⏎ Oyster Boat Excursion 

Sunday, Sept. 24; 7:30 - 11:00am

Port of Peninsula; 3311 275th St, Ocean Park

Experience Willapa Bay from the view of an oyster boat as we travel from the working port of Nahcotta with a crew from the Northern Oyster Company. We will explore channels of the bay where oysters are grown and harvested, while learning of the value of this special bay to the oyster and shellfish community. We will also be looking for local birds. Trip is approximately 2 hours on the water, with boat loading starting at 7:45 am, and return to the boat ramp around 10:30.

• Wear all-weather clothing and appropriate footwear for being on a boat; trip will go regardless of weather conditions.
  
• Participants MUST wear a Personal floatation device (PFD) on the boat, and are encouraged to bring their own. If you don’t have a PFD, the festival will provide one.
  
• Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, camera and water.
  
• Restrooms are available at the boat launch area, but NOT on the boat.
  

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⏎  Meet the Giants of Teal Slough (Sold out)

Sunday, Sept. 24; 8:00 - 9:30am

Willapa NWR Cutthroat Creek, located north of mile marker 24 on Highway 101

This forested slope at the northern tip of the Bear River Ridge in the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge protects a handful of giant trees that were spared from the saw.  Massive in girth and height, these giants provide habitat for marbled murrelets.  Join refuge staff on a walk to learn more about these incredible trees and listen and look for birds along the way.

• The trail is 0.5-mile with slight elevation gain and a natural surface. 
• Due to limited parking at the trailhead, meet in the parking lot at Cutthroat Creek.  
  
• Participants will ride in vehicles provided by the refuge.  
  

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⏎  Art Trail and Cutthroat Climb  (Sold out)

Sunday, Sept. 24; 8:00 - 10:00am

Willapa NWR Cutthroat Creek, located north of mile marker 24 on Highway 101

East of Willapa Bay, the Willapa Hills rise covered in cedar, hemlock, and alder. Master Naturalist Rebecca Lexa reveals the ecology of this quiet, stately forest and the lush wetlands nearby. You'll walk the boardwalk of the Art Trail to enjoy metal sculptures celebrating local ecology, and then head uphill on the Cutthroat Climb trail for a more rugged woodland experience.

• This hike will be about 1.5 miles total, on the boardwalk and then steep sloped natural trails. 
  
• The Art Trip Boardwalk is accessible.
• Wear all-weather clothing and sturdy shoes.
  

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⏎  Meet Our Wildlife Protectors

Sunday, Sept. 24; 10:00am - 12:00pm

Willapa NWR Cutthroat Creek, located north of mile marker 24 on Highway 101

Join us for this family-friendly event to meet our local 'Wildlife Protectors!' Refuge staff have various roles that benefit our habitats and wildlife, including Law Enforcement Officers and Biological Technicians. They are here to keep our communities and wildlife refuges safe, welcoming, and optimal habitats for the wildlife that depend on them. Check out the tools and vehicles that they use (including an air boat!), ask them questions, and earn a Jr. Ranger Badge! 

• Drop-in activity, plan for at least 45 minutes to 1hour. No registration required.
  

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Wild Landscaping and Work Party

Sunday, Sept. 24; 10am - 12:00pm

⏎  Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 7112 67th Pl, Long Beach

The plants you select matter when constructing landscapes for wildlife. Join Kathleen Sayce, local ecologist, for a walk around the new Willapa National Wildlife Refuge office. Learn about the different species and why they were planted in particular areas and envision what the landscape will look like in years to come. Native plants will be featured to enhance insect and pollinator diversity, which improves habitat for birds and other wildlife. The wild lawn is a mix of naturally low growing grasses and perennials; all can take one fall mowing per year and thrive. For details and plant lists, come and tour the site. 

• Optional: At 11AM join in on the effort to help wildlife by helping identify and remove invasive or undesired plants from the area. Gloves and tools provided, bring your own if youíd like. 
  

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