Prairie Days

Experience Native Wildflowers in Bloom! Pacific Rim Institute is a 501(c)(3) engaging science, culture, and community for ecological restoration, and now is the time to see the westside prairie ecosystem, WA’s rarest ecosystem, in bloom. PRI stewards over 40 acres of prairie, including 4 acres of old-growth prairie that has never been plowed. Prairie Days is PRI’s annual invite to the community to visit the prairie, purchase native flowers, and learn a little more about PRI. A few notable species of the prairie include golden paintbrush, camas, chocolate lily, and spring-gold. Pacific Rim Institute’s Prairie Days starts off on May 1st with a Native Plant Sale on Friday from 10 AM – 4 PM. This quieter day is perfect for those seeking some native flowers to fill their plant beds. Join us on Saturday, May 2nd for free guided tours, educational talks, and a chance to do some citizen science! Guided tours will gather at 7:30 AM (bird focused), 11 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM. Three fantastic educational talks happening at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM in the PRI Granary/Auditorium building. 10 AM is “Botany for Young Sprouts and the rest of your family tree.” A hands-on botany intro for children of all ages. 12 PM is “Weeds or Medicinal Plants?” Hidden treasures with health benefits found at PRI and nearby. 2 PM is “Lawn to Habitat – Your yard is essential for conservation.” A step-by-step guide on transitioning from lawn to an inviting habitat. Join in doing a species survey with a mini-bioblitz. 30-minute sessions between 1 PM and 4 PM. Small groups will go off the beaten path to photograph the many species that can be found in a small section of PRI. No science background necessary, and this will help familiarize participants with the app iNaturalist. Other activities include a prairie themed scavenger hunt encouraging visitors to go to our native plant center and our prairie, visiting booths, and enjoying lunch outside.