The summer months are passing much too quickly, guess they always have. I've only been able to visit Hylebos Wetlands Park a few times this summer. Family events have distracted me. 
In mid-June a group of visitors on a trip with Tacoma Parks and Rec. joined me on a discovery walk at the park. Some of the group hadn't been to the park for many years and for others it was a first visit. Ages ranged from 8 -71 and all were delighted with the new boardwalk and park improvements. Thanks to Teri Lenfest and Barbara Petersen for helping me out.
The Hylebos is exquisitely beautiful this summer. The cooler days and frequent rain have kept a steady flow in the creek and plants along the boardwalk green and lush. Skunk Cabbage and Lady Fern stand 4 feet tall in some areas. To my amazement the plants have once again taken over the park, narrowing the path along the boardwalk in many areas. Teri and I thought it would take at least a year for the scars of construction to heal. This prediction has proved to be untrue. You would never guess the boardwalk was completed just 6 months ago.
On recent visits to the park I enjoyed watching a young River Otter exploring Brooklake. Swifts and Swallows flying high above the lake, while two young Wood Ducks paddle in the water. Had a close encounter with a Pileated Woodpecker excavating a snag. Heard the soft cries of baby birds and the harsh scolding call of the Bewick's Wren. Only a few Salmonberries remain on the vine, the birds have enjoyed them. The last of the Nootka Rose flowers are fading and Spirea is in full bloom with it's pink fluffy flowers.
I've met many delighted visitors at the park. Families with young children are a common sight now. It seems wheel-chair accessible also means "stroller friendly" and "family friendly". Over the past month
937 visitors took the time to sign the guest log June 19th - July 19th.
Most Distant Visitors: St Petersburg, Russia; Zimbabwe; Germany, Edmonton Alberta, Silver Springs Maryland, Kenai Alaska, Charlottesville VA, Anchorage AK, Galveston and Austin Texas, Phoenix AZ, Handover KS, Sandpoint Idaho, Sheridan MT, Brandenton FL, San Francisco CA, Sacramento CA, Abbotsford BC, Le Grand OR and Portland OR
Groups: Kindercare, Washington Native Plant Society, Tacoma Parks and Rec, Girl Scout Troop 2309, and Three Trees Yoga
Favorite Quotes from Visitors:
"Thank you for the beauty"
" I enjoyed walking- I love this quiet place"
"Wonderful to walk with the birds"
"We love this place"
"Will the plant signs be replaced? There use to be more of them."
" Great conservation effort"
"Surprising"
"Looking for serenity - I think I found it!"
"Hope to get involved in helping preserve"
"1st time here - beautiful"
"Fantastic - Love the upgrades! :)"
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