Events listed here are contingent on whether each jurisdiction is approved to enter the corresponding phase of the governor’s four-phase reopening plan. Events may be canceled or postponed. Check with each venue for the latest information.
Free park-ing: The next day of the year to visit Washington state parks in 2021 without an entrance fee is June 5 (National Trails Day). Other free parks days are June 12 (National Get Outdoors Day), June 13 (Fishing Day), Aug. 25 (National Park Service’s 105th birthday), Sept. 25 (National Public Lands Day), Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 26 (Autumn Day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
E-bikes: REI presents “Intro to E-bikes” workshop with Ecology Action at 5 p.m. April 7 via Zoom. E-bikes have been a game-changer for many people; flattening hills and making biking longer distances fun, fast and convenient. This workshop will explore e-bike options for a diversity of budgets and lifestyles. It will also dive into the question on everyone’s mind: “Are e-bikes cheating?” Spoiler alert: Ecology Action says no. A Zoom link will be emailed to you with registration. More at www.rei.com.
Leave no trace: REI presents “Leave No Trace in the PNW — Protecting the Enchantments and Beyond” at 5 p.m. April 8 via Zoom. Learn the Leave No Trace guidelines to practice, promote and share in Pacific Northwest wilderness, including the Enchantment Permit Area within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Range. Discover more about Leave No Trace programs and resources, including the Hot Spots program, and ways to get involved. A Zoom link will be emailed to you with registration. More at www.rei.com.
Exploring mushrooms: Are you interested in learning how to forage for mushrooms? Jeremy Collison, founder of Salish Mushrooms, will present “Introduction to Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest” at 6 p.m. April 13 at www.crowdcast.io/e/mushrooms. Learn the basics of mushrooming in the Pacific Northwest, find out about native mushrooms, review safety concerns and learn how to identify mushrooms using the inaturalist.org website. The program is free and open to all. For more, go to www.epls.org or call 425-257-8000
Outdoor Speaker Series: Patrick McGinty will talk about his bike ride across America on the Southern Tier from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 13 at the Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. McGinty averaged 80 miles per day over 43 days on his solo ride. He’ll also talk about his trials, tribulations and rewards for completing the route. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $5 with online registration. Capacity limited to 50. More at www.marysvillewa.gov or 360-363-8400.
Outfitting at home: You can now make a free virtual outfitting appointment with an REI expert on May 12 via Microsoft Teams. Whether you are interested in exploring a new outdoor activity, want to get the next great piece of gear or advice for an upcoming adventure, an outfitting expert from the Alderwood store is available to help from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registration is required. A Microsoft Teams link will be emailed to you after you book your appointment. More at www.rei.com.
Find your favorite park: Still playing it safe? Virtually explore Washington’s state parks during the pandemic. Washington State Parks Foundation’s website features an interactive map of Washington’s 124 state parks, as well as virtual tours, park information and trip reports. The virtual tours provide a 360-degree view with navigational tools and a walk-through of state parks, trails, campgrounds, retreat centers, interpretive centers and vacation houses. More at www.waparks.org.
Email event information for this calendar with the subject “Outdoors” to features@heraldnet.com.
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