Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering with DNR

Join DNR this Earth Day by volunteering on state lands. Photo by: DNR

Earth Day is coming around again this Monday, April 22. It also happens to land within National Volunteer Week. With so much to celebrate, this is the perfect time to get outside and help the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) improve some of the recreation areas we love so much.

Join DNR this coming Saturday, April 20 at one of the many volunteer opportunities on DNR-managed lands. Be prepared to participate in site clean-up activities, including helping with facility, sign, and trail maintenance. Many DNR volunteers are working towards a voucher for a complimentary Discover Pass.

Mima Mounds Work Party near Olympia, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 20.
Show your kids and friends the importance of preserving our Natural Areas at the mysterious Mima Mounds near Olympia, Washington. After volunteering, stick around for an interpretive walk guided by DNR staff near the end of the day. Contact Birdie Davenport 360-902-1434, or roberta.davenport@dnr.wa.gov 

Capitol Forest Earth Day Work Party near Olympia, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 20.
Join Friends of Capitol Forest and REI for a day of volunteering at Capitol State Forest. Volunteers will work on finishing the Porter Trail. Lunch will be provided for volunteers during the event. Contact Nick Cronquist at 360-480-2700 or nick.cronquist@dnr.wa.gov

Clean the Tahuya Work Party near Belfair, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., April 20.
Get the Tahuya State Forest ready for summer recreation. Join volunteers to pick up garbage and clean-up the forest. Celebrate Earth Day with a barbeque lunch with fellow volunteers. Contact Jesse Sims at 360-801-5097 or  jesse.sims@dnr.wa.gov

Samish Bay Trail Clean-Up near Bellingham, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 20.
Help maintain the Samish Bay Trail with Washington Conservation Corps members. There is work for volunteers of all skill and fitness levels. Contact Christ Thomsen at 360-854-2860 or christ.thomsen@dnr.wa.gov

Check out more events for the weekend of April 27 & April 28 on our volunteer calendar.

You can find more information on these events on the DNR recreation and events page.

Invite your friends to events on our Facebook page.

Follow DNR on:

Spring into your DNR recreation adventure! DNR-managed lands offer a wealth of activities

Spring is officially here today and the warmer weather is starting to draw many Washington recreationists out of hibernation. Start making your spring recreation plans with these fun ideas from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

Welcome spring with a new adventure on DNR-managed lands! Photo by: DNR/Toni Droscher

Prepare – What you need to do before heading out to recreate:

1. The first stop on your trip should be to visit our recreation page to see what locations are open for the season.
2. Get your map before hitting the trails. You’ll stay safer and you might find a new route to check out.
3. Sign up for DNR’s e-newsletter and get the insider’s guide to what recreation opportunities your state lands offer (click on the join email list at the top of the page).
4. Dust off the hiking boots and review your trail etiquette for happy travels in the forest.
5. Don’t forget to purchase your Discover Pass before you head out! It’s your year-long membership to nature’s gym.

Adventure – Make it a memorable spring by trying a new recreation activity this year:

DNR Recreation – Trail Etiquette 101

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities on a limited number of trails. Horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers are bound to come across each other while on an adventure. Knowing that everyone wants to have a safe and fun experience on the trails, here is a quick rundown on trail etiquette.

Mountain bikers yield to hikers and equestrian riders. Always. The logic being that cyclists are fast to stop and fast to go, therefore it is easiest for them to yield to all parties.

Equestrian riders have the right-0f-way every time. Horses are large and unpredictable. Its best for everyone’s safety if hikers and bikers yield (on the downhill side) to equestrian riders. Be sure to speak to the rider so the horse will know you are human and wont get spooked.

See something strange? Report it! Call our toll free Forest Watch reporting line at (855)883-8368

Do you have more questions about etiquette on the trail? Send an email to recreation@dnr.wa.gov.

Hooves and wings unite to clean up Samish Overlook

Equestrian riders and paragliders come together to volunteer at Samish Overlook. Photos: Rick Foster, DNR.

Samish Overlook in Blanchard Forest near Bellingham (map), not only offers stunning views of the San Juan Islands, but also is a place where hikers, paragliders, and equestrian riders work together to preserve this beautiful recreation area.

On March 9, almost 40 volunteers came out to clean-up Blanchard Forest and the overlook. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like to thank each of these volunteers for their hard work and the following partner organizations:

• North Cascade Soaring Club
• Whatcom Back Country Horsemen
• Skagit Back Country Horsemen 

Check out photos from the event and the fun volunteers had after they cleaned up the site!

