 The 360-acre Tennant Lake unit, about one mile southeast of Ferndale, is mostly in the floodplain of the Nooksack River. Some of the lower portions flood annually. Tennant Lake itself is an 80-acre, shallow, peat-bog lake. One half mile south of this lake is Claypit Pond, formed as clay was dug up to manufacture brick and glass (prior to WDFW ownership). Fairly extensive swamp/marsh areas occur adjacent to both lakes.
Initially the area was primarily managed for waterfowl and deer hunting, and spiny-ray fishing. There is now also an interpretive center and scent garden for the blind, an observation tower, upland interpretive trail, an elevated wetland boardwalk trail, and a boat launch on the Nooksack River. These improvements, along with WDFW staff at the interpretive center, provide important recreational and educational opportunities for school districts and general visitors.
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Tennant
Lake Park - Interpretive Center and Fragrance Garden
Mounted wildlife, displays and maps interpret the surrounding flora, fauna
and natural process at work at Tennant Lake. Two “kid’s rooms”
provide hands-on activities for children of all ages. An on-site naturalist
is available to answer questions. The center is open year round, but hours
vary according to season. The Tennant Lake Interpretive Center is operated
under the joint management of the Washington State Department of Fish
and Wildlife and the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department. Field
trip opportunities and outreach programs are available. |
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Contact the Center (360-384-3064) or visit
the Whatcom
Parks and Recreation Department website for complete information. |
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Bird
Watching Opportunites at Tennant Lake |
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 You Can Get Involved!
The Friends of Tennant Lake and Hovander Park are local citizens and park lovers who work with Whatcom County Parks Department, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation to support staff and programs at Tennant Lake and Hovander Park in Ferndale, WA. |
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Birds
Birds of Prey Eagles Shorebirds Songbirds Wading Birds Waterfowl
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Mammals
Deer Small Mammals
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Other
Butterflies Reptiles/Amphibians
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Click Here
for Printable
Map and Driving Directions |
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| Access Site #1 |
Driving Directions
I-5 exit 262 (Ferndale). R (W) on Main St. appx 1 mile. Get in L lane - take immediate L after you pass under railroad tressle (Hovander Rd). From Hovander Rd, turn R on Neilsen Rd. Go appx 1 mