It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Olympia, WA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents”
“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they”
“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or”
“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because”
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage and Eric was incredibly understanding and affected the changes exactly as requested... The care providers I've observed were very attentive to my Dad's needs...”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during an incredibly difficult time for our family. Silvia, Lucy and Michael were so kind and compassionate. We were able to adjust the care hours required very efficiently and had lots of support navigating these unfamiliar circumstances.”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One of the biggest reasons I’m still with this company is because the owners are very supportive and respectful to their employees. The management works well with employees schedules. The management is very dedicated to make sure all clients receive the very best care possible. I cannot recommend this company enough to work for!!”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder to represent this company . It's so great to work in an environment where the members of the team have a strong sense of camaraderie and a great work ethic. It's important to me to be able to trust my team members to always do their best because I do.”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the passion to support the growing community of elders.”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena and their entire home care team! We could not have cared for our mother at home without them!”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different agencies until we found them and have thanked our lucky stars. Reliable, educated and experienced. They have our family’s best interest and heart in mind.”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about our needs.”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person. They were caring, efficient and they did a good job.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed happy with the caregivers. As far as her life she was well fed, her physical hygiene was taken care of, and she had company. I'd recommend them because the caregivers were well trained and they showed a lot of care for my mother and they also kept the family informed.”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such as today with an early morning doctor's appointment, they easily change the schedule when we need. I already have. I like that they come and check and find out what our goals are, as well as working with the provider that comes to our home. They are well coordinated.”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care because I like the people who they send. They're just outstanding.”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills. I want them to follow-up more often.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have someone for you.”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents and their family members who use Always Best Care for in-home caregiving, as well as senior advising to find long term care placement. Phil and Steve are fantastic care partners, and great advocates for seniors in our area!”
“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they are very nice and professional, easy to work with.”
“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or possibly an adult family home for my mom who was in late stage Altzheimers disease. They were both so caring, empathetic, understanding and patient with us during the most difficult time for our family. Ultimately we were unable to move mom, but I never felt any frustration or impatience from them, only the utmost care and concern. I would recommend this place to anyone trying to find a care facility or home for a loved one.”
“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because they are prompt.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Olympia, WA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Olympia, WA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Olympia, WA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The start of school is around the corner for many Washington students — just as Among the areas with “very high” viral activity: , according to a data map on the state health department’s website.Counties with very high levels of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, include Thurston, Skagit, Snohomish, Grant and Whitman counties, the data last updated on Aug. 20 shows. Meanwhile, Pierce, King, Benton and Franklin counties were among those with “high” levels.Wastewater can be use...
The start of school is around the corner for many Washington students — just as
Among the areas with “very high” viral activity: , according to a data map on the state health department’s website.
Counties with very high levels of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, include Thurston, Skagit, Snohomish, Grant and Whitman counties, the data last updated on Aug. 20 shows. Meanwhile, Pierce, King, Benton and Franklin counties were among those with “high” levels.
Wastewater can be used to identify and track SARS-CoV-2 trends because people can shed it in their feces, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) explains.
The latest state COVID-19 vaccination data for the 2024-25 season, reported as of June 30, indicates that with at least one dose.
A DOH news release urges parents and families to ensure their kids are updated on their vaccines ahead of the start of school. Last school year’s immunization rates were on par with the previous year’s, although the state’s overall childhood vaccination rates have foundered since the pandemic.
Ensuring that students are up to date on required vaccines is among the best ways to safeguard their health and keep them in class, Jamilia Sherls, director of DOH’s Office of Immunization, said in a July 14 news release.
“These vaccines help prevent illness, reduce missed school days, and protect classmates, teachers and family members — keeping our communities safer,” Sherls said.
Infections are climbing in most states, especially , according to TODAY.com. COVID-related trips to the emergency room are also increasing across all ages, young kids included.
That rise isn’t a surprise to many health experts; the virus has seen an uptick each summer since the start of the pandemic.
The latest XFG “Stratus” variant is reportedly spreading rapidly, making up some 65% of wastewater samples nationwide as of Aug. 9.
Stratus symptoms seem on par with other omicron variants, including sore throat, congestion or runny nose, fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and more, according to TODAY.com. Some have nicknamed it the , although past variants have also led to sore, painful throats.
Editor’s Note: This event has been postponed due to a last-minute emergency within our staff. If you RSVP’d you will get an email about it and will be notified when a new date is set.It has been such a busy first half of 2025 that I haven’t been able to keep you up to date on what’s happening at The Olympian.At the start of the year, our reporting team made a pledge to focus more of our stories on the economic challenges that Thurston County is facing — and particularly the growing nu...
Editor’s Note: This event has been postponed due to a last-minute emergency within our staff. If you RSVP’d you will get an email about it and will be notified when a new date is set.
