Educational Events
Winter Twig ID
Add a new dimension to your winter outings when you join local plant experts to learn the secrets to identifying local deciduous shrubs and trees without their leaves. This course is a fan favorite! Our winter courses are always overflowing with people eager to learn new ways to enjoy our natural environment when our weather turns cold and wet. These "walking workshops" take place on a West Olympia-area nature trail.
Small groups of learners will be matched with knowledgeable instructors to learn the keys to identifying over 25 native woody plants. You will learn skills and vocabulary that are easy to practice and master on your own!
Next class will be in the 2027 winter season!
Native Plant Eco-Excursions
Our Eco-Excursions are group hikes with botany and ecology experts, plus outdoor enthusiasts like yourself. Journey through distinct South Salish and Western Washington ecosystems with eco-educators, going deeper to enhance overall understanding of underlying ecological processes and plant-identification skills of our community. Check out our calendar to see our upcoming excursions for this coming spring and summer.
Both of our excursions this year (Prairie Eco-Excursion & Peatland Eco-Excursion) are full. Our next Eco-Excursions will be in the spring and summer of 2027.
Plant ID Walks
Plant-identification walks are a great way to learn native species, botanize with friends, and enjoy a beautiful few hours outdoors! Participants learn to identify native plants in various states of bloom. Outings highlight seasonal plant displays, ID techniques, traditional uses, stages of growth, and more. Small groups explore for 1.5 to 2 hours on a local west Olympia trail!
Next Plant ID Walk is on June 17, 2026! Click the button below to register.
