Neighbors of the Hood Canal Newsletter

Neighbors of the Hood Canal is officially up and running. We represent people who feel a special affinity for the spectacular beauty of Hood Canal. As, Neighbors we share a concern and caring attitude that extends beyond words to action. We want every person living, working and visiting in the Hood Canal Watershed to have meaningful experiences associated with this unique and gorgeous landscape. We actively promote stewardship through our own actions and encourage others to do the same by contributing time and money to programs that encourage involvement. If you are a Neighbor, Thank You! If you aren't yet, please, consider joining us!

Neighbors of the Hood Canal will be providing information on the Hood Canal's condition and how we can help at Central Market's Earth Day Celebration from 11-3 on Saturday.

Imagine seven hundred seventh-graders from Quilcene, Chimacum, Silverdale, Belfair and Potlatch coming together to hear wildlife experts, view the great work being done by students and organizations, and explore the Theler/Hood Canal Wetlands. Visitors are welcome to join the event, by reservations. Call Karen at 360-275-0846.

Come on down to the Hood Canal Watershed Project Center at 7 AM for an early morning bird-watching outing. The HCWP's AmeriCorps Team Naturalist; Mendy Tarwater will lead you through the wetlands to meet all the wonderful birds and other critters she gets to work around everyday! No reservations needed, but for more information, call Mendy at 360-275-0721.

2nd Annual Volunteer Jubilee June 26

We love our dedicated volunteers! Firedancers, live music and a glorious celebration are planned for what better be a sunny Saturday. Volunteers and potential volunteers are invited to join us in this extra special jubilee that will also celebrate this year's greatest accomplishment...the cleaning, mold-making, articulation and mounting of our own gray whale skeleton. To join us, call 360-275-0721.

Much has been written about the dissolved oxygen problems facing the Hood Canal. Like most problems, it is unlikely that there is one easy solution. Studies are being conducted to examine not just the quality of the water, but the physical geology and bathymetry of the Canal. To learn more about this issue, how you can "live lightly" on the Canal, or how to get involved, check out:

Becoming a Neighbor is easy! Individual memberships are available for $35 a year or free for 8 hours of volunteer service. Family ($50), business and corporate sponsorships ($250-$1,000) are also available. Call or send us your name, address, phone and email and we will sign you up! Have three friends join us and earn a year's free membership!

The Hood Canal Watershed Project offers this exciting multimedia program to groups through out the Hood Canal and surrounding watersheds. Learn how to watch and record wildlife information while being taken on a tour of our local habitats! Heart-thumping music, beautiful local footage, and solid scientific instruction can be brought to your school or organization by one of our naturalists. Call HCWPC at 360-275-0721, to schedule a show today!

Want to bring exciting projects to your classroom? Join other educators in exploring the many resources available in this area and in developing your own class projects. Help us create the stewards of tomorrow. The workshop is tentatively planned for the third week in June. Contact Karen Lippy at 360-275-0846 or kslippy@esd114.wednet.edu for more information.

It takes many bricks to build a path! Our path leads to great programs for folks all around the Hood Canal. To be a part of the foundation of Neighbors of the Hood Canal, you can buy a commemorative brick to be placed at the trailhead of the Hood Canal/Theler Wetlands at the tip of the Canal in Belfair. For more information, contact us at 360-275-4898.