Natural history shares wonders of the Peninsula

When Coke Smith, a conservation biologist, moved to the North Olympic Peninsula about a decade ago, he wanted to learn about the natural history and current makeup of the plants and animals.

He thought, what better way to do that than by teaching a course?

For the past seven years, he has been teaching "Natural History of the North Olympic Peninsula" as a community education class through Peninsula College.

The 22 hours of class time are made up of learning the intricacies of the flora and fauna of the Peninsula - from the oceanic creatures to those that wander in the subalpine environments.

"We also discuss current events such as the removal of the Elwha River dams and its effects on the area," Smith said.

Smith said when he lived in Northern California, he taught several similar classes about the natural history there.

"Every class I've taught has been different, has changed with who is in it and what I've learned since the last one.

One year, Smith had a man with a biology Ph.D. specializing in salmon, in class "and that just elevates the conversation to a whole new level," he said.

But the class isn't all about sitting indoors. It will be filled with a host of field trips.

"That is one of my favorite parts about this course," Smith said.

"We really get to go out and get up close with all of these things we are talking about.

"One of the usual favorites of the students is when I take them to my house.

"I have 15 acres of land (in Port Angeles), and I talk about sustainable farming."

Smith talks about the basics of what native species are good to grow, how to plant them and sustain them - and the occasional visit from animals from the nearby woods always impresses, he said.

"That class always seems to be a crowd pleaser," he said.

But for Smith it is the study of the mammals of the area that is his passion - from the elk and bear to the marmots and fishers, he said he never tires of talking about them, or taking pictures.

"The mammals are what really get me excited when we run into them in the Olympic National Park," he said.

Smith said newcomers to the Peninsula are often his students.

"They come for the same reason I started teaching - to learn about this area," he said.

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Information from: Peninsula Daily News, http://www.peninsuladailynews.com