Come celebrate spring on our Western Washington prairies! Bring family and friends for an outing that’s fun for everyone. This year’s celebration is on May 14th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission is free.
Each year the Friends of Puget Prairies and their partners hold a celebration of spring on the South Sound prairies at Thurston County's Glacial Heritage Preserve, one of the largest remaining remnants of Western Washington’s endangered prairie ecosystem. This year, in addition to the day’s main activities and events at Glacial Heritage Preserve, walk-throughs and group tours are offered at the Center for Natural Lands Management’s Violet Prairie Native Seed Farm open house. The Department of Natural Resources’ Mima Mounds Natural Areas is additionally available to visit with a Discover Pass and is ideal for those looking for an easier and more accessible outing to the blooming prairies. For those looking to take their pets out on the prairie, the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area Unit (information at https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/wildlife-areas/scatter-creek-wildlife-area-unit) is ideal.
Glacial Heritage Preserve
To enjoy the prairie there are two interpretive loops, an Activity Trail, about 1 mile, and a Self-Guided Trail, about 4 miles.
The Activity Trail, ~ 1 mile: contains a number of informative stations covering various aspects of our South Sound prairies. The stations have experts to discuss each topic as well as activities for children and the young at heart. Take the opportunity to make seed balls, try your hands at writing with ink made from oak galls, and talk to experts about gardening with native prairie plants or how fire is used to restore prairies.
The Self-Guided Trail, ~ 4 miles: A good choice for those who just want to absorb the ambiance and peace of the prairies, this route also includes a cut-off trail for those wishing a shorter walk.
Black Hills Audubon Society will be hosting an early morning bird walk. Check their website http://blackhills-audubon.org/ for details.
Mima Mounds Natural Areas
Here, visitors will find a paved trail that is ideal for families with toddlers and those who want a less strenuous experience while walking and witnessing the mounds in full flower. This location is fully accessible and includes wheelchair-accessible restrooms at the trailhead. Discover Passes are required.
Violet Prairie Native Seed Farm
During the farm’s open house from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, visitors are welcome to walk through or to take part in guided tours and learn more about the full scope of the work that goes into growing and restoring native species on the South Sound prairies. Many of the beds will be in full bloom, offering unique floral contrasts and an opportunity to see a wide variety of native South Sound plant species living all in one area.
For your visit, a few things to remember:
•Temperature changes from morning to afternoon can be extensive; be prepared for cold, windy, and hot weather.
•No food or water is available. Bring drinks, snacks, or a picnic.
•Please leave pets at home.
*Visitors are encouraged to bring a donation for the Thurston County Food Bank. (No glass, please.)
More information and directions can be found on the Friends of Puget Prairies website at http://www.prairieappreciationday.org, or call 360-819-4513.
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