Space is limited but there still is room for a few more hearty souls interested in participating in a spartina survey on Saturday, May 14 at the Niawiakum River and Bone River Natural Area Preserves (NAPs). RSVP by calling Carlo Abbruzzese at (360) 575-5056. The Niawiakum River and Bone River NAPs are some of the many areas we are celebrating—and helping to protect—during this Natural Areas Appreciation Week (May 7 – 14).
The Niawiakum River and Bone River NAPs, located in Pacific County, protect 3,717 acres of the finest salt marshes remaining in Willipa Bay. These areas include tide flats, sloughs, freshwater streams, freshwater wetlands and conifer forests. This ideal environment supports habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including bald eagles (a federally threatened species), great blue herons, elk, kingfishers and many others.
Volunteers will bring their kayak or small craft to help DNR in the annual survey of the invasive plant species spartina, also known as cord-grass. Spartina is a serious threat to Willapa Bay and surrounding rivers. It changes the marine habitat, which affects fish, shellfish and wildlife habitat. After the survey, volunteers will meet at a local park for an oyster barbeque.
DNR manages two types of natural areas for long-term conservation: NAPs, like Niawiakum River and Bone River, for the protection of scientifically important sites. DNR also manages Natural Resources Conservation Areas (NRCAs), which include scientifically important sites which also have outstanding scenic values—such as Morning Star in Snohomish County.
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