 |
Tennant
Lake at sunset
Click to Enlarge |
Tennant
Lake Unit
Most of this unit
was acquired in 1974 in a cooperative agreement with the Whatcom County
Parks and Recreation Department. Each agency purchased 360 acres with
Recreation
and Conservation Office
(ROC) funds
and agreed to co-manage Tennant Lake and Hovander County Park for outdoor
recreational opportunities and protect critical wetlands for fish and
wildlife.
After initial land
purchases, the area was primarily managed by the Department for waterfowl
and deer hunting, and spiny-ray fishing. Following acquisition, an interpretive
center and scent garden for the blind, an observation tower, upland
interpretive trail, and an elevated wetland boardwalk trail, and a boat
launch on the Nooksack River were developed. These improvements along
with a permanent full time interpretive position (funded by the Department)
at the interpretive center provide important recreational and educational
opportunities for visitors. Habitat types on the area consist of wetlands,
riparian shrub, a mixture of deciduous and coniferous forests. Three
hunting/wildlife viewing blinds on the edge of Tennant Lake are available
for use and accessible via a slough just south of the main parking area.
Waterfowl hunting on the lake is from blinds only and the boardwalk
is closed to all public use during waterfowl hunting season. The blinds
are occupied on a first come, first served basis and must be occupied
after signing in.
Directions:
From I-5 exit 262 head west on Main Street .5 miles. Turn left on Hovander
Drive .1 mile to Nielsen Ave. Turn right onto Nielsen Ave .8 mile to
the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center, 5236 Nielsen Ave, Ferndale, WA
98248
Tennant
Lake Park
Interpretive Center and Fragrance Garden
|
|
Summer
Hours are
Thursday – Sunday,
12 noon - 4:00 pm.
|
|
|
| The
shores of Tennant Lake resound at different times with the clatter
of migratory birds, the whispers of birdwatchers and the laughter
of children discussing the wonders of wetlands. This 624-acre
site includes a shallow lake surrounded by extensive wetlands,
fields, forest and riparian zone.
Mounted wildlife,
displays and maps interpret the surrounding flora, fauna and natural
process at work at Tennant Lake. Two “kid’s rooms” provide hands-on
activities for children of all ages. An on-site naturalist is
available to answer questions. The center is open year round,
but hours vary according to season. The Tennant Lake Interpretive
Center is operated under the joint management of the Washington
State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Whatcom County Parks
and Recreation Department. The Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation
and the Friends of Tennant Lake provide program support. Year-round
programs are made possible through public and private donations
and fees generated by program participation. Field trip opportunities
and outreach programs are available. Contact the Center (360-384-3064)
or visit the Whatcom
Parks and Recreation Departments website for complete information.
Features:
 |
Interpretive
Center
In the Interpretive Center mounted wildlife,
displays and maps interpret the surrounding flora, fauna and
natural processes at work at Tennant Lake. Interpretive displays
provide hands-on activities for children of all ages. An on-site
naturalist is available to answer questions. |
| Fragrance
Garden
Adjacent to the Tennant Lake Interpretive
Center is the award winning Fragrance Garden. Visitors are
encouraged to touch, smell and enjoy the beauty of the over
200 plants. The raised beds are wheel chair accessible and
have a unique Braille system that provides plant identification
for the blind. |
 |
Trails
Boardwalk Loop
Trail:
Approximately 1-mile round trip, with beautiful views of Mt. Baker
and Tennant Lake. Watch for Beavers, Great Blue Herons, and Frogs.
The boardwalk loop trail is closed during waterfowl hunting season
(early October - end of January)
Hovander Homestead Trail: Approximately ˝ mile one way,
this trail leads over to Hovander Homestead Park from the Tennant
Lake Parking Lot. Much of the trail borders a slough providing
an opportunity to observe Wood Ducks.
