Wednesdays in the Woods programs highlight outdoor topics
An interactive activity on basic camping skills will kick off this summer’s free Wednesdays in the Woods programs at Riverside State Park.
In weeks to follow, a wide range of presenters will cover topics such as paragliding, owls, first aid for dogs, fly fishing and hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
The series of educational and entertaining programs on outdoors pursuits and natural history was a hit as a monthly offering last year, said Carol Christensen, outreach coordinator for REI in Spokane.
“This year, we’re doing it every week during summer, from June 15 to Aug. 31,” she said, noting that the programs are co-sponsored by the Riverside State Park Foundation.
The programs start Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at the Bowl & Pitcher amphitheater. The programs are free but registration is required to assure a space. Sign up online at REI.com/Learn.
A Discover Pass is required for parking.
Next Wednesday’s Camp Skills 101 will be a round-robin presentation answering some of REI’s most commonly received questions about camping, such as how to pitch a tent for inclement weather, proper set-up of your camp kitchen, how to use the right knots in your campsite, fire building and camp games for the family.
The series will conclude on Aug. 31 with live bluegrass music by Rye River and free ice cream.
Other programs in the series include:
- June 22: Free Flight by Center of Lift gliding and paragliding club.
- June 29: Birds of Prey HOOT Show by West Valley Outdoor Learning Center.
- July 6 : Leave No Trace by Washington Trails Association.
- July 13: Creatures of the Night by West Valley Outdoor Learning Center.
- July 20: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail by REI.
- July 27: Moose, Cougars and Bears, OH MY! by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Aug. 3: Fly Fishing for Kids of all Ages by West Central Community Center’s OWL Program.
- Aug. 10: Outdoor First Aid for Dogs by SouthCare Animal Medical Center.
- Aug. 17: Yoga for Outdoor Fitness by REI.
- Aug. 24: Hiking with Kids of All Ages by Hike It Baby.
- Aug. 31: Ice Cream & Bluegrass by Rye River.