It was a senator from Wisconsin named Gaylord Nelson who, 53 years ago, voiced his concerns about a quickly deteriorating environment. With the help of other activists, he sparked millions of Americans to demonstrate awareness of the planet’s fragility on April 22. That day, which led directly to the country’s environmental movement and foundation of federal protections, was later coined Earth Day, with Nelson as its father.
Grays Harbor’s quirky connection: Gaylord’s uncle, O.M. Nelson, came here in 1907 to work for timber tycoons, and then, over the course of the next three-and-a-half decades, ran for county prosecuting attorney four times and U.S. Congress eight times, to no avail, according to an article from the Washington State Library.
But Grays Harbor, a place facing threats of rising sea levels and severe storms caused by climate change, also has a less quirky connection: On Saturday, April 22, groups around Grays Harbor County will mobilize — pulling weeds, cleaning beaches, trading plants and knowledge — to celebrate the day dedicated to the third planet from the sun, one they hope to preserve.
Weed pull by the slough
Located just upstream from the harbor, the Chehalis River Surge Plain is a 4,500-acre wetland preserve braided with sloughs and side channels where fresh and saltwater mingle. According to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, it “contains the largest and best quality tidal surge plain wetland in the state, including sloughs that shelter young salmon and other fish,” as well as bald eagles and osprey.
Native plants are key to habitat there, but invasive weeds can sometimes hinder habitat quality, said Alexander Birk, education and outreach coordinator for the Grays Harbor Stream Team, the volunteer arm of the Grays Harbor Conservation District.
Birk said he, along with the Grays Harbor County Noxious Weed Control Board, recently noticed an uptick of the invasive plant jewelweed — a few-foot-tall shrub with conical re-orange flowers — near the surge plain. The plant is the main target this Saturday, when, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Preacher’s Slough trailhead, it will face a manual attack from the Stream Team and anyone else interested in helping improve surge plain habitat.
“This is the prime time it starts to pop up, and if you get it out early, you can prevent it from spreading by seed,” Birk said.
After pollination in spring, jewelweed flowers form capsules, which then burst open and propel seeds short distances.
Birk said jewelweed prefers disturbed areas, so weed pulling efforts will be focused near the trail stemming west from the Preacher’s Slough parking lot on the east side of the surge plain. The plan is “easy to pull by hand,” he said. Gloves will be provided for volunteers, as will snacks and coffee.
Birk said information about volunteer opportunities are posted on the Grays Harbor Stream Team Facebook page.
Plant swap
Katie Lutz is a librarian, but perhaps equally, if not more relevant to Saturday’s significant date — she’s also a Master Gardener. Those worlds will collide Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the Hoquiam Timberland Library will host a plant swap.
It’s a bring-a-plant, take-a-plant ordeal, Lutz said, as long as it’s in a one-gallon pot or smaller.
Lutz encouraged owners to label plants, but if you don’t know, fear not, as you’ll have access to the extensive botanical and cultivation knowledge of the Washington State University Extension Master Gardeners.
Members from the local chapter, including Lutz, will be on hand to identify plants, provide gardening advice, teach a plant clinic and deliver veggie starts and Dahlia flower bulbs.
“It’s a great way to learn about gardening,” Lutz said.
Not only will attendees be surrounded by a plethora of experienced planters, but a substantial collection of gardening literature possessed by the Timberland library system. Lutz said handouts with gardening tips will also be available.
Free plant pots are currently available for pickup at the library.
Pounds and pounds of trash
On Earth Day last year, the Washington CoastSavers removed 15,000 pounds of trash and debris from Washington’s beaches.
They hope to do the same with more cleanups scheduled for Saturday, including a few around the Twin Harbors.
The Washington CoastSavers is an alliance of environmentally-minded organizations that coordinate coastal cleanup efforts. Partners range from local groups like the Grassroots Garbage Gang to agencies like Olympic National Park and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
On Saturday, major beach approaches — including Chance A La Mer in Ocean Shores, Twin Harbors State Park in Westport and approaches on the Long Beach Peninsula — will serve as registration stations for the cleanup, equipped with trash bags and information about how to dispose of debris.
The CoastSavers Earth Day cleanup has been going on for decades, said Megan Juran, coordinator for the Washington CoastSavers.
“As years went on people got used to them being there,” Juran said. “Just having that local community involvement and engagement — and having it being consistent — was great to see.”
Juran said the CoastSavers hold three major cleanups — Earth Day, post-fourth of July and an international cleanup day in September.
Chris Butler-Minor, community engagement specialist with the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, said the “cleanups make a huge difference” for debris on Washington beaches.
“Ultimately we’re trying to talk to people about how important it is to dispose of your trash properly and hope they spread the word,” Butler-Minor said. “That’s ultimately the solution, is to reduce the waste that hits our waters.”
“If you’re not careful with it, you may see it again,” Butler-Minor added.
Rocks, dirt and birds
Ocean Shores’ Coastal Interpretive Center will have something for every Earth Day craving this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Executive Director Barbara Hayford decided to waive admission for the day. The center’s normal exhibits will be open, with free tours of the museum and the McGee Trail, an interpretive path through the coastal forest near the building.
“What my staff and volunteers tell me is that every time somebody says ‘yes’ to a tour they really learn a lot more,” Hayford said.
Marine biologist Wendy Ryan will be on hand to deliver a clinic on identifying agates — translucent igneous pebbles popular with beachcombers. Ryan will then lead a group to the beach to look for the sometimes-sneaky gems.
Back at 1033 Catala Ave. SE, the Coastal Interpretive Center will have all the supplies necessary to build a take-home terrarium. Hayford said terrariums — small-scale soil models of earth’s interior held in plastic or glass jars — are “really beautiful” and can be used as geological education tools.
Meanwhile, kids can try their hand at nature sketching based on specimens pulled from the museum’s exhibits.
Buildings of the future
As it has sprouted through the North Beach’s coastal forest over the last two decades, the unincorporated resort town of Seabrook emphasized sustainable building “in concert” with the natural environment around it. That includes a concentrated town footprint, a walkable streetscape, and energy efficient buildings.
On Earth Day, Seabrook’s town planner, Stephen Poulakos, will be leading a walk where people can learn more about the town’s sustainability. The walk will also feature a plant scavenger hunt and a beach cleanup effort, according to Seabrook’s website.
Contact reporter Clayton Franke at 406-552-3917 or clayton.franke@thedailyworld.com.
