The concept of “refugia” has gained traction in recent decades, and this Friday unveils an art show inspired by these safe spaces in the Blue Mountains.

The show, “Refugia of the Blue Mountains,” features art by Robin Coen and writings by Marina Richie. It opens at 5 p.m. Friday, May 2, at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave., Baker City, followed by an artist talk at 5:30 p.m.

To help explain the show’s theme, David Mildrexler, systems ecologist for the Wallowology Discovery Center in Joseph, will present “Refugia and Why the Blue Mountains Really Matter” at 6 p.m.

He gave a similar presentation when “Refugia” opened in May 2024 at the World Center for Birds of Prey near Boise.

“I’m excited to support Marina and Robin,” he said.

Coen created her watercolors as part of the first Wild Blues artist-in-residence program through the Greater Hells Canyon Council. She grew up on a cattle ranch in Eastern Oregon, and now lives in Boise. Richie grew up in the National Park Service and lives in Bend. Her book “Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher” won the 2024 John Burroughs Medal and a National Outdoor Book Award.

Mildrexler’s talk

At Wallowology, Mildrexler focuses on forest ecology, climate change, carbon cycles and conservation. He defines refugia as “places that are special, unique, safe and secure for a species or process.”

He said refugia can refer to a vast wilderness landscape, or a shaded alcove in a stream that provides refuge for a salamander.

He said he’ll talk about refugia in terms of the world, as well as how it relates to the Blue Mountains.

“The Blue Mountains are a huge migration corridor from the Cascades to the Rocky Mountains,” he said.

He’ll talk about aspects of refugia, from cold water for fish and people, to the trees that store carbon. He’ll talk about beavers, too, and how the animals contribute to fire resistance by raising the water table.