Elk seek shelter in heavily wooded forests for protection from the weather and predators. They can weigh up to 700 lbs., grazing in open areas and eating grasses, twigs, berries, mushrooms, and wildflowers. We have to be careful which tree species we plant near large elk populations, as they like to munch on our seedlings, too! Believe it or not, male elks’ antlers can grow as much as an inch per-day!

The name might be a little deceiving, because these squirrels can’t fly like a bird. They glide. Membranes connecting the wrists of their front legs to the ankles of their back legs allow them to transform into a fairly flat, square shape that can float through the air as much as 150 feet at a time. Northern Flying Squirrels prefer mature conifer forests, where they seek shelter in tree cavities and abandoned birds’ nests. They eat nuts, fungi, insects, fruit and seeds.

They’re called mushrooms, but these brightly-colored blooms are actually formed when a mushroom is parasitized by another fungus that gives it that Hallmark reddish-orange color. These wild, edible fungi grow at the base of conifer trees like ours, often hidden among moss or leaves on the forest floor.

Martens are weasel-like mammals who prefer mature forests, where they can seek shelter in hollowed trees, ground burrows and vegetation like salal. Though they are only 1 to 3 ½ lbs. when full-grown, they like a home range sometimes spanning more than 1000 acres! That makes large, interconnected wildlife corridors provided by landowners like Rayonier especially fitting. Martens eat a wide variety of foods, including squirrels, birds, reptiles, insects and berries.

The Northern Spotted Owl is a threatened species that prefers older forest habitats which provide the right conditions for nesting, roosting and foraging. In order to fly and search for prey, they also need open areas nearby. Mostly hunting at night, they eat flying squirrels, woodrats, rabbits, birds and other small prey.

Salal is a dense bush that naturally grows in our mature forests. It prefers moist soils and is easily scorched by the sun, making the wet, shady environment of our Pacific Northwest forests an ideal home. Salal leaves and berries are a beloved snack for deer and other wildlife. Salal also attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and—actually—brides-to-be. The rich green leaves are a favorite foliage for bouquets. Floral companies source them from our forests!