Battle Ground Lake State Park Summer Interpretive Programs

Battle Ground Lake State Park will host a series of free Saturday interpretive programs all summer long at 18002 N.E. 249th St., Battle Ground. Park rangers and park aides will lead kids and adults of all ages on guided hikes and teach them about lakeside flora and fauna, learning about everything from geologic history to squirrels, amphibians, bats, horses (the park boasts miles of horse trails) and owls, plus a dry-land session about paddleboards and kayaks. To register for any of the activities listed below, email battle.ground@parks.wa.gov or call 360-687-4621. Enter the park for free using a Discovery Pass or pay a fee at entry.

• July 29, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Learn about Pacific Northwest native squirrels and what you can do to help our furry friends.
• Aug. 5, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Stay on dry land and learn about paddle boards and kayaks. Battle Ground Lake’s concessionaires will do a “how-to” overview, a great introduction for beginners.
• Aug. 5, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Join Park Aide Emma for a “ribbiting” program about some of the amphibians that call Battle Ground Lake State Park home.
• Aug. 12, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: What’s growing on here? Take a one-mile walk around the lake while learning about plant species that contribute to the park’s healthy ecosystem. Register at the Contact Station or call 360-687-4621.
• Aug. 12, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Interpretive Guide Ellen will explain the special adaptations of owls with a focus on four species in southwest Washington.
• Aug. 19, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Enjoy a one-mile hike around the lake to learn how it was formed and developed and about the native plants and animals that call the park home. Registration is required.
• Aug. 19, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: What do Battle Ground Lake and Mount St. Helen’s have in common? They were both formed by volcanoes! Learn what survived during the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption and nature’s amazing recovery.
• Aug. 26, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Take a one-mile walk around the lake while learning about plant species that contribute to the park’s healthy ecosystem. Register at the Contact Station or call 360-687-4621.
• Aug. 26, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Meet Senior Park Aide Mindy’s giant and tiny horses. Mindy will teach participants how to be safe near the horse trails.
• Sept. 2, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Learn about how bats help us and what we can do to help them. Interpretive Guide Ellen will focus on native bats, including the Little Brown Bat.