Native Plants at Fort Worden
Thursday, October 1, 2020
10:00 AM-12:00 N
Fee: $27.50
Guided tour of the woods and fields in the Fort along easy walking trails that include some hills. Identify native trees, shrubs, grasses and others.
Far Reaches Plant Botanical Conservancy
Thursday, October 1, 2020
10:00 AM-12:00 N
Fee: $27.50
Internationally known plantsmen and speakers Kelly Dobson and Sue Millekin not only call Port Townsend their home but house their famous Far Reaches Farm nursery and the Far Reaches Plant Botanical Conservancy in here. They have made a life of travelling to distant corners of the world finding exceptional and usual plants rarely offered elsewhere. Their 501(c)(3) nonprofit Conservancy is dedicated to the preservation, cultivation, and conservation of key genetic resources of horticultural and botanical merit. By establishing cooperative agreements with the relevant international botanical entities, they not only expand upon the diversity of important genera grown in North America but contribute to a greater understanding of the world’s flora through scientific research. They will speak to the Master Gardeners about the critical work they do and lead a tour through the Farm view plants from across the globe.
Fort Worden Military History Tour
Thursday, October 1, 2020
2:00-4:00 PM
Fee: $27.50
The military history of Fort Worden is long and fascinating one. Vans will take tour participants up to the artillery and gun lines located in the hills behind the conference center. The views are spectacular from the bunkers. The tour includes admission to the Coast Artillery Museum. The museum was established in 1976 to preserve and interpret Coast Artillery history with special emphasis on the Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound as they existed and functioned from the late 1800’s to the end of WWII.
Finnriver Cidery and Abundant Life Seed Foundation
Thursday, October 1, 2020
1:00-4:00 PM
Fee: $50
A Finnriver host will lead a ½ mile loop around the organic orchards, with a wheelbarrow cart to carry the cider. The one hour walking tour includes samples of 6 varieties of Finnriver farm crafted cider and fruit wine, as well as stories on farm history and mission, apple and orchard facts and insights into Finnriver’ s organic farm practices, land partnerships and more. Includes a light snack. We are working on additional talks from The Organic Seed Alliance, Friends of Trees medicinal herb garden and Essential Blooms Sweet pea farm, all located on the property.
Port Townsend Vineyards
Thursday, October 1, 2020
2:00-4:00 PM
Fee: $50
Taste wine grown, crushed, aged, bottled and shared by hand, right in Port Townsend. The Vineyards on Portuguese Hill were organically planted in 2015 and designed to showcase the unique five-zone grape varieties that thrive in this geography and coastal climate. Following the vineyard tour we will move to winery itself on the outskirts of Port Townsend. This brand new facility is where all of the locally grown grapes (as well as those sourced from top regional vineyards) are transformed into deliciousness. The vintner with explain their unique wine making process. A tasting of 5 wines will follow.
Bloedel Reserve
Thursday, October 1, 2020
1:00-5:00 PM
Fee: $50
Join us for a curated walk through the internationally recognized Bloedel Reserve. Rated by the NY Times as ‘One of the country’s most original and ambitions gardens’ and by USA Today as ‘One of North American’s 10 Best Botanical Gardens’, a visit to the Pacific Northwest is not complete without seeing it. Working with the rugged geography of the land, the reserve artfully transformed a rough-hewn Northwest forest into a harmonious series of curated gardens, structural features and distinctive landscapes. Created with imagination, vision and passionate love of the natural world, the inspirational beauty of these refined 150 acres will leave you amazed.
Whale Watching
Thursday, October 1, 2020
9:30 AM-2:30 PM
Fee: $95
This tour is the perfect combination of wildlife and scenery. Board the Red Head, a comfortable and fast 40 seat tour boat, and head out towards the San Juan Islands, or to wherever the whales are. The vessel features indoor seating for everyone, a wrap-around outside viewing deck as well as a snack bar and restroom. Along with viewing whales, bald eagles, harbor seals, California and Steller sea lions, tufted puffins and many other species of marine life are often spotted. A trained marine naturalist will guide you through the many sites along the way and if the whales are ‘talking’ you’ll be able to hear them through a hydrophone.
Field Session: The New Fundamentals of Tree Planting and Pruning
Thursday, October 1, 2020
1:00-5:00 PM
Fee:
Join Urban Forestry Specialist Ben Thompson from the WA State Department of Natural Resources and Paula Dinius, Urban Horticulturist in Chelan County for a field session on tree planting and pruning.
Contemporary research on the science of ornamental tree growth has led to substantive changes in best practices for planting and pruning. This tour will consist of field demonstrations of planting and tree pruning to illustrate modern techniques. Instructors will also discuss outdated practices and debunk common myths about how trees grow, as well as the long term consequences of improper planting and pruning. Hands-on participation in this tour is not required although opportunities for audience participation will be available to those who want to get their hands dirty.