Come join Stillwaters' staff and guest presenters for a day at the Market. We will be learning about water, fresh and salt, and about how we humans impact our watersheds and Puget Sound. Highlights include:
Low tide beach walk at 2pm**
Information about invasive aquatic species
Watershed education
Naturalists stationed at the beach with identification tools and activities**
**children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult
July 3 -10, Office Closed:
Stillwaters office and campus will be closed to visitors.
NATURE CAMP!
Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13
9:30am - 2:30pm
Sign up children entering grades 2nd to 5th for a fun and educational week of nature activities at Stillwaters!
Join us to explore the many ecosystems around Stillwaters and the Carpenter Creek Watershed.
We believe every child should experience the joy of getting dirty in the woods, muddy on the beach and wet in the stream!
Cost is $100 for all 4 days. Includes materials and snacks. Please bring a sack lunch.
Please call 360-297-2876 to register by July 31. Space is limited.
August 17-22, Office Closed:
Stillwaters office and campus will be closed to visitors.
Celebrate the great outdoors with your camera this summer!
Nature photographers of all ages and skill levels are welcomed to participate in a Nature Photo Contest, to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Stillwaters . This summertime contest, which ends September 5th, will give you ample excuse to take yourself and your camera outside – to the woods, the beach, the mountains, or the field behind your house. Show us what you see in nature!
Contest categories will include various ages and all skill levels. Prizes will be awarded at a celebration and show on October3.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: William Thompson, former National Geographic photographer, and a Stillwaters naturalist will be leading a field-based workshop for all photographers on Sunday, August 16, beginning at 9:00 am at Stillwaters. Cost is TBD; wear trail and weather-appropriate clothing and bring a bag lunch for eating in the field. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
PARTNERS: Joining Stillwaters in this venture so far are our partners, Olympic Property Group, The North Kitsap Herald, Whisper, S & J Graphics, and photographers William Thompson, Kurt Smith, Jim Laser, Isabel Gates & Greg MacDonald.
To register for the workshop or get more information, click here or call 360-297-2876 or email us.
RAIN GARDENS FOR YOUR
HOME & LANDSCAPE
As the Pacific Northwest heads into our usual dry summer, we urge you to consider installing a rain garden. So what is a rain garden and why should you create one?
A rain garden is a garden designed to soak up rain and runoff from your roof, driveway, and lawn. It is a shallow depression or excavation (not a wetland), generally 4" to 8" deep, that is planted with wildflowers and other native vegetation rather than lawn.
A rain garden, which absorbs about 30% more water than conventional lawn, is one of many tools or strategies used to lessen the amount of storm water runoff .
We know that during wet periods, excessive stormwater runoff erodes and degrades stream channels, and salmon eggs and juveniles may be swept away. Flooding and drainage problems occur, and our storm water systems may become overloaded, resulting in release of untreated sewage and other pollutants.
In addition, rain gardens provide a way in which residents can personally contribute to cleaner water, healthier fish and wildlife populations, and a more beautiful and functional environment. Though each rain garden seems small, collectively they would help to restore a portion of the land's ability to hold or retain water to perform ecological services. For example, freshwater would be captured and infiltrated to recharge groundwater/ drinking water supplies, to sustain vegetation and wildlife, and to provide adequate flows in streams during dry spells, which sustains fish and other aquatic life.
Rain gardens are a simple and attractive way to absorb stormwater, while providing habitat for birds, butterflies, and dragonflies, and enhancing the beauty of our homes, neighborhoods, and communities.
For more information about this and other aspects of beneficial landscaping, contact Elaine Somers at 206-553-2966, 1-800-424-4372, somers.elaine@epa.gov.
