Prairie Appreciation Day: Birding Glacial Heritage Preserve

Normally closed, once a year the Glacial Heritage Preserve opens its restored South Sound prairies, streams, and oak woodlands to the public. The timing is grand: camas is in bloom; the hills’ slopes are blue. Other rare prairie wildflowers are also in bloom, and prairie birds are busy. The day will start with an early birdwalk led by Black Hills Audubon. The birdwalk will cover the open prairie, oak riparian forest (along Littlerock River), and the Douglas Fir perimeter forest in a search for Meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, Western Bluebirds, Ospreys, American Kestrels, and Northern Harriers, as well as Warblers and other forest birds. The two-mile walk is along a mostly flat gravel road.

Dress for the weather. Mornings can be cool. Bring binoculars and water and snacks as needed.

After the birdwalk, you can depart or stay for the rest of the event’s activities, including educational exhibits. Check the website at www.prairieappreciationday.org for full details as plans come to fruition.

Directions to Glacial Heritage Preserve: From the town of Littlerock, travel west on 128^th S.E. to intersect the Mima Road. Turn left and travel south for a couple of miles past Bordeaux Road until you reach the Weyerhaeuser tree nursery on the right. Continuing, you will see a road sign displaying a farm tractor on the right. The turnoff to Glacial Heritage is the next gravel road to the left after the tractor sign. Drive the gravel road for about a mile to the event parking area.

Contact Bob Wadsworth (360-561-3317) if you have questions about the birdwalk. Sign-up is not necessary.