Chinese Gardens Interpretive Trail
The Friends in cooperation with Washington State Parks have recently developed an easily accessible interpretive trail along the Chinese Gardens lagoon. The trail highlights the mosaic of life existing at the edges of the lagoon, farmed land and forest with its richness in plants, trees and animals, and the influence of human activity and the contributions of Native Cultures and the Chinese population that once utilized this area. Renowned local artist Larry Eifert created the illustrations for the five interpretive panels along the trail.
Friends past President Zan Manning conceived and led the project, gaining multiple approvals from State Parks, researching and writing information for the panels, and turning their plans into artwork and real-life structures. She recruited artist Eifert because of his experience creating popular illustrations for other state and national parks. Friends’ volunteers prepared panel sites along the trail and installed the panels.
“The Friends believe the best way to learn about our environment is to experience it,” Manning said. “We hope that the Chinese Gardens Interpretive Trail will create opportunities for park visitors to connect emotionally and intellectually with the park through personal experience of this unique ecological area.”
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Manning expressed appreciation for everyone who supports Friends’ projects like the interpretation trail. “We could not do this without your generous donations, membership dues, and volunteer efforts,” she said.
Thanks to all who support the Friends’ projects (like this one) through your generous donations and membership dues!