Glacial Heritage Prairie Restoration Tuesday Work Parties

Every Tuesday

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Did you know that the Southern Puget Sound area used to be covered by prairie?  That's right! South Puget Sound's prairies and oak woodlands lie hidden among the region's forests, farms and homes.  One of the rarest ecosystems in the country, these open savannas were created by retreating glaciers 15,000 years ago, then were sustained by the fires of Native Americans for thousands of years. Today conservationists like you maintain our prairies through active management and restoration.

Need some fresh air?  Then join the friendly volunteers who help the Nature Conservancy restore remnants of our rare and beautiful prairie landscape and learn about our natural heritage in the process.  New faces are always welcome!  Every Tuesday we will work to replant native fescue grasses and pull invasive Scotch broom.  Afterwards, we'll gather for a potluck and the chance to tour the prairie.

Bring a lunch/water and we'll provide the rest.  Work will begin at 9 am and continue until 3pm, of which you may stay for as much as you choose.

Directions:

Take I-5 to exit 95 (the Littlerock exit) about 10 miles south of Olympia.  Go west through Littlerock (past the gas station and tavern) to the T-intersection at Mima Road/Waddell Creek. Go south (left) on Mima Road 2.7 miles.  You will pass an obscure green and white sign on the right that says "Weyerhauser Mima Nursery" at the beginning of fields of tiny evergreen trees.  Take the next left onto an unmarked gravel road, where there is tree farm on the near side of the intersection and a few houses on the far side of the intersection.  Please be sure to adhere to the 15 mph speed limit on this road as there are often dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road to its end and park near the gate.

For more information and to RSVP please email Eli Evans, Restoration Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator, at eevans@tnc.org