Park offers a variety of summer interpretive programs

By Tara Nelson

Birch Bay State Park is offering several fun interpretive program from now until the end of September. The programs are coordinated by the Friends of Birch Bay State Park and funded by a grant from BP’s Cherry Point refinery.

All programs free and are held at Birch Bay State Park’s Wildlife Theater in the Upper Day Use Area, except for Junior Ranger programs, which meet at the Junior Ranger Building. For more information call 371-2800.

Friday, August 24
From Forest to Marsh: A walk through Terrell Marsh Trail with a naturalist to help demystify and explore two ecosystems. 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 25
Estuary Soup: Children and their parents are invited to meet the “Estuary Soup Chef” and learn what ingredients go into an estuary. The “chef” will share a favorite recipe but no food will be served during the presentation. Hosted by The Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 10 a.m.

Saturdays through September 1
Junior Rangers: Learn about the plants and animals of Birch Bay State park through arts and crafts, games, and stories. Meet at Junior Ranger building in the North Loop Campground. Parental supervision required for children ages 8 years and younger. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 25
Lifestyles of the Great Blue Heron: Why are there so many Great Blue Herons in Birch Bay State Park? What do they hunt and where do they nest? Learn all about this dramatic bird. 7 p.m.

Sunday, August 26
Discover Low Tide: Find out who lives underfoot in the Birch Bay tidelands. Walk along the beach at low tide to explore the lives of invertebrates. 10 a.m.

Other park news
State park manager Ted Morris said the group is also working to raise funds for an environmental education center, called The Heron Center, a log-style building which is slated to be constructed near the beach. The facility will include an environmental education class room, a food preparation area and covered picnic shelter.

“We’ve raised about $65,000 toward our goal of $150,000, so we’re doing pretty good,” he said. “If we can get another $35,000 we might be able to get matching grants for the rest.”