We are DELIGHTED with the progress being made on renovation of the WWII theater!
First, thanks to the generosity of supporters who stepped up big-time for support of FoFF’s end of the partnership, we achieved our fundraising goal of $140,000. This effort received a mighty boost early-on when the Fisher family provided a $50,000 matching gift. Thank you Ann, George and Barcy! And we SO appreciate the gifts, large and small, that came in from 43 contributors.
With leadership from Alex McMurry, head of historic preservation for WSP, and great work from the contractor, EvoDesign, the renovation of the building is on track for completion by the end of September.We were pleased that Alex made the decision to replace the flimsy WWII vintage paneling in the interior with sheet rock.
Very soon it will be time for FoFF volunteers to complete enhancements to the building’s interior.Interested in helping out?Let us know something about your interest and we’ll be in touch.
We were all delighted that Mystery Bay State Park reopened ahead of schedule on August 2nd.Kudos to Van Ness Construction and to WA State Parks marine division staff who worked hard to get the complex permitting completed in a timely fashion.
The cost of these repairs was about $200,000.We are reminded that this repair is not a permanent fix, but it should last 10-15 years, time to allow planning for a very expensive total replacement of pier and dock
Welcome Center Report
After a HUGE amount of excavation, the concrete pad for the new welcome center is done and the building will take shape as framing begins this week.EvoDesign (the same contractor who is working on the WWII theater project) expects to be complete with their work by the end of October and park visitors should be greeted at the new facility soon after the new year begins.
The building will include a front lobby, customer service counter, drive-up window and public restrooms.At the heart of the project is offering a better customer experience for visitors—especially those coming to Fort Flagler for the first time.Staffing efficiencies will allow hours to be extended to 10 AM to 7 PM during the busy summer months.
Programs News
The Bird Woman of Fort Flagler – Beverly McNeil
Can you identify birds by listening to their songs?Beverly McNeil of Friends of Fort Flagler can!She also identifies flora for her nature and birding trips, not only at Ft. Flagler, but also at Anderson Lake State Park.
Since age 17, this environmentalist has been solo hiking and later photographing what she sees on her hikes.Eventually she developed a great interest in birds as she moved from Colorado, to Alaska to Oregon to Washington.The stories she could tell about her 12 years living in the wilderness outside of Fairbanks as a community healthcare provider for Indian Health Services, living in a cabin without running water seems like the basis for a book.
After moving to Washington, continuing to work in health services through the UW, Beverly used hiking to help relieve work stress. Along the way she started photographing birds and selling her work, eventually joining the Co-op Port Townsend Gallery.
She is a passionate, self-taught birder, likening the identification of birds through their songs to listening to an orchestra and picking out the sounds of the individual instruments.
When she leads a group of birders, they will listen and try to identify the bird before searching for a view of the feathered friend attached to the song.Everyone has a good time and all folks interested in birding, whether experienced or new are welcome.
Her birding trips at Fort Flagler include a route which takes people to four places – the lower campground beach area, an osprey nest she found past the upper campground on the nature trail, Marrowstone Point, and finally the treatment pond and a nearby house wren nest.Trips are all year round, once a month for Fort Flagler groups or private tours arranged through her email:bevybirds53@gmail.com. Bev says to bring binoculars, water, comfortable shoes, layers for changeable weather and most of all, enthusiasm.
Join Beverly for BIRDING IN THE PARK – Fort Flagler State Park, Lower Campgroud Every 4th Saturday | 9 AM – Noon
Upcoming Dates: September 27, October 25, November 22
Help Native Plants Thrive in the Upper Campground
This winter, a team of FoFF volunteers worked alongside park staff to plant over 400 native plants in the newly remodeled upper campground. Even as we put the last plants in the ground on a chilly February day, we couldn’t help worrying about how we were going to keep them watered during our dry summer months.
Again, our FoFF volunteers stepped up! Since June, a dedicated crew has shown up for watering duty--and twice weekly during the hottest months. Armed with extra-long hoses, a couple of buckets, and a great attitude, the team has ensured a high survival rate for the plants—even given our unusually hot and dry summer.
A huge shout-out to Bill Mosenfelder, Jo Beachy, Carol Doremus, Brandon Hudson, Gayle Koschnik, Richard Von Ancken, and others on the watering crew. We’re super grateful for your help!
But we could really use more volunteers!
If you can spare a couple of hours, please clickthis linkto register for one or more sessions. You’ll need to sign up to be a State Parks volunteer, but the process is quick and easy. All the information you need is available on the sign-up site.
Geology Walk Reveals Evidence of Last Glaciation at Fort Flagler
By Rachel S. Imper
The next time you’re at Fort Flagler, stop for a moment. Imagine: 16,000 years ago, the area where you are standing was covered with 4,000 feet of ice. That’s just one of the fascinating facts that participants in the Friends of Fort Flagler Geology Walk learned on August 23.
