June News from The Friends of the LBA Woods
ON THE TRAILS:
It’s peak blooming time for many of the native flowering plants of the forest understory. Western Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa ) shows its dazzling orange flowers on climbing vines. You might see a hummingbird feeding on the flower nectar. Head south from the “spoke” on the connector trail a little way and you’ll see this plant overhead on your right.
It’s hard to miss the thickets of Thimbleberry (Rubus parvifolium) with their simple rose-like white flowers and large soft, fuzzy leaves. These shrubby plants grow throughout the LBA Woods. Later in the summer, this plant will produce delicious, extremely sweet red berries.
GUIDED BIRD WALK: Sunday June 8th 8:30-10:30 a.m. (with option to extend past 10:30).
Join local birding expert Bob Wadsworth on a lovely and slow-paced walk through the LBA Woods. You’ll see and hear the migratory and nesting birds such as the Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Swainson’s Thrush, and plenty of warblers and flycatchers.
This free walk is limited to 12 participants. RSVP to lbawoodsoly@gmail.com to secure your spot. Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather. This walk is rain or shine and will be cancelled only if high winds are forecast. Meet in the smaller parking lot off Amhurst Rd. near the tennis courts and picnic shelter.
LOG CABIN EXTENSION ROAD UPDATE—200+ Public Comments Submitted!
Thanks again to everyone who submitted a public comment on Thurston County’s draft Regional Transportation Plan. Our community generated a whopping 224 comments opposing the proposed road (Project A4) through the LBA Woods! Clearly, we love our roadless forest park!
The amended draft plan will be finalized on July 11th but the TRPC staff response to the public comments and amended draft will be discussed at two meetings in June. The Thurston Regional Planning Council meets on Friday June 6, 8:30-11 a.m. The county’s Transportation Policy Board meets on Wednesday June 11, 8:30-10 a.m.
To receive a link to watch the meeting via Zoom, send an email specifying which meeting and include your name to info@trpc.org. You can also watch/listen to these meetings on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/trpc.org/
We will send details on providing additional public comment if there is a reason and opportunity and to do so . For more information on the road and other goings on in the woods, visit the new Friends of LBA Woods website https://lbawoods.com/
Happy Trails!
