$600K to fund projects at three national parks

DARRINGTON — Butterflies in the North Cascade Range are among the beneficiaries of more than $600,000 given to three national parks in Washington.

Each year Washington’s National Park Fund collects donations to help with projects in the North Cascades, Mount Rainier and Olympic national parks. This year’s $602,000 contribution was a record.

The money is earmarked for more than 20 projects, including providing an education ranger at Mount Rainier National Park and replacing a nature trail bridge in the Olympic National Park.

For the North Cascades, some of the money will go into a long-term monitoring project in which hikers and park enthusiasts volunteer to help track butterfly populations in alpine meadows. Monitoring also is done in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and other areas.

The information helps scientists because butterflies can be indicators of climate change, said Laurie Ward, executive director of Washington’s National Park Fund.

Air temperature influences butterfly growth, geographic distribution and flowering patterns of their host plants, according to a description of the butterfly project.

The volunteers survey butterflies and host plants along permanent survey routes once a week between snow melt and snow fall.

Ward said the private money raised for parks each year focuses on advancing science and research, strengthening programs for youth and families, improving the experiences of visitors and expanding the base of volunteers.

It also helps park rangers fill unmet needs.

“They need it,” Ward said. “They are doing more with less and they do it with smiles.”

Eric Stevick: 425-3393-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

More in Local News

Everett
Cat killed, 9 people displaced after duplex fire in Everett

None of the people were injured in the fire reported around 1:15 a.m. in the 11500 block of Meridian Avenue S.

Brian Henrichs, left, and Emily Howe, right, begin sifting out the bugs from their bug trap along Port Susan on Monday, May 22, 2023 in Stanwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘A delta for the future’: Scientists try to save salmon at Stilly’s mouth

The Stillaguamish River’s south fork once supported 20,000 salmon. In 2019, fewer than 500 fish returned to spawn.

Mountlake Terrace Library, part of the Sno-Isle Libraries, in Mountlake Terrace, Washington on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Sno-Isle workers cite safety, unfilled positions in union push

Workers also pointed to inconsistent policies and a lack of a say in decision-making. Leadership says they’ve been listening.

A view over the Port of Everett Marina looking toward the southern Whidbey Island fault zone in March 2021. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County agencies to simulate major disaster

The scenario will practice the response to an earthquake or tsunami. Dozens of agencies will work with pilots.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mountlake Terrace in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Mountlake Terrace eyes one-time projects for $2.4M in federal funds

Staff recommended $750,000 for a new roof and HVAC at the library, $250,000 toward the a nonprofit facility in Lynnwood and more.

Funko mascots Freddy Funko roll past on a conveyor belt in the Pop! Factory of the company's new flagship store on Aug. 18, 2017.  (Dan Bates / The Herald)
Lawsuit: Funko misled investors about Arizona move

A shareholder claims Funko’s decision to relocate its distribution center from Everett to Arizona was “disastrous.”

Senator Maria Cantwell (center) hosted a roundtable to discuss the fentanyl crisis Monday, June 5, 2023 in Everett, Washington. Cantwell was joined community leaders and those who have been personally impacted by the issue. (Photo provided by the office of Maria Cantwell)
Everett leaders cite jaw-dropping stats on fentanyl crisis

Sen. Maria Cantwell gathered those affected by the opioid crisis Monday to push for a unified response to soaring overdoses.

Dave "Bronco" Erickson stands next to the pink-and-purple 1991 Subaru Justy hatchback “Pork Chop Express” car that he is seeking to re-home for $500. The car has been on Whidbey Island for years, mainly as yard art. (Andrea Brown / The Herald)
For sale: Whidbey’s fabled ‘Pork Chop Express’ gets great smileage

Asking price is $500 for the 1991 Subaru Justy, a three-cylinder econobox with 65K miles and a transmission as rare as hen’s teeth.

The Snohomish River turns along the edge of the Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve at Thomas’ Eddy on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
To build a healthier Snohomish River, more log jams

About $2.8M in grants will help engineer log jams, tear down levees and promote salmon restoration at Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve.

Most Read