OLYMPIA – June 29, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Parks Foundation invite the public to attend ShellFest 2015 at Twanoh State Park in Mason County.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 11 at Twanoh State Park, 12190 E. SR 106, Union. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/zSlhI) The event will include exhibits, food, activities and education about restoring and protecting shellfish beds in Puget Sound as part of the statewide Shellfish Initiative, started by Gov. Chris Gregoire.
Activities will feature low-tide walks guided by local experts, ice tables with displays of different shellfish, and hands-on activities for children. Special presentations by the Skokomish Tribe include cedar-bark pounding, short rope weaving demonstrations, songs and drumming and storytelling by Delbert Miller of the Skokomish Tribe. Lunch will be provided by Taylor Shellfish, featuring Chef Xinh Dwelley of Xinh’s Clam and Oyster House in Shelton. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will consist of sautéed clams and geoduck chowder. Lunch is free with a suggested donation of $5 a person or $15 a family to benefit the Washington State Parks Foundation. The Discover Pass is required in the park on event day.
Other event partners include the Washington Department of Ecology’s BEACH Program, Washington Department of Health, the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Washington Sea Grant, Washington State University Kitsap County Extension, CoastSavers, Pacific Shellfish Institute, Mason County Public Health, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Wildlife Federation, and the Washington State Parks Volunteer Program.
Shellfish have a significant influence on Washington’s cultural and culinary identity and are important resources for recreation, commercial and tribal harvest. The ShellFest event sponsors all have a role in protecting and preserving shellfish through Puget Sound cleanup efforts.
About Twanoh State Park
Twanoh State Park, situated on the shoreline of Hood Canal, features one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Washington state, and Hood Canal is one of the warmest saltwater bodies in Puget Sound. The 182-acre marine camping park has 3,167 feet of saltwater shoreline. The name of the park derives from the Native American Twana tribes, better known as the Skokomish, who made their home in the area.
Twanoh is popular for shellfish harvesting. A shellfish license is required. Oyster beds are seeded annually, providing for ample harvests. There is a winter smelt run along the park beaches. In late fall, there is a chum salmon run in Twanoh Creek, but the creek is closed to fishing. Visitors also enjoy other recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and wildlife viewing. For more information, visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/294/Twanoh
About the Washington State Parks Foundation
The Washington State Parks Foundation mission is “to ensure a vibrant Washington State Parks system for generations to enjoy. We engage, expand, and sustain a broad base of supporters who give to, advocate for, and treasure our state parks.” For more information, visit http://wspf.org.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Srey Ryser, State Parks, (360) 902-8626
John Floberg, Washington State Parks Foundation, (206) 437-6086
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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