Rational in choosing the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

My place of study

The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge offers a unique and enriching subject for a blog due to its remarkable biodiversity and wonderful natural environments. Situated between the Nisqually River and Puget Sound, the refuge showcases a variety of habitats, including estuaries, freshwater marshes, and riparian forests. This diversity supports an array of wildlife, with over 200 bird species, as well as numerous mammals, fish, and amphibians. Blogging about the refuge allows for a deep dive into the interconnected ecosystems and the species they support, making it a fascinating topic for nature enthusiasts (such as myself) and conservationists alike.

Moreover, the refuge is a testament to successful conservation efforts and environmental stewardship. Named after Billy Frank Jr., a prominent Native American activist, the refuge stands as a symbol of the enduring importance of indigenous leadership in environmental protection. It highlights significant restoration projects, such as the removal of dikes to restore tidal flows, which have revitalized estuarine habitats and increased biodiversity. A blog can celebrate these achievements, providing readers with inspiring stories of ecological recovery and the importance of preserving natural landscapes.

Additionally, the refuge offers a myriad of opportunities for recreational and educational activities, making it a very dynamic subject for diverse audiences. Visitors can explore extensive trails and boardwalks, engage in birdwatching, photography, and participate in educational programs. My family and I routed the longest trail from the furthest parking lot and back that follows part of the boardwalk and out to the furthest point overlooking the sound and it's about 4 miles. If this site allowed for running, I’d be there weekly, but it isn’t allowed to preserve its inhabitants, which I completely understand. Writing about personal experiences, encounters with wildlife, and the serene beauty of the refuge can engage readers, encouraging them to visit and appreciate the natural world. If you're lucky, on a clear day you get a beautiful view of Tahoma, more famously known as Mt. Rainier. By sharing insights and experiences, a blog can foster a deeper connection between people and the environment, promoting awareness and support for conservation efforts. In turn, I too get to learn more about the unique and expansive biodiversity it has to offer.

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A little bit about the Nisqually Watershed

Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Photo taken by Shelby Johnson The Nisqually River stretches 78-miles. The rivers run along forested, mountainous terrain and farmlands in three counties, many small towns, the Nisqually Indian Reservation and Joint Base Lewis McChord. All before entering the Puget Sound. The Nisqually River is fed by five different glacier points on Mount Rainer and flows into south Puget Sound through Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. Of which is the largest estuary restoration project on the Pacific Coast. The Nisqually River is the only one in the United States where its headwaters is fed from melted water in a nation park. It remains as one of the healthiest and least developed of the major Puget Sound rivers. Under the 1972 Washington State Shorelands Management Act, the river and its tributaries are home to five native salmon species. Which are, the Chinook, coho, chum, pink salmon and steelhead trout. Some of the at-risk species found in the watershed are Chinook salmon, st

Starting a Nonprofit in Washington State

In this blog I will lay out steps, tasks, and roles within the given timeline you'd need, so that you can successfully set up a natural resource conservation or preservation nonprofit organization in Washington state . Summary Timeline Overview: 1. Research and Planning: 1-2 months 2. Form a Board of Directors: 1 month 3. Legal Incorporation: 1 month 4. Apply for Tax-Exempt Status: 3-6 months 5. Develop Organizational Infrastructure: 2-3 months 6. Fundraising Strategy: Ongoing 7. Marketing and Outreach: Ongoing 8. Launch Programs and Activities: Ongoing 9. Evaluation and Reporting: Ongoing 10. Compliance and Governance: Ongoing I'm going to imagine I'm setting one up and I'd call it: "Evergreen Conservation Alliance" (ECA) Step 1: Research and Planning Task: Define mission, vision, and objectives. Role: Founders, Board of Directors Timeline: 1-2 months Research: Conduct research on natural resource issues in Washington state

Web Soil Survey

Beginner Web Soil Survey Experience The video ^, provided by our professor was very helpful at explaining how to use the web soil survey website. My blog's area is the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, I'd assume it has healthy soil, or I would at least like to think. However, they did not have information on that area, so my AOI for this assignment was 'Joint Base Lewis McChord' (JBLM). From navigating the website, I appreciate that soil surveys conducted prior to 2008 are archived and it clearly states how to access that information on their website. When a website is easy to use and navigate, it naturally will be used more. Next, I mapped out my AOI. Then, I clicked on the "Download Soil Data" Tab. When you download the soil survey information many folders get downloaded. Two being labeled as 'Spatial' and another as 'Tabular'. The Spatial table is a table containing geometry information; and its features can be seen on a map. The Tabu

Shelbs' Wild Waters: Biodiversity and Stewardship at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

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