Washington Native Plant Society - South Sound Chapter

| This will be a great social event of interest to experienced and novice stewards. Plates, napkins, plasticware, cups and beverages will be provided. Bring some food to share, but if you plan to come straight from work, don’t worry. Please RSVP so we know how much pizza to purchase. |
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| RSVP for Dinner |
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Joe Albrecht is well-known in the region for his extensive experience planning, conducting, and supervising native plant restoration at many sites in Washington. He currently leads the restoration of Ursich Park in Tacoma and works as a Crew Supervisor for the WA Conservation Corp. Joe is a fantastic speaker who joyfully and clearly shares his expertise about restoration with many audiences. He is the lead coordinator for WA Native Plant Society’s 100-hour Master Steward class which is active at two woodland parks in Federal Way. In 2025, he was a keynote speaker at the Forest Habitat Stewardship Workshop held in Kitsap County that was supported by a grant from WNPS’ South Sound Chapter. He of course knows a lot about native plants in western WA. Joe is a retired military veteran with a master's degree in military planning and a bachelor's degree in cell biology from the University of Washington. |
| Information about Ursich Park |7

Join leaders of the Chapter to discuss grants, advertising, budget, and more. Newcomers are welcome at this virtual Teams meeting. Chapter members can request the link by contacting Dawn Dockter at southsound@wnps.org

| To apply for an educational, research, or conservation grant, click below |
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| Chapter Grants |

Walk Leader: Joshua Wright
Contact Information: cpdillongh@comcast.net 253 225-9284
Number of people: 12

Note that this is a longer and more strenuous hike than our normal monthly walks. You will need to bring food and water.

Hike Description: Meet at Gold Creek Trailhead parking lot. Bring a Discover Pass for parking. The hike will be along Gold Creek and then to the top of Green Mountain. Hikers can expect to see the Gold Creek beaver ponds, Green Mountain’s cliff systems, and legacy forest. People should be prepared to hike 7 miles in the rain and on steep terrain with 1100 ft elevation gain.

Any special requirements: Walkers must pre-register with Cyndy Dillon
(fieldtrips@southsoundchapterwnps.org), who will send a link to a mandatory liability waiver when you provide your email address. For the walk you will need to email the liability waiver to Cyndy or bring it to the walk. Bring food and water, dress for the weather and wear good hiking shoes. Restrooms are available. Discover Pass required.

WNPS South Sound Chapter - Native Plant Walks
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Title/Location: Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, 110 Deschutes Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
Walk Leader: Regina Johnson Contact Information cpdillongh@comcast.net 253 225-9284
Departure Time: 10am Estimated Return Time: 12pm
Departure location: parking lot Number of people: unlimited
Walk Description: A wide variety of native trees and shrubs, along with ornamentals, line both sides of the
river as it pitches and eddies through a gorge of boulder rapids and deep pools, its course culminating in a
mist-filled plunge over Lower Tumwater Falls, featured on the old Olympia Beer logos. A half-mile-long
walking trail is highlighted by views of cascading waterfalls, quiet pools, and massive rocks, and the song of the
American Dipper. Spanning the river at both ends of the gorge and connecting the network of trails are
footbridges designed for compatibility with the surroundings and historic accuracy. Interpretive signs describe
the early settlement and industrial development of Tumwater, using hydropower from the falls, and the
neighboring Olympia Brewery. There is a fish ladder and a new ethnobotany garden as well. This park is a
favorite with area families, with its easy walking path, spectacular river views, and playground.
Any special requirements: Walkers must pre-register with Cyndy Dillon
(fieldtrips@southsoundchapterwnps.org), who will send a link to a mandatory liability waiver when you
provide your email address. For the walk you will need to email the liability waiver to Cyndy or bring it to the
walk. Bring water if you need it, dress for the weather and wear good hiking shoes.
Restrooms are available.
Directions:
From I-5 South, take exit 103 towards 2nd Ave SW in Tumwater. Slight right to continue onto 2nd
Ave SW. Get into the right lane. At the light, turn left from the right lane onto Custer Way SW, then right onto
Boston St SW. Turn left at the stop sign onto Deschutes Way SW, then left onto C St SW. Turn left into the
parking lot.
From I-5 North, take exit 103 to Deschutes Way, going straight at the stop sign. Continue to the right turn
onto C St SW, then left into the parking lot.
There are 2 parking lots, plus street parking on Deschutes Way. We will meet by the flagpole next to the
park’s offices by the second parking lot. The first buildings you see by the first parking lot are for the hatchery.