Well, not exactly free but you get the idea.
At this time, we don’t know exactly what the governor will decide for the Stay-at-Home, Stay-Safe directive during May. There is a possibility that small groups will be able to gather. We hope so and in our optimism, we are offering some Black Hills Audubon Events and Adventures to do some fundraising and let you get out safely for some truly memorable times. We have limited the number of participants to 10 or less and will not require any payment until we know for sure that the event will go on as planned. Below are the details for this summer’s events. Please let me know if you are interested. I will sign you up and contact you later if/when the event goes forward and payment is needed. Fingers crossed for a fun and sociable summer.
SUNDAY MAY 17 $35 FEATHER FLURRY Feather artist Chris Maynard has been supplying feathers for Barn, Tree, and Violet-green Swallows for the past 20 years. The swallows return year after year to use these feathers in their nests. Opportunities abound for photography and appreciating the soaring and swooping of swallows. Outdoor breakfast buffet and tour of Chris’ studio included. 7:30 – 10:30 am (NOTE: In case of rain, the event will be held on May 24th).
SATURDAY MAY 30 $35 FOREST BATHING Come experience the Japanese art of Shinri-yoku, the practice of “forest bathing”. This is a relaxed meditative walk in the woods. You will focus all your senses on the forest surrounding you and let the forest “bathe” over you. Long-time environmental educator, Kathy Jacobson, will be our guide. The quieter we are in the forest, the closer the birds will come to us. Appetizers and beverages provided. Suitable for ages 12 and up. 7 – 9 pm
TUESDAY JUNE 23 $60 GUIDED KAYAK TOUR Meet at the Steilacoom Ferry Terminal for a sea kayak tour with a naturalist guide. Pigeon Guillemots, Common Murres, Rhinoceros Auklets, Marbled Murrelets, Peregrine, Red-necked Pharalaropes have been seen on this tour. Harbour porpoises, dolphins and whales are also possible. No experience necessary but everyone must paddle. Trip offered by Sam Kaviar of Kayak Nisqually. Noon – 3 pm
SATURDAY JULY 11 $35 WOODARD BAY BAT OUTING Greg Falxa of Cascadia Research will take us to Woodard Bay bat nursery at sunset for a unique experience. Greg will share his knowledge while hundreds of Little brown and Yuma myotis bats exit the pier and fly in front of our group. He will have acoustic bat detectors to hear the bats’ echolocation calls. Dessert and beverage will be served. ¾ mile walk each way. Time TBA
SUNDAY AUGUST 2ND $35 PEREGRINE PURSUIT Join Joe Buchanan, Wildlife Biologist for WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, for an evening walk through Woodard Bay Conservation Area. Joe has done considerable research on this species and has many stories to share. At Weyer Point, beverage and dessert will be served and, hopefully, juvenile peregrines will be hunting bats emerging from the old dock. ¾ mile walk each way. Time TBA.SATURDAY AUGUST 29 $50 GOURMET DINNER Hosts Deb Nickerson and Alice Burman will create a truly memorable feast featuring barbecued salmon and a sunset view. Guests will be pampered with a variety of delicious foods in a relaxed and conversational setting guaranteed to please. Special diets cannot be accommodated at this event. 5 pm
