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“It’s amazing how much the livestock farming community pours into training their young people in the trade. It was great as a farm planner to be able to support our farming families in this small way and I look forward to seeing this side of our programming expand.” – Katie Penke “I had two favorite moments at the fair this year: literally seeing a child’s jaw drop at how raspberries are harvested and reading to a toddler who had all their own motions to the Barnyard Dance. I

Alexi loves finding live oysters along the beach, but she is rarely able to harvest them due to harmful bacteria and algae. She grew up gathering huckleberries and chanterelles near Mount Rainier with her family, and eating venison hunted by her dad. The forest provides for those who know how to look, usually. Growing up in the foothills of Rainier, my diet always included elk, venison, huckleberries, chantarelles, and other Cascade delights. Every year I would set out into t

After catching the “homestead bug,” Dan Okey bought the perfect property in Deming with both forest and pastureland. What he didn’t realize was that he would also find an amazing community. “One thing I am especially grateful for at this property, are my neighbors. I have made some great connections with some great people. That’s something you can’t plan on or investigate when buying a property.” – Dan Okey, Deming Homesteader Since moving onto his property two years ago, Dan

There is some kind of magic in the discovery of all of the unique life that can only be seen at a negative tide. On May 30th, over 275 people discovered that wonder during the Day at the Beach celebration at Birch Bay State Park. What does a mermaid, nudibranch, and about 275 people have in common? They all came to Day at the Beach on May 30th at Birch Bay State Park! The 8th Annual Day at the Beach was the largest yet, with nine interactive booths, hundreds of people, pets,

This May, 12 individuals from 8 communities decided to become Community Wildfire Ambassadors – helping their neighborhoods become more resilient to wildfire concerns. “Living in the forest makes you more aware of the actual danger of fire. I’d like to understand how to best mitigate the risks. [I’m] willing to help and encourage others around practices.” – Community Wildfire Ambassador During initial training, Ambassadors learn about wildfire, wildfire risk, and resources ava