Bulletin Article: The Fossil Forests of Eastern Washington
A nearly 50-million-year-old fossil leaf from the Okanagan Highlands. It most likely belonged to a type of serviceberry (Amelanchier), a member of the rose family. (Photo by Daniel Mount)
The Okanagan Highlands of Eastern Washington are thought to be one of the birthplaces of today’s Northern Hemisphere temperate forests. Described as ancient “orchards” and “gardens,” they contain the world’s oldest fossil records of some of Washington State’s economic staples: apple (Malus), cherry (Prunus), and raspberry (Rubus).
In the latest issue of the Washington Park Arboretum Bulletin, Daniel Mount describes the ancient forests of the Okanagan and how the fossils were formed. Read the full article.
