Sustainability

I have been very intrigued to notice how common many sustainable practices are around our camp and nearby Washington cities. Many pathway lights are equipped with solar panels even though I have yet to be able to see the sun through the clouds. However all of these lights are powered at night by the minuscule amount of light that they are able to process during the day. In addition, light timers, which automatically turn off the lights after the timer runs out, are used in rooms that don’t necessarily need to be lit all day long.

In addition we have initiated recycling practices and placed recycle bins around the camp facilities. In order to conserve food the campers will have a competition based on which age group can waste the least amount of food. We have also ordered water bottles for each camper to cut down on dish washing during meal time as well as the use of disposbale cups.

While being the nature specialist at camp I have repeatedly been asked questions about the yellow flower buds that are growing all around our camp property. This flower has not been as prevalent in past years, but this year is hard not to notice. After a little research I have found out that this flower is in fact the Oregon state flower known simply as the Oregon grape. The flower buds are edible however as the name suggests, if you wait until the fall the plant will produce a delicious fruit. Interestingly enough, this fruit is in fact a berry and not a grape. The Oregon grape is also an indicator of a healthy forest floor in northern coastal regions. In addition this plant can be used in tea, and has a medicinal purpose acting as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. I have included a picture of the Oregon grape plant in this post.

Other sustainable practices and Leave No Trace ethics that we will cover with the campers include staying on the main trails, packing out your own trash, leaving what you find, being careful with fire, respecting wildlife, and being kind to the other visitors.

The website below has information on all sorts of medcinal plants:
http://www.altnature.com/gallery/

The website below has information on the state of Washington sustainable practices:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/Sustainability/