Earth Day and more!





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*State Parks E-News*

*April 2023*






Scotch Broom Earth Day removal event, Fort Flagler
*Blooming now ? spring programs!*

Every spring, state parks blossom with flowers - and also with fun, educational events to intrigue and entertain you and your family and friends.

As our interpreters schedule spring and summer activities, we urge you to check our calendar of events [ [link removed] ] for updates. We don?t want you to miss anything!

A Discover Pass-free day on state recreation lands, Earth Day is coming Saturday, April 22. Events include:


* Fort Flagler [ [link removed] ] - Scotch Broom removal
* Kitsap Memorial [ [link removed] ] - Guided native plant walk
* Squak Mountain [ [link removed] ] - Fun run
* Columbia Plateau Trail [ [link removed] ] - ADA-friendly guided walk
* Bridle Trails [ [link removed] ] ? Stewardship project
* Dash Point [ [link removed] ] - Sundaes Outside, A Celebration of Black Folks. Register here [ [link removed] ].
* Or join the multi-park Washington Coast Cleanup! (See below.)

Lake Sammamish [ [link removed] ] will host their annual Walk ?n Wag [ [link removed] ] May 7, 10 a.m. ? 3 p.m.

Our Folk and Traditional Arts Program [ [link removed] ] and Arbutus Folk School [ [link removed] ] bring you a cedar bark weaving class with Quinault Master Basketweaver/Storyteller, Harvest Moon. Tolmie State Park [ [link removed] ], *May 13, 10 a.m. to noon*. Register here. [ [link removed] ] Class fee will be waived for members of regional tribes.

Artists of all mediums: here?s your chance to spend a month on an island at Deception Pass this summer, creating, teaching and sharing your art. The Artist in Residence application period [ [link removed] ] is open until April 23.






*Family events and adventures*






Washington Coast Cleanup Earth Day event
*A day at the beach: Volunteer for the Washington Coast Cleanup*

If nothing makes you happier than a day at the beach, then you know it's important to protect our coastline and you want to do your part!

Treat yourself to a day or a weekend at the coast for a cause: join the Washington Coast Cleanup (WCC) this Earth Day - a Discover Pass free day - 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 22 at:


* Cape Disappointment
* Fort Townsend
* Fort Worden
* Grayland Beach
* Mystery Bay
* Ocean City
* Pacific Beach
* Shine Tidelands (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. due to tides)
* Twin Harbors.

Volunteers will want to dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear and pack a lunch with plenty of water.

Participants will receive supplies at check-in to help them pick up debris but are encouraged to bring reusable gloves. The check-in station serves as the dumpster location after collection.

Learn about the WCC, see participating beaches, pre-register at?CoastSavers. [ [link removed] ]



Foster Family pass program
Foster Family program transforms

We've streamlined our Foster Family pass program with a new application process and an official discount pass. That means many more foster families will be able to access this discount program!

Washington State residents who provide out-of-home care to a minor child can access free nightly camping (reservation fees still apply) and free day-use parking.

Applications will be accepted starting June 1.?Currently, foster families must show WDL and foster license or caregiver ID card to prove they qualify, which has been challenging and excludes many Washingtonians who provide out-of-home care for children.?

Families can still use the current system of proof until June 1, 2024. After that, they'll need the Foster Family pass to participate.

The child in care and the foster parent or caregiver must be together when using the discount. Passholders may claim *one* site per night using the discount.

Get help with applications and trip planning from our Information Center:? 360-902- 8844 [email protected].?






Where to wed? A WA State Park, of course!

A newlywed couple dancing in a ballroom

When it comes to weddings, we?ve got it all ? epic views, diverse landscapes, historic homes and buildings, venues of all sizes, affordability, DIY autonomy and a place to start ? or keep - making family memories.

In these two blog posts, you can:?
find your ideal wedding spot [ [link removed] ], and get details on planning [ [link removed] ]?your state park wedding.

While we can?t pick your food, flowers or photographer, our blogs, website and staff can help make your dream day a dream come true.

"Photo by Jen Lee Light Photography [ [link removed] ], Fort Worden State Park"



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*Boating season is coming. Get your moorage permits now. *

Moorage permits

Boaters ? here is the line on mooring permits:

Washington State Parks has the largest state-managed mooring system in the nation, with more than 40 marine parks and more than 8,500 feet of public moorage space - all available for you.?

You?ll need (and want!) a Moorage Permit to use our docks, buoys, floats or linear moorage sites for a spectacular overnight stay. (Think sunsets and sunrises over the Sound!)

When you buy your permit, please keep your vessel registration number handy; you?ll need it to complete the Moorage Permit transaction.?



*Learn more and buy permits* [ [link removed] ]


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*Live the Park Aide life: there's still time to apply!*

Park Aide arbor crew training

We're still looking for seasonal park aides to work this summer at Lake Chelan, Twenty-Five Mile Creek, Camano Island, Maryhill, Goldendale Observatory, Columbia Plateau Trail, Fields Spring, Lewis & Clark Trail, Lyons Ferry, Sacajawea, Potholes, Sun Lakes, Dry Falls Visitor Center and Steamboat Rock.

Many State Parks staff started their careers as park aides; others came out of retirement for sheer love of the park aide life! If you or someone you know would be great in this job, please send them our way. Have them apply today! [ [link removed] ]







EarthCorps


A few blogs (ICYMI)

This month, we've shared stories announcing our 2022 Volunteer Award winners.? [ [link removed] ](Thank you to all our volunteers!)

We've showcased an International EarthCorps crew [ [link removed] ]?(photo at left) from five countries who restored a trail at Larrabee State Park, and the women who fought to preserve [ [link removed] ]?Federation Forest.

And we've updated fans of Lake Sammamish about construction work being done [ [link removed] ] on this Puget Sound icon.

Enjoy these posts, and feel free to suggest topics for future blogs!








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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 1111 Israel Road S.W. ? Tumwater ? WA 98501-6512 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
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