View a heronry and other bird life
OLYMPIA – March 31, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Paddle Sports and Kayak Academy of Issaquah invite the public for a kayak tour along the shores of Lake Sammamish to view great blue herons in their nesting habitat.
The kayak tour is from noon to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, April 12 at Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah. Lake Sammamish State Park hosts one of the largest heronries in the greater Seattle area with 80 to 100 pairs of nesting great blue herons.
Individuals, couples and families are invited to come view herons, a variety of other waterfowl and raptors such as bald eagles and red-tailed hawks—from an on-the-water perspective.
A professional kayak guide and a park ranger will lead the two-hour tour along the shores of Lake Sammamish and up a portion of Issaquah Creek. During the tour, the ranger will give a presentation about great blue herons and other birds. Following the kayak tour, participants will take a short walk to the other side of the heronry to learn about heron colonies and mating behavior. Spotting scopes will be available for land-based bird viewing, but participants are welcome to bring their own binoculars.
The cost of the tour is $18 per person. Pre-registration is required. Register online at www.kayakacademy.com. Participants may bring their own kayaks or rent a sit-on-top kayak from the Kayak Academy. Rental costs are $12 for a one-person kayak and $15 for a two- or three-person kayak. Dry suits and life jackets (PFDs) will be provided free to all participants. PFDs and drysuits are required to be worn for this tour. A Discover Pass is needed for vehicle access to the park. For more information about the Discover Pass, visit: www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
About Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Sammamish State Park is a 512-acre day-use state park with 6,900 feet of waterfront on Lake Sammamish in Issaquah. The park has nine watercraft launch ramps and two docks, picnic areas, swimming beach, biking and hiking trails, a kitchen shelter, amphitheater, five volleyball fields, horseshoe pits, softball fields and more. For more information about the park, visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/533/Lake-Sammamish.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604Rick Oakley, (425) 455-7010, ext. 107
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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