Equestrian riders clean up trails

A horse and rider take a break after spending the morning clearing trails at Blanchard Mountain. Photo: Rick Foster, DNR

Ten volunteers brought their horses and rode up from the lower trailhead to clear brush and wind throw from the trails. They split into 2 groups and covered 7 miles of trail with enough time to meet up with other volunteers at the overlook for lunch. They continued working in the afternoon with the rest of the volunteers at Samish Overlook.

Paragliders and other volunteers clean up Samish Overlook

Volunteers clean up a paragliding launch site at Samish Overlook. Photo: Rick Foster, DNR.

At Samish Overlook, about 30 folks spent time spring cleaning the overlook. The work consisted of removing grass in the gravel paths and putting down 6 yards of new gravel. Other volunteers were weed eating and clearing short brush from the paragliding launch sites. Volunteers also filled in ruts at one of the launches, cleared around plants that were put in last year, and picked up garbage around the site.

Volunteers were able to get a lot of work accomplished with time to take advantage of the great weather to play…check out the photos!

Find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities in your area or join us and invite your on April 13 for another Samish Overlook volunteer event.

Related blog: Thank you volunteers! Blanchard Forest has new horse mounting blocks

 

Don’t forget your Discover Pass, your ticket to millions of acres of state-managed recreation land.

 

Follow DNR on:

Woodard Bay: Who knew sustainability could look so good? Check it out on March 15!

This Friday, March 15, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will reopen trails at Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA). The area was temporarily closed last October to conduct a restoration project.  The Loop Trail and Whitham Road Trail will reopen along with new viewing access to Woodard Bay (see map). The Overlook Trail will close on March 25 for the nesting season to protect herons and eagles.

Woodard Bay NRCA is nestled in South Puget Sound near Olympia and protects native shoreline habitat, much to the delight of bird watchers, nature conservationists, and others who enjoy the beauty and peace of minimally disturbed habitat.

However, beneath the serenity of Woodard Bay NRCA, environmental concerns lingered. Before the restoration, old creosote-treated logs and piers along with fill material choked the natural coastline.

Thanks to the 2012 Jobs Now Act funding, DNR was able to complete restoration projects that weren’t anticipated to be completed for many years.

• Learn more about the Woodard Bay NRCA restoration projects.
• Learn more about why creosote-treated materials are dangerous to the environment and human health.

What is the big deal with creosote?

An excavator works to restore native shoreline at Woodard Bay by removing fill. Photo: Michele Zukerberg, DNR.

Creosote contains more than 300 chemicals, many of which are toxic, and pose a threat to human and environmental health and safety. It was a big job pulling out creosote-treated logs and piers, removing hundreds of tons of fill and restoring the natural coastline, and developing long-term access for the public.

What’s the 2012 Jobs Now Act?
To boost the state’s economy, the 2012 Washington Legislature directed $505 million in the Jobs Now Act to quickly create thousands of jobs in the state. DNR received $37 million of this funding for a broad range of jobs that include removing invasive species, cleaning up beaches, replacing culverts to improve fish passage, restoring shorelines, protecting natural resources, improving recreation facilities, maintaining and enhancing urban forests, and increasing fire protection. Of the $37 million, $200,000 is to be used specifically for removing large debris.

Don’t forget your Discover Pass, your ticket to millions of acres of recreation opportunities on Washington state-managed recreation lands. The Discover Pass is now transferable between two vehicles.

Follow DNR on:

Top 5 reasons to download the new Capitol State Forest map onto your smartphone

The new Capitol State Forest Map is now geo-referenced, making it ideal to download onto your smartphone. Photo: Diana Lofflin, DNR.

Are you ready to take your outdoor recreation adventure into the digital world?

The new 2013 Capitol State Forest map has been developed to easily download onto your smartphone or tablet.  

The smartphone is becoming an outdoor recreationist’s most trusted side-kick. With a built-in GPS unit, camera, compass and technology to track your trip, the smartphone is becoming another handy tool to have in the woods.

Here are 5 reasons to try it out today:

1. Stay safe. Capitol State Forest is over 100,000 acres with trails and roads intersecting across the landscape. When you download the map to your phone, you have up-to-date trail and road names at your fingertips.
2. No cell service? No problem! If you download the map into an app service (explained below) the map will still work even if you are out of cell range using your phone’s GPS chip.
   *Bonus Tip: Save battery power and turn your cell on airplane mode.
3. Photo-capture your favorite spot.  With your geo-referenced Capitol Forest Map, you can take a picture of your favorite lunch spot, write a note, and tag its location on your phone to show it off to your buddies next time you are out.
4. Are we there yet?! With accurate longitude and latitude programed into the map, you will know exactly where you are and how far the next stop is on your trail adventure.
   *Bonus Tip:  Some apps even offer a measuring tool as part of their options.
5. FREE map! Can’t beat free and convenient, right?!

