Join our team of eco-instructors to discover the unique plants of these outer coastal substrates, from the sandy backshore to the mucky saltmarsh. We’ll discuss the natural processes that shape these ecosystems and study the unusual plants that can withstand the rigors of life in this zone — an ever-changing beach profile with the seasons, extreme storms and tides, and water/nutrient-limited substrates.
We’ll provide a detailed plant list of ~75 species and provide laminated learning packets to share in small groups as we delve into the graminoids and hunt for patches of the gorgeous and unusual plants that beckon us for close-up study of summer flowers. Note that there is an optional add-on site a short drive away for those wanting to carry on from mid-afternoon to early evening. For those willing, we’ll see enormous patches of some of the most spectacular beach plants, and many smaller patches of species not seen at our main site.
Difficulty & logistics: We’ll spend several hours not going very far — doing the botany crawl interspersed with normal walking to new discoveries. Some of the hike will be on soft sand or sloped beach faces. Pack your lunch, snacks, & water. Located in Grays Harbor Co., plan to drive about 1.5 hours from Olympia. Parking lot requires a Discover Pass.
10 a.m. to late afternoon (check-in 9:30-9:55 a.m.)