Paw Prints March 2015

40th Anniversary As we plan and prepare for Northwest Trek’s 40th anniversary, there are lots of projects big and small going on around the Park. From new x-ray processors in the vet clinic, to new gates and curbs at tour station, to an overhaul of upstairs wetlands, to refurbished eagle exhibits you’ll see lots of changes. Here are a few pictures of what’s going on:

Upper left: The lynx holding unit gets new concrete walls and floors (is that Ken Fabrick building concrete forms?). Upper right: The area for the new Kid’s Trek area has been cleared and the work begins putting in drainage systems and substrate. Many have commented on how stark it looks, but old timers around since 1975 know that this is what Trek used to look like in this area when we first opened. Left: Asphalt crews continue to upgrade and improve pathways. Not shown: electricians have been working throughout the Park installing improved lighting in many areas.

We go back to a full schedule Starting March 13th, Trek is back on its’ full operating schedule. We’re open weekdays 9:30 to 4:00 and weekends 9:30 – 5:00, with hourly tram departures.

Kids N Critters Unbelievable turnout! We had over 5,700 visitors over the 3 day event. It was a great, brace for impact kind of weekend, with lots of activity and fun. And we couldn’t have done it without you! And it’s not your imagination….if you were out volunteering on any day in February, you would have noticed quite a crowd. Trek had its’ busiest February ever, going 240% better than expected (number wise). So take a deep breath and relax…you really were that busy! Thank you!

Save the Date Time again for the Volunteer Recognition Breakfast on Saturday, April 18th!You come at 8:30, when Chip and Ed will have (hopefully) finished cooking and we’ll be able to shower you with accolades, attention and tasty breakfast meats. Please come out and let us show you how much we appreciate all you do. There is a sign-up sheet in the break room if you’d like to come, or just e-mail Dan and let him know you’d like to attend. It is always a fun time, so even if you’ve never been, you should definitely come this year!

Training New volunteer training starts Saturday, March 21 and runs 4 consecutive Saturdays, through April 11. As always, you are welcome to attend any and all of the training as a refresher. Just drop by!

Get Your Perks Here! Check your folders in the break room for fabulous perks! Hopefully you know where your folders are. Look inside and you will also find a card telling everyone you are an active volunteer at Northwest Trek (provided you recorded hours in 2014). What do you do with these cards? Why, use them for free admission during National Volunteer Week April 12 - 18. Active volunteers (not spouses or children…just volunteers) can just show the card at any of these venues below that week and enjoy! A more complete list is posted in the break room…get out there and have fun!

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture Center for Wooden Boats Children's Museum of Tacoma EMP Museum of Music + Sci-Fi + Pop Culture Frye Art Museum Hands On Children’s Museum Henry Art Gallery Imagine Children's Museum Issaquah History Museums Issaquah Depot Museum Issaquah Valley Trolley Gilman Town Hall Museum KidsQuest Children’s Museum LeMay – America’s Car Museum LeMay Family Collection at Marymount Log House Museum The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) Naval Undersea Museum Nordic Heritage Museum Northwest African American Museum Northwest Railway Museum's Snoqualmie Valley Railroad Northwest Trek Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Renton History Museum Aquarium Seattle Chinese Garden at Park Arboretum Seattle Parks and Recreation Pools Shoreline Pool . Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum Spartan Recreation Center Washington State History Museum Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience Zoo

Birthdays We have a lot of great volunteer born in March (after all, March is the absolute best birthday month). Hopefully these volunteers have as wonderful a birthday day as Trek has whenever they come out to volunteer.

Jenna Andrews- Arico 3/10 Emily Ashlock 3/12 Ken O’Lindt 3/17 Chuck Pool 3/27

Carl Schuler 3/13 and Jerry Whittig 3/11