The Mount St. Helens Institute is providing opportunities this summer for community members to support a healthy ecosystem at the National Volcanic Monument, the institute announced in a news release.
The free programs offer a morning of invasive weed removal followed by a guided hike at the Hummocks Trail in the shadow of Mount St. Helens.
Registration is required via www.mshinstitute.org.
There are three opportunities to participate in stewardship days at Mount St. Helens this season:
• Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Saturday July 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Saturday Sep. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The events will be held no matter the weather, according to the release. Children ages 10 and above are welcome with a parent or guardian.
To experience Mount St. Helens any time, community members can visit one of the many area attractions open for the summer, including:
• The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Seaquest State Park, open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• North Fork Survivors, open daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Forest Learning Center, open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• The Science and Learning Center at Coldwater, open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Ape Cave, timed entry tickets are required and available at recreation.gov.
• Windy Ridge Viewpoint
Climbing permits for summiting Mount St. Helens are available at recreation.gov. Visitors can check current road and weather conditions at mshinstitute.org/current-conditions.
Due to especially dry conditions this year, visitors are encouraged to recreate responsibly.
The Mount St. Helens Institute connects people of all ages to Mount St. Helens and the natural world through educational programming designed to deepen appreciation for the Pacific Northwest’s youngest and most active volcano. Programs range from outdoor youth education at the Science & Learning Center at Coldwater to expert-led field seminars, guided hikes and volunteer opportunities throughout Mount St. Helens and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Learn more at www.mshinstitute.org or by calling 360-449-7883.
