Fred Weinmann, right, past president of the Olympic Peninsula chapter of the Native Plant Society, explains the medicinal properties of certain trees during a New Year’s Day “Teddy Bear Hike” at Old Fort Townsend State Park near Port Townsend. Members were asked to bring a bear on the hike. Some wore them while others had them in packs or in pockets. (Jeannie McMacken/Peninsula Daily News)

Fred Weinmann, right, past president of the Olympic Peninsula chapter of the Native Plant Society, explains the medicinal properties of certain trees during a New Year’s Day “Teddy Bear Hike” at Old Fort Townsend State Park near Port Townsend. Members were asked to bring a bear on the hike. Some wore them while others had them in packs or in pockets. (Jeannie McMacken/Peninsula Daily News)

Walk in Port Townsend woods marks first day of the year for Native Plant Society

PORT TOWNSEND — The Olympic Peninsula chapter of the Native Plant Society took a walk in the woods to celebrate the new year.

“The group has been doing this in Port Townsend for 15 years,” chapter past President Fred Weinmann said Tuesday.

“We pick a place near town that we call the ‘wilderness within.’ We go on a short hike to welcome the new.”

Two dozen chapter members walked through Old Fort Townsend State Park. Weinmann said sometimes the group hikes Fort Worden or Cappy’s Trails, but always stays close to town.

As the group moved farther into the woods, Weinmann began a spontaneous lecture about the trees, shrubs, and native plants they would see along the way. He began to explain the use of certain types of trees in medicine.

Weinmann said the group calls the day the “Teddy Bear Hike” because the Mountaineers have the 10 Essentials, and the 11th is “the teddy bear on New Year’s Day.”

“It isn’t required, but we expect everyone to bring one,” he said.

The Mountaineers is a statewide alpine club which has listed the 10 essentials for hiking.

All state parks were fee-free for visitors.

On New Year’s Day, Discover Passes were not needed to visit state parks, which on the North Olympic Peninsula are, in addition to Fort Townsend, Bogachiel near Forks, Dosewallips near Brinnon, Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island, Fort Worden in Port Townsend, Anderson Lake State Park near Chimacum and Sequim Bay near Sequim.

________

Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in Life

Shay Christensen, owner of the Pink Pony Café in downtown Port Angeles, creates a designer crepe. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Port Angeles creperie using 100-year-old recipe

Business has changed hands, but taste keeps customers coming back

ISSUES OF FAITH: Remember to keep love in your hearts

IN FEBRUARY 1995, Brigham Young University hosted a Valentine’s dance with a… Continue reading

Shape Note Concert set in Port Townsend

Danny Barnes will present a Shape Note Concert at… Continue reading

GriefShare classes offered to community

Independent Bible Church will host GriefShare at 10 a.m.… Continue reading

Sunday program set for OUUF

Julia McKenna Blessing will present “All You Need is… Continue reading

Rev. Bill Evans
Speaker scheduled for Sunday service at Unity in Olympics

The Rev. William Evans will present “Beyond Love” at… Continue reading

PLAL Aritist of the Month - Ruby Beach and Destruction Island by Steve Deligan
Port Ludlow Arts League to host artist reception

The Port Ludlow Art League will host a reception… Continue reading

Photos by Katie Newton-Salmon
2024 Sequim and Port Angeles Equestrian teams got off to a great start during its first WAHSET competition, bringing home where they brought home nine first place wins. Top row from left: Katelynn Sharpe, Kennedy Gilbertson, Savanah Boulton, Celbie Karjalainen, Asha Swanberg
Bottom row left: Coach Misty Gilbertson, PA member Olivia West, Kenzie Winters, Lilly Meyer, Joanna Seelye, Taylor Lewis, Kiaja Johnson, Paisley Morris, PA member Zakara Braun, and coach Ady Crosby. Not pictured non-competing member Paige Reed and advisor Katie Newton.
HORSEPLAY: First high school equestrian event of the year for Sequim

SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL’S equestrian team had a “great first meet,” said coach… Continue reading

Emily Matthiessen/Olympic Peninsula News Group
Sequim Ballroom intern Brie Rocha follows instructor Werner Figar’s lead as he keeps an eye on his intermediate/advanced swing class.
Dancers work on moves during classes at Sequim schoolhouse

Beginners, intermediate students learn variety of ballroom styles

ISSUES OF FAITH: The courage of religious leaders

“JUSTICE, JUSTICE SHALL you pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). The Jewish Bible, the Tanach,… Continue reading

Rev. Asha Burson-Johnson
Unity in the Olympics service slated

The Rev. Asha Burson-Johnson will be the speaker at… Continue reading