Celebrate Earth Day at state parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and numerous partners invite the public to celebrate Earth Day at or near more than a dozen parks around the state. Earth Day, April 22, is also a free day when visitors don’t need a Discover Pass for day-use visits to parks by vehicle.

Earth Day events include work parties to remove invasive plants, guided hikes to learn about native plants and interpretive programs for young people and adults.

The following state parks are hosting Earth Day events: (Unless otherwise noted, events are on Saturday, April 22.)

COWLITZ COUNTY:

Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Spring Craft Table and Interpretive Talks, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock.

Join interpretive staff throughout the day as they offer interactive Discovery Table Talks on the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. An indoor craft table will be available for families, with lessons on recognizing signs of spring throughout the park. The visitor center is across the highway from Seaquest State Park.

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY:

Lake Sylvia State Park, Trillium Trek — 1 p.m., Lake Sylvia State Park, Montesano.

The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia (FOSLS) invites the public to celebrate spring and Earth Day and see what’s blooming along the trails at Lake Sylvia State Park—including those harbingers of spring, trillium. FOSLS volunteers, Master Gardeners and park staff will lead hikes, strolls or walks around Lake Sylvia to count trilliums and identify the many wild native plants that thrive in the beautiful deep forests of the park. FOSLS will provide hot beverages and food for participants. Last year, trekkers counted more than 600 trilliums in bloom. Meet at the kitchen area along the beach. Well-behaved pets on short leashes are welcome. For more information about the trek, call (360) 789-9953 or (360) 249-3621 or visit the FOSLS web page.

Even though April 22 is a free day and visitors don’t need a Discover Pass, State Parks hopes people will take in a state park on this day and consider purchasing the pass. An annual pass is $30 and a daily pass is $10.

For more information and a complete list of events at all parks, visit http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov.