Next Watchable Wildlife conference Sept.12-13 near Enumclaw

Washington’s 5th annual Watchable Wildlife conference is slated for Sept. 12-13 at Crystal Mountain Resort, southeast of Enumclaw on the northwest edge of Mount Rainier National Park.

Sponsored by the Washington State Tourism Office, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and many cooperative partners, the conference is an opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and educators to share ideas about promoting wildlife viewing.

WDFW Watchable Wildlife Coordinator Mike O’Malley says the conference theme is "Pathways to Nature", emphasizing the various ways that people can get out and enjoy wildlife viewing.

“We want to introduce the concepts from Richard Louv’s "Last Child in the Woods" book to provide the ‘why’ of wildlife viewing,” O’Malley said. “In previous conferences, we have delivered messages on the what, where, and how of wildlife watching. Louv’s message about the long-term benefits of connecting kids with nature is part of the ‘why’.”

O’Malley said conference planners are looking for a keynote speaker to deliver that kind of message, and welcomes suggestions at omallmfo@dfw.wa.gov or 360-902-2377.

O’Malley also noted a recent article in Orion magazine (http://orionmagazine.org/) provides a good summary of “Last Child in the Woods,” for those without time to read the whole book.