This summer experts in fields such as wild edibles, meditation, butterflies, native plants and local ecology will lead hikers on a number of park trails throughout the Island, using maps developed by Vashon Park District and the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust. Each month, beginning in June, the Vashon Park District, the land trust and the Social Ecology Education and Demonstration School (SEEDS) will co-sponsor one unique walk, offering a direct form of ecological education, the sense of place and a form of exercise and community engagement. 

This program is a revival of the original program that began on the Island 16 years ago and is not to be confused with the children’s programs of the same name led by Barbara Gustafson.

The Summer 2008 Program includes:

Wildside: Edibles, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 21, at Burton Acres with Island ethnobotanist and environmental educator Erin Kenny. It is for ages 12 and up and space is limited to 20 people.

Wildside: Walking the Way, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19, with David Steel. Meet at the Ober Park parking lot to caravan to the trailhead; bring water and a light lunch. The meditation walk will be co-sponsored by the Puget Sound Zen Center. The walk is for ages 12 and up if the young person is able to respect the quiet aspects of meditation.

Wildside: Butterflies, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 16, at a location yet to be determined with Island naturalist and butterfly specialist photographer Moria Robinson. It is open to people of all ages.

The cost for each walk is $10 for each adult and $5 per child with a family rate offered. The Vashon Parks District offers financial aid for qualifying individuals and families.

In addition, everyone who participates is invited to join the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust family of supporters.

For more details and to register, visit the Vashon Park District Web site at www.vashonparkdistrict.org, or call the park district at 463-9602.