Ready to give it a try? Follow the easy steps below to get started.

Thank you Town of Northport for saving Sheep Creek Campground!

With funding from Discover Pass, DNR has now resumed maintenance and upkeep of the Sheep Creek campground. Photo: Diana Lofflin, DNR.

In 2009, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was faced with closing many campgrounds across the state due to serious budget cuts in the outdoor recreation program.

Sheep Creek Campground was one of many DNR campgrounds facing closure.

Realizing Sheep Creek campground could possibly be closed; the Town of Northport adopted the campground to keep it open for the public.

DNR greatly appreciates the time and effort put in by all the volunteers from the Town of Northport. Without their hard work and dedication this facility would have been closed.

Thanks to funding from the Discover Pass, DNR has now resumed maintenance and upkeep of the Sheep Creek campground.

Finally, thank you to all who have purchased a Discover Pass. Your Discover Pass dollars go directly into keeping recreation sites like Sheep Creek Campground open.

Check out other ways the Discover Pass has come to the rescue.

Sheep Creek Campground

Sheep Creek Campground is in northern Stevens County, close to the border of Canada and not far from the Town of Northport. The Town of Northport is small — just 295 people. The campground is surrounded by miles of forestland with a rich history of prospecting, logging, and family outings. For years, the campground has provided a location for visitors to camp, hunt, fish, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of northern Steven County.

The dedicated Town of Northport, population 295, joined together to keep Sheep Creek Campground open. Photo: Kyle Pomrankey, DNR.

A dedicated group of citizens, business owners, and city council members from the Town of Northport routinely maintained the campground. They picked up litter, cleaned outhouses, painted buildings, repaired roofs, and installed signs. Their hard work kept the campground safe and open to the public.

In 2011, Stevens County Conservation District and the Town of Northport were awarded a grant to further restore and improve the campground. The grant’s purpose was to protect natural resources and protect water quality. Improvements included installation of an updated outhouse, removal of unwanted campfire pits, and some needed trail maintenance. The project will continue this spring as soon as the snow melts. Join our recreation e-newsletter to find out about volunteer opportunities.

Sheep Creek Campground offers beautiful forests and streams for a relaxing getaway. Photo: Kyle Pomrankey, DNR.

Thank you Town of Northport

Want to visit Sheep Creek Campground this summer? Check out our recreation guide for directions.

Don’t forget to take DNR’s survey to improve access to recreation information.

Follow DNR on:

The popular Cattle Point NRCA gets a make over

A Puget SoundCorps crew installs split rail fencing to protect native habitat at Cattle Point NRCA. Photo: Christopher Robertson, DNR

Located on the southern-most tip of San Juan Island, Cattle Point Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) is a well-loved area that boasts magnificent views of the surrounding islands and the Straits of Juan de Fuca.

Unfortunately, increased visits to the Cattle Point Interpretive Center have threatened conservation efforts at the site. The trails around the Interpretive Center were showing signs of age through loss of soil and rotten wood edging. With the help of Puget SoundCorps crews, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was able to reconstruct all 600 feet of trail with a new base layer, trail edging, and gravel. These trail improvements will enhance the condition of surrounding grassland ecosystems and habitat for grassland-associated species, particularly butterflies. 

 

In addition, more than 500 feet of split rail fencing was installed to keep visitors away from perilous cliff edges as well as to help minimize trampling of foliage. Significant improvements were also made to the gravel parking areas to better define parking spaces.

About Cattle Point NRCA
Many of the restored trails are located around the interpretive center. The interpretive area includes parking, beach access, hiking trails with viewpoints, and a picnic area with shelter and restroom. Wildlife is abundant and includes eagles and other birds of prey. Cattle Point NRCA offers outstanding views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains and surrounding islands.

Cattle Point NRCA offers beautiful views of the San Juan Islands. Photo: Paul McFarland, DNR.

Plan your trip to Cattle Point NRCA this spring
Cattle Point is impressive any time of year, but is especially pleasant late spring into autumn, when temperatures and wind are moderate. 

Cattle Point NRCA includes about 1.3 miles of trail that connects to Third Lagoon Preserve, Mount Finlayson, and San Juan Island National Historical Park.  A trail leads from Cattle Point Road to the Coast Guard lighthouse south of the interpretive center. Download a map of Cattle Point NRCA. 

