Dee Ann Kline Parkinson
Beginning in April 2018, seven Olympia Mountaineers made monthly trips to Seattle to participate in the Naturalist course. Using that course as inspiration, we formed an Olympia Naturalist Committee and are developing a series of "Walks and Talks" featuring naturalist topics. Join us for these starting in August!
The format will be a lecture, followed by one or more field trips. Committee members will also offer stand alone naturalist hikes or events.
Upcoming Olympia Naturalist committee events
The Committee's first activities are scheduled for mid-August. Check out our options:
Day Hike - Lions Park | Aug 11
Join Marine Biologist April Devitt and explore the fascinating world of tide pools.
Naturalist Hike - Coldwater Ridge | Aug 12
This is a beautiful trail to a bluff overlooking Coldwater Lake. This lake was formed by the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The trail, which traverses through "blast zone" scenery has an abundance of wildflowers and berries, as well as remains of logging equipment destroyed during the blast. We will proceed at a leisurely pace in order to enjoy and photograph the scenery.
Mushrooms of the Northwest | Sep 7
Olympia Mountaineer and mushroom expert Tom Keller presents a two hour course providing tips and tools for finding and identifying wild mushrooms. Those who attend the presentation will have the opportunity to sign up for a Mushroom Foray with Tom to the Brown Creek Campground near Shelton.
Looking ahead
We have plans in the works for summer tidepool exploration, and keep an eye out in fall for outings to pick huckleberries and see larches, organized by the committee.
