 |
 |
 |
Newsletter
EXPLORING
RIVERSIDE STATE PARK:
In this issue, we feature articles on three recreational activities in the park – riding horses, orienteering, and rock crawling. |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I want to be selfish with this article and write specifically about the Little Spokane River Natural Area. This part of the park, for those of you who don’t know is located along the Little Spokane River and Rutter Pkwy. The Natural Area is made up of over 2,000 acres of pristine wetlands, lush forests, and amazing views from the ridges and uplands which overlook the corridor. The LSRNA was established in 1989 in cooperation with Spokane County parks. The general theme for the area is “low impact” recreation. Although it is fine to paddle your canoe, kayak, or raft down the almost 8 miles of water trail, and hike, cross-country ski, and view wildlife in the area, we ask that you leave your tubes, air mattresses, and swimming gear at home. It is actually against the law to partake in these activities in the river. We also ask that you leave your pets (dogs, horses, giraffes, etc…) at home as well. Alcohol, camping, campfires, hunting, hiking off trails, or commercial activity are also all prohibited in the LSRNA. Thank you for your cooperation. All right, enough with the rules. There are some really neat things on the horizon for the LSRNA. One of the most exciting opportunities for the park is the possibility of transforming the “Clark Barns” into an Environmental Learning Center. The state Audubon Society has placed the old barns near the top of their list for the future site of an Audubon Learning Center. The center would offer and enhance the opportunity for hundreds of schools groups, elder hostels, scout groups, and other visitors to get top quality environmental education programs, adding to the ones we already offer. Committees are being formed and steps are being taken to get this incredible idea moving. Secondly, there are plans in the making to officially open and connect the trail system near the Indian Painted Rocks. Currently, a visitor can hike the interpretive trail along the Little Spokane River from the Indian Painted Rocks west to the trail head off of Hwy 291. There is also the Valley Trail which leaves from the Painted Rocks and goes north up the valley within the Edburg/Bass Conservation Futures Property (sec 33) then back to the Painted Rocks. The plan is to officially connect these trails from the Painted Rocks, go up the Valley Trail, make a loop over and along the ridge and down to the trail head near Hwy 291 then back to the Painted Rocks. We will install informative signs with mile markers to assist the visitor and enhance their experience. There will also be a map with educational information posted on the bulletin boards at all of the trail heads in the area. I’m hoping to have this project completed by June or July 2005. Story time… I could write forever about the experiences I’ve had in the 6 years of working in the area, but one of neatest things that I’d say I get from this job and any of our visitors can experience is seeing the wildlife that call the LSRNA home. These include deer (mule and white tailed), great blue heron, cougar, bobcat, various waterfowl, and moose just to name a few. It was just the other day when I saw a beautiful bull and cow moose wandering through the fields near the Indian Painted Rocks. The bull was probably about 4 or 5 years old. He had just begun to grow back his antlers after shedding them for the winter. They (the antlers) looked like two fuzzy microphone covers, but longer and a little bit softer. By the time I see him again they will probably have begun to palmate and grow out into the traditional “Bullwinkle” look. The cow was a little smaller (probably going about 700-800lb). She was somewhat mottled with white/light gray patches on her dark liver coat. They were doing a little browsing and enjoying the afternoon when I saw them. I thought to myself, what a great place to be… not only for me, but for them as well. There I stood, only 10 minutes from the 2nd or 3rd largest city in the State of Washington and not one of us knew it at the time. Anyhow, after what only seemed like a few seconds, they both gave me look of non-interest and then slowly trotted off as to say “we’ll be back here (in the woods), see ya later man.” Once I thought about it, I might say they were the highlight of my day. I know you have many stories like mine, and no matter how many times I’ve seen moose or had similar experiences, I still find it very fascinating. I try to tell my kids how lucky or fortunate we are to live in or around a place like the Little Spokane River Natural Area, just like my parents tried to tell me. I’m realizing the importance of these places more and more everyday. Let’s work together to protect them. Finally, I’d like to say that if anyone witnesses a violation in the park, observe from a safe distance and record what you see [license number, description of person(s), type of violation, time, and location] then please contact the park office at 465-5064. Emergencies call 911. I am always up for comments and/or criticism, so let me have it… macmikkelsen02@hotmail.com Thanks for reading. Be safe and have fun. Parks are forever. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programs and Rentals at Riverside State Park By
MacArthur Mikkelson, Park Ranger When planning for events, vacations, or other adventures this year, please keep Riverside State Park in mind. There are several opportunities to get out and see Riverside State Park, joining in on one of our programs or taking advantage of our rental program is something you may not have thought of. Here is a list of events and programs that are going on this year at the park. NEW! Rent a Discovery Pack! Use the field guides, binoculars, compass, and activity suggestions in the backpack to explore the wildlife, plant life, and geology unique to Riverside. Half day: $3 or Full day: $5. NEW! Canoe or Kayak Rentals! RATES: $25 first day, $15 each additional day; PFD (life vest) and paddle(s) included SPECIAL EVENTS Living History Fur Trade Encampment Visit the years 1810-1814 at the Spokane House. June 18-19. FREE. Riverside State Park, Nine Mile Falls, WA Talk with traders, voyageurs, trappers, Metis and Indian “Daughters of the Country”. Visit their camps and lodges; see a fur trade canoe and bateau, cannon salutes, flint and steel fire-starting, games, and flintlock demonstrations; hear period music. Bring cameras, lunches, friends and family! Liquid refreshments will be for sale. Co-sponsored by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission and the “Friends of Spokane House”. ONGOING PROGRAMS Campfire Programs. FREE. Bowl & Pitcher Campground Amphitheatre. