Battle Ground Lake State Park to host summer educational programs

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County residents are invited to participate in interpretive, educational programs covering a variety of nature topics relevant to Battle Ground Lake State Park. Programs will be available on Saturdays, from July 6 through Aug. 31.

Participants are encouraged to bring folding chairs and flashlights for evening programs. A pass is required to visit Battle Ground Lake State Park, 18002 NE 249th St, Battle Ground. Passes may be purchased online at discoverpass.wa.gov.

This summer’s events are:


Whooo Are You? Owls: 7:30 p.m., July 6. Learn about the adaptations of owls and native species from Ellen Wilson, Columbia Springs volunteer and certified interpretive guide.

Native Plant ID Walk: 11 a.m., July 13 and July 27, Aug. 24. Take a 1-mile walk around the lake and learn about native plant species in the park’s ecosystem from Julie Carlsen, WSU Master Gardener and NatureScaping volunteer. Register at the park’s Contact Station or by calling 360-687-4621.

Horsing Around, Equestrian Safety: 7:30 p.m., July 13, Learn about horse trail safety and meet senior park aide Mindy Lahti-Phillip’s horses.

Battle Ground Lake Hike: 11 a.m., July 20, Aug. 17. Hike 1-mile around the lake with park ranger Daniel Hernandez while learning about the lake’s geographic history and native wildlife. Register at the camp host bulletin board.



Somethin’ Fishy’s Going On: 7:30 p.m., July 20. Learn about the fish in Battle Ground Lake Park and how to fish for them from park ranger Evan Seidl.

Slugs! Nature’s Decomposers: 7:30 p.m., July 27. Learn the important role slugs play in Battle Ground Lake’s ecosystem from Marcia Hale, certified interpretive guide.

Volcanic Eruption! What Survives & Thrives: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 3. Learn how a volcano formed Battle Ground Lake and the impact of the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption from Dave Newcomb, Mount St. Helens Institute volunteer.

Stand Up, Sit Down, Float, Float, Float: 9:30 a.m., Aug. 10. Learn how to use paddle boards and kayaks from dry land from concessionaires Chris and Simone Williams.

Hurrah for WA State Parks & Battle Ground Lake: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 10. Discover the history of Battle Ground Lake and learn surprising facts about Washington State Parks from park ranger Ryan Reynolds.

Batty for Bats: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 17. Learn about the importance of bats in Battle Ground Lake’s ecosystem from park ranger Ryan Reynolds.

Birds of Battle Ground Lake: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 24. Discover the feathered friends who dwell at Battle Ground Lake State Park from interpretive volunteer Simone Williams.

What’s the Scoop on Animal Poop: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 31. Learn how to identify the scat of various animals that visit Battle Ground Lake State Park from Ellen Wilson, Columbia Springs volunteer and certified interpretive guide. Prizes will be available for those attending.