When most families consider getting out to experience nature and wildlife, thoughts of big weekend plans, park permits and long drives out into the wilderness often come to mind.

But thanks to Camp Long's Nature at Night program, you don't have to commit to a full weekend day nor drive more than a few miles away for an outdoor adventure with the fam. Now working moms and dads who are pressed for quality time together can take the kids out after daylight hours and delve deep into nature in our own backyard.

On its expansive 68 acres of forest and trails, Camp Long offers a chance for kids and adults alike to discover the nocturnal wildlife of West Seattle - from owls and foxes to moths and spiders on night hikes through the deep, dark woods.

"This program is great for families and encourages kids to be good stewards of the earth," says Camp Long Education Program Supervisor Sheila Brown. "Nature is right here in the neighborhood and this is a way for us all to have fun and learn to appreciate wildlife in our urban setting."

After all, to quote Baba Dioum of Senegal:

"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught."

Though this year marks the 65th anniversary of this jewel of a park, Camp Long is still unknown to many Westside residents.

"We are not very visible from the street, so many people in the area don't even know this amazing resource exists," says Brown.

But to see it by day is one thing, but when you add the element of discovering this prolific park at night, your opportunities for a unique nature experience expand even more with the sighting of each owl, coyote, bat, raccoon, porcupine, dusk beaver, or opossum.

So if a little nature-inspired nightlife sounds like fun for you and your family, consider kicking off the summer with one of the campfires (listed below) to familiarize yourself with Camp Long at night. And then get ready to dive deeper into the woods to meet the wild creatures that call it home (see the "night hikes" and "owl hoots" below).

Camp Long Days Campfire

Kick off your summer nights with Camp Long Days Campfire where you can celebrate Camp Long's 65th Anniversary while discovering the park's history over fire-roasted treats. Meet living historical characters from the past including Judge Long and Mountaineer Clark Schurman (for whom the camp and its climbing rock are named).

When: June 22 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Note: Register and pay by Tuesday, June 20.

Fee: $5

Crazy Campfires

Walk, talk, sing and exchange stories with Camp Long naturalists around the campfire at this monthly summer event (treats and corny jokes included).

When: July 29, Aug 19, and Sept 9 from 7-9 p.m.

Fee: Adults $8, Kids $6

Night Hikes

See those eyes glowing in the dark? Find out if they belong to resident owls, fox, coyote or other mystery animals of the night when you hike through the deep dark woods at Camp Long. And don't forget to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight!

When: July 11 from 9-11pm, Aug 4 from 8:30-10:30 p.m., Aug 18 from 11p.m.-1a.m., Sept 29 from 7:30-9:30.p.m.

Note: Registration and payment required by noon Sunday before each hike

Fee: Adults $8, Kids $6

Owl Hoots at Camp Long

Have a hoot on this dusk-to-dark owl prowl through the forest. Practice your owl calls and learn to identify theirs. And don't forget to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight!

When: July 28 & Aug 18 from 8:30-10:30 pm, Sept 16 from 7:30-9:30pm

Note: Registration and payment required by noon Friday before each hoot

Fee: Adults $8, Kids $6

Camp Long also offers environmental film nights, naturalist beach walks, art classes and more (see the website for more info).

What:Nature at Night

Where: Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/environment/camplong.htm

206.684.7434

When: Park hours open to the public are from 10am-6pm Tue-Sun

For Nature at Night programs, see dates/times listed above

Price: See above

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