A Winter Hike for the New Year
On January 4, 2019, the Natural History Society led a winter hike at Ebey’s Landing on Whidbey Island. Named after the first European settler on Whidbey, Ebey’s Landing is comprised of state, national, and private parcels totaling 17,400 acres. We walked across fields to golden bluffs that tower above the surf, then dropped down (a bit steeply) to wander along a beautiful beach and gaze at the snowcapped Olympic Mountains.
We took the ferry and began at the Prairie Overlook for a 5.2-mile lollipop loop-hike with about 300 feet of elevation gain and loss.
Janell at JLTnatural@saveland.org organized carpools. Non-drivers paid $5 for gas.
Walk the Wildlife Corridor
On January 25, 2019, the Natural History Society guided a four-mile walk between North Beach and Middlepoint through the Quimper Wildlife Corridor (QWC). The QWC is a conservation partnership led by Jefferson Land Trust. Lands within the corridor are owned and protected by the Land Trust, the state, county, city, and private landowners.
According to Sarah Spaeth at the Land Trust, QWC “is important for managing storm-water and keeping our local water clean. It also creates an urban wildlife refuge that provides natural habitat and safe passage for mammals, birds, and amphibians. For Port Townsend’s growing population, it provides open space and recreational trails.” Lee at JLTnatural@saveland.org provided details.
Pileated Woodpeckers, vintage vehicles, terrestrial orchids, English holly, natural wetlands, and sewer lines are all part of this complex blend of mixed coniferous forest and 20th century human influences.