Don’t forget your Discover Pass. Your purchase helps to keep this and other outdoor recreation opportunities open and accessible to the public

For information on classroom visits and other educational opportunities, please contact Paul McFarland, DNR natural areas manager, at 360-854-2882 or paul.mcfarland@dnr.wa.gov.

Directions
From the ferry terminal at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, take Spring Street for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Mullis Street, which will become Cattle Point Road. Continue for about 8 miles, travelling past American Camp. The Cattle Point NRCA interpretive center is on the right.

 

Follow DNR on:

Volunteer at the mysterious Mima Mounds NAP near Olympia

Dozens of volunteers worked to remove invasive Scotch Broom weeds from Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve on National Public Lands Day (Sept. 26, 2009). Photo: DNR/ Nancy Charbonneau

This spring, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting three volunteer work parties at the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve (NAP) to get the area ready for summer visitors.

Join us and start working towards your complimentary Discover Pass.

Mima Mounds NAP Spring Volunteer Event Details

February 23 
March 30
April 20
Events are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Only  7 miles south of Olympia. From south bound or north bound I-5, take exit 95. Go west on Highway 121 toward Littlerock. In Littlerock, continue west on 128^th to the ‘T’ in the road. Turn right on Waddell Road. The Mima Mounds NAP entrance is about 1 mile on the left.

Print out a flyer.

Volunteer Activities
Aid in facilities maintenance including repairs, sign and trail maintenance, and prairie restoration. An interpretive walk will be offered near the end of the day for interested volunteers. Light refreshments will be provided.

What to Bring
Please bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, water, and dress for the weather. We’ll provide the tools.

Spring is a wonderful time to volunteer at Mima Mounds NAP. Be sure to stop and check out the spring blooms. Photo: DNR

About Mima Mounds NAP
Mima Mounds NAP protects the largest and highest quality example of mounded Puget Prairie landscape, which has a mysterious natural history.

The preserve, established in 1976, includes native grasslands, a small Garry oak woodland, and savannah (widely spaced oak trees with grass understory), Douglas-fir forest and habitat for a variety of prairie-dependent butterflies and birds.

In 1966, the National Park Service designated Mima Mounds NAP a National Natural Landmark, for itsoutstanding condition, illustrative value of a landform, rarity, and value to science and education. The site is one of only 17 such landmarks found in Washington State. Find out more at Mima Mounds NAP.

For more information about the work parties, contact Birdie Davenport at 360-902-1434 (roberta.davenport@dnr.wa.gov) or Tanner Scrivens, 360-791-1368 (tanner.scrivens@dnr.wa.gov).

Check out more photos of Mima Mounds NAP.

Follow DNR on:

Sno-Park Permit or Discover Pass: What you need to know to play in the snow

Click on the graphic for a larger view.

Before you head out to cross-country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile or just play in the snow on state lands this winter, be sure you have the right permit or pass.

In some cases you’ll either need a Sno-Park Permit or a Discover Pass—or even both.

If you want to go to DNR-managed winter recreation areas east of the Cascades such as Ahtanum, Lily Lake, or Rattlesnake, then a Discover Pass is your ticket for winter fun. The annual Discover Pass is $35 and a day-use pass is $11.50.

A seasonal Sno-Park permit ($40) gives you access to Sno-Parks managed by State Parks and the DNR-managed Mount Tahoma Trail System.

Things get a little more complicated if you just purchase a one-day Sno-Park Permit ($20) and plan to head to certain Sno-Parks. In those cases, you’ll also need a one-day or annual Discover Pass. This applies to the following areas:

• Crystal Springs Sno-Park
• Hyak Sno-Park
• Easton Reload Sno-Park
• Lake Easton State Park
• Lake Wenatchee State Park
• Fields Spring State Park
• Mount Spokane State Park
• Mount Tahoma Trail System (managed by DNR)

Download the handy chart developed by DNR and State Parks to find out what kind of pass or permit you’ll need this winter.

Grooming schedule for DNR-managed winter recreation areas
Yes, there’s an official grooming season!  Grooming on trails in Ahtanum, Lily Lake, and Rattlesnake begins December 15 and ends April 1. For more information about these areas, visit the DNR Southeast Region Recreation web page.

For more information and updates on conditions at Mount Tahoma Ski Trails, visit the Mount Tahoma Trails Association. This volunteer non-profit organization maintains a network of 50 miles of trails and several no-fee huts.

For information on all other Sno-Parks, visit the Washington State Parks’ winter recreation web page.

Follow DNR on: