I love the juniper tree habitat found here in Central Oregon. It’s the quintessential landscape of the western United States with its rough and rugged tree bark and gnarly limbs. The juniper tree plays an important role in the habitat as shelter and food for the local animals and birds. Take some time to learn about this tree with blue berries as part of your nature study lessons this week.
I’ve included a few ideas below to help you get started. Then turn to the challenge in the High Desert ebook available in the Ultimate or Journey level memberships for more ideas to use with your family.
Common Species Found in the Western United States
¨ Western Juniper or Juniperus occidentalis
¨ Rocky Mountain Juniper or Juniperus scopulorum
¨ Utah Juniper or Juniperus osteosperma
Use these ideas to get you started with your juniper tree study:
- Look in your tree field guide for juniper trees or use the links above for detailed information, including range maps.
- You may wish to view this helpful video: Rocky Mountain Juniper.
See the High Desert ebook for more juniper nature study ideas!
Please note that I will not be posting the complete challenge here on the blog. You’ll find the detailed challenge in the High Desert ebook that’s available both in the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level memberships. Sign into your account and download the ebook for the details, more links, and notebook pages.
If you don’t have a membership yet, you can click the graphic above and join today for immediate access to the 25 ebooks and so much more! Remember that all levels, even the Discovery level membership, include access to all of the archived newsletters!
Topics in this ebook include:
- Bitterbrush
- Sagebrush
- Greater sage-grouse
- Succulents
- Mountain Lion
- Coyote
- Pocket Gopher
- Bristlecone Pine
- Elk
- Turkey Vulture
- Juniper
- Snowberry
- Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel
- River Otter
Use the discount code NATURESTUDYFUN for $10 off an Ultimate Naturalist Library membership.