Oak Observations April 2024
April Flowers
April is one of the most colorful times in the East Cascades oak landscape. Wildflowers in cheerful yellows and dramatic purples paint the landscape after the long grey winter, offering us moments for reflection and joy.
For this month’s Oak Observations, we’ve interspersed images of the Gorge (all taken in April between 2018 and now) with poems from the 2022 Friends of the Gorge Haiku Challenge. We hope it inspires you to take a moment during this busy season to observe and enjoy the oak landscapes that make our home so incredible.
Winter's icy grip
Gone. Water flows, Gorge awakes
Explodes in colors
-Judy B.
The three images above were taken by Columbia Land Trust staff in 2023 and 2022 from the Klickitat to the Mt. Hood National Forest. From left to right: checker lily (Fritillaria affinis), shooting stars (Dodecatheon poeticum), big head clover (Trifolium macrocephalum).
Ancient stone and wood
that connects us to our past
The Gorge is our home
-Tyler Love
Ancient and new.
Among her splendors we stand,
Breathless in each light.
-Connie Coleman
Gorge falls, winds chant hymns
Wildflowers paint canvas hills
I stand, silent awe
-Bradley Hankins
ECOP is grateful to the many talented photographers who share their work for nonprofit use. Your images help share stories of ecological resilience and uncover moments that call us to action.
If you have images you’ve taken in East Cascades oak landscapes that can elevate oak conservation goals, drop us a line at oaks@columbialandtrust.org.