Looking for a peaceful, educational Sunday stroll?
by Tom Galdabini
Spring was vibrant at Morse Wildlife Preserve as we kicked off another Forterra Nature Discovery™ event — “Spring Birding.” There were signs of beaver, deer and, in the middle of our exploring and not very far away, a chorus of coyotes howling to each other. It seemed everyone was excited about the spring. Our guide Eileen Lambert led us through the prairie, wetland and upland forest as we listened, looked for clues, and spotted the many migratory birds that summer at the Preserve. It seemed everyone was excited about the arrival of spring.
Morse Wildlife Preserve encompasses 43-acres in Graham, at 25415 70th Avenue. The preserve has been open since 1995, when Lloyd and Maxine Morse donated the land for the benefit of wildlife and to further environmental education.
In the beginning, the fledgling Tahoma Land Conservancy accepted the property and formed the Morse Force volunteer group to steward and enhance the Preserve. With help from the Tahoma Audubon Society and additional donations, the preserve now covers 98 acres of fir forest and oak savanna. Prominent features include an observation tower, easy walking trails and an extensive boardwalk into the wetlands.
The preserve has been open since 1995 when Lloyd and Maxine Morse donated 43 acres farm near Graham for the benefit of wildlife and to further environmental education. Many features like this Observation tower and boardwalk have been added. __________________________________________________
The statewide land trust, Forterra, now owns the land, which has been enlarged by the 55-acre Maxine G. Morse Nature Conservancy, and an additional 80 acres that protects the headwaters of Muck Creek, which runs through the Morse Preserve and feeds the Nisqually River.
Gradual re-establishment of the natural conditions that existed more than 100 years ago— before farming—and eradication of invasive vegetation, are strong focuses of the Morse Force. Dedicated caretakers live in a small house on the grounds, and efforts continue to preserve a circa 1910 iconic livestock barn.
Hundreds of hours of work by volunteers and students go into prairie restoration, trail maintenance, environmental study, and community outreach each year. Careful stewardship has made the Preserve a haven for elk and deer, a variety of smaller mammals and amphibians, and many bird species.
Noteworthy is the arrival of western bluebirds that now inhabit the prairie area year-round.
The Preserve is open to the public on the second Sunday of each month from April through October. Forterra periodically sponsors Nature Discovery events centering on topics such as meditation, birding, and mindful observation of flora and habitat.
Looking for a peaceful walk through a forest populated with birds to discover a meadow full of more species of birds? Come join us at the Preserve on “Second Sundays” between 9 AM and 3 PM. It’s conveniently right on the way to NW Trek or Mt. Rainier. “Second Sunday” dates for 2025 include May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, and October 12. Volunteers for visitor assistance are always welcome, as well as a chance to sign-up for a reminder of more Second Sunday visits.
Morse Wildlife Preserve is located at:
25415 70th Ave
Graham WA 98338