Reptiles play an important role in the environment – including Moran State Park! Join ecologist Christian Oldham (Kwiaht – Center for the Historical Ecology of the Salish Sea) for a program focused on native snakes and what makes reptiles important. Live animals, including snakes, will be present and available for hands-on interaction! A short walk, appropriate footwear recommended. Great for all ages.
Discover the secret life of birds through an exploration of the evidence birds leave behind. Kim Middleton, Ornithologist. Great for all ages.
Join bat researchers as they use special microphones and software to eavesdrop on bats as they emerge after sunset to find their breakfast! Learn about the eight species of bats in the park, their habits and how they help us manage pesky insects in the islands from mosquitoes and midges to the moths and beetles that kill trees and wreck orchards. Family Friendly, younger children should be accompanied by an adult.
An overview of the flora of Moran State Park including both common and rare species. Madrona Murphy, a botanist for the conservation research cooperative Kwiaht, has been documenting the plant diversity in the San Juan Islands since her childhood on Lopez Island. Great for all ages.
Geology is cool! Come learn about some of the coolest geology in Washington State, right here in the San Juan Islands. Come learn about why Mt Constitution is so tall, what it’s made of and how we know that Orcas Island was almost buried in ice 16,000 years ago! Julia Turney is a geologist and lives on Orcas Island. This talk is geared toward ages 16 and older but some hands-on elements may appeal to younger visitors.
Local fisheries biologist Mike O’Connell will host a talk about the life history of the kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) in Cascade Lake. Additionally, a tour of the small kokanee hatchery in the Park will be included. All ages, good education for everyone.
A presentation on the plants found on Mount Constitution that are rare or absent from the rest of the San Juans and a bit about what makes the habitats in Moran State Park suitable for these unique plants. Madrona Murphy, botanist for the conservation research cooperative Kwiaht, has been documenting the plant diversity in the San Juan Islands since her childhood on Lopez Island. Great for all ages.
Geology is cool! Come learn about some of the coolest geology in Washington State, right here in the San Juan Islands. Come learn about why Mt Constitution is so tall, what it’s made of and how we know that Orcas Island was almost buried in ice 16,000 years ago! Julia Turney is a geologist and lives on Orcas Island. This talk is geared toward ages 16 and older but some hands-on elements may appeal to younger visitors.
Moran State Park is home to some very special amphibians! Join ecologist Christian Oldham (Kwiaht – Center for the Historical Ecology of the Salish Sea) for a presentation about native Rough-Skinned Newts and what makes them so special. Hands-on live animal interaction will be available! Wear footwear for a short walk. Park in the Tower lot and walk down to Summit Lake. Great for all ages.
Learn about the fascinating history of the iconic Mt. Constitution Stone Tower. It holds amazing stories. Why is it there? How has it been maintained? Why do people love it so much? Rolf Eriksen, tour leader, has been our dedicated Tower Expert for many years. If going to the top of the tower, be prepared for lots of stone steps, walking shoes recommended. Family-fun, young children need to be accompanied by an adult.