On Thursday, May 11, at 6pm at the Port Angeles Main Library, University of Washington Ph.D student Russell Kramer will present "From Battle Planes to Canopy Science: A brief history and modern discoveries of Sitka spruce ecosystems." This discussion will cover the history of the Sitka spruce and its place in Olympic Peninsula forestry. The Sitka spruce has played an important role in the ecology and development of the Olympic Peninsula Region, and was also important in American’s WWI efforts. Russell Kramer will give an introduction to forest management over the last 50 years, including the Northwest Forest Plan. Kramer will also explain his ongoing research in canopy science and how it relates to ecosystem management and the Sitka spruce. About Russell Kramer Russell Kramer studied tree biology and forestry at Humboldt State University. After spending five years climbing and studying in the canopy of California's redwoods, he moved to Washington State to apply research methods used for studying large redwoods to species that reach their grandest proportions on the Olympic Peninsula, such as Douglas-fir and Sitka spruce. His research on canopy ecosystems lies at the nexus of science and forest management and is a small piece in his broader interests of ecological forest management. The concept of ecological forestry includes managing forests for multiple values, including biodiversity and rural economic stability. This program is generously supported by the Port Angeles Friends of the Library. For more information about this program, email Discover@nols.org.