The Bronze Chapter and The Nature Conservancy have created an educational and epically-scenic gathering for BIPOC families with kids 17 and younger at one of Washington’s most stunning saltwater coastline spaces. **this campout is family-focused so individuals please check out our other campouts**
This free Hike & Camp event was created for beginning and intermediate campers who (1) already have all their camping equipment (2) want to improve their camping skills and learn about the principles of Leave No Trace and the 10 Essentials and (3) want to learn about why the Conservancy selected the Ebey site and how Nature Conservancy scientists are working with researchers from the University of Washington, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State Parks, and other partners to restore golden paintbrush and other prairie plant species in the Ebey’s Landing area and the on removal of non-native species such as gorse, Scotch broom, and English ivy.
The hike: We’ll take in spectacular views while hiking the 5.6 mile oval-shaped Bluff Trail at Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve and learn about the work The Nature Conservancy is doing there. Even with only approximately 260 feet of elevation gain, the panorama on the Bluff is breathtaking. This single-track dirt trail is rated as moderately challenging, so please research the trail to assess suitability for yourself and your child(ren). (Note: The Bluff Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs, crutches, strollers, those with unstable footing, or those who experience anxiety hiking bluff trails.) You can find more information about Ebey’s Landing National Historic Preserve, the Bluff Trail via Washington Trails Association and All Trails, and the land The Nature Conservancy protects.
The campout: At Fort Ebey State Park we’ll go over topics like choosing where to set up your tent; how to set up your tent correctly, efficiently, and safely; how to set up your tent in various weather conditions; how to care for your tent poles; the use of stakes and anchors; how to keep your tent, equipment, and stuff dry; how to care for and maintain your tent; ways to pack your tent. We’ll also dive into the principles of Leave No Trace and the 10 Essentials to help you prepare for a successful 2023 camping season.
This is a Pacific Northwest rain or shine event, so come prepared to enjoy whatever Mother Nature brings and due to limited capacity please only register if you are committed to attend.
The plan: Meet Saturday at 11:00 am at Ebey Landing prior to the hike. After hike, caravan to Fort Ebey State Park to camp. Camp check-out is Sunday at 1:00 pm. Outline for Saturday and Sunday including where to meet Saturday morning at Ebey Landing will be sent to participants prior to the event.
What to bring:
- Whatever camping equipment you’ll need. Use our Extensive Camping Checklist to help you prepare.
- Food and beverages.
- Clothing and footwear appropriate for the forecasted weather.
- A portable pop-up canopy in case of rain (if you have one or have access to one).
Note about the registration process: We have 5 campsites reserved. Each campsite allows up to 8 people, 2-3 tents averaging 4-person size, and two automobiles. Because of these logistical limitations, all registrants will be waitlisted so that we can assign sites to families of various sizes on a first-come first-serve basis. We hope to have site assignments completed by the 3rd week of May.
Register Now! Register Now!