The Mountaineers
Happy Earth Day, Mountaineers! We are proud to be one of Washington’s leading voices for protecting the outdoor experience in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. To achieve our goals, we partner with a number of environmental and outdoor industry groups and coalitions, and work closely with land managers and lawmakers to fight for public lands. Our strength comes from our members, who are inspired by the wild places they explore everyday. Join us in our stewardship efforts by volunteering at one of our many upcoming opportunities with partners this spring.
Spring Stewardship Opportunities
Yelm Shoreline | Apr 24
Join the Land Trust at the Yelm Shoreline Protected Area for a morning of pulling invasive Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom. Earth Day is April 22, and the theme this year is protecting threatened and endangered species. Removing invasive weeds is a practical way to improve habitat for important local species like chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and the Northern spotted owl.
Red Salmon Creek | Apr 27
Join us at the Red Salmon Creek Protected Area for a morning of pulling invasive Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. Red Salmon Creek and Red Salmon Slough are important waterways for several anadromous fish species, and removing invasive weeds is a great way to improve their habitat!
Howe Conservation Easement | Apr 27
Join Capitol Land Trust at the Howe Conservation Easement! This property is along the Henderson and Dobbs Inlets and it contains a historic grazed pasture, forested slopes, and tidal mudflats. Working at the Howe C.E. helps with CLT's goal to conserve marine shorelines and estuaries. We will be working on removing English holly, ivy, and some yellow archangel. The leader will send out further details and directions to those that sign up. Please contact Jill Maes with questions at jill@capitollandtrust.org.
Shadow Lake Nature Preserve | Apr 27
Explore the Nature Preserve, spot wildlife, and record your sightings at Shadow’s second Bioblitz! A bioblitz is a competition to count all the plants and animals seen in one day. Help King County and the Seattle Metro Area win this national competition for the most observations! We will be recording observations via smartphone or tablet in a program called iNaturalist. Bring a device with the app downloaded, or use one of ours. This is a family-friendly event. Hiking shoes and weather-proof clothing are recommended, no experience required.
Garfield Ledges | May 4
Join your fellow Mountaineers for our new Foothills Conservation Committee's inaugural event - a Garfield Ledges Work Party with Mountains to Sound Greenway and the WTA!
WTA Partnership at Wynoochee Lake | May 4 & 5
Join the Olympia Mountaineers and the Washington Trails Association (WTA) for our third annual partnership maintenance weekend of on the lovely Wynoochee Lakeshore Trail. Sign up for a work day Saturday or Sunday, and join us for the Saturday night potluck to socialize with fellow Mountaineers!
Holm-Rader Farm Conservation Easement | May 4
May the fourth be with you! Spend Star Wars Day with Capitol Land Trust at the Holm-Rader Farm Conservation Easement. This property is 91 acres, with one mile of riverbank along the Black River. This beautiful farm has diverse riparian zones, pasture land, and a managed woodlot. We will be removing and collecting plant protectors throughout the property and girdling ivy that is growing up some trees. Contact Jill Maes with questions.
Twin Rivers Ranch Preserve | May 11
Show your love for nature with Capitol Land Trust at Twin Rivers Ranch Preserve! This preserve is 133 acres on the north end of Oakland Bay, and is a great place to see bald eagles and many other land and water birds. We will continue digging up a patch of Himalayan blackberries around the barn.
Glacial Heritage Preserve| May 11
In honor of Prairie Appreciation Day, join us to explore and learn about a native South Sound prairie. This once-a-year opportunity offers activities for learners of all ages. If you'd like to help with this event, click on the volunteer page for more details. Contact Keith Arnold with questions.
Wynoochee Lake | May 18
Join the Olympia Mountaineers for a day of trail clearing on the Wynoochee Lakeshore Trail, a beautiful trail in an old growth forest in need of attention. The focus will be on clearing the trail of obstacles, downed trees, and encroaching vegetation using crosscut saws and a variety of hand tools. We will also take on minor trail tread and drainage work as we find it. Contact Jim French with questions.
Cheasty Greenspace | May 18
Participate in the community stewardship effort to restore and maintain a safe and welcoming urban forest! This activity is run by Friends of Cheasty Greenspace Mt. View as part of The Mountaineers Stewardship Partner Program. As such, you may have to sign waivers or other acknowledgements of the host organization.
Stephens Preserve | May 25
Come out to the beautiful Stephens Preserve and volunteer your time with Capitol Land Trust! This 22-acre preserve was donated in 2002 and contains beautiful wildlife habitats, including riparian plant communities and forested uplands. We will continue working on a patch of yellow archangel.
Bayshore Preserve | May 30
Bayshore Preserve is 74 acres and offers beautiful views of Oakland Bay. Join Capitol Land Trust for a couple hours to help spread compost and mulch around some plants along John's Creek. We will also be digging up some of the remaining blackberries that are growing near the new plants. Contact Jill Maes with questions.
2019 Stewardship Challenge | Ongoing
The Olympia Branch is challenging Mountaineers members to spend a day in service to our remarkable public lands. Learn how you can join the challenge, document your service, and play a vital role in caring for our public lands.
Public Lands 101 | Ongoing
At a time when public lands and waters are under unprecedented attack, the outdoor community needs the knowledge and resources to protect the outdoor experience. Take our eLearning course Protecting Public Lands 101 and start engaging in advocacy efforts today. It’s free, and at the end of the course you can earn your Outdoor Advocates Network - Public Lands 101 badge.
For more information, read about our conservation and advocacy efforts.
