make in the dead trees are used by many species, including squirrels, birds, chipmunks, and weasels. He didn't trap or tag the woodpeckers. He only monitored their activities. He didn't even actually see any. I really enjoyed listening to his knowledge. He also did a lesson with us on the butte about the aspects of the mountain and the different vegitation, trees, moisture, wind, and the amount of photons that reached the ground. North East aspect of the Butte was shady, lots of diversity in trees and vegitation, cool and less wind. The South West aspect was very dry, a lot of dead plant species, shrubs, and sparse Pondarosa Pines.

I really like the Coeur' Dalene wellness center. We were able to shower and use the Wi-Fi. I was thankful for the tribes hospitality. All the tribes that we have visited have been very hospitable. We are all very thankful. Off to the Pow Wow for dinner. Our last night here. I am thankful for all who made this experience possible.

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