The Port Angeles Library presents “Elwha: A River Reborn,” a new traveling exhibit from the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, on view through Aug. 29.
Based on a book of the same name by Seattle Times reporter Lynda Mapes and photographer Steve Ringman, the exhibit explores people, places and history behind the story of the largest dam removal project ever undertaken.
Through first-person accounts, photographs and informative text printed on free-standing banners, visitors can follow the Elwha’s journey from abundant wilderness to economic engine.
“Elwha: A River Reborn” was developed by the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in collaboration with The Seattle Times, Mountaineers Books and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
The series kicked off June 3.
For more information about “Elwha: A River Reborn” and related programs, call the Port Angeles Library staff at 417-8500, visit the library website at www.nols.org or send an e-mail to nglaude@nols.org. The Port Angeles Library is at 2210 S. Peabody St.
Program series
While the Elwha exhibit is on display through the summer, the library will be hosting a series of special Elwha-related programs. Remaining events include:
• June 18, 6:30 p.m., screening of “Return of the River.” This film chronicles the multiple-year dam removal process and its far-reaching environmental impact by shining a light on the activists, scientists, park officials, tribal members and politicians who worked to change the Elwha’s fate. Following the screening, filmmaker John Gussman is available for a question-and-answer session.
• June 24, 6:30 p.m., “Jump Starting Recovery: Revegetating the Elwha.” Revegetation of the former reservoirs of Lake Mills and Lake Aldwell on the Elwha River began during November 2011. Joshua Chenoweth, restoration ecologist for Olympic National Park, discusses the progress of the natural and managed revegetation as well as the future of the project.
• June 29, 6:30 p.m., “Hiking the Elwha Valley.” Award-winning guidebook author Craig Romano discusses hiking in the Elwha Valley. Drawing from his book, “Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula,” Romano covers a variety of trails in the Elwha River watershed for family outings or multi-day adventures.
•July 10, 6:30 p.m., “Summer Art Blast!” Roger Fernandes, storyteller and member of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, shares a welcoming song and stories of the Lower Elwha. The Elwha Drum Group of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe then shares songs and drumming in the heart of the library. The summer exhibit features Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe artwork and is on display at the library from July 9-Oct. 6.
• July 19, 9 a.m., “Poetry Workshop and Hike with the Washington State Poet Laureate.” Join Washington State Poet Laureate Elizabeth Austen for a short, meditative hike on the Smokey Bottom (formerly West Lake Mills) Trail and a brief, guided writing session in response to the hike.
No previous writing or hiking experience is needed, but participants must be at least 18 years old. Space is limited, so registration is required.
