Do you know how to properly fit a life vest?

We hope that you get outside and run and play this weekend, and if you are riding your bike or boating that you wear a properly fitted helmet or life jacket. The US Coast Guard has a lot of information on safety rules and how to select the correct life jacket, and here in Seattle there are a lot of resources available for bicycle safety.

The thought of losing these special places tugs at my heart.  As I sift through hundreds of photos capturing countless memories of special moments that I have spent in our parks, I am reminded just how important they have been, and continue to be, in my family’s lives.

Help Protect Our Parks!

Please share your own photos of your favorite moments at Washington’s State Parks so we can remind our leaders what’s really at stake!

How to Submit Your Photos:

1. Email
   Attach your photos to an email, put the name of the State Park in the subject line, and add a short description in the text body. Email your photos to sun63water@photos.flickr.com.
2. Facebook
   Upload your photo to the Pacific Regional Center’s Facebook page with a short description, and tag with #wastateparks.

Requirements:
Please only send us photos that belong to you, and note that by sending us photos, you give us permission to post them on our website (with attribution).

What’s at Stake

What’s at stake if our Washington State Parks were to close? The way I look at it, people and wildlife have a lot to lose. These stories and photos help me to remember that Washington State Parks are our legacy to our children and to their children, to our future:

Sucia Island State Park is a 564-acre marine park with 77,700 feet of shoreline. Sucia Island is considered the crown jewel of the state’s marine park system. It is consistently ranked as one of the top boating destinations in the world.

The fourth oldest park system in the country, Washington has 117 parks and 700 historic structures. These natural places are a delight to explore and learn about the history of our region and about nature and wildlife. With so many great state parks just a short road trip away, you are sure to find the perfect weekend destination.

Picnics and family gatherings, annual camping trips, wildlife and tranquil natural settings away from the city and immersed in nature is what you will find at State Parks.

Blake Island State Park is a 475-acre marine camping park with five miles of saltwater beach shoreline providing magnificent views of the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline. The park is only reachable by tour boat or private boat. Indian-style salmon dinners and demonstrations of Northwest Indian dancing are offered at Tillicum Village, a concession on the island.

Our Parks: Where We Go to Play

Deception Pass State Park is a 4,134-acre marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. The park is outstanding for breath-taking views, old-growth forests and abundant wildlife.

There are so many beaches, hikes, mountains and natural places in our State Parks to walk and explore! You may discover marine debris from faraway places. Build elaborate drift wood forts, scoop up seashells, and pocket colored sea glass and shiny pebbles. Skip rocks on calm water, first one then three and sometimes five skips, and fly kites in a vast blue sky next to weathered war-time bunkers, where harmonicas make a sweet sound resonating off dark silent walls.

Play football, ride bikes and tend to scuffed knees and scraped hands. Hike along paths lined with tall trees that sway in the wind, and see bushes filled with birds eating berries, and bees buzzing in the heat of the day. Discover a deer hidden in the tall grass.

Jones Island State park is a 188-acre marine camping park with 25,000 feet of saltwater shoreline on the San Juan channel. The park features a beautiful loop trail down the center of the island then around the western shore. 

These treasured times, out in nature on our public lands, in our State Parks, cannot be taken for granted or forgotten. They are a place of discovery and learning about our natural world, they teach us to understand and respect our history and our land. They are a place for personal growth and of treasured moments with family and friends.

Cape Disappointment State Park (formerly Fort Canby State Park) is a 1,882-acre camping park on the Long Beach Peninsula, fronted by the Pacific Ocean. The park offers two miles of ocean beach, two lighthouses, an interpretive center and hiking trails. Visitors enjoy beachcombing, ship watching and exploring the area’s rich natural and cultural history. The nearby coastal towns of Ilwaco and Long Beach feature special events and festivals spring through fall.

Cathy and son Mac lobbying for Washington State Parks at the State Capital in Olympia

State Parks in Trouble

Over the past four years, the State Park Commission’s budget has suffered an 88% reduction in general fund support. In 2011, the Washington Legislature created the Discover Pass to replace general fund tax money, but not enough passes are being sold to make up for the deep budget cuts. This means there are not enough funds to cover the cost of operating and maintaining state-managed recreation lands.

It’s not too late to stand up for our State Parks! Here’s how you can help make sure these special places continue to protect wildlife and inspire the next generation of conservationists:

1. Send us your photos of you visiting Washington’s State Parks, and we will share them with legislators to remind them of what’s really at stake (see instructions at top of page).
2. Urge your state legislators to support critical funding to protect Washington’s state parks.
3. Get your Discover Pass! This vehicle-access pass allows you to enjoy millions of acres of Washington state-managed recreation lands – including parks, wildlife areas, trails, natural and wilderness areas, heritage areas and water-access points.

The prominent peaks of the Brother's in the Olympics

For some people, these outdoor experiences are grand and deliberate, seemingly epic and beyond what any of us can even imagine.

For others, there is a need to get to know what the region has to offer through organized outings, clubs, city and regional programs.

We are fortunate that here in the Pacific Northwest there are many organizations and programs that provide opportunities to connect with nature in meaningful ways.

Join Us at a Seattle Be Out There Event April 7th

On April 7, 2012, through the support of National Wildlife Federation’s national and regional partners, the Pacific Regional Center is presenting a Be Out There event at Lake Union Park. This is a free, family friendly event where partners and area youth service organizations will introduce participants to the Pacific Northwest’s regional wonders, resources and opportunities for connecting kids and families with nature.

Photo credit: Erinn J. Hale

What: “Be Out There, Explore, Learn Grow” a family-friendly event hosted by NWF’s Pacific Regional Center
When:  April 7th, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Seattle’s Lake Union Park,
860 Terry Avenue North
Cost: Free!

RSVP Today >>

During this exciting event a keystone partner, OAR Northwest, an adventure ocean rowing and education organization, will begin its Salish Expedition, title sponsored by the Canadian Wildlife Federation. At 1 p.m. the OAR Northwest crew will launch the specialized ocean rowboat from the park’s pebble beach, row across Lake Union and through the Ballard locks to begin the inspiring circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. Using pioneering satellite communications to deliver LIVE streaming video from the rowboat while underway, OAR Northwest connects families, students and classrooms to the extraordinary craft.

A Gaff-Rigged Schooner built in 1926

Boating and sailing activities at The Center for Wooden Boats will make this fun for the whole family!

This event also serves as the launch of the Robert Bateman Get To Know Art Contest which seeks to engage children in getting outdoors and building meaningful personal connections with nature through the expressive arts. Categories for the contest include original works of art, writing, photography, videography and music inspired by nature and is open to youth up to age 19.

Want to volunteer for the event? Contact me, Cathy Curley, at curleyc@nwf.org for more information!

The National Wildlife Federation is dedicated to inspiring families and individuals to get outside and connect with nature. The world is full of adventure and wonder to discover, but you don’t have to row around Vancouver Island to have an adventure. Inspiration, fun and discovery can be found as close as your own back yard. Please join us, Be Out There and get inspired!