Coffee with the Birds – Feb. 11, March 25, April 15, 9-10:30 a.m. Meet Mary Krauszer, the Point Defiance Park Ranger, just before 9 a.m. for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Tahoma Audubon will have a binocular library for participants to check-out binoculars for the duration of the bird walk at no additional cost. Perfect for everyone from beginner birders, to experts looking to connect with the birding community over hot coffee. You’re guaranteed to see birds with your coffee, thanks to real bird specimens provided by the Slater Museum of Natural History. Lift Bridge Coffee will be providing free coffee and hot chocolate. Fee: $4 per person or $12 for family of four.

Forest Mindfulness – Feb. 12, March 12, April 16, 10-11:30 a.m. Learn to slow down and experience the forest in a new way. Led by Certified Forest Therapist Julie Hepp, this program is designed to take participants slowly and intentionally through nature. The Guide gives a series of place-based invitations to connect to your senses, to yourself, and to others. Ages 10-up. Location: Meet at Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter parking lot. Fee: $15 per person.

Ranger-Led Nature Walks – Feb. 18, March 11, April 8, 1-2 p.m. Meet the Park Ranger at the Rhododendron Garden for an exploration of nature in Point Defiance Park. Not recommended for strollers, wheelchairs, or children under 3. Free but space is limited.

 Tacoma Giants: Part 1, Trees of Point Defiance Park – Feb. 25, March 25, April 29, 9-10 a.m. Meet Mik and the Beanstalk. Mik is a Certified Arborist happy to share his knowledge of the trees of Point Defiance with you; and the Beanstalk is a 186-foot Pseudotsuga menziesii, a.k.a. Douglas-fir, located a stone’s throw away from Fort Nisqually. Ideal for kids, older folks and people with mobility issues, the event will include activities around the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter and the Beanstalk nearby. Instructor: Certified Arborist Mik Miazio. Fee: $4 per person or $12 for family of four. 

Tacoma Giants: Part 2, Immersion Tree Walk – Feb. 25, March 25, April 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Did you know that there are living beings over 200 feet tall residing right here in Point Defiance Park? Immerse yourself into the world of living natural history and fall in love with the infinite shades of green in this in-depth look into the biology and history of the trees of Point Defiance. Meet the instructor at the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter. This program will take place outside and require about 1 mile of walking. Fee: $8 per person.

For information or to register, call 253-305-1022

Register online:

www.metroparkstacoma.org/pointdefiance-lodge-visitors-center/

– Metro Parks Tacoma