Join our eco-instructors in exploring a section of South Salish Prairie & associated Garry Oak woodland to identify the many native perennial and annual flowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs that call this ecosystem home. Spring on our local prairies is spectacular, with an ever-changing bloom cycle. We are timing this excursion to capture the blooms of many special species. We will give an overview of South Salish prairie habitat, history, geology, and more; provide a detailed plant list for use during the class and for later self-directed study; and provide many resources for ongoing self-directed study and further reading about this rare and precious ecosystem!
This class is offered only once a year, and we have limited capacity—claim your tickets before space fills up!
About the site: Scatter Creek Wildlife Area is ~15 miles south of Olympia and contains native prairie grassland and a Garry Oak woodland, which are maintained through prescribed fire and plant management. Scatter Creek is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare and endangered butterfly species.
Difficulty & logistics: We will be doing the “botany crawl” along a trail that is easy and flat. A Discover Pass is required for this location.
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Check-in: Arrive between 1 and 1:25 p.m so we can get everyone checked in and ready to begin instruction by 1:30 p.m.
Location: Scatter Creek Wildlife Area, South Tract (off of Guava St. SW).
Registered participants should look for an email from us with all the other important details for planning for the class (including directions)!
Tickets are available by donation, with suggested donation levels provided, so you can select the option that works best for you. Donations offset our significant costs to prepare for and host the class. If you want to help someone who cannot make a donation, please select “Pay-it-Forward Donation” (thank you in advance for your generosity!). To learn about how these funds support the Native Plant Salvage Foundation, visit this page on our website: Impact of your Donation — Native Plant Salvage Foundation.
