Chartered by Congress, the National Forest Foundation was created with a simple mission: bring people together to restore and enhance our National Forests and Grasslands. Forests provide us with summer recreation opportunities, beautiful places, but also essential resources like clean air and water. As we enter the summer, large scale wildfire is an urgent and ongoing threat that is growing as a result of the climate crisis we're in. Donations to NFF help with large-scale wildfire prevention, watershed protection, habitat restoration, and recreation improvements. You can help (and learn more) at https://ift.tt/X8nJzvY Images from Coyote Wall near White Salmon, Washington

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CsWP52GJVBs/

Have you been to Oregon's ghost forest? Low tide at Neskowin Beach is the best time to catch a glimpse of the petrified stumps of what was once an oceanside forest. Then, as you walk north up the beach, passing Proposal Rock and heading toward Porter Point, every step brings you closer to Pacific City's Haystack Rock, the Nestucca River, and views of Cape Kiwanda. I've done this nearly ten-mile out-and-back hike several times over the years, but back in October 2019, I was visiting this beach for the very first time. People from out of state frequently tell me how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful and varied place. But they don't know how few Oregonians, even those who love the outdoors, make it to more than a handful of their favorite places. There's nothing wrong with having a favorite place or two to visit over and over and over again. I have my favorites - Short Sand Beach, the tunnel at Oceanside, Twin Rocks. But I've also been trying to get to new places, to expand my experience of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. What are your favorites? Where do you go when you head over to the Coast?

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CsRWmxeRuQC/

The sun was coming up so beautifully this morning, so I took a little extra time in the garden to see about what work I'll need to focus on before the heat this weekend. 1) Blueberries are flowering everywhere, and the tulips we didn't get in the ground until March are blooming late but strong. I think we'll have them for at least another week! 2) Bleeding heart are proliferating in blossoms, especially the two giants near the entrance walkway. 3) Peonies are just about ready to finally show themselves. 4) Light coming through the side yard highlights astilbe, heuchera, and the trunks of dogwood, maple, and magnolia. 5) Our 70-year-old dogwood is nearing peak bloom, and the younger dogwood is just starting to flower. 6) The first columbine!

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CsEJ8z3LcUg/

Back in the fall of 2019, I visited the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument for the first time in my life. This morning, I was reminiscing, thinking about another visit, and I found these never-before posted images. Over our 3-day stay, we carried two water bottles each, put on lots of sunscreen, and tried to get in most of our hiking in the morning. In this part of the state, even in late September, it gets awfully warm in the middle of the day. We celebrated our last night there with steaks at the Snaffle Bit Dinner House. More images on unsplash.com/@ericmuhr

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/Cr_eE33pIIU/