Outdoors classes and activities around Snohomish County
Published 1:30 am Sunday, July 15, 2018
GET OUT
Birds of Summer: Expert birder Joe Meche will give a talk on how to identify birds on Camano Island, at 7 p.m. July 18 at the Island County Multipurpose Center, 141 NE Camano Drive, Camano Island. Meche, author of “Beaks and Bills,” also will lead a tour to seek out resident and migrant birds in the area. The Camano Wildlife Habitat Project, sponsored by Friends of Camano Island Parks, hosts public presentations the third Wednesday of every month. For more information, call 360-387-2236 or visit www.camanowildlifehabitat.org.
Centennial Trail History Day: Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission is hosting Centennial Trail History Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 21 along the trail in Arlington, Lake Stevens and Snohomish. The event includes kids activities, interactive exhibits and a chance to visit historic artifacts at six different sites along the 30-mile rail line. More at www.snohomishcountywa.gov or by calling 360-805-6729.
Pie Bike Ride: There’s a pie at the end of the road — literally — at the Sea, Trees & Pie Bike Ride at 10 a.m. July 22 at the Keystone Ferry Landing, 1400 Highway 20, Coupeville. The third annual non-competitive bike ride has three scenic routes of 5-, 10- and 20-mile loops through Central Whidbey. At the end, participants receive a slice of pie donated by Whidbey Pies. Registration is $30 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-16. Helmets are required. More at www.wclt.org or by calling 360-222-3310.
Edmonds Sand Sculpting Contest: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 24 at Marina Beach, 470 Admiral Way S., Edmonds; 425-771-0230; www.edmondswa.gov. Form a team or build your own castle. Amateur contest open to all ages. Sign-up begins at 10 a.m., judging at noon, awards at 12:30 p.m. Bring buckets and shovels. Free.
Whidbey Triathlon: Swim, bike and run in the nearly 24-mile Whidbey Triathlon on July 28 on Whidbey Island. The race begins with a half-mile swim across Goss Lake, followed by 19.5-mile ride on paved country roads and a 3.8-mile run on trails and country roads. Compete as an individual or with friends or family on a relay team. More at swparks.org.
Jetty Island Days: Ferries from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 4 at 10th Street and W. Marine View Drive, Everett; $3 fee for parking; suggested donation $2 for adults, $1 for kids; 425-257-8304; everettwa.gov/jettyisland.
Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington State Parks without an entrance fee is Aug. 25 on the National Park Service’s 102nd birthday. Others free days are Sept. 22 (National Public Lands Day), Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 23 (Autumn Day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
STAY IN
Camping essentials: The free class “Pacific Northwest Camping Basics” is set for 6 p.m. July 17 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood. The presentation will cover camping opportunities in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, Pacific Northwest essentials, gear and equipment, plus recommend areas to camp. Register online at www.rei.com. Space is limited.
Native trees: Kevin Zobrist, a Washington State University forester, will talk about “Native Trees of the Puget Sound Area” at 7 p.m. July 19 at the Northwest Stream Center in McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. His presentation will include photos taken in nearby forests of the intricacies of forest ecosystems. Reservations are required. Call 425-316-8592. Cost is $5 for Adopt A Stream Foundation members, $7 for non-members. More at www.streamkeeper.org.
