West Rocky Prairie Restoration Work Party, Thurston County

May 16 2009 10:00 am
May 16 2009 3:00 pm

The South Sound Prairies are one of the rarest ecosystems in the country; these open savannas were created by retreating glaciers 15,000 years ago, and 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.

West Rocky Prairie is a fragile ecosystem that includes rare oak woodland, wetlands, and native outwash prairie and is home to numerous state and federally threatened endangered species. The prairie lies within the Black River watershed where the Department of Natural Resources and a The Nature Conservancy partnership have conserved over 5,500 acres spanning more than 40 individual sites.

On Saturday,  May 16th we will be working to control invasive species as well as planting native wildflowers and grasses. Please come out to enjoy our South Sound Prairies at their finest, camus and other wildflowers will be in full bloom turning the prairie into a beautiful springtime show. Bring a lunch/water and we'll provide the rest.  Work will begin at 10 am and continue until 3pm, of which you may stay for as much as you choose.

DIRECTIONS TO WEST ROCKY PRAIRIE

-Take exit 99 about 10 miles south of Olympia

-Turn Left onto 93rd Rd and continue to Tilley Rd, about 1.4 miles.

-Turn Right onto Tilley Rd and continue to 143rd Ave, about 5.2 miles

-Turn left onto 143rd Ave and drive for 1.8 miles. On the left side of the road, 100ft past the Knowles Rd sign, is the entrance.

If you are going to arrive later than 10 am please call Grace Diehl,  Prairie Land Steward,  at 360-870-5500 so she can open the gate to the preserve for you.
For more information, email Eli Evans, Volunteer Coordinator and Restoration Specialist, at eevans@tnc.org