Volunteer at a National Trails Day event and make a difference!

Trails Day 2012 volunteers in Blanchard Forest. Photo by: Diana Lofflin, DNR

The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is June 1. With the recent heat wave, it’s a great time to get out there and enjoy some of Washington’s beautiful trails. Celebrate National Trails Day® by volunteering to improve and develop the trails you love, at one of the many Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) events.

National Trails Day® is a celebration of the vast system of trails in the United States. All across the country organizations, as well as individuals, are organizing events to encourage people to experience the nature that surrounds them.

National Trails Day® is also a day to celebrate the volunteers that make it all possible. For every breathtaking view we have the chance to experience, there’s a volunteer who gave their time to share it with us.

Introduce a friend to Washington’s beautiful trails and invite them to one of these National Trails Day® volunteer events on June 1.

Tiger Mountain National Trails Day Event® – Near Tacoma

Help DNR and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance construct a new non-motorized trail in East Tiger Mountain State Forest. To join in the fun, please sign-up through the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

Volunteers work on the Tarbell Trail. Photo: Josh Riepe, DNR

Little Pend Oreille ORV Trail Maintenance Day June 1- National Trails Day – Near Colville

Come out to Little Pend Oreille ORV Trail and help get the trails ready for the busy season. Volunteers will clear trails of brush, limbs, and other debris. We will also be working to replace boards on bridges, clean out culvert headwalls, and digg out or install waterbars.

Blanchard Forest National Trails Day® Event – Near Bellingham

Join a variety of groups as they work together to clean up Blanchard Forest. There is work for all skill and fitness levels. North Cascade Soaring Club, Pacific Northwest Trail Association, Skagit Chapter BCHW, Whatcom Chapter BCHW, and Whatcom Trails Cooperative are co-sponsoring the event.

Selah Cliffs NAP National Trails Day Event® – Near Yakima

Help pull knapweed along the valley bottom and clean-up the interpretative trail at Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve. Bring along work gloves, sturdy work shoes, lunch, water, sunscreen, and small digging tool if possible. Some tools will be available to use.

Reiter Foothills National Trails Day Event® – Near Gold Bar

Volunteers will work on ATV trails. Please bring your ATV and trailer to haul rock. If you don’t have one, there will also be opportunities to use powered wheel barrows, install signs, and other activities to build trails.

Tarbell Trail National Trails Day® Volunteer Event, Yacolt Burn – Near Vancouver

The Chinook Trail Association and volunteers will work on the Tarbell Trail between the L1300 Road and Cold Creek Day use area. We will harden the trail, do drainage maintenance, and possibly install skid resisters on puncheons.

Wedekind Trail National Trails Day® Volunteer Event, Capitol State Forest – Near Olympia

Join the Friends of Capitol Forest in replacing a section of old wooden puncheons with a number of culverts and improving drainage along the trail. Volunteers will also work on rehabbing the Wedekind Trail to remove fallen rocks and debris from the C-Line fire and fire fighting operations.

National Trails Day® on Mailbox Peak – Near North Bend

Join DNR and the Mountains to Sound Greenway at mailbox peak to continue construction of the new sustainable hiking trail. Visit the Mountains to Sound Greenway website to sign up for the event.

Nicholson Horse Trails Maintenance - Near Elbe

Join DNR and the Pierce County Backcountry Horsemen to do maintenance on Nicholson Horse Trail. Backcountry Horsemen will provide a late lunch at the end of the day for the trail workers.  Coffee and sweets in the morning!

Mt Tahoma Trails Maintenance June 1 and June 2- Near Ashford

Mt. Tahoma Trails Association and DNR will be working together to do trail maintenance on June 1 and June 2. To join in the fun meet at the Ashford Fire Station, at 29815 Hwy 706 E, by 10 a.m. Dinner on Saturday will be provided in Ashford by the Mt Tahoma Trails Association.

We’ll see you on the Trails!

If you’d like to know more about volunteer opportunities on DNR managed lands check out the DNR volunteer events page.

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Native Plant Appreciation Week continues through May 4

Red columbine (Aquilegia formosa). Photo: DNR

Red columbine (Aquilegia formosa) is one of the many plants we celebrate during Native Plant Appreciation Week in Washington state, April 28 – May 4, 2013. Find out about Native Plant Appreciation Week events on the Washington Native Plant Society website or visit DNR DNR on Facebook.

DNR conservation and restoration efforts, include the Natural Heritage Program and the Natural Areas Program.

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Take a hike…a nature hike that is! Celebrate Native Plant Appreciation Week with DNR

Photo of wildflowers at Lacamas Prairie. Photo: Carlo Abbruzzese, DNR.

Today kicks off Native Plant Appreciation Week in Washington, and as spring brings the landscape to life around us, it’s a great time to celebrate Washington’s diverse ecosystem. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be hosting events across the state.

 April 27 — A native plant walk at the Lacamas Prairie Natural Area Preserve (near Camas) is scheduled for anyone interested in an informative tour of some of Washington’s native flora.

April 27 — Celebrate native plants with a nature hike at West Tiger Mountain (near Issaquah)

May 4 — Wildflower Hike at Columbia Hills State Park. Join DNR staff and State Park staff for a hike around Columbia Hills State Park.

Find out more about Native Plant Appreciation Week

Top 5 boating tips before you hit the water

Kayakers take advantage of nice weather to paddle in Puget Sound. Photo: DNR.

With the arrival of spring, you may be anxious to get out on the water and play! However, there have been many close calls due to the chilly spring runoff in rivers and the unpredictable weather in the Sound.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is an advocate of safe and sustainable recreation. Before you head out to play, make sure you follow these five safety tips:

1. Dress for the occasion. On a sunny day, a dip in the cool water might not sound like such a bad thing, but hypothermia can set in after only minutes of exposure. A wetsuit is a great way to stay safe and comfortable. If a wetsuit isn’t an option, wool clothing insulates better than cotton when wet.
2. Practice self-rescue. In the event that you end up in the water unintentionally, being able to get back into your boat in deep water is imperative. Practice self-rescue in safe water before heading out.
3. Be aware of off-shore winds. When kayaking in open water, make sure to pay attention to off-shore winds that can make the paddle back to shore difficult.
4. Paddle with a partner. If you kayak with a buddy, you’ll always have someone there in case of an emergency… plus, it’s much more fun.
5. Always wear your PFD (personal floatation device). The most important thing to remember is that PFDs save lives. Don’t paddle without one.
   

   A group of kayakers paddle in Bellingham Channel. Cypress Island and one of the Cone Islands are in the background. Photo: DNR/Jason Goldstein

If you want to take your paddling safety skills to the next level, check out these resources:

FREE online paddle safety course
Washington Water Trails Association

If you operate a motor boat, you’ll need to get your Boater Education Card from State Parks.

Remember, be safe and have a great time on the water!

Do you have any water safety tips? Please send your comments to recreation@dnr.wa.gov.

Find waterside recreation sites for DNR-managed lands, recreation rules, opening and closure information, and more on our Recreation web page.

 

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Picture gallery: The dirt on volunteering at Mima Mounds NAP

On February 23, volunteers were greeted with a sunny and beautiful day at Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve (NAP).

Check out our photo gallery and find links to upcoming volunteer events helping DNR maintain your natural areas.  

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.

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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.

New Capitol State Forest map is hot off the presses!

Calling all Capitol Forest enthusiasts… the new Capitol State Forest map is here!
Buy your copy now.

Can’t wait for it to arrive in the mail? Request it from your favorite vendor or visit the state printing office at:

State Department of Enterprise Services
7580 New Market St SW (Front Office)
Tumwater, WA 98501
See: Vicinity Map – Tumwater

The last edition was printed in 2002.

What’s new in the 2013 edition? Plenty!

• New trails
• New road names
• Updated trail names and locations
• More precise elevation data
• More detailed maps of the Middle Waddell, Margaret McKenny, and Mima Falls areas.
• Tips for ‘Playing it Safe’ in the forest
• A ‘Recreation Fun Guide’ to get you started on a Capitol State Forest adventure…and much more!

Stay tuned. We will be featuring a FREE downloadable Capitol State Forest map for your smart phone and the top 12 reasons to visit Capitol State Forest in upcoming blogs.

Like what you see? Let us know what you need to know to plan your next DNR recreation adventure.
Take a few moments and take a short online survey.

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.

 

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Make your voice heard. What information do you need for your epic DNR-recreation adventure?

Spring is in the air and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants your opinion on ‘sprucing up’ our online recreation information.

Please take three minutes to tell us how we can help you gear up for your next DNR recreation adventure.

Do you love DNR’s Facebook posts?
Are you anxious for the latest Capitol State Forest Map?
Can you find what you are looking for on our website?
…Now is your chance to let us know.

Hurry, the survey closes March 8.

Please share with your friends and make an even bigger impact.

“What you invest your time in defines who you are.”
-Todd Duncan

Survey icon design by Rémy Médard.

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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.

 

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