Friday, Sept 22; 7:00am - 3:00pm

Pier E at the Port of Ilwaco located at 185 Howerton Way SE, Ilwaco

Join Captain Steve Sohlstrom of Sea Breeze Charters and Dr. Jen Zamon, a Research Fishery Biologist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on this offshore adventure. Start your trip at the Port of Ilwaco and journey into the Pacific to see up to five species of shearwaters and two species of albatross along with phalarope, jaeger, auklets, storm-petrels and other pelagic birds not commonly seen near the shore.

• The boat will go out rain or shine. Prepare for cool weather and open sea conditions. 
  
• Participants should pack a water bottle, lunch and sunscreen. Seasick medications or acupressure wrist bands as needed.
  

Image of a Black-footed Albatross by Eric Ellingson

17

⏎ Leadbetter Adventure (Sold out)

Friday, Sept. 22; 12:00-3:00pm

Oysterville Beach Approach, Ocean Park

Join biological staff of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge for an exciting journey to the tip of the Long Beach Peninsula, Leadbetter Point! This is a wild place with limited human access that creates a sanctuary for wildlife, rare plants, and hundreds of bird species, including the federally threatened western snowy plover and streaked horned lark. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons are often seen. Fall migration also brings shorebirds to our estuaries and sandy beaches. The guided tour includes information about the local ecology and ongoing habitat restoration activities.

• Participants will ride in four-wheel drive vehicles provided by the refuge.
  
• Participants must be able to walk in loose beach sand and uneven terrain for short distances.
  

Image of shorebird by Roy W. Lowe

11

⏎ Ellsworth Creek Hike to the Giants (Sold out)

Friday, Sept 22; 12:30-3:00pm

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

Hike into the 7,600 Ellsworth Creek Preserve. This is a 3.5-mile strenuous hike through an old growth Western Red Cedar and Sitka Spruce forest with some trees that are more than 800 years old. The Nature Conservancy purchased the entire watershed to protect old-growth forest which preserves habitat for coho and chum salmon, marbled murrelet, and large mammals like black bear, cougar, and Roosevelt elk. Along the way, Forest Manager Kyle Smith will share how a partnership between The Nature Conservancy and Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is restoring thousands of acres of forest and miles of stream. 

• Participants park at Cutthroat Creek then ride in four-wheel drive vehicles.
  
• Expect a strenuous hike on uneven terrain in muddy, brushy, wet conditions.
  
• Wear all-weather clothing and sturdy shoes.

Photo by Thomas Corsini

8

⏎ Meet the Wild Birds of Discovery Bay

Friday, Sept. 22; 3:30-5:00pm

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

This is a presentation for all ages so bring the entire family!  Get up close to some of the Earth's most amazing birds of prey. Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising and rehabilitating orphaned and injured wild birds. Their mission is to release the birds back to their natural habitat with the skills necessary to survive.  They also educate, engage, and inspire communities about wild birds and issues facing them. Some of their birds in care sustained injuries too severe for them to ever be released back to the wild and a few are imprinted on humans so they never learned how to be a wild bird. These birds have a permanent and loving home at Discovery Bay and many work Ambassadors for wild birds. Come and meet the Ambassador owls, hawks and falcons!  

Photo of Great Horned Owl by Mick Thompson

Unlimited