River
Dike Access Trail: Approximately ˝ miles one way, the River
Dike Access hooks up with the River Dike trail, a nice level walk
surrounded by deciduous trees and open fields; keep your eyes
open for woodpeckers. |
|
 |
Tennant
Lake Wildlife Area is home to over 150 species of birds. |
Bird Watching
Opportunities at Tennant Lake
Over 150 species
of birds have been observed at the Tennant Lake Wildlife Area. A bird
checklist is available at the Interpretive Center. The most productive
bird viewing spots include the boardwalk loop trail, river access
trail and tower. Bird watching from the tower is best facilitated
with the use of a spotting scope. Special emphasis should be taken
not to disturb nesting birds. Walk quietly and avoid sudden movements.
The best bird-watching is in early morning since most birds are most
active from sunup to 9:00 a.m.
The Great Blue
Heron can be seen regularly throughout the year around the edges of
the lake hunting its favorite meal of fish or frogs. The American
Bittern, although uncommon elsewhere in the Northwest, may be seen
and heard during the spring and summer in the willow and sweet gale
surrounding the boardwalk. The summer ducks commonly seen in and around
the lake are the Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Mallard and the colorful
WoodDuck. The winter complement of ducks (best before and after hunting
season) include: Wigeon, Shoveler, Ring-necked, Scaup, Bufflehead
and the diminutive Ruddy Duck. Clay Pit Pond (access off Slater Road)
is deeper than Tennant Lake and therefore more productive of diving
ducks.
The Red-tailed
Hawk and Northern Harrier are common all year and both nest within
the park. Winter brings the possibility of northern hawks and falcons
and Peregrine Falcons have been recently observed within park boundaries.
The Barn Owl,
Screech Owl and Great-Horned Owl are present all year and also nest
in the area. As with hawks, winter may produce northern owls such
as the Short-eared Owl and Snowy Owl.
Mourning Doves are rare but present all year; this being another species
that may be hard to find elsewhere in Western Washington.
Flickers are especially
numerous along wood edges in winter. The tiny Downy Woodpecker is
common all year and the Hairy Woodpecker is present in the winter.
Three species
of swallows are commonly seen in the summer months (Barn, Tree and
Violet-green) and all raise young within the park. Tree Swallows appear
first in the spring and may be observed catching insects over the
lake in early February before dispersing throughout the County.
Vocal flocks of
Chickadees, Kinglets and Bushtits are common in the deciduous woods
and may be accompanied by Warblers during the summer.
Birds typical
of the marsh and best seen from the boardwalk loop trail and overlook
are the Marsh Wren, Virginia Rail, Common Yellowthroat and Red-winged
Blackbird.
The
American Goldfinch is common in the summer with small numbers remaining
through the winter. The pale Savannah Sparrow inhabits most open areas.
Listen for its reedy call in summer along the road in front of the
Interpretive Center. The darker Song and Fox Sparrows reside in woods
and wood edges. White-crowned Sparrows are common along roadsides
during winter.
Tennant
Lake Interpretive Center
Summer 2007 Programs
The Tennant Lake
Interpretive Center is operated under the joint management of the Washington
State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Whatcom County Parks &
Recreation Department. Program support is provided through program fees
and the fund-raising efforts of the Whatcom Parks & Recreation Foundation
and the Friends of Tennant Lake and Hovander Park. Interpretive Center
Summer Hours are Thursday – Sunday, 12 noon - 4:00 pm.
Registration
Information
Please
register for all classes. Registration is by mail
or in person at the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center, 5236 Nielsen
Ave. Ferndale, WA 98248. Please make checks payable to the Whatcom
Parks and Recreation Foundation. Questions? Please call
the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center and Fragrance Garden at 384-3064
or visit the website.
Cancellation
and Refund Policy – Transfers are gladly given for
Youth, Family and Adult Programs if we are notified one week in advance,
but no refunds unless the class is canceled.
