Calendar
The Friends of the Forest is a non-profit, citizen organization dedicated to the preservation of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands through education, outreach and stewardship. We have a multi-layered education program that strives to meet the needs of all Fidalgo Island residents. Our education program includes K-12 guided school field trips, Adult/Senior hikes, All ages hikes, Forest Discovery Day Camp, habitat restoration efforts, Ethnobotany field seminars, a quarterly newsletter, and our two comprehensive school district programs; Growing Wild- native plants for all 3rd graders, and Middle School Watershed Discovery for all students in 7th grade. Our community hikes are free and no registration is required. Please join us this spring as we continue to explore and learn more about the ACFL together.
~ Fall 2010 Hikes ~
ALL AGES HIKES
Open to children accompanied by an adult, individuals, and small groups. Ideal for families, friends, and anyone ready to explore and enjoy our community forest lands with the safety and knowledge of a naturalist guide.
Mitten Pond Loop
Saturday, September 11th
10am until noon
Summer isn’t over yet! The cool smell of water floats up the path as we near Mitten Pond. Whirligig beetles spin shining patterns in the glowing green duckweed. Dragonflies drift and zoom around us. Sound good? Please come along! Meet at the ACFL kiosk on A Ave. and 37th.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Saturday, October 9th
10 am until noon
Experience the golden glow of Sugarloaf Mountain in the fall. We will hike from the dark woods at the base to the stunning summit view, enjoying every stretch in between. Meet at the trailhead on Ray Auld Drive at the bottom of Mount Erie just off of Heart Lake Road.
Bat Cave
Saturday, October 30th
10am until about noon
Come to the woods for a natural spook time that will help transition us all to the nocturnal season. Our annual bat cave exploration is fun for everyone. Costumes and flashlights are welcome. Meet at the Little Cranberry Lake parking lot on the north end of the lake.
Heart Lake Traverse
Saturday, November 6th
10am until a little after noon
This is a beautiful area to get to know. We will circumnavigate the lake and become familiar with the many route options available to you when you explore on your own. Home to an exciting array of wildlife and habitats, this is truly the heart of our island. Meet at the Heart Lake parking lot.
Whistle Lake
Saturday, December 4th
10am until noon
As glorious in late fall as in the heat of summer, this place is a treasure to know deeply. Dress for the weather and join this hearty hike. Meet at the Whistle Lake parking lot at the end of Whistle Lake Road.
SENIOR/ADULT HIKES
For any adult with a desire to learn more about our community forest lands through an easy hike in fine company, with a naturalist guide.
Heart Lake Old Growth
Friday, September 10th
10am until noon
We have the best remaining stand of Puget trough lowland old growth forest right here on Fidalgo Island in the heart of our community forest. Come along and experience the big old trees.
Meet at the base of Mount Erie on Ray Auld Drive.
Big Beaver Pond Loop
Friday, October 8th
10am until noon
Our hike will explore the center of beaver pond habitat in the ACFL. Are you curious about the wildlife that make home in our woods? Fall is a great time to witness animal clues as they step up activity in preparation for the long dark days ahead. Meet at the forest kiosk at A Ave. &37th St.
Little Beaver Pond Loop
Friday, November 5th
10 am until noon
Winter waterfowl have arrived in our forest ponds and lakes, ready for a safe place to rest and feed. We’ll venture deeper in to the woods to Little Beaver Pond, hopeful for the flash of bufflehead or dive of merganser. Meet at the end of 29th St. west off of D Ave.
Whistle Lake
Friday, December 10th
10am until noon
The hush of Whistle near winter solstice couldn’t be farther from the madding crowd of summer. Enjoy our deep water jewel of the forest during the season of recharge, and feel the stored sunlight energy emanating from the green. Meet at the Whistle Lake parking lot at the end of Whistle Lake Road.
For more information about these activities or our group, contact Jean Andrich or Denise Crowe at 360.293.3725 or info@friendsoftheacfl.org / visit our website at www.friendsoftheacfl.org