The Mouse-Tail Tree

Explore the story of the mighty Douglas Fir 🌲—from its mouse-tail cone legend and 7,000-year history in the Puget Lowland to its key, and sometimes controversial, role in shaping the landscape and lumber boom of Washington state.

This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest David B. Williams.

Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes:

• Washington Icon: The Douglas Fir by David B. Williams
• The Mineral Tree, a 393-foot Douglas fir in Lewis County, falls in 1930 by David B. Williams
• Modern plant communities in the Puget lowland begin to thrive around 7,000 years ago by David B. Williams

Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode:

• David Douglas arrives at Fort Vancouver to begin two years of botanical exploration on April 20, 1825 by Kit Oldham
• Tyee Creek Fire burns 135,000 acres for 33 days north of Wenatchee, beginning on July 24, 1994 by David Wilma
• Northgate Center lights the world's tallest Christmas tree — a 212-foot Douglas fir — on November 24, 1950 by Phil Dougherty

For more from David B. Williams check out:

• www.GeologyWriter.com
• The Street Smart Naturalist podcast
• Articles written for HistoryLink

For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the:

• HistoryLink.org Podcast Page