On Saturday, May 9, the Friends of Puget Prairies and their partners are holding Prairie Appreciation Day on the South Sound prairies at Thurston County’s Glacial Heritage and the Department of Natural Resources Mima Mounds Natural Areas, two of the largest remaining remnants of the endangered prairie ecosystem in Western Washington.
The event runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At Glacial Heritage Preserve, there are two interpretive loops, one of about 2 miles (the Activity Trail) and the other about 4 miles (the Self-Guided Trail).
The Activity Trail contains a number of informative stations covering various aspects of the South Sound prairies. They include topics such as prairie ecology, restoration, management of invasive plants, and the wildlife and wildflowers found in this unique ecosystem.
The stations have experts to discuss each topic as well as activities for children and the young at heart. Take the opportunity to make seed balls and wind wands, try your hands at writing with ink made from oak galls, talk to experts about gardening with native prairie plants or how fire is used to restore prairies. Or just bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the hayride.
The Self-Guided Trail has interpretive signs pointing out many of the unique features of these prairies, and is a good choice for those who just want to absorb the ambiance.
The Black Hills Audubon Society will be hosting early morning bird walks at Glacial Heritage. Check its website http://blackhills-audubon.org/ for details.
Mima Mounds is fully handicapped accessible with a paved trail that is ideal for families with toddlers and those who want a less strenuous experience. In addition, group tours of Mima Mounds can be arranged by sending an email to prairieappreciationday@gmail.com.
Choose your destination based on your time and circumstances. These are nature preserves and pets are not allowed.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Thurston County Food Bank can do so at either location. (No glass, please.)
More information and directions can be found on the Friends of Puget Prairies website at http://www.prairieappreciationday.org, or call either (360) 458-5450 or (206) 498-3273.
To drive to Prairie Appreciation Day, take Interstate 5 to Exit 95. Go west through Littlerock on 128th Street. Drive straight through Littlerock (note that the other two directions of traffic at the intersection with Littlerock Road do not stop) until you reach a stop sign at the T in the road.
For Glacial Heritage, turn left at the Tonto Mima Road. Drive south 2.7 miles and turn left at the event sign onto a gravel road. Drive to the gate of Glacial Heritage and follow parking directions.
For Mima Mounds, turn right at the T onto Waddell Creek Road. Drive north approximately seven-tenths of a mile until you see the event sign. Turn left into Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve.
