The Nez Perce territory was very varied.
Climate:
Since the territory was so large, there was a wide range of climate. The Cascades, Blue Mountains, and the Rocky Mountains protected the Nez Perce from powerful storms, but that did not mean that they did not receive rain; indeed, it was the only thing that was constant throughout their territory. The Nez Perce received upwards of thirteen inches of rain per year. Not only did the mountains protect them from storms, but the wide range of altitudes they created accounted for the variety of climates.
Some experts believe there to be around four climate zones in the Nez Perce territory. In the higher altitudes, there was more rain than in the lower altitudes. This caused lush forests to grow. In the lower altitudes, the rainwater washed down from the mountains, forming rivers, which were surrounded by marshy and lush areas. At even lower altitudes, there were open grasslands. While there were some arid areas, they took up very little space, and were the sole exception to the rain rule.
While most seasons were moderate, there were occasional freezing winters and scorching summers.
Since the territory was so large, there was a wide range of climate. The Cascades, Blue Mountains, and the Rocky Mountains protected the Nez Perce from powerful storms, but that did not mean that they did not receive rain; indeed, it was the only thing that was constant throughout their territory. The Nez Perce received upwards of thirteen inches of rain per year. Not only did the mountains protect them from storms, but the wide range of altitudes they created accounted for the variety of climates.
Some experts believe there to be around four climate zones in the Nez Perce territory. In the higher altitudes, there was more rain than in the lower altitudes. This caused lush forests to grow. In the lower altitudes, the rainwater washed down from the mountains, forming rivers, which were surrounded by marshy and lush areas. At even lower altitudes, there were open grasslands. While there were some arid areas, they took up very little space, and were the sole exception to the rain rule.
While most seasons were moderate, there were occasional freezing winters and scorching summers.
Plantlife:
Because of the wide variety of climates, many plants were able to thrive within the territory. In the forests of the higher altitudes, deciduous trees grew. In addition, berries, nuts, and roots grew in abundance. In the marshy lower areas, berries, nuts, and roots also grew, and reeds flourished in the rivers. In the grasslands, there grew wild grasses and bulbs. Nothing grew in the arid regions.
Because of the wide variety of climates, many plants were able to thrive within the territory. In the forests of the higher altitudes, deciduous trees grew. In addition, berries, nuts, and roots grew in abundance. In the marshy lower areas, berries, nuts, and roots also grew, and reeds flourished in the rivers. In the grasslands, there grew wild grasses and bulbs. Nothing grew in the arid regions.
Wildlife:
In the forest and marsh, deer, elk, and bears lived. Surrounding these large creatures were smaller animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, and various fowl.
In the rivers lived various species of fish, including, but not limited to, salmon and trout. Turtles also inhabited the waters.
The prairies were dominated by massive herds of buffalo. Smaller animals such as prairie dogs, coyotes, and black footed ferrets also lived there
Almost nothing lived in the arid regions.
In the forest and marsh, deer, elk, and bears lived. Surrounding these large creatures were smaller animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, and various fowl.
In the rivers lived various species of fish, including, but not limited to, salmon and trout. Turtles also inhabited the waters.
The prairies were dominated by massive herds of buffalo. Smaller animals such as prairie dogs, coyotes, and black footed ferrets also lived there
Almost nothing lived in the arid regions.