Lots to learn at lake during June 13 'Wake Up for Wapato' event
Lots to learn at the lake during June 13 'Wake Up for Wapato' event
Take a boat tour, mark a storm drain, learn about the issues affecting Wapato Lake and find out how you can make a difference during Wake Up for Wapato, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Wapato Lake boathouse. The event is free and open to the public.
Whether you're looking to learn the nitty gritty about what's going on with toxic algae, fecal coliform bacteria or the fate of the fish in the lake, or simply want to know what you can do at home or in your neighborhood to help out, this event provides a little something for everyone.
Activities at Wake Up for Wapato include an aquatic classroom where attendees can peek at the tiny creatures swimming in water samples from Wapato Lake, educational boat rides on the lake, marking storm drains with an "Only Rain in the Drain" message specific to the Wapato Lake watershed and opportunities to learn about recent water-monitoring results, natural yard care and volunteering with Friends of Wapato Lake.
The schedule for June 13:
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Booths and activities presented by City of Tacoma Environmental Services, University of Washington Tacoma, Pierce Conservation District Stream Team, Metro Parks Tacoma and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Storm drain marking groups meet at 9:30 a.m., boat tours begin at 10 a.m.
12:30-1 p.m.: Friends of Wapato Lake volunteer recognition
1-2 p.m.: Storm drain marking "power hour"
Volunteers interested in marking storm drains should pre-register with Pierce Conservation District Stream Team's Melissa Buckingham at (253) 845-2973 or melissab@piercecountycd.orgmailto:melissab@piercecountycd.org.
Wake Up for Wapato is part of an ongoing effort by City of Tacoma Surface Water Management and University of Washington Tacoma to involve the community in monitoring and improving surface water quality within the Wapato Lake watershed.
What goes down storm drains flows directly - untreated - into local waterways, such as Wapato Lake. A lot of people taking small, simple steps - such as using minimal chemicals in the yard and around the house, washing cars on the lawn or at a car wash instead of in the street, or making sure vehicles aren't leaking fluids - can make a big impact when it comes to restoring and preserving our local surface water resources for future generations.
For more information about the Wake Up for Wapato event or volunteer opportunities with Friends of Wapato Lake, contact Kayomi Wada at Kayomi@u.washington.edumailto:Kayomi@u.washington.edu or (253) 692-4551.