Located at the south end of Belfair, the 139 acres of protected salt marsh estuary and wetlands are well-suited for walkers, birders, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. More than 3 miles of maintained trails facilitate viewing and exploration on elevated wooden walkways … read more

With loads of dog parks, trails, and pet-friendly places to visit, the Kitsap Peninsula is an especially pet-friendly place to explore. Whether you want to take your doggo on an epic outdoor adventure or just cozy up with a snack on a patio, … read more

West Sound waterways host the most birds in winter. Thousands of geese, ducks, loons, and grebes spend the nonbreeding season here before returning to Arctic breeding grounds in spring. But one species is unique in that it doesn’t fall into any of the … read more

You might say that Shawn Larson, PhD, never met a sea otter she didn’t like. And you wouldn’t be wrong. But that’s just the beginning of a much longer conversation about someone who has spent her entire life researching a broad swath of … read more

Where there is water, there are ducks. From small ponds to big lakes, narrow streams to raging rivers and estuaries to open saltwater, ducks are present. There are dabbling ducks that feed close to shore and diving ducks that venture into deep water, … read more

He just sold the most challenging piece he’s ever created, and the awards are stacking up for Gig Harbor scratchboard artist Steve Hammond. He is currently contracted with the Barlow Gallery in Tacoma, where Hammond recently sold a portrait of a Native American … read more

West Sound meadows, salt marshes and successional fields are alive with buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies and birdsong. But with lawns expanding and natural areas shrinking due to construction, these backyard guests need a little extra help finding food, shelter and a cozy place … read more

The dove is a universal symbol of peace. Though few doves are naturally white, rock pigeons are sometimes bred to have white coloration, thus mistakenly referred to as white doves. Members of the Columbidae family, pigeons and doves are close relatives that share … read more

Birds are associated with flight. All but 60 of the world’s 10,000-plus species are capable of flying. Some can only sustain flight for a short distance, while others can glide continuously for weeks. Some birds prefer other forms of transportation to flying. Ground-dwelling … read more