0104, 2019

Discovering the Creatures of the Northwest Trek Trails

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In the 1930’s, a husband and wife team of conservationists purchased over 400 acres of desolate, charred land in south Pierce County, Washington. Fast forward 80 years (and factor in the meticulous planning, fastidious nurturing, generous donating, and fortuitous timing), and today, people of all ages can visit Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. In this episode, your fearless field guide Erich Ebel takes you on a tour of the park that’s

0402, 2019

The Deadliest Bridge Collapse in Washington State History

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On Wednesday, January 3rd, 1923, Cowlitz County Commissioner-elect Benjamin Barr sat in the back seat of his vehicle, when his driver – Arleigh Millard – felt an unsettling shudder through the springs in his seat. Miller glanced nervously at Barr through the rear-view mirror, unable to move the vehicle forward. The pair were stuck atop the Allen Street Bridge here in Kelso, Washington, when seconds later it all came crashing

0911, 2018

Discovering the creatures of the Northwest Trek trails

Washington Our Home
November 9, 2018
Destinations, Family, Recreation, Western Washington, Wildlife
0
1730

We learn about the history of the land, speak with naturalists about the newest hands-on learning area, and take a tram ride through the wilderness. But there are dozens more animals and attractions worth checking out along the park’s myriad trails and pathways.

2108, 2018

Columbia Gorge Overlook and the Wanapum Indian Tribe

Until recent times, the Wanapum Indians inhabited the banks of the Columbia River in Washington State from Beverly Gap to Pasco, about 75 miles south. The Wanapums were a very religious and peaceful people, living on venison, berries, roots, and fish…expertly caught using nets, spears and woven willow traps. Yet today, the Wanapums are virtually extinct. What happened to the tribe that once numbered in the thousands, and what’s left of their culture?

2106, 2018

Get back to nature at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Washington Our Home
June 21, 2018
Destinations, Family, History, Mt. Rainier, Western Washington, Wildlife
0
2237

This story begins in the majestically-forested foothills near Mount Rainier. Dr. David and Connie Hellyer purchased land there in 1937, and lived on it for over 40 years. In 1971, the Hellyers donated their land to the Tacoma Metropolitan Parks District, with the explicit intent to create a conservation habitat that the public could enjoy. After four years of diligent fundraising and planning, Northwest Trek officially opened its doors on July 17, 1975.

1005, 2018

Firearms training at Abernathy Creek

The video game, Oregon Trail, was an educational masterpiece of activity and learning, and one of the most successful early entries into the early world of computer gaming. I remember spending hours trying (usually unsuccessfully) to reach the state just south of the one in which I grew up. And one of the key skills needed to reach the Columbia River was hunting. Love them or hate them, firearms are a

1404, 2018

The deadliest bridge collapse in Washington State history

2807, 2014

Gravel to golf: The Chambers Bay story

Washington Our Home
July 28, 2014
History, Puget Sound, Recreation, Western Washington
2
2233

In June, Chambers Bay Golf Course in Pierce County will join the ranks of such prestigious courses as Pebble Beach, Bethpage, Marian, and Pinehurst, among others. At these courses, some of the greatest players ever to walk the links made U.S. Open History. Chambers Bay is poised to become the next great field of champions. But unlike the other courses, whose golf history goes back generations, Chambers Bay is a

1006, 2014

Mount Rainier will always pose a threat

Washington Our Home
June 10, 2014
History, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Saint Helens, Western Washington
0
826

Mount Rainier is an active volcano. We all live in its shadow and love having it serve as one of our state’s most iconic symbols. We drink in its abundant wildlife and panoramic views, and take our midwest friends on tours of its national park. Yet it’s imperative that we all remain prepared for the inevitable.