Local farmers are at the heart of our food system. And yet, the barriers that they face are staggering, especially for marginalized growers. From finding and affording land to keeping it productive and resilient in the face of climate change, local farmers need our support now more than ever. That’s why Washington Farmland Trust and Viva Farms are teaming up for the second year in a row on a virtual benefit concert to support a resilient, equitable future for farming. Join us for an evening of inspiration, music, and community as we aim to raise $330,000 for local farms.

Join Puyallup Habitat Stewards, Pierce Conservation District, Tahoma Audubon, and community on a guided tour of the 4.2-mile Puyallup Loop Trail. Make friends, enjoy the sights and sounds, and last but certainly not least learn a few things about birds from a local Tahoma Audubon bird expert!! Bonus! We will walk past 5 active habitat stewardship sites and you will learn about the many ways you can improve these spaces.

This park is in the heart of Fircrest near the headwaters to Leach Creek. The Habitat Stewards here are working on managing and restoring the urban forests that surround the recreation areas of the park. MUST PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND!

The stillness of bird watching is an opportunity to pause and take it all in — to listen closely to each unique song, to experience the seasons and migratory patterns of birds, and to learn about native plants and other wildlife in their habitat. Bird watching teaches us how to listen closely (to bird songs), to observe (migratory patterns), and to appreciate and love nature. This is mindfulness.

Enjoy a gentle walk around Wapato Lake at Wapato Park. We will stop along the way to practice breathing techniques, mindful movement, and gentle stretches while observing and listening to the birds around us. This class is great for yoga beginners or anyone that enjoys being outdoors.

• Masks required

• Online signup required — 10 spots available

• No mats will be used

• Binoculars (optional)

WHERE TO MEET: Class will start on the lawn in front of the pavilion, near the central parking lot.

This program is in partnership with the Tahoma Audubon Society. The Tahoma Audubon Society advocates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conservation through education and activities that enrich its member’s experiences in and with the natural world.

Photo by Robert Riches

Find sign up information on Yoga Wild's website: beyogawild.com/

Please join our Board President Scott Markowitz for a monthly feeder watch at Adriana Hess. This will be a regular event occurring on the third Monday of the month from 11:00 AM to 12:00PM. Come learn about, enjoy, and share stories about our resident and migratory bird friends. You will be amazed at what you will see and learn from Scott's many years of birding and research.

We ask that you RSVP above so we have an expectation of numbers.

We ask that you RSVP above so we have an expectation of numbers.

The Morse Wildlife Preserve (MWP) is open to the public on the “Second Sunday” of each month from April through (and including) October of each year. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:

Due to lingering concerns regarding COVID-19 and our relatively small parking area on the Preserve, we ask the following to avoid overcrowding in the parking area:

In accordance with state guidelines:
-plan to wear a mask while at the Preserve
-keep at least 6’ of distance from others
-please do not visit the Preserve if you are not feeling well

Making a Reservation to Visit MWP

Reservations can be made up to 30 days ahead of time when making a reservation to visit MWP. Clicking on that date will take you to a form where you can make your reservation (and, please remember, if you are trying to make a reservation more than 30 days ahead of time the link will not yet be active). Follow this link for registration: Registration page

Any questions? Contact us at morsewildlifepreserve@gmail.com

No pets allowed on MWP

Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) is an iconic PNW tree species with tremendous importance. Observations of widespread dieback in recent years hs elevated community concern over this cultural keystone species. This talk provides information about cultural and ecological dimensions and how community science is being leveraged to better document and understand dieback.

Cultural significance of western redcedar (15 minutes) - Will Bill Jr., Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
Western redcedar ecology (15 minutes) - Connie Harrington, USFS Olympia
Western redcedar dieback and community science (15 minutes) - Joey Hulbert, Washington State University
Questions and Discussion (15 minutes)

This discussion is part of Treeline, a regional collaboration supporting climate adapted forests, supported by the Climate Resilience Fund.

Join us at the Forest Health Watch for a presentation and discussion about the dieback of western redcedar, the ways you can help, and the patterns we're seeing.

This event will be hosted through Microsoft Teams. Please note, you do not a MS Teams account to join, but you may need to download the MS Teams software or app.

Dr. Chris Schell (School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington, Tacoma, The Schell Lab and Grit City Carnivore Project) will discuss how structural and systemic inequalities, especially economic and racial inequality, shape ecological and evolutionary outcomes of wildlife. In addition, he will discuss how certain species (e.g. coyotes and raccoons) may serve as ecosystem sentinels or bioindicators of environmental health and inequity. We will discuss how leading with an environmental justice and activism framework in urban natural area management can promote conversation, sustainability, and resilience in a human-dominated world. After his presentation, Dr. Schell will be joined by Seattle Parks and Recreation and Green Seattle Partnership staff to discuss how they are supporting environmental justice initiatives here in Seattle.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p20MkIprQaaAM-sIUhrLWg

The Forest Service's Urban Forest Connections webinar series brings experts together to discuss the latest science, practice, and policy on urban forestry and the environment. These webinars are open to all. Past webinar presentations and recordings are available

More Information: https://www.fs.fed.us/research/urban-webinars/