Glacial Heritage Prairie, Thurston County

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.

On March 14^th we will be gathering at beautiful Glacial Heritage Prairie. We will be controlling invasive species and restoring the native ecosystem. There will also be indoor work for those less inclined to the Western Washington weather. New faces and hands are always welcome! Work begins at 10am and continues until 3pm, but you may stay for as long of that you like. Please bring work gloves and work clothes, a lunch and a water bottle. See you out on the prairies!

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 please email Eli Evans, Volunteer Coordinator and Restoration Specialist, at eevans@tnc.org