Oregon is known for its diverse flora and fauna. But what makes this range of plant and animal life possible? According to conservationist Phillip Elden, it is, at least in part, due to the temperate climate of the region. There are four distinct seasons in Oregon but none of them are extreme.

Spring

Spring is the wet season, says Phillip Elden. But contrary to how the state is depicted in the media, it doesn’t rain every day. Instead, Oregon has warm weather with many days full of sunshine. Showers are common but often clear out by noon, leaving plenty of sun to help the colorful trees of the season bloom.

Summer

From July through September, Oregon is warmer, sometimes hitting 100 degrees. Phillip Elden notes that humidity is reasonable and rarely jumps higher than 60 percent. The best part about summer in the state is the long days. Darkness doesn’t fall until well after 9:30 and June can stay daylight until after 10PM.

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In 2016, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife created residential dock guidelines for homeowners with waterfront property. According to Phillip Elden, the guidelines have the express intent of protecting Oregon’s diverse aquatic wildlife. Here, Elden shares information about them.

Q: What is the purpose behind the residential dock guidelines?

Phillip Elden: The new rules were put into place to protect fish habitats and reduce predation of local species. According to some studies, man-made structures, including ramps, boathouses, and docks, alter fish behavior and have a negative impact on natural habitats. As residential developments continue to thrive, the state found it necessary to enact regulations to protect endangered species.

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Unlike domestic dogs, wolves have yet to acclimate to humans. But, conservationist Phillip Elden says that’s okay. Wolves are one of his favorite animals, and one he believes deserves everyone’s attention and respect. Keep reading as the Oregon native answers a few questions about this colossal canine.

Q: How many different types of wolves are there?

Phillip Elden: There are two known species of wolves in the world. However, there are many subspecies, and it can be difficult to differentiate one from another. Many scientists believe that there are even more wolves tucked away in remote regions and that some may be misclassified as jackals or other canine-like mammals.

Q: What is the difference between a gray wolf and a red wolf?

Phillip Elden: Gray wolves are large and are what you typically think of when you think of a wolf. A red wolf is closer to the size of a coyote and may be brown with a reddish tint.

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Throughout Oregon, we enjoy an abundance of rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. But how much do we really know about these ever-connected aquatic veins, which meander throughout much of the West Coast. Here, Phillip Elden answers a few common questions on rivers.

Q: What do all rivers and streams have in common?

Phillip Elden: While no two rivers look exactly alike, they are all similar in that they begin high. The high point of a running body of water can be found in an elevated area such as a mountain or hill. Rivers often begin as snowmelt, or are initiated by a natural spring. Small streams almost always find their way to one another to become larger rivers and rivers always find their way to a larger body of water, such as a lake or ocean.

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Phillip Elden, and Oregon-based conservation specialist, says that one of the best ways to fully appreciate what Mother Nature has provided is to get out into the big wide world. And there are plenty of ways to do just that without having to pitch a tent and rough it for the weekend.

According to Phillip Elden, over the last couple of decades, there has been a trend toward wilderness travel. This means people are taking vacations that emphasize nature over urban areas. In Washington, for example, the Alderbrook Resort and Spa gives visitors access to more than 500 acres of hiking and incorporates a mountain theme throughout the expansive resort.

Visitors to Yellowstone National Park have a less luxurious but equally impressive experience awaiting at the Old Faithful Inn, the famous resort built in 1903. Phillip Elden notes that this historic landmark is void of luxuries including air-conditioning and television. Instead, it encourages vacationers to take advantage of the surrounding landscape and to spend time outdoors.

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In a perfect world, campfires would stay contained and be used only for s’mores and hot dogs. However, it’s not a perfect world and the vast majority of wildfires, which are sometimes fatal, are caused by careless campers. Phillip Elden says education is the best weapon against tragedy.

According to Phillip Elden, your first priority if you’re planning to build a campfire is to make sure that your particular site allows fires in the first place. Check with your local park ranger to see if there are burn bans in place and pay attention to the wind. A mild breeze is likely not a problem, however, high winds can easily send smoldering debris through the air, and leave your fire out of control.

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You already know you aren’t supposed to feed wild animals but do you know why? Here, conservation strategist Phillip Elden offers four answers to that very important question.

1. Your food wasn’t made for animal bellies.

According to Phillip Elden, people food does not contain the right balance of protein and fat to be healthy to wild animals. In fact, feeding the ducks and geese at the local lake can even deform the animals you’re trying to help out. Waterfowl that subsist on a diet of human-provided crackers, bread, and popcorn may develop “angel wings,” wings that aren’t strong enough to fly.

2. Feeding wild animals makes them less fearful of people.

You’re scared of wolves and bears but they, along with most other creatures, are also afraid of you. When you feed deer and other seemingly docile critters, you allow them to lose this fear and that’s not a good thing. Phillip Elden cautions that animals that become comfortable around humans can quickly become a hazard.

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