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend Riverside State Park offers campfire programs on Friday and Saturday nights. Discover Riverside’s wildlife, fossils, fur trade connections, Park trivia, boating safety, plant life, and more during these one-hour fireside presentations. Schedule subject to change; call to confirm. Join us even if you are not camping! May 27-Sept 3, 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm *NEW* Adventure Ranger Program 2005. FREE For 13 to 17 year olds – learn an outdoor recreation skill, like kayaking, then apply the learning to a service project within the park boundaries. Work with Park Rangers to provide a safe environment for human park visitors and wildlife alike; help us ensure the sustainability of our natural resources Summer Junior Ranger Program 2005. FREE Join an interpreter for short hikes and/or activities designed to help young learners discover Riverside State Park’s history, its wildlife, plant life, and cultural stories. Experience firsthand some of a Park Ranger’s job, too! For children 6-12. June 4 – Be WILD Riverside is home to many predators and prey animals. Come hunt or hide among them. Meet at the Nine Mile Ranger Station. June 18 – Fur Trade Learn about American Indians and fur traders as you talk with people dressed in period clothing; observe their unique skills – blacksmithing, musket shooting, trap setting, and more. Meet at the Spokane House Interpretive Center. July 2 – Forests & Fire Does fire hurt or help the forest? Come find out. Be prepared to be active; this lesson includes a service project – tree thinning! Meet at the Gate 3 parking area off of Aubrey L. White Parkway (near the entrance to the Bowl & Pitcher). July 16 – Salmon This fish has a story to tell…how does the river, the osprey, dams, and people fit into its tail (ooops, tale)? Meet at the Spokane House Interpretive Center. July 30 – Adaptation Artistry Birds of a feather flock together today at Riverside State Park! Create your own bird, uniquely suited to live in a special habitat. Meet at the Bowl & Pitcher Amphitheatre. August 6– Macroinvertebrate Mayhem Is the water healthy enough for the caddisfly, mayfly, and dragonfly? Wear shoes that allow you to run and that are safe for getting a little wet. Meet at the Plese Flats day use area. August 20 – How Many Bears Can Live In This Forest? Bears do call Riverside State Park home, and for today you will too. Learn about the habitat needs of these omnivores. Meet at the Nine Mile Ranger Station. September 3 Archaeology Adventure Let’s hunt for and examine artifacts. What can we learn from these objects? Meet at the Spokane House Interpretive Center. All programs begin at 10:00 am on these Saturdays. They usually last one hour. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Pre-register for the Junior Ranger programs by calling (509) 465-5064. A waiting list starts after the first 30 registered. Dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. ONE TIME CLASSES Moose Tracks – 1 session (Ages 8 to adult) Join a Park Ranger for an enjoyable hike through the Little Spokane River Natural Area. Explore natural and cultural resources. Visit the Indian Painted Rocks Heritage Area. Learn about the flora, fauna, and people that make this pristine area special! The hike is about 3.5 miles in length, round trip, with about a 300’ elevation change. Registration Deadline: June 3. Directions provided upon registration. Adult $9, Ages 12 and under $4. Saturday June 11, 8:30 am – 11:30 am Meandering and Paddling 1 session (Ages 8 to adult) Float with Park Rangers down the Little Spokane River; we will use canoes/kayaks to traverse this water trail. Wildlife and wetland ecosystems will be our focus. Basic canoe/kayak skills will be taught as well. Bring a change of clothes, a hearty snack, and a willingness to learn and have fun. We will float from the St. George’s put in to the 291 take-out. Registration Deadline: July 15. Directions provided upon registration. Adult $15, Ages 12 and under $7. Saturday July 23, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Contact Riverside State Park Ranger Station (509)465-5064. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
An excerpt from the Mission Statement of the Riverside State Park Foundation is: To preserve and protect the natural resources and inherent beauty of Riverside State Park. With this goal in mind we would like to let you know about a project that is in the planning stages now with the Foundation. For many years, we have all enjoyed the Little Spokane River Natural Area, specifically the Trail Head at Indian Painted Rocks. The historic Pictographs painted on the rocks many years ago by Native Americans have been viewed and enjoyed by young and old alike. As time and weather slowly fade these precious monuments, we realize that something must be done to preserve the historic significance they have to our heritage. The Foundation has decided to apply for a state grant with the intent to build and install a viewing platform adjacent to the Rock. This viewing platform would have a display with enhanced pictures of the historic pictographs as they would have appeared in the beginning. The grant, if approved, would also allow us to improve the trail section leading up to the site so the platform would be easily accessible by park visitors. Along with this grant we will be asking for donations to help us complete the project. With the generous support of State Park staff, much of the labor will be provided. However, the grant alone will not cover the total cost of materials. Enclosed with this newsletter is a self-addressed envelope with several donation options on the reverse side. If you would like to become a member of the Foundation (Individual, family or supporting) simply fill in the appropriate blank. If, however, you would rather only provide a donation for this and other projects, just fill in your donation amount under “special projects” and mail! Remember, new memberships will begin receiving the quarterly newsletter outlining coming events in the Park! Thanks for your help! Riverside State Park Foundation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Next
Meeting: June 13, 7 p.m.
The usual meeting date is the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the park headquarters. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||