Birding Day: Mount St. Helens – Silver Lake: Sunset, Birds and Ecology with Gina Roberti
This is a drive-yourself afternoon trip to Seaquest State Park on the way to Mount St. Helens, which is approximately a one-hour, twenty-minute drive from Portland. Note: This class is a great introductory class for birding and not designed for advanced birders. We will take a holistic view on ecology, human history, and geology. We will interact with and discuss all of the landscape features that support habitat for birds.
What makes Mount St. Helens unique for birdwatching? Volcanoes create disturbances in the landscape and this in turn creates a mosaic of habitat type that affords a high diversity of birds. Join naturalist Gina Roberti for an exploration of the pocket of old growth forest and volcanic history of Silver Lake at the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center and Seaquest State Park. Learn how volcanoes shape the landscape and how we, as people, can be more informed of volcanic hazards.
- The field trip will take place at the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center at Seaquest State Park and will include hiking along forest trails in Seaquest State Park and along the ¾ mile ADA-accessible boardwalk trail. At the time of the field trip, the Visitors Center may be closed, but groups are welcome to come earlier and explore the visitors center, exhibits, and ranger presentations.
- There is very little cell phone reception at the meeting location after leaving the I-5 highway corridor. Please plan in advance.
- Please dress in layers and bring water and snacks.
- Parking fees: A Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required for parking. These can be purchased at the visitors center (if open) and/or in advance online.