Directions:
Take Ferndale exit 262 off I-5. Go west ½ mile, turn left at
railroad underpass onto Hovander Road and in a short distance turn
right onto Nielsen Ave. Follow signs to Tennant Lake Interpretive
Center (end of Nielsen Ave.)
 |
Young
Naturalists |
Young Naturalists
Each Thursday
join naturalists at the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center from 3:15 -
4:15 p.m. (ages 5-7) and 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. (ages 8-11) for an hour of
fun filled adventures. Discover the world of nature through hands-on
activities designed to promote science in a positive way as we pick
a new topic each week. These popular classes fill quickly. Please pre-register
at least one week in advance. Limited to 20 participants per session.
Session
I: Thursdays from 3:15 - 4:15 is for children 5-7
Session
II: Thursdays from 4:30 - 5:30 is for children 8-11
Cost:
$7 per class or $56 for all 9 classes
Species Spotlight:
Salamanders! June 28
Smooth, slippery and sometimes spotted, salamanders are wonderful
amphibians to behold. Examine their life cycle and search for some
specimens. Play a salamander game, create a salamander work of art
and enjoy a reading of the Salamander Room.
Build a Bird
House: July 5
A favorite summer program! Bring your enthusiasm and your hammer;
we will supply all the materials you need to build your very own special
home for birds. Learn about creating habitat in your own backyard.
If time allows, we’ll climb the tower and look for birds that
call Tennant Lake home.
Species Spotlight:
Raptors! July 12
Binoculars will be provided as we search for eagles and other birds
of prey. We will hike to an active bald eagle nest and learn about
the amazing abilities of our local hawks, owls, eagles and falcons.
Become a raptor expert!
Creature Feature:
Dragonflies July 19
Tennant Lake is crawling with insect life at this time of year. Come
find out who is swimming underwater and gliding on the surface of
the lake. Explore the fascinating world of D dragonflies as we learn
about their amazing life cycle. Search for adult “mosquito hawks”,
larval nymphs and other amazing pond creatures. Learn to pond dip
like a pro!
Predators and
Prey: July 26
Who’s eating whom? Discover about predators and their prey through
games and activities guaranteed to fire the imagination. Learn the
special strategies both predators and prey use. Build your own special
animal and describe how it is adapted to hunt or avoid being hunted.
Search for beasties big and small.
Insects are
Amazing: August 2
Did you know there are over 600,000 species of beetles? Did you know
that insects don’t have red blood? Insects are amazing! Learn
about butterflies, beetles, and other buggy critters. We will search
the fields for flying insects, build a model of an insect, and examine
insects under microscopes.
Wonderful Wood
Ducks: August 9
Watch amazing video footage of Wood Duck young from inside a Wood
Duck nest box! Help build and set up a Wood Duck nest box at Tennant
Lake. Then use spotting scopes and binoculars to spot colorful Wood
Ducks foraging out on the lake.
Edible Incredible:
August 16
We will explore the Fragrance Garden and the surrounding fields for
wonderful edible treats and then venture out into the wild wetland
to find more edibles…incredible! Discover which plants are safe,
delicious and nutritious, and then build a planter box to take home.
You’ll also take home plant starts and recipes that use wild
herbs and plants in a fun way.
Down on the
Farm: August 23
Head over to Hovander Homestead for old-fashioned farm fun. We’ll
tour the house, dress up in turn of the century garb, churn some butter,
feed the farm animals, and finish the outing with some good old-fashioned
games.
Nature Day Camp
Ages: 5-11
Cost: $85 (add $20 for overnight option, sessions 3 & 6)
Days and Times: Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Nature Day Camp is limited to 20 participants.
Register Early ~ these camps fill!
For the budding
young naturalist, the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center offers Nature
Day Camps throughout July and August. Come discover the amazing wetland
world of Tennant Lake; explore by boardwalk and trail, search for wildlife,
play games, do nature arts and crafts and more! An overnight option
on Friday night is available for sessions 3 and 6 only (our oldest campers).
