Douglas Fir Adaptation

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Douglas fir trees are important in the Pacific Northwest because they provide cultural, environmental and economic resources. Douglas fir trees are widespread and can be found from central British Columbia to southern Mexico, including both interior and coastal populations.

Are trees from Oregon better adapted to future climates in Washington?

Douglas fir are iconic trees of Washington, but how will they favor in future climates?

Adaptation in trees is a slow process and seeds do not move very far naturally. Assisted seed migration may be a helpful method for keeping Douglas-fir populations healthy in changing climate conditions.

The aim of this project is to provide an opportunity to learn more about climate adaptation and explore the genetic diversity of Douglas fir.

Trees from populations adapted to typical climates of Fort Lewis, Washington and the Siskiyou Mountains in Oregon were donated from the Forest Service Northwest Research Station. Together we can monitor and compare the growth of these trees in Washington.

Instructions

Contact us to request a pair of trees (or more!)

We will provide trees from Oregon and Washington seed zones.

Plant the trees in the same area, but at least 10 feet away from each other or other trees. Note that we want the trees to experience the same conditions (same amount of sun/shade, same amount of water, same amount of root disease, etc).

Measure the trees when they’re planted (measure height in cm, from the root collar (~soil line) to the very tip of the leading stem.

Try to make sure each tree receives the same amount of water throughout the summer.

Remeasure the trees after summer.

The form below can be used to submit the data.

Donated Trees

Trees in this project were donated by the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station. Thank you!