Prairie Appreciation Day 2026
With no admission charge, explore Glacial Heritage Preserve, one of the largest remaining remnants of Western Washington’s endangered prairie ecosystem. Thanks to on-going restoration for over 30 years, the prairie now looks much the way it may have looked 200 years ago. For up-to-date information about the event: https://www.prairieappreciationday.org/
Here are some fun ways you can experience the 1,020-acre Glacial Heritage Preserve:
The Activity Trail, ~ 1 mile: contains a number of informative stations covering various aspects of our South Sound prairies. The stations have experts to discuss each topic as well as activities for children and the young at heart. Activities may include: making seed balls and trying your hand at writing with ink made from oak galls. Talk to experts about birds, butterflies, bees, gardening with native prairie plants, how fire is used to restore prairies, and much more..
The Self-Guided Trail, ~ 4 miles: A good choice for those who just want to absorb the ambiance and peace of the prairies, this route also includes a cut-off trail for those wishing a shorter walk. The walk takes you past an osprey nest down to an oak savanna bordering the Black River.
South Sound Bird Alliance (formerly Black Hills Audubon Society) is again hosting an early morning bird walk. With several highly experienced guides, weather permitting, over 70 bird species might be identified. The year-round list is over 90 species! For more information: https://southsoundbirds.org/ and https://www.prairieappreciationday.org/activities/
Hay Ride. Take an opportunity to ride around the prairie and associated habitats sitting on a hay bale.
Food Truck. As in previous years, we plan to have an on-site food vendor. Check back later for confirmation and to see who it will be. As Wi-Fi can be iffy, BRING CASH.
GIFT TENT. Here you can find great thank you gifts for your donation such as: T shirts, caps, cards and assorted other items. Donations go to Friends of Puget Prairies, a 501(c)3 to support Prairie Appreciation Day or education and preservation of local native prairies.
Thurston County Food Band. Visitors are encouraged to bring a donation for the Thurston County Food Bank. A barrel for donations is located at the Welcome Tent. Please, no glass.
*The gate closes at 2pm for entry and is locked at 4pm.
For your visit, a few things to remember:
- Temperature changes from morning to afternoon can be extensive; be prepared for cold, windy, rainy and hot weather all on the same day.
- Bring water, drinks, snacks, or a picnic.
- Bring a sun hat and sunscreen.
- Please leave pets at home; pets are not allowed at this event. Parked vehicle temperatures can quickly elevate, putting your pet’s life in danger.
- The terrain at Glacial Heritage Preserve is uneven and hilly. It is not suitable for strollers, and it is not considered handicapped accessible. An alternative to Glacial Heritage Preserve is Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve.
Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
There is a paved trail ideal for families with toddlers and those who want a less strenuous experience while walking and witnessing the mounds in full flower. This location is fully accessible and includes wheelchair-accessible restrooms at the trailhead. Discover Pass is required.
DIRECTIONS
For Glacial Heritage Preserve and Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, Take I-5 to Exit 95. Go west through Littlerock on 128th Ave SW straight through Littlerock (note that the other two directions of traffic at the intersection with Littlerock Rd. do not stop) until you reach a stop sign at the T in the road.
- For Glacial Heritage Preserve turn LEFT at the T onto Mima Rd. Drive south 2.7 miles and turn left at the event sign onto a gravel road. Drive to the gate of Glacial Heritage and follow parking directions. Please respect the local residents and observe a speed limit of 10 mph on the access road.
- For Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, turn RIGHT at the T onto Waddell Creek Rd. Drive north approximately 0.7 of a mile until you see the event sign. Turn left into Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. This road does not have a center stripe, so drive carefully. Please park with care as tour buses will be using the access road.
A Discover Pass is required.
Signs will be posted on the roadside to both Glacial Heritage Preserve and Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve.