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WASHINGTON STATE PARKS

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New interpretive center planned for Lime Kiln State Park

posted 02/03/05
Washington State Parks Recreation Commission gave a $25,000 to create a new interpretive center at Lime Kiln Point State Park. The grant is part of a program commemorating the centennial of the founding of the Washington State Park system in 1913.

The new visitor center will be housed in the former lighthouse keeper's workshop and garage building. This 570-square-foot building is a designated historical structure and has been recently restored by the staff of Limekiln Point State Park.

The development of exhibits for the visitor center is pursuant to the park's goal of preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the area. An important component of those resources are the 85+ killer whales (Orcina orcinus) that reside in the waters of the islands and are regular summer visitors to the park's coastline. In addition, the majority of visitors to Lime Kiln Point State Park, one of the top tourist attractions on the island, visit primarily to see the killer whales. To that end, the first phase of the exhibits will educate the visitor to the natural history of these whales as well as the other marine mammals of Puget Sound and threats to their continued survival.

The park is working in partnership with The Whale Museum, The Center for Whale Research, and Dr. Bob Otis of Ripon College to develop these exhibits. The first phase of the exhibits will include a life-sized replica of an adult male killer whale dorsal fin (specifically Ruffles, J-1); a 12-minute video on the local population illustrating whale behaviors - helping the visitor identify what they may see from the shoreline of the park, as well as addressing conservation concerns; a mural and exhibit on the identification of our local species of marine mammal and individual killer whales; and a hands-on interactive illustrating underwater communication - both visual and acoustical.

Ranger Chris Guidotti said, "The staff is very excited about the first phase of this project. We hope to have the visitor center open with some preliminary exhibits installed by July 2005. Future plans for the visitor center include dioramas and exhibits on the other important natural and cultural resources of the park site including the tidepools, upland forest, and lime kilns."

Limekiln lighthouse on San Juan Island

Matt Pranger photos

posted 07/16/04s
Whalewatching, lighthouse tours and spectacular views attract many to Limekiln State Park on the west side of San Juan Island.

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