Enjoy the Beauty of Spring on Prairie Appreciation Day

Young girl learning about pollinators at Prairie Appreciation Day: Credit: Marnie Lassen
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Submitted by South Sound Prairies Program

Spring is here and so are the wildflower blooms on the South Sound Prairies. Rolling hills of grass spangled with swaths of blue Camas with accents of Spring Gold and buttercups, open skies and gnarled Garry oaks are just 30 minutes south of Olympia.

Wildflower blooms at Thurston's County Glacial Heritage Preserve. Credit: Carola Tejeda
Wildflower blooms at Thurston’s County Glacial Heritage Preserve. Credit: Carola Tejeda

Come and enjoy the natural beauty of our local prairies at Prairie Appreciation Day on Saturday May 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This family-oriented free event takes place at Thurston County’s Glacial Heritage Preserve. The event includes guided walks, an activity trail with informative stations, a hayride, and a self-guided interpretative loop. The informative stations include topics such as prairie ecology, restoration, management of invasive plants, and the wildlife and wildflowers found in this unique landscape. The stations have experts to discuss each topic as well as activities for children and the young at heart. This is your chance to make seed balls and wind wands, and try your hands at writing with ink made from oak galls.

Children engage in activities learning about the use of prescribed fires on the South Sound Prairies at Prairie Appreciation Day 2015. Credit: Carola Tejeda
Children engage in activities learning about the use of prescribed fires on the South Sound Prairies at Prairie Appreciation Day 2015. Credit: Carola Tejeda

There will be plenty of opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife, including endangered species such as Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies and golden paintbrush. This is also a great time to capture the beauty of the prairies in full bloom; the prairies will be spangled with swaths of blue camas with accents of spring gold, buttercups, Oregon sunshine, and many more native flowers.  Glacial Heritage Preserve is generally not open to the public so this is a rare opportunity to experience a premier preserve.

Please note that food will not be available at the event, and water will only be available in limited quantities. You are welcome to bring a picnic, but please leave all pets at home, as they are not allowed on the preserve. We will also be accepting donations for Thurston County Food Bank, no glass please.

Wildflower blooms at Thurston's County Glacial Heritage Preserve. Credit: Carola Tejeda
Wildflower blooms at Thurston’s County Glacial Heritage Preserve. Credit: Carola Tejeda

Wheelchair accessible activities will be available at the Department of Natural Resources Mima Mounds. This location is also a great choice for those who don’t have enough time to tour a large preserve or want a less demanding walk. Group tours are also available at Mima Mounds but must be scheduled in advance.

More information and directions can be found on the Friends of Puget Prairies website, or call either 360-458-5450 or 206-498-3273.

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