Nisqually Watershed Festival to feature exhibits, performances on Sept. 27  

People are invited to attend the 36th annual Nisqually Watershed Festival at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to honor individuals, wildlife and history related to the Nisqually Watershed. 

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.

“It was over 50 years ago that the mouth of the Nisqually River was made a National Wildlife Refuge and now as we’re seeing the return of local salmon populations once thought lost, it's clear the difference a community can make working together towards a healthier watershed,” said Nisqually River Foundation Executive Director Justin Hall in a statement included in a news release sent to The JOLT News. 

The event has brought together thousands of community members, partners and nature lovers in support of collaborative conservation over the past three decades. 

Attendees can explore the wonders of the watershed through interactive exhibits, hands-on education activities, and various performances and presenters. 

The event is going to host live performances by the Olympia Highlanders featuring bagpipes and local dancers, and the Nisqually Indian Tribe's Canoe Family featuring drum and song. 

There will also be up close animal encounters wherein people can view reptiles and birds from The Reptile Lady in the morning and The Falconer in the afternoon. 

Attendees can also participate in interactive exhibits and activities, ranging from getting in a 25-foot salmon replica in Critter Corridor to decorating a salmon print T-shirt and meeting critters in the Insect Extravaganza.

Join environmental educators and local scientists for engaging activities for everyone, featuring salmon and dogfish dissections, invasive species archery, survival crafting skills and walks through the refuge’s trail system.  

There will also be a salmon barbecue lunch with fish provided by the Nisqually Indian Tribe, alongside local food vendors offering burgers, coffee, sweet treat and other food options. 

More festival information is available on the event website.

Parking is free for the festival. A continuous shuttle will be available to the public from the Hawks Prairie Park-N-Ride.