This is a limited-enrollment opportunity, as our hosts are offering us a special permit for access to study this unique ecosystem! We will spend a few hours exploring the unique flora (including carnivorous plants!) of a peatland in Grays Harbor County.
Our team of eco-instructors will support small learning groups, ensuring that everyone receives instruction and has plenty of time to photograph the amazing flora of this “poor fen” type of peatland. We will provide a detailed plant list, further reading recommendations, and laminated learning materials.
About the site: The site is within the sensitive North Bay Natural Area Preserve and is one of our region’s highest-quality Sphagnum/adjacent forest peatland systems. This peatland is a groundwater-fed acidic fen, and as such is a patchwork of spongy Sphagnum-based hummocks amongst flowing and ponding water.
Difficulty & logistics: After an overview to the whole group, we will enter the peatland and spread out in impromptu groups to explore, study, and photograph (with ongoing support from our instructors). This is a moderately difficult hike, as we may encounter patches of shin-deep to thigh-deep water or spots with tricky footing. Pack a lunch to eat as we learn. The site is in Grays Harbor County, about 1.25+ hours from Olympia's west side. Parking is free.
10 a.m. to 3ish p.m. (check-in 9:30-9:55 a.m.)
Note that we're only offering single tickets (no Buddy Pass) because spots are limited and we need to keep track of how many are left!