A free, two-part workshop begins this Thursday evening and concludes on Sunday afternoon. The workshops are geared to folks living along the shore, to help them better understand shoreline processes and what they can do on their homesites to help protect both their property and Puget Sound. The workshops will be led by experts in coastal geology, shoreline vegetation, and Puget Sound ecology.
An evening “Shoreline Living” workshop on Thursday, April 22 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. will cover topics such as: tree maintenance for slope stability and views; site assessment & planning tools; understanding your shore’s natural processes; best plants for your shoreline and how to maintain them; and guidance for tackling projects on your own & when to call in experts.
Thursday evening’s workshop is held in the Thurston County Courthouse complex, Building 1, Room 152.
For more hands-on learning, participants can attend an optional field day on Sunday, April 25 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. at a local private shoreline residence. The residence is located on the east side of Eld Inlet, near The Evergreen State College.
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. site assessment and coastal geology characterization. This is an opportunity to learn more about coastal geologic processes and the best practices to ensure a stable bank or bluff.
- 1:30 to 4 p.m. planting workshop. Participants will learn how to plant live stakes and other native plants to protect their shorelines.
Both events are free and include many resources for participants, but advanced registration is required by contacting WSU Extension’s Native Plant Salvage Project at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or 360-867-2166.
The workshops are sponsored by the Russell Family Foundation, Puget Sound Partnership, Thurston County Stream Team, Sound Native Plants, and Clear Choices for Clean Water campaign.