Monday, April 2, 2012

This will make you smile


In the muck at Kopachuck

It was too cold outside, too rainy and gray.
Did we really have to go out there today?
It's cozy in here, nice and warm in my room.
Is the plan to go out into that stormy gloom?

"Yes of course -there's a place, come with me and you'll see
today they are going to plant new baby trees."
Plant trees, you say? On this cold rainy day?
Outside in the park?  Brrrrrrrr - no way, go away!

Just believe me, you'll see all the fun there will be
getting muddy and dirty planting shrubs and new trees.
Now finish your pancakes, we can all walk together.
We are  not afraid of a little wet weather!

So out we went into the dirt and the muck
over the hill to the park we call Kopachuck.
And when we  arrived  we were amazed to find
a whole bunch of people planting plants of all kinds.

There were cedars and  hemlocks, vine maple, snowberry;
some indian plum -  over 300 to carry!
Then more people came - scouts, kids and families
wearing hats and gloves, dressed in old dungarees.

What a sight to behold in the rain and the cold
from the very young to the almost too old.
They chose their plant and looked all around
for the perfect spot to dig in the ground.

The Ranger had shown us just what to do.
"Dig the hole deep enough and plenty wide too.
Then loosen the roots and fill in with loam
so your tree will grow tall in its new forest home".

I began to imagine how my tree would grow
How tall would it get, how high would it go?
A feeling of warmth then came over me
as gazed at the ground  at my wonderful tree.

Then I looked around to see such happy faces
working in nature at one of their favorite places.
And somehow I knew that many years from today
I would be ever thankful  I was part of this day.


Linda Gough, March 31, 2012
Replanting day at Kopachuck

Saturday, March 31, 2012

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.




Monday, March 26, 2012

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 

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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.

Friday, March 16, 2012

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.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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.

Monday, March 12, 2012

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.