Nisqually Wildlife Reserve Adventure!

Nisqually Wildlife Reserve-
The Nisqually River Delta, a biologically rich and diverse area at the southern end of Puget Sound, supports a variety of habitats.  Here, the freshwater of the Nisqually River combines with the saltwater of Puget Sound to form an estuary rich in nutrients and detritus.  These nutrients support a web of sea life - the benefits of which extend throughout Puget Sound and beyond.


  

We started the field trip with one of the men in the group sharing a wonderful testimony about the LORD! Next we all took turns reading information about the reserve, reading the topic and giving a short report. Although my children (even the older ones!) do not prefer public speaking, they all did a great job summarizing their topic and presenting the information to the group. Mr. and Mrs. R. gave us a scavenger hunt list which kept the children looking for items and observing their surroundings throughout the walk.

Ashley points everyone to a very tiny creature..

What are mama and Laura looking at?

Oh look! A tiny tree frog! Can you spot it?

These beautiful rose hips give a hint to just how beautiful this area is during the late spring when all of the wild roses are in bloom...

We set off on the 1 mile walk around the reserve. It was so enjoyable to walk through the lovely leaves, which were dry and fun to kick and throw. Since our fall has been unusually warm and dry the leaves are sticking around longer than usual.

 

The walkway to the Reparian Forest Lookout.. in this area there is vegetation which can handle living near both salt and fresh water.. and can handle the diverse environment, including both drought-like conditions as well as thriving also in water when the area is flooded by either the fresh water river being high or during extra high tides where the sound mixes with the fresh water..

Special Friends..

 

We all thought this was a funny warning!.. it kinda became the joke of the day.

While viewing the water from the lookout, we saw an otter, lots of salmon, a red winged black bird and a blue heron.

 



 

We enjoyed looking at the Twin Brown Farm Barns, built in the 1930's back when the reserve had been habitated by a family who had diked off the water and farmed the area. The reserve since has been reverted back to it's natural state with the dikes being removed.

 

 

 

 

The walk ended near this marsh where the Canadian geese were hanging out. It was such a fun, albeit COLD day! We enjoyed our time with our friends. They always make outings so much fun. Their adventurous attitude and love of God's creation has inspired us to go on more outings this year. Thanks you guys for inviting us to join your 'Creation Adventure Team' ! It is such a great ministry.

We look forward to the next adventure!