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Field Trip to Darlin Creek Preserve
April 13 @ 8:00 am-11:00 am
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Time: 8 am – 11 am
Leaders: Kyle Leader
Location: 8910 Lake Lucinda Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98512
Description:
Darlin Creek Preserve is a 312-acre preserve conserved by Capitol Land Trust in the Black River watershed near Capitol State Forest. This will be a beginner-friendly outing. We will be looking and listening for early spring migrants.
We will meet at the trailhead kiosk and walk about 2 miles.
Trail information:
The trails are a mixture between dirt, gravel, and old roadbed.
The Wetland Forest Loop Trail is about 2 miles long. Heading clockwise from the parking area, the trail is flat until a slight decline in elevation to a large bridge crossing Darlin Creek. Cross the bridge near the Beaver Pond. Check out the flat spur trail just after the bridge for a look at a beaver dam and the pond behind it! After the bridge, the trail increases in elevation and follows an old logging road, with uphill and downhill sections and some uneven footing. At the end of the old logging road, the trail bends north to cross a footbridge (look for the nearby beaver dam!) and connect with an old railroad grade. The railroad grade is very level but may be muddy in spots. After a short distance, the trail reconnects with the Lake Loop Trail and passes by Lake Lucinda. There are three benches along the Wetland Forest Loop Trail, one at the Beaver Pond, one at the South Beaver Pond, and one along the western portion of the Lake Loop Trail.
Other information:
There is a portable toilet near the parking area with hand sanitizer.
This outing is not wheelchair accessible.
Bring: Binoculars and a field guide if you want one. Merlin Bird ID is a great phone app for identifying birds. I also suggest a hands-free pack for water, snacks, and personal items.
Dress for the conditions and for a slow walking pace; dull natural fabrics are more bird-friendly than bright synthetics.
For questions:
Contact Kyle Leader at kchuckles11@nullyahoo.com
Photo credit: Violet-green Swallow, by Rachel Hudson.