Mount Rainier National Park was recently awarded two grants from the Science Learning Network for two projects.
Mapping using high-tech tools will go forward in the Carbon River Valley as park geologists assess geohazards. Using light detection and ranging (LiDar) equipment, park staffers and volunteers will gather data from about 20 square kilometers.
Once collected, the data will be used to show how sediment is carried downstream in the river basin and how the landscape responds to climate change. Geologists will look for clues as to the best ways to manage the area.
The other grant will be used to assist with the park’s study of butterflies. Butterflies are considered sensitive indicators of climate change, and the park’s butterfly crew conducts several species censuses in specific areas in the park during the summer. The grant will be used to obtain a van and supplies for the project.
The network is a consortium of eight National Park Service units in Washington that integrate research and education to better communicate park science to the public. The units involved are Mount Rainier, Olympic, North Cascades, Ebey’s Landing, Fort Vancouver, Klondike Gold Rush, Lewis and Clark and San Juan Island.
KIDS’ FISHING DERBY
Lake Sylvia State Park in Montesano will host a kids’ fishing derby June 9.
The free derby is open to children ages 15 years and younger. Anglers must take along their own equipment. The Discover Pass is not required to attend these events because June 9 is a State Parks free day in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day.
The derby will run from 6-11 a.m. at the park kitchen shelter. Anglers can participate in a pancake breakfast or begin fishing on Lake Sylvia. Breakfast is $3 per person. Prizes will be awarded to winners of each age group at noon. The event is presented in partnership with the Montesano Moose Lodge. For more information, call 360-249-3621.
The park is located at 1812 Lake Sylvia Road, Montesano.
SALISH SEA CELEBRATION
The seventh annual Salish Sea Native American Culture Celebration with the Samish and Swinomish tribes will be June 9 at Deception Pass State Park.
The event celebrates the maritime heritage of the two participating Coast Salish tribes and features canoe rides, singers, drummers and storytellers. Artists from the two tribes will demonstrate traditional weaving, cedar work and woodcarving.
The celebration runs from noon-4 p.m. at the Bowman Bay picnic area on the Fidalgo Island side of the park, 41020 State Route 20, Oak Harbor.
The Discover Pass is not required for this event because June 9 is a State Parks free day.
Each year, Pacific Northwest tribes travel by canoe to a host community along the Salish Sea. This year, the Squaxin Island Tribe plays host to the canoe journey, which lands in Olympia on July 29. For more information, visit paddletosquaxin2012.org.
The Bowman Bay area is accessed from the park’s Rosario Road entrance at the junction of Rosario Road and state Route 20. The entrance is north of the Deception Pass Bridge, by Pass Lake.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.