Category Archives: History of hikes and outings

Anderson Lake Ethnobotanical Hike

On May 17, 2017, Jeanmarie Morell led a hike for the Natural History Society, at Anderson Lake State Park.

It was an easy three-mile ramble around the lake. We checked out the flora and ethnobotanical uses of plants, by examining cedar trees for signs of bark harvest (from before the land was a park); noting the formation of tiny fruits on edible berry shrubs; discussing how we use local native plants; tasting licorice fern; and much more.

Participation was not limited, and carpools were arranged. We suggested wearing light hiking boots and dressing in layers for changing weather, and bringing field guides, binoculars, and plenty of food and water.

Eileen at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact for carpool and other information.

Shine Tidelands State Park and Wolfe Property Walk

On April 15, 2017, Jefferson Land Trust Land Steward Marcia Schwendiman joined our Natural History Society for a springtime walk along the beach and into the woods on Bywater Bay.

Bywater Bay is near the west end of the Hood Canal Bridge. The three-mile route followed the beach to the neck of Hood Head, then, on the walk back, dived through a wooded area to a saltmarsh and lagoon marking the end of Bywater Bay. A wide array of birds made an appearance, and the gravel to mud beach offered near shore sea life to investigate.

We suggested wearing light hiking boots and layers, and bringing water, snack/lunch, binoculars, and field guides. There was no limit to the size of the group.

Lee at jltnatural@saveland.org was the contact for carpool information and other details.

Hansville Greenway and Point No Point Nature Walk

salmonberryOn March 8, 2017, JLT Land Stewards Michele Olsen and Wendy Feltham Joined our Natural History Society for an almost-springtime walk through the Hansville Greenway.

The seven-mile route followed country roads to the historic Point No Point Lighthouse.  It continued through beautiful Buck Lake County Park and the Hansville Greenway trails.  In addition to meadow, pond and lake, there is a 28-acre wetland behind the lighthouse keeper’s quarters.

An alternative three and one-half mile walk takes you to the wetland area with an opportunity for birding. The park is a designated Important Bird Area on Audubon Washington’s Great Washington State Birding Trail.

licorice-fernWe suggested wearing light hiking boots and layers, and bringing water, snack/lunch, binoculars, and field guides. There was no limit to the size of the group.

Michele at jltnatural@saveland.org was the contact for carpool information and other details.

Cappy’s Trails Nature Walk

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOn February 15, 2017, JLT Land Stewards, Cheryl Wallace and Lee Merrill Join our Natural History Society and , for a winter walk through the heart of Quimper Wildlife Corridor in a special area known as Cappy’s Trails.

This was an easy walk on well maintained forested trails (approximately 3.5  miles) through mostly undeveloped land, open space, and wetlands, where the lives of people and wildlife overlap within the city of Port Townsend.

Chestnut-backed chickadee

Meeting place was the Cook Avenue Cappy’s trailhead; we parked on Elmira Street, just off Cook Avenue, about 1/2 mile from Hastings. We suggested wearing light hiking boots, dressing in layers, and bringing water, snack, binoculars, and field guides.

There was no limit to the size of the group. Lee at jltnatural@saveland.org was the contact for carpool information and other details.

Urban Bestiary Neighborhood Nature Walk

deerOn January 12, 2017, the Natural History Society took an Urban Bestiary Neighborhood  Nature Walk.

Naturalist extraordinaire Ken Wilson led a search for squirrels in treetops, hummingbirds and woodpeckers at feeders, seabirds in the  marina, and other animals dwelling in urban Port Townsend.

We walked a loop that included Chetzemoka Park, Point Hudson, and a bit of Uptown.

goldeneyeWe met in front of Chetzemoka Park; dressed for the weather; and brought binoculars. Michele at jltnatural@saveland.org was the contact for information.