Most advise to see the forest through the trees. Steve and Martha Ellis of Coupeville say to see the trees through the forest.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Ellises will present “Life Among the Trees,” at the Coupeville Library from 3-4:30 p.m. The presentation will help attendees identify the main flora and fauna species in Whidbey forests and how they work together to maintain the ecosystem.

“To me, a lot of people seem to see a forest as a collection of trees, and I want people to understand how it all fits together,” said Steve, former president of the Whidbey Audubon Society and Whidbey Camano Land Trust blogger. “All the various layers of the forest complement each other and protect each other.”

Martha, a Washington Native Plant Society member, has led field trips and presented on natural history in Coupeville with Steve for over 30 years.

Whidbey fosters a diverse range of forest systems, Steve said, including wetland forests, old growth forests and second growth forests.

“We’re just ahead of the game,” he said. “I really wish (everywhere) had forests like we have.”

With better understanding of Whidbey’s forests comes greater protection of them, he said.

Choosing a favorite tree for the Ellises is as hard as choosing a favorite bird, he said. It’s like asking a parent to choose a favorite child.

That said, Steve was able to narrow it down to the “good ol’” Douglas fir, western red cedar and Sitka spruce.

Whidbey’s forests host 60 bird species throughout the year and a dozen mammals, he said.

“There’s a lot going on in there that maybe people don’t realize,” he said.

Steve Ellis searches for wildlife near South Whidbey State Park. (Photo provided)