Overnighters will return to the Interpretive Center at 7:00 p.m. Friday
and be picked up at 9:00 a.m. Saturday. Last day to register is a week
before the camp. If the camp is full you will be put on a waiting list.
Session 1
July 10-13 Ages 5-6 Session 4 July 31-August 3 Ages 5-6
Session 2 July 17-20 Ages 7-8 Session 5 August 7-10 Ages 7-8
Session 3 July 24-27 Ages 9-11 Session 6 August 14-17 Ages
9-11
Family
Programs
Ages:
5 and up (Adults must accompany children under 15 years.)
Cost: $7 per person
Wild Edibles:
Sunday, June 10 10 am – 12 noon and 2 – 4 pm
Join local plant expert Marlee Osterbauer for a Sunday stroll at Tennant
Lake and learn some of the edible and medicinal qualities of our native
flora. Taste crisp cattail stalks or sip on a savory cup of elderflower
tea. This class is limited to 15 participants. Marlee has extensive
teaching experience with the North Cascades Institute and it is our
pleasure to be able to offer this exciting and informative class locally.
Going Batty:
Friday, July 20 & August 3 8 – 9:30 pm
Don’t miss this fascinating glimpse into the world of bats.
Discover how bats feed and observe bats as they emerge from their
daytime roost to spend an evening foraging for insects over Tennant
Lake. We’ll listen in on bat echolocation with an electronic
ultrasound bat detector. Be prepared for lots of fun activities for
kids and adults to learn more about these misunderstood flying mammals.
Hunter Education
Course Dates and Times TBA
In preparation for the fall waterfowl hunting season the Tennant Lake
Interpretive Center is hosting a two-day Hunter Education course.
Washington State requires all first-time hunters born after January
1, 1972 to successfully complete a hunter education class in order
to purchase a hunting license. A volunteer instructor certified by
the WDFW teaches the course. Students receive instruction on firearm
safety, wildlife conservation and sportsmanship. The 12-hour course
is free and open to any interested individual. You must attend both
days of instruction. Call the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center at
360-384-3064 for more information.
In Search of Beavers: Friday, August 24 7 - 9 pm
Learn about beaver ecology, examine beaver artifacts and participate
in a game that simulates the life of a beaver as we create a wetland
in the interpretive center. Venture onto the boardwalk searching for
beavers, those aquatic mammals and master builders, and experience
amazing marsh gas!
Canoe Tennant
Lake: Saturday, September 29
Session 1 – 10 am to 12 noon
Session 2 – 1 to 3 pm.
Explore the far reaches of the lake, guided by a naturalist, discovering
wildlife and experiencing wetlands in a new way. Paddles, canoes and
life vests provided. You supply the muscle power. Space limited to
12 participants per session so register early.
Wild Whatcom
Walks
Ages:
all ages (Adults must accompany children under 15 years.)
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Dates: Saturdays through August
Cost: $2 per person per program
Enhance
your sense of place by learning about local flora and fauna. Come
join us as we explore nature’s wonders and mysteries together
during our Wild Whatcom Walks. All ages welcome! Tour the trails around
Tennant Lake and Hovander Park with a Naturalist every Saturday afternoon.
Practice secrets of wildlife watchers while discovering who lives
in our neck of the woods. Meet at the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center.
Themes may vary from weeds to warblers. Call 360-384-3064 to register.
 |
Bird
Walks |
Friends
of Tennant Lake and Hovander Park
Interested
in natural or cultural history? Volunteer for our docent program or
join the Friends! The Friends of Tennant Lake and Hovander Park provide
support for the natural, historical and cultural preservation of the
park and support of its programs. Meetings (open to the public) are
held from 4:30-5:30, the second Tuesday of the month at the Tennant
Lake Interpretive Center. For more information, please call 360-384-3064.
Tennant Lake programs
supported by Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation, P.O. Box 29963,
Bellingham, WA 98228 * 360-312-1449 * wprf@hotmail.com
|
Viewing Tower
