It has been a long time since an update from the Hines Marsh restoration
project on the Long Beach Peninsula. I am proud to announce that after an
absence of 40 years, Trumpeter Swans have returned to the marsh. Up to 11
have been observed using the restored open water area at the north end of
the marsh.
I saw 5 on 2/14. There are also 4 decoys in the marsh.
If you are going down to the Long Beach Peninsula and out to Leadbetter
Point, you may want to take a side trip to this amazing interdunal wetland,
the largest in the western U.S.. It includes the wetlands from the
Oysterville Road north for 3.5 miles, exiting out Stackpole Slough at the
State Park.
It is easy to find: Take your normal route out Stackpole Road, off
the Oysterville Road toward Leadbetter Point. Just before you cross into
Leadbetter Point State Park, just north of MP 19, you will note some iron
gates and 2 bronze life size lions. Park in the empty lot just to north of
these gates, please be sure not to block the entrance or the gravel piles
you find there. You can park free although this is State Park land (this is
official). Walk back to the gates and go around them, walk on the gravel
road until you come to the open marsh area and the water control/fish ladder
structure. The walk is about 0.5 mile. You are there.
Please do not wander off this easement road to the south prior to
getting to the marsh, it is private property. All land to the north is
Parks. Also, to the west of the marsh several hundred feet are rusty
looking No Trespassing signs. This is again private property to the south.
If you do make this trek, please keep a log of what you see at the
marsh. We are trying to get a better inventory of the birds and such.
Also, at the control structure, turn around and look north, then off to
about 2 on a clock face -- look up into the tall conifers along the skyline.
You will find an osprey nest. It has been quite active the past few years.
Next year we hope to have about 35-40 acres of open water restored.
Enjoy.
If you want more information please contact me.

Martha Jordan
www.swansociety.org