A new book, “Saving the Nisqually Delta” by Janine Gates, chronicles the decades-long citizen activism that saved the Nisqually Delta from industrialization, a news release from Janine Gates stated.
Located 8 miles northeast of Olympia, the Nisqually Delta is one of the country’s last unspoiled estuaries.
While several deltas in western Washington succumbed to industrialization in the early 1900s, the Nisqually Delta has survived into the present. Gates conducted six years of research and dozens of interviews for the book, according to the release.
Published by Little Hollywood Media, the book features a foreword by former Washington state Gov. Daniel J. Evans.
“The fight to save the Nisqually Delta was not easy. There have been many attempts to alter it. It’s a national success story, but even today, the Nisqually Delta still needs to be saved from urban and industrial encroachment,” Gates said.
Gates is an Olympia-based journalist and photographer, and is best known for her community news blog, Little Hollywood, at www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com. She wrote more than 500 articles between 2009 and 2019. She has lived in Olympia for over 40 years.
In addition, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is hosting an event titled “Celebrating Conservation Activism” featuring Janine Gates from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sep. 23, at the refuge, located at 100 Brown Farm Road NE, Olympia.
Gates and refuge staff will celebrate those who have been part of saving the Nisqually Delta, including those individuals Gates interviewed for her book. The book retails for $22.99 and will be available for purchase at the event as well as through savingnisquallydelta.com.
The event is free of charge and open to the public. Cake and refreshments will be served.
