Pacific Northwest to northern California, extending into Idaho and Montana. Organism 8: Oregon Silverspot Butterfly Scientific Name: Speyeria zerene hippolytaThis butterfly is orange and brown with silver spots on the undersides of both wings. Historically, this species was found along the pacific coasts of southern Washington and northern Oregon. Today, populations of the Oregon silverspot butterfly within Washington have been extirpated. This medium sized butterfly is reliant on coastal salt-spray meadows and other open fields where the climate is characterized by mild temperatures, heavy rainfall, and fog. The most important feature of the habitat is the presence of the western blue violet (Viola adunca), which is the essential food source for silverspot larvae. This habitat is rare due to invasive vegetation and development. Oregon silverspot populations are believed to be currently extinct within Washington State. Small numbers are still found in Oregon and with the reintroduction of the western blue violet (Viola adunca) into damaged habitat, populations will return to Washington StateOrganism 9: Coho salmonScientific Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch Multnomah Creek is home to the Coho Salmon. Many Coho migrate here from the Pacific Ocean to spawn during mid October. During spawning season, the males turn brick red, while the females turn dark silver. At the age of three, the Coho will leave the Pacific Ocean return to Multnomah Creek to spawn and die. However, only a small percentage of salmon live to reach their natal stream or spawning grounds. Those males that survive the trip are often gaunt, with grotesquely humped backs, hooked jaws and battle-torn fins. The females are swollen with a pound or more of eggs. Both have large white patches of bruised skin on their backs and sides. Since salmon do not feed once they leave the ocean, some will die on the way because they lack enough stored body fat to make the trip. Many...