The group was fortunate to be led by Ralph Dawes, who holds a doctorate in geology and taught for 25 years at Wenatchee Valley College. He said that Fort Flagler is relatively young, geologically speaking. Dawes explained that the sediments found at the park are only from the last glaciation, known as the Vashon glaciation, from the late Pleistocene epoch, from 19,000 to 16,000 years ago, when the Cordilleran Ice Sheet covered the area. The ice melted 12,000 years ago.
Ralph Dawes addressing the group
“It’s unusual that Fort Flagler only has sediments from that period,” Dawes remarked. “Whidbey Island and other areas around Puget Sound have evidence of two earlier glacial periods that occurred between 60,000 and 80,000 and 135,000 to 190,000 years ago. There may be some of those sediments on northern Marrowstone Island, but if so, they are under sea level.”
Dawes noted that no bedrock has been found at Fort Flagler. A well in the area is reported to have been drilled down to nearly 1,500 feet, but failed to reach bedrock. Yet southern Marrowstone island has areas where bedrock is exposed, so the speculation is that there may be one or more hidden faults between the north and south of the island.
The eager participants followed Dawes on a beach walk west of Marrowstone Point, where he pointed out the glacial history exposed in the bluffs. One of those geological features is clastic dykes, formed from minerals in water that is forced into cracks in the overlying sediments by the weight and movement of ice or of earthquakes.
The dykes, which look like vertical bands moving up the bluff, weaken the sediments. They are one reason why the bluffs on that side of the island experience so much erosion. As anyone whoregularly walks there knows, there are frequent landslides of trees and rocks that roll down onto the beach. (Another influence on erosion is where there clay is trapped in the glacial till. The clay traps water and can cause the sediment above to shift.) Over time, the tides sweep the debris out to sea.
With the sun beaming down on the bright blue Salish Sea, attendees agreed the hike was a summer highlight. Ralph Dawes gave us all a glimpse of our ever-changing landscape, in the jewel that is Fort Flagler State Park.
Ralph Dawes pointing out geological features in the bluffs.
And, as he said about the land in a paper that he presented to the group, “It continues to form and evolve in a dynamic dance of earthly elements.”
Summer Events
Beach Cleaning Parties: A Great Success!
This summer, Friends of Fort Flagler organized two highly successful beach clean-up efforts, each with a unique focus. Together, our volunteers made a real difference for both the park and its wildlife.
Construction Debris Removal – July 30 On July 30, twelve volunteers rolled up their sleeves at Marrowstone Point to remove hazardous construction debris. The group hauled away large amounts of treated wood, along with boards hidden among the driftwood that were studded with nails and screws. And as always, a few stray bottles and coffee cups turned up as well.
Invasive Grass Removal – August 30 On August 30, a team of eight volunteers—led by Nancy Stevens and Lynn & Richard Schwarz—focused on removing invasive sea grass from the spit near the lower campground. Together, they filled 17 large bags with invasive plants, helping restore balance to the shoreline.
We are deeply grateful to our amazing and dedicated volunteers. Their commitment helps keep Fort Flagler State Park clean, safe, and beautiful for visitors and wildlife alike. If you’d like to join future efforts, we’d love to have you—click below to tell us what you would be interested in:
If you’re interested in presenting a future program—or if you’d like to suggest a presenter, please contact us!.
2025 will be huge for Friends of Fort Flagler
Be sure to re-up your membership for this year. We count on your support! Having a strong membership base boosts our advocacy efforts—and it is a key aspect of our financial support.
Or send your check to P.O. Box 74 Nordland, WA 98358
Volunteering with the Friends of Fort Flagler is incredibly fulfilling. Not only do you contribute to preserving and improving the park we all love, but you also get to work with like-minded individuals who share a common goal. Ready to make a difference? Sign up online at friendsoffortflagler.org/volunteer or email us atprograms@friendsoffortflagler.org
Looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community
and support Fort Flagler State Park?
We have exciting volunteer opportunities for you to get involved with.
Board Member Make a difference—join our team and help preserve the beauty and legacy of our beloved state park. This position offers the opportunity to contribute skills, time, and ideas to help maintain and enBohance the visitor experience.
Docent Love spending time at the beach watching birds and seals? Become a Rat Island docent! Educate visitors about the nesting birds, including the endangered Caspian Terns, and harbor seal pups while helping protect this vital habitat.
Museum Volunteer Museum Volunteers work in the museum and gift shop, greeting visitors, providing park information, and sharing its history.
Natural History Administrator Support the Natural History Chair by coordinating with guest speakers. Help gather presentation descriptions and bios—all from the comfort of your home.
Event Volunteer Collaborate with the Natural History group to set up events throughout the year. This role is entirely remote and helps keep the community connected.
Adopt a Trail or Bunker If you frequently walk or hike at Fort Flagler, adopt your favorite trail or bunker! Help keep the area clean and report any major maintenance needs to the park ranger.
Trail Maintenance Join work parties to tackle projects like clearing winter debris, planting, removing invasive species, or spreading bark and rocks. Emails will be sent as projects arise—perfect for those who love hands-on work.
