Spring has sprung with new events, blogs posts, updates and more!





enews template header 2




*April 2024*





WCC2
*Help clean up our beaches on April 20*

Are you wanting to do something to give back for Earth Day but forgot to planet? ?? Don't worry! You can still sign up for our annual Washington Coast Cleanup [ [link removed] ] on April 20.

Make a weekend of it, or come for the day. Either way, we appreciate your help keeping our beaches clean, safe and fun places for everyone to enjoy! Last year, volunteers picked up 14,350 lbs of trash off our beaches — that's equivalent to 7 moose (crazy, right?).

Please note: Cleanup times are specific to location due to tidal differences. Visit CoastSavers.org [ [link removed] ] to learn more about the cleanup, view a list of all participating beaches and pre-register for the event. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access on state-managed lands on April 20.






*NEW BLOG POSTS*






Wildflowers
Where to see wildflowers

Wildflowers are going gangbusters at a few parks right now (Columbia River Gorge, we're looking at you!). But they'll be getting, well... wild at parks in several parts of the state between now and early August. Check out our blog for your guide to Washington state park wildflowers.

*Where to see wildflowers — and avoid the crowds* [ [link removed] ]



Middle Earth blog
Be a part of The Fellowship's journey right here in WA

We're here to show you Middle Earth and Washington are not so different. Sure, The Lord of the Rings wasn't filmed here, but that doesn't mean you can't walk through the ecological diversity of Middle Earth right here in Washington. Check out our blog for a list of parks that look just like the iconic stops along on The Fellowship's journey.

*9 parks that bring Middle Earth to Washington* [ [link removed] ]






*Plan a trip to Orcas Island for the Salish Sea Folk Arts Fest*

blacksmith

The Salish Sea Folk Arts Fest [ [link removed] ] is celebrating PNW folk arts through music, dance, poetry and a pop-up Makers Village in Moran State Park [ [link removed] ], May 17-18.

This small-scale community gathering features two days of heritage skill share workshops, lodging options at Camp Moran and a full day festival with world folk music, folk and contra dancing, hands-on learning and maker demonstrations in a stroll-through village.

From blacksmithing to weaving, knitting to wood carving, music and poetry workshops, wooden boat building and bushcrafting skill shares, there is something for everyone – plus, Saturday has kid-friendly fun activities. Learn to make a frame drum or digeridoo, try your hand at raku pottery or printmaking, off grid hand-tools and power, animal care, herbalism, and native basketry and beading. 

Advance tickets [ [link removed] ] for this event are required. Visit OrcasWonderCamp.org [ [link removed] ] to learn more and purchase tickets.







Celebrate Mother's Day and Memorial Day weekend at a park

Mothers day

Spring is a way of celebrating renewal, growth and warmth after cold winter months. It's a time when flowers bloom, birds chirp and everything seems to come to life again. 

It is also a time that is perfect for getting back outside — and there is no better time to start then Mother's Day. This Mother's Day, treat your mom to adventure. Our parks offer a variety of activities [ [link removed] ], events [ [link removed] ] and picnic areas that make up the perfect setting to a wonderful celebration. And if you want to go the extra mile, we have Parks merch available for purchase [ [link removed] ], like cozy Pendleton blankets and State Parks backpacks, mugs, beanies, journals, gift cards and more. 

Memorial Day weekend is also a great time get out to our parks. With the weather warming up, this is the perfect opportunity to visit one of our beach parks and test the waters.

Please note: Even through the weather will be warmer, the water might not be. Cold water safety is crucial, especially when engaging in swimming, boating or any water sports. Visit our website [ [link removed] ] to view some safety tips on how to navigate cold water. 

"Photo by Freya Fennwood"







Centennial Trail

As we strive to keep our parks updated, safe and friendly, sometimes we need to close areas or parks for construction. While it’s a temporary inconvenience, doing this work is an important part of stewardship and will help everyone enjoy these lands for generations to come. 




KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Check alerts and current park projects

Getting ready for your adventure?  Check for alerts! [ [link removed] ] 

A few notable upcoming closures and work areas:


* Deception Pass West Beach parking area damage [ [link removed] ]
* Centennial Trail asphalt overlay [ [link removed] ]
* Lake Sylvia entrance construction [ [link removed] ]
* Cape Disappointment temporary camping closure [ [link removed] ]







Washington State Parks [ [link removed] ]   [ [link removed] ] Facebook [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] Twitter [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] YouTube [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] blog [ [link removed] ] Govdelivery [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]  

Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ]  |  Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]  |  Contact Us [ [link removed] ]  |  Subscribe [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________

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] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}