OLYMPIA – April 1, 2019 – Potlatch State Park staff announces a lineup of exciting and educational spring, summer and fall programs for kids and adults alike.
The activities will take place on several Saturday evenings at varying start times, between April 27 and September 14, at Potlach State Park, 21020 N. US Highway 101(driving directions).
Events range from guided walks and workshops on tree and edible plant identification to wildlife visitors, including an owl, a Virginia opossum, a Peregrine falcon and a turkey vulture. The public is invited to attend, whether staying overnight, visiting Potlach for the day or coming solely for the programs.
The schedule of Saturday programs is as follows:
April 27, 9 p.m. – Stargazing: Learn how to navigate by the North Star, the Big Dipper and other constellations.
May 25, 8 p.m. – Hidden in Hood Canal: Enjoy a hands-on learning experience about the weird and wonderful creatures hidden beneath the surface of Hood Canal's waters.
June 8, 8 p.m. – The Story of Smokey Bear: Reading of this classic children's story of Smokey Bear, a cub who survived a forest fire and went on to become a national icon of fire safety.
June 15, 7 p.m. – Turkey vulture visit: Meet Princess Remi, West Sound Wildlife's turkey vulture ambassador.
July 6, 8 p.m. – Animals of the Night: View and touch animal pelts during a talk on nocturnal animals of the area.
July 20, 8 p.m. – The History of Potlatch State Park: Learn about the historical and cultural significance of the area to Native American people and Euro- American settlers.
July 27, 7 p.m. – Peregrine falcon visit. Meet Scout, West Sound Wildlife Shelter's resident falcon ambassador.
August 3, 8 p.m. – Identifying Trees of Potlatch: Ranger-led talk on the trees native to Potlatch, including the Pacific yew and madrone.
August 10, time to be determined – Edible Plants of Potlatch: Ranger-led talk on the area’s edible berries and plants. (For time, call the park, 360-877-5361).
August 17, 7 p.m. – Virginia possum visit: Meet Opal, West Sound Wildlife Shelter’s opossum ambassador, and learn about this cool creature.
August 24, 7 p.m. – Make your own rescue bracelet: Learn to make a rescue bracelet out of parachute cord, along with other wilderness survival tips.
August 31, 8 p.m. – Things That Sting: Ranger-led talk on poisonous plants and animals at Potlatch.
September 7, 7 p.m. – Owl visit. Meet West Sound Wildlife Shelter’s owl ambassador.
September 14, 7 p.m. – Life of Salmon: Short, guided hike along Potlatch Creek to discuss the creek's salmon runs and the life cycle of this miraculous fish.
The Potlatch programs are appropriate for all ages, though children must be accompanied by the adult responsible for them. They are all free and open to the public. A Discover Pass is required for day-use parking at Potlatch State Park.
About Potlatch State Park
Potlatch State Park is an 84-acre camping park with 5,700 feet of saltwater shoreline on beautiful Hood Canal 40 miles north of Olympia. The park provides excellent examples of salmon habitat improvement, along with shellfish harvesting in season and a social campground in a thicket of trees that often welcomes visiting elk. http://parks.state.wa.us/569/Potlatch
News media contacts:
Steven Dippery, Park Ranger, (360) 796-4415
Meryl Lipman, Communications Consultant, (360) 902-8557
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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.
News release number: 19-013