On the road for May 12: Prairie Appreciation Day
Prairie Appreciation Day
WHAT: The event at one of the South Sounds prairies includes guided walks, an activity trail with informative stations, a hayride and a self-guided interpretative loop.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
WHERE: Thurston County’s Glacial Heritage Preserve and Mima Mounds Natural Area, off Mima Road Southwest, south of Littlerock. The preserve is generally not open to the public so this is a rare opportunity to visit the area
LEARN ALONG THE WAY: Organizers said the informative stations will cover prairie ecology, restoration, management of invasive plants, and the wildlife and wildflowers found at the preserve. There will be experts at each station to talk about each topic. There also will be activities for children and everyone else. You can make seed balls and wind wands, and try writing with ink made from oak galls.
NOTE: Food will not be available, and water will be available only in limited quantities. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. Leave all pets at home, as they are not allowed on the preserve.
MIMA MOUNDS: Wheelchair-accessible activities will be available at the Department of Natural Resources Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. This is a good option for those who don’t have time to tour a large preserve or want a less demanding walk.
ADMISSION: Free. Organizers will accept donations for Thurston County Food Bank (nothing in glass).
INFORMATION: prairieappreciationday.org, 360-458-5450 or 206-498-3273.
Jeffrey P. Mayor, jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com
This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 12:10 AM with the headline "On the road for May 12: Prairie Appreciation Day."