Ok, here are the most frequent kids answers (top to bottom) to Five Things You Could do/Not do to Help Keep our Waters Clean and Healthy. (See story on previous post.)
1. No littering/polluting
2. Don’t let pets/self go to the bathroom in the water
3. Plant trees
4. Don’t let oil/chemical spills be poured into the water
5. (Tie) don’t use motorboats
Use less water
I suppose we could debate and re-educate and even have a different group of contestants, but this is not a bad list! Not bad at all! Good going kids! Thanks. (How was YOUR list?)
About comments on GoSkagit. It is not easy to comment. You must first register, giving yourself a name and password, and then you must “log in” using that name and password in order to comment. Few do. There is a comment to the previous post though, and my reply is that this blog is first and foremost meant to encourage people to get involved with organizations and activities that will help keep the NaturalSkagit the nice place it is now, and improve it where they can. We are trying to show lots of alternatives, some are even in conflict with others. Where you choose to Dig In is up to you … we just hope you do!
Nice, timely story today about State Park Camp Hosts! The August host at Rasar State Park is helping conduct a family day - “At the Water’s Edge” – from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm this Saturday, Aug 16. We’ll be down by the River letting people try various water quality sampling/testing methods. Come by and get wet!
The Local-Organization-You-Might-Want-To-Be-Involved-With this week is the Pacific Northwest Trail Association (PNTA) http://www.pnt.org
The Pacific Northwest Trail runs from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean and some of it crosses Anderson Mountain and the Chuckanuts, and on down into the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. Lots of use!
The mission of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association is to construct, protect and maintain the Pacific Northwest Trail in a manner that makes a lasting contribution to the recreation, education, and enjoyment of present and future generations.
The Education Mission Statement of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association is to provide at-risk youth with a work-based education program focusing on the natural history, culture and lore, ecosystems, and wild places along the Pacific Northwest Trail.
The PNTA is over 30 years old and has a local office and small staff in Sedro-Woolley. You can be a member, sponsor, contribute to an endowment, or participate in Volunteer Vacations. There are also regular trail maintenance work parties … Aug 16, Sept 6 and 20, and Oct 4 and 18. Meet at the Cook Rd. Park and Ride across from the 76 Station at 8:15. Call 360 424 0407 ahead to confirm there is a work party that day. Long pants, gloves, plenty of fluids, lunch and be prepared to sign a liability waiver (parent or guardian for under 18). Tools provided.
There is a lot of varied and interesting information and history on the website – it’s a good one! If you use that Pacific Northwest trail … and lots of NaturalSkagit folks do … consider joining them to Dig In!
Here are some near-term activities to consider:
Sat. August 16 Beach naturalists at Washington Park 10:00am – Noon Beach education with the WSU Beachwatchers.
Sat. August 16 Skagit Land Trust Annual Picnic Noon – 3:00pm Bowman Bay/Deception Pass State Park RSVP Diane by Aug 13. 360 428 7878 Optional 10:30 – 11:30 walking tour of Anacortes Community Forest Lands – call for directions.
Sat. August 16 At The Water’s Edge 11:00am – 2:00pm Rasar State Park (15 miles east of Sedro-Woolley on Cape Horn Rd.) River exploration, education and demonstrations for all ages with the Park staff and Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group..
Sun. August 17 Skagitonians To Preserve Farmland Annual Picnic and New Mbr. Drive 2:00pm – 5:00pm Gardens at LaConner Flats, 15920 Best Rd. http://www.skagitonians.org for more details.
Sun. August 17 Beach naturalists at Bayview State Park 11:00am – 1:00pm Beach education with the WSU Beachwatchers.
Mon. August 18 Skagit County Flood Control Zone District The August meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Skagit County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) at which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will present and solicit public comment on the preliminary flood control measures being considered as part of the Skagit County Flood Damage Reduction Study (also known as the Skagit River General Investigation). 4:00pm – 7:00pm Aqua Rm at Skagit PUD #1, 1415 Freeway Dr., Mt. Vernon
Tue. August 19 Marine Recovery Area Proposal Public Hearing 9:30 a.m. at the Skagit County Commissioners Hearing Room, 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon.
Thur. August 21 Open House - expanded Friends of the Forest office 7:00pm Top floor of the historic Keystone Building at 619 Commercial Avenue, #32. Join Denise Crowe and other friends for snacks and a display of activities in our woods.
Sat. August 23 Anacortes Community Wildlife Habitat Certification celebration 11:00am Fidalgo Backyard Wildlife Habitat Group At the Snag Boat Center!
Many similar events and activities and opportunities are posted on the GoSkagit Event Calendar. Check it often!
(This blog is a service of the Skagit Conservation Education Alliance (SCEA) http://www.skagitwater.org Your comments will be helpful. New ideas to consider, and changes we should make are especially welcome. Corrections and further enlightenment will help as well. You can email to . Thank you.)
