Learn about local trees in Kevin Zobrist’s new book

EVERETT — A beautiful new guide book about native trees is garnering rave reviews for author Kevin Zobrist.

As Washington State University Extension’s associate professor of forestry in Everett, Zobrist teaches adult education courses and provides forest stewardship resources for land owners and tree farmers in King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Whatcom counties.

Zobrist will talk about his new book, “Native Trees of Western Washington: A Photographic Guide,” as well as sign copies and answer tree questions at 7 p.m. March 4, at the Mill Creek University Book Store, 15311 Main St.

Proceeds from the sale of the 140-page soft-cover, full-color book go to WSU’s forestry program. The book, published by Washington State University Press, lists for $18.95.

Anyone who loves to walk in the woods will appreciate the guide book’s comprehensive portrait of the trees that make up the lush native forests of Western Washington.

A good writer, photographer and down-to-earth scientist, Zobrist provides information on more than 32 species of trees. The reader learns the key features of each, where to find them and what’s especially notable about each.

He covers basic tree physiology in easy-to-understand terms (he is, after all, employed by the land-grant university whose mission is to help the people of the state) and he breaks down the differences among conifer and broadleaf trees, why they grow where they do, the cycle of forest development and why trees are important to our air, water and wildlife.

At the end of each four-page chapter, Zobrist provides quick facts, such as how high each tree grows and how long it lives, along with traditional Coast Salish uses and the modern or commercial uses of each tree. There are close-up photos of foliage, flowers, cones and bark.

“I learned a lot by writing the book,” Zobrist said. “I thought I knew all the native species, but in a peer-review I learned that I had missed a tree named the golden chinkapin, which you can find along the Columbia River Gorge.”

Lots of details are included in the book.

In his chapter on big leaf maples, Zobrist also writes about native vine maples, which are technically shrubs, and about the growing interest in the Northwest in using big leaf maple sap for syrup.

The author’s favorite tree, the white bark pine, is a high-elevation species that has become rare in the state after suffering from pine beetle infestation and blister rust. It’s an interesting, twisted and windswept tree that isn’t easy to find.

“It used to be there was a nice grove of the pines near the parking lot at Sunrise on Mount Rainier,” he said. “Climate change is playing a part in the survival of some of these trees that live on the margin.”

Zobrist is pleased with the response to his book so far, especially as a cultural resource for people who grew up in Western Washington and are proud of where they live, he said.

“The comments and raves about the book have wowed me,” he said. “I’ll take ‘em.”

Zobrist, 37, grew up in Redmond and learned to love trees at an early age. His favorite tree story is one from childhood, when he climbed a willow tree and ended up hanging upside down from the cuff of his jeans, which was caught on a branch.

“My mom saved me,” he said. “The book is dedicated to her. Her editing skills always saved me, too.”

Zobrist earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forestry at the University of Washington and worked in research there before taking the job with WSU Extension in 2007.

The author previously self-published a 330-page hardcover coffee table book on U.S. National Parks. Zobrist has visited each one, except for eight remote parks in Alaska and one each in the Virgin Islands and Samoa.

“Pictures and Footprints: A Journey Through America’s National Parks” is available at www.blurb.com.

“Those are my hobbies — the national parks, trees and photography.”

Zobrist will offer his next forest stewardship series on Monday evenings March 30 through May 18. More information is at forestry.wsu.edu/nps/events/cpsnoco.

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @galefiege.