Nisqually Watershed Festival returns for its 37th year 

The 37th annual Nisqually Watershed Festival returns on Sept. 26 with  animals, science, arts and crafts, music, food and family-friendly entertainment. 

The festival is a community event for people of all ages, who enjoy the outdoors and would like to experience hands-on environmental science with natural resource professionals and educators. 

“Join us at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, (Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for a day of exploration, creativity, and connection as we honor the land, people, and environment that make Nisqually such an incredible watershed,” states the event's website. 

Morning events at the mainstage will be brimming with snakes, lizards, turtles and Reptile Man. The afternoon will feature The Falconer with the birds of prey ambassadors on the mainstage.  

There will also be music, shark and salmon dissections, insect extravaganza, nature walks, a poster contest themed, “Native Birds of the Watershed,” and an opportunity to climb inside FIN the 25-foot giant wild salmon. 

Attendees may also explore animal furs and skulls in the education center, search the grounds for a selfie with Puddles the Blue Goose, and buy items from various food vendors, including a salmon barbecue with fish donated by the Nisqually Indian Tribe. 

“Whether you’re interested in the creatures of the Puget Sound, the glaciers of Mount Rainier, or the river and forests in between; there’s something for everyone at the Nisqually Watershed Festival,” states the event's website. 

There is free parking and a continuous shuttle available from the Hawks Prairie Park-N-Ride at 2548 Hogum Bay Road NE in Olympia. 

Various volunteer opportunities are also available for the festival.