Planting a Future

It was a good day to give mother nature a helping hand at Kopachuck Park.  Park rangers, Preserve Our Parks, Harbor Wildwatch and others were there orchestrating the planting party, supplying seedlings, directing their placement and supporting the many eager woodsmen and women young and old that enjoyed the rain and being a part of creating a new forest here.  I heard something over 300 trees and shrubs were planted, starting the process of healing the clear cut site.... and maybe a few human hearts as well.  The future is planted one moment, one seedling at a time, this was a good start.

Kopachuck Replanting Party, join us!

Stewardship happens!  Time to help start a new forest.  Join the State Park managers and Preserve our Parks for this "feel good by doing good" project at Kopachuck Park.  Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 31st.  Pull on your boots and gloves.... see you there! 

A message to all who have expressed an interest in helping Kopachuck State Park. A work party is scheduled for Saturday, March 31st  from 10am-1pm to replant trees & shrubs at Kopachuck and we could really use your help! Please bring gloves, a shovel, and appropriate footwear for muddy/uneven terrain.  Plants and planting instructions will be provided by park staff and light snacks will be provided by Preserve Our Parks (POP). 

Please contact me at 253-884-2514 or respond to this email if you can help or have any questions.

Thank you for supporting Kopachuck State Park!

Janet Shonk

Acting Park Manager, Kopachuck Area

Penrose Point office number:  253-884-2514 

Kopachuck Park Keeps us Creative!

Kopachuck Park is keeping us creative.  click on this link for a local videographers response to the current dilemma.  Oh, the satire of it all!   Art is a great outlet isn't it?  With enough exposure, education and focused attention, we might even be able to figure out some better solutions to these tough problems.  Carry on treehuggers!  ... and check out the "Intertwined, Requiem for the Trees" exhibit at the WA State History Museum, ends May 6th.

Intertwined at WSHM

This show honoring the trees of Kopachuck Park will be at the WSHM until May 6th.  

It is located in a lovely, intimate gallery in the back of the main floor of the museum.

Thank you to Don Hoch and Lisa Lantz, state parks representatives for joining us for the show opening. Their dedication and service is appreciated.  No matter how you feel about the politics, the state park system is an important contribution to the quality of life in Washington State.  

Your support matters.

Reception Tomorrow, INTERTWINED at the WSHM

Schedule in a third Thursday visit to downtown Tacoma's ArtWalk.  Then join us at the WA State History Museum for a reception for Intertwined, from 5 to 7PM.  Admission is free to the museum after 2 pm and it stays open until 8 pm.  There are many special events to check out in Tacoma tomorrow evening, Click for more information about artwalk.

Intertwined, Reception at WSHM

Intertwined, Requiem for the Trees has opened to the public at the Washington State History Museum.  A reception will be held during this Thursday's Tacoma Art Walk, March 15, from 5 to 7 PM.  Come meet the artists, hear about our inspiration.  Special guest, Don Hoch, Washington State Parks Director will also be on hand to answer questions about the current status and plans for Kopachuck Park.

Kopachuck logging operation.... Reality bites!

photo by John Filson

Click here for the Gateway article about stage I of the Kopachuck Park management implementation.  As difficult as it is to accept, the logging performed so far at Kopachuck State Park has been "according to contract".  It is in line with the expectations of the Park planners and Commissioners, if not with some local citizens.  There have been huge efforts made to communicate from both sides of this management challenge.  Truth is, there is no way to make clear cut logging pretty.  The decision to cut was made with much deliberation and discussion and now a little faith is required.  Faith that nature will prevail in the long run.  The forest will never be the same, but it will grow again, a spring green and healthy new woodland.  I just hope you took the opportunity to appreciate the big trees while you could.  Now I hope you'll appreciate the green spirits of a vibrant understory as it does what nature does best, grow.  Adaptation is the name of the game, change is the only guarantee.