It has been such a busy first half of 2025 that I haven’t been able to keep you up to date on what’s happening at The Olympian.
At the start of the year, our reporting team made a pledge to focus more of our stories on the economic challenges that Thurston County is facing — and particularly the growing number of people who are really struggling to make ends meet. Housing and child care costs, particularly, are keeping many families from saving any of the money they earn, and others from simply keeping up on their bills. But the rising prices of homes, gas, food, taxes and other items are straining nearly everyone more than they did just a few years ago.
Here is a sampling of some of the stories we’ve produced on these issues:
But we would be the first ones to say we’ve only just begun to explore stories that are essential to people worried about their finances. So we would like to invite you — and other people you think would be interested — to a gathering where we can talk about more story ideas.
Please join our journalists from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Squaxin Park’s Rose Garden shelter for Ice Cream with The Olympian! We will have ice cream bars, popsicles and other treats appropriate for what we hope will be a lovely summer day in the park. You can sign up for the free event here!
While we are focused on gleaning story ideas on how to cope with the financial challenges of living in Thurston County, we are, of course, happy to hear other story ideas you would like to share. We also welcome you to come to the event to meet our reporters, editor and visual journalist, and ask questions about how we operate. (Note: There will not be employees available to help with subscription issues.)
As always, reach out to me at [email protected] with any questions you have. And I look forward to seeing you on Aug. 12.
Eli’s Paver Patios has been named one of just three Belgard® Master Craftsmen in Washington State. This recognition is a big deal in the hardscape industry, acknowledging the exceptional skills and dedication of Eli’s Paver Patios’ team. Achieving this status isn’t easy and reflects the company’s commitment to high-quality work in every project they take on.The Belgard® Master Craftsman certification is given to professionals who show outstanding abilities in designing and installing paver and wal...
Eli’s Paver Patios has been named one of just three Belgard® Master Craftsmen in Washington State. This recognition is a big deal in the hardscape industry, acknowledging the exceptional skills and dedication of Eli’s Paver Patios’ team. Achieving this status isn’t easy and reflects the company’s commitment to high-quality work in every project they take on.
The Belgard® Master Craftsman certification is given to professionals who show outstanding abilities in designing and installing paver and wall systems. Eli’s Paver Patios is now among a unique group of craftsmen nationwide who hold this honor. Clients can be confident they are receiving services that meet the highest industry standards. To earn this certification, professionals must meet tough requirements, including superior technical skills, consistently high-quality work, and effective use of Belgard products.
Eli’s Paver Patios specializes in a range of services, including high-quality paver installations for patios, driveways, and walkways, outdoor living space enhancements with fire pits and outdoor kitchens, retaining wall constructions, and artificial turf installation, ensuring a lush green lawn all year round. More about these services can be found on their company website.
With only three professionals in Washington holding this certification, Eli’s Paver Patios is distinguished for their exceptional craftsmanship. This certification is held by only a few craftsmen across the country, highlighting its exclusive nature. It assures clients that projects will meet strict standards and comes with an enhanced warranty, ensuring long-term quality. This reduced risk is a significant benefit for homeowners planning to invest in quality hardscaping.
This achievement opens a new chapter for the company. Eli’s Paver Patios is a family-owned business with decades of combined experience. Their commitment to excellence, which started years ago, is evident in every job they complete. The Belgard® Master Craftsman title aligns perfectly with their commitment to quality and long-term customer satisfaction. Representatives from the company believe that earning this title strengthens their mission to deliver top-notch service and results to their clients.
Kira Mettler, representing Eli’s Paver Patios, spoke about this achievement, stating, “Becoming a Belgard® Master Craftsman reflects the hard work and talent of our team. It confirms our dedication to setting high standards for outdoor living spaces. Our clients can feel assured in knowing they are investing in quality that endures.”
Eli’s Paver Patios is focused on keeping their clients informed. Potential clients can Read Reviews from those who have already experienced the company’s work.
Eli’s Paver Patios will continue to provide innovative and sustainable solutions for all hardscape needs as part of their commitment to ongoing improvement. They prioritize quality above all, ensuring every project exceeds client expectations. The craftsman certification highlights their skill and dedication and solidifies their reputation for excellence in the industry.
Eli’s Paver Patios is a well-known name in the hardscaping field. As a family-owned and operated business with decades of experience, they specialize in creating stunning and durable outdoor spaces. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction is at the core of their service. By combining skill, innovation, and attention to detail, Eli’s Paver Patios continues to exceed expectations and set new standards in the industry.
Additionally, clients and interested parties can Stay Updated on Facebook, and follow their latest achievements and project updates.
The post Eli’s Paver Patios Among Elite Pavers Contractors in Olympia, WA as Belgard® Master Craftsman appeared first on Local News Hub.
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Attention: Alerts and ClosuresRecreation alert: The Overlook Trail is closed during the spring and summer months. More than 1,500 Double-Crested Cormorants and 100 Great Blue Herons are nesting in the trees above the trail. Walking under the nest trees disturbs the birds during this sensitive time in their life cycle. It is also not safe for people to be in the nesting area given the abundant fecal material that is raining down from the nesting trees. This material can cause respiratory diseases in ...
Recreation alert: The Overlook Trail is closed during the spring and summer months. More than 1,500 Double-Crested Cormorants and 100 Great Blue Herons are nesting in the trees above the trail. Walking under the nest trees disturbs the birds during this sensitive time in their life cycle. It is also not safe for people to be in the nesting area given the abundant fecal material that is raining down from the nesting trees. This material can cause respiratory diseases in birds and humans and we can inadvertently carry it to other bird colonies.
The Canoe Launch is open for the season until September 1. All other trails are open unless otherwise noted here.
Features protected: Five miles of undeveloped shoreline in Puget Sound, mature upland forests, freshwater wetlands, historic and cultural resources. (Thurston County) Ecoregion: Puget Trough
DO NOT TOUCH, FEED OR DISTURB THE SEALS.
Seal pups need time ashore. Share the shore with Harbor Seal Pups. Their mothers will not return to feed them if people or dogs are nearby. If you observe that a seal pup has been stranded for more than 48 hours or is injured, please contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at (1-866-767-6114). Seals are protected from harassment under federal law. If you observe seals being disturbed by people or pets approaching them, please contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (1-800-853-1964).
KEEP A 50 FOOT DISTANCE FROM THE PIER AND DO NOT ENTER.
The pier is an important nursery roost for little brown and Yuma myotis bats. Please help keep bats safe by giving them space. Bat roosts are protected by law. (WAC 220-200-100)
Nursery colonies include female bats who give birth and raise a single young (pup) each year between May and August. This is a vulnerable time for bats, and human disturbance can cause them to abandon their pups or roosts, and even death. These bats are an important part of the ecosystem, and they provide insect control by eating their body weight in insects each night.
Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) is a popular destination for environmental education, offering interpretive signs, interpretive shelter, historical interpretive structure, and three hiking trails. Frequent visitors include kindergarten through 12th grade students and higher education classes. The site provides opportunities for visitors to learn about native wildlife species and native forest, nearshore and wetland ecosystems. For information on educational opportunities and for tours with groups larger than 10 people please contact South Puget Sound Region, Natural Areas Manager.
Public and private universities, other research institutions or individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Woodard Bay NRCA, contact David Wilderman, Natural Areas Ecologist at [email protected]
Examples of research and monitoring projects
Volunteer and Stewardship Opportunities
DNR hosts several volunteer work days at Woodard Bay NRCA throughout the year. For upcoming volunteer and stewardship opportunities, please contact Michele Zukerberg, DNR Natural Areas Manager.
From the 1920s until the 1980s, when the site was legislatively designated as an NRCA, Woodard Bay was operated by Weyerhaeuser Co. as a log transfer facility. The creosote-laden remnants of the industrial structures have been providing habitat for important wildlife species like bats, seals, herons and cormorants. However, the structures also obstruct important nearshore processes and contribute to the degradation of water quality. DNR partnered with several organizations to complete a sediment characterization and feasibility study to develop ecosystem process-based restoration alternatives for the aquatic environment at the site. The study prioritized protection for important species present at the site including bats, seals, Olympia oysters, shorebirds and waterfowl.
Restoration was completed in 2013 and included the following actions:
From Olympia: Travel north on East Bay Drive, which becomes Boston Harbor Road. Turn right onto Woodard Bay Road. Travel about ~ 1.5 miles and the road jogs to the left then picks up again to the right. Follow Woodard Bay Rd to the bottom of the hill. The parking area is on your left, just before the bridge.
From I-5 Southbound: Follow I-5 towards Olympia. Take Exit 109 (Martin Way Exit) towards Sleater-Kinney Road. Turn right onto Sleater-Kinney Rd NE. Travel approximately 4.5 miles then continue straight onto 56th Ave NE for 0.4 miles. At "T" turn right onto Shincke Rd NE going 0.5 mi. The road curves to the left and becomes Woodard Bay Rd NE then it curves to the right. Cross the bridge over Woodard Bay and the parking lot is on your right.
From I-5 Northbound: Take I-5 north to the Port of Olympia exit. Travel north on Plum St., which becomes East Bay Dr and then Boston Harbor Rd. Turn right onto Woodard Bay Road. Travel about ~ 1.5 miles and the road jogs to the left then picks up again to the right. Follow Woodard Bay Rd to the bottom of the hill. The parking area is on your left, just before the bridge.
A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking at this site. This funding helps DNR manage these important natural areas across the state.
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