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Belfair State Park’s scenic shoreline. Photo courtesy Washington State Parks and Recreation

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The stunning saltwater shores of Belfair | Hiking the Evergreen State

You can camp mere feet from the beach at the state park on the Hood Canal.

Marianne Binetti, “The Compleat Home Gardener”

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Yes, this will be on the test: Garden cram week | The Compleat Home Gardener

The end of July can be a bounty — but you’ll be busy.

PHOTO BY KEVIN HANSON A wood bridge over Ravensdale Creek provides tranquil scenery, a partial view of a beaver dam and (if one is lucky) a heron in flight.

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A serene adventure at Lake Sawyer | Hiking the Northwest

Looking for a calmer nature hike? Or maybe a less crowded place to fish? This Black Diamond park…

Marianne Binetti, “The Compleat Home Gardener”

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Tips and tricks for draught-resistant gardens | The Compleat Home Gardener

Want to save on your water bill? Try some of these perennials and groundcovers.

STATE PARKS AND RECREATION PHOTOs 
Alexander’s Castle, the oldest building on the Fort Warden grounds, is now available for rent. It was built in 1883 by a local minister for a prospective bride.

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March on down to Fort Worden for great camping | Hiking the Evergreen State

The 434-acre park offers the best of forest and beach.

Marianne Binetti, “The Compleat Home Gardener”

Northwest

Back yard bounty tips | The Compleat Home Gardener

Jealous of those leafy greens at your local farmer’s market? Here’s some suggestions to starting your own vegetable…

On a sunny Sunday a bald eagle perches on a boardwalk railing at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, allowing surprised visitors to take some up-close photos. Photo by Kevin Hanson

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Wildlife abound at Nisqually refuge | Hiking the Evergreen State

Deer. Seals. Eagles. And stunning views. The Olympia-area preserve has it all, if you can follow some rules.

Marianne Binetti, “The Compleat Home Gardn

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July is all about red, white, and bloom – so don’t forget to fertilize | The Complete Home Gardener

But don’t fertilize your lawn before leaving on vacation.

The Paradise Inn and Mount Rainier viewed from the Paradise Valley Road on June 12. Photo courtesy NPS

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Planning an Independence Day trip to Rainier? Here are some tips

The National Park is fee-free July 3 - 5.

Marianne Binetti, “The Compleat Home Gardener”

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Discounts and a deciduous disaster | The Compleat Home Gardener

Also, tips on gravel gardens for a lower water bill.

Marianne Binetti, “The Compleat Home Gardener”

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Fertilize fast or fertilize slow? The pros and cons | The Compleat Home Gardener

Also, some tips for keeping pesky voles and crows away from your seeds.

Marianne Binetti, “The Compleat Home Gardener”

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Looking for less lawn to mow? Here are some easy options | The Compleat Home Gardener

Maybe it’s thyme to think a little outside the box.

The Washington State Park specialty license plate helps fund state park programming. Image courtesy of Washington State Parks.

Northwest

Support WA State Parks with specialty license plates

Funds from these plates, which depict a waterfall and a mountain range, help go towards park programming.