The coniferous forest is dominated by Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, western red cedar and western hemlock, with an understory of salal and various huckleberry species. Red Alder is common in the riparian zone. Very little old growth remains in Coos County, but the OIMB reserve is approximately 70 years old, making it one of the oldest timber stands in the county. The climate is mild, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 85 degrees F, and winter highs generally in the forties and fifties. The prevailing winter winds are from the south and southwest, bringing warm, moist air to the region.
Winter storms bring dramatic high winds and heavy rains.
The summer is generally dry and cool, characterized by northwesterly winds and coastal upwelling. Coastal fog is common. U.O. Homepage U.O. Admissions U.O. Biology Department U.O. Biology Graduate Brochure U.O. Environmental Studies Dept. These links take you outside of the OIMB web page.