Usually when we think of plants, we think of green leaves photosynthesizing in the sun. We call these autotrophs because they create their own energy. But there are some oddball plants, called heterotrophs, that get their energy from outside sources. Some of these parasitic plants attach straight to the root of a host plant, while others, known as mycotrophic, use fungi as intermediaries to derive energy from nearby host plants ..read more

I’m always happy to see somebody run past me on the trails. They are usually smiling kids, eager to see what lies ahead. But adults, too, with a little sweat running down their face, let their bodies ebb and flow over the gentle hills of the Alderbrook Woods ..read more

Everybody knows Alderbrook has big trees, beautiful mountain views, and a glacier-carved fjord. But did you know we have alligators, too? Not actual 10 foot long alligators, thank goodness. Rather, the 10 inch long northern alligator lizard ..read more

From fairybells, fawn lilies, false solomon’s seals, and fox gloves to trilliums, twin flowers, irises, and violets, Alderbrook is a glorious place to hunt for wildflowers ..read more

We’re celebrating Earth Day out here at Alderbrook Resort & Spa the best way we know how: by planting trees. You can help us sustain our shared planet by booking a room on Earth Day (Friday, April 22nd, 2022) for any day in the future, and we will plant a tree ..read more

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There’s not a more exciting time in the outdoors than March. It’s a clear break from the dreary days of winter with the coming of spring ..read more

We are lucky to have a plethora of fruiting plants here in the PNW. As one species starts to wane, another ripens in its place. Right now is prime picking season for salal berries, which are arguably the best we have (Disclaimer: I say this about EVERY berry). The dark blue berries are sweet, juicy, and best of all, plentiful ..read more

A hiker recently saw me armed with a pick and shovel and asked if I was mining for gold. I was just doing some trail maintenance with no intention of looking for literal gold in these hills, but I am aware of another kind of “gold” found here, the American matsutake mushroom ..read more