West-Side Natural Wonders: If you're suffering from Spring Fever, there's an easy cure: Head west of the Cascades! The Portland area is already popping with gorgeous wildflowers, easy-to-spot migratory birds, and blooming trees — including many species you can't find in Central Oregon. LeeAnn Kriegh, author of The Nature of Portland and The Nature of Bend, will share some of her favorite west-side adventures, with tips on when and where to go to see turtles, listen to owls, taste strawberries, walk under 200-year-old oak trees, and much more. 

 About The Nature Of Portland:

Learn what’s buzzing in the backyard and blooming on area trails with this one-of-a-kind guide to Portland-area plants and animals. It’s a fresh, funny take on the city’s species, with inspiration on where to go, what to grow, and how to get more enjoyment out of the nature right outside your door.

Inside you'll find:
--When and where to go to see more than 360 plants and animals
--Local natural history, ecology, stories, and fun facts
--Stunning full-color photos of every species
--10 “treasure hunts,” from Powell Butte to Fernhill Wetlands
--Dozens of gardening and hiking tips

 Author Bio:

LeeAnn Kriegh is the author of two nature guides to her favorite places in Oregon: The Nature of Bend and The Nature of Portland. Both books, written with the help of dozens of local naturalists and photographers, have served as a creative outlet from her "real job" as a writer for businesses and nonprofits across the country. LeeAnn lives in Bend with her partner and forever foster dog.