I tried to volunteer for this event but it took a long time to get a meeting with the naturalist in charge and she didn’t seem very open to my help once I finally did. I can’t seem to shake my failed attempt in trying to volunteer for an event that so closely matches my training and experience at a place that I love dearly. Apparently they don’t need the help of another Native Plant Steward and Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat builder. I guess I will get over it eventually.

I’ve lived near and loved Camp Long for almost 12 years. In fact, when my then-fiance (now husband) and I looked at an apartment on SW Holden Street we stumbled in to Camp Long looking for a place to sit and talk. We then found Schurman Rock and this is where we made the decision to rent the new townhouse (in 1997) and move to West Seattle. Now we would never leave, and actually live in the neighborhood adjacent to the park.

Once you visit Camp Long and experience it you will understand why I wanted to be involved in this event. It is just the right training for people who are interested in turning their backyard into a habitat for wildlife.

This four-part backyard-wildlife workshop will show you how to:
~ attract birds and other wildlife
~care for native plants
~conserve water
~manage your yard without chemicals and pesticides

Classes take place 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 and March 24, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 28. Cost is $75, or $140 for couples. You can register by phone at 206-548-2500, ext. 1516, or go to http://www.zoo.org/educate/adult/workshops.html.

Camp Long is convenient to all points just across the West Seattle Bridge. At the top of the bridge take a left on 35th Avenue SW (first light), go up a really steep hill an after it flattens out look for the green square signs that read “Camp Long”. It will be on your left. The address is 5200 35th Avenue SW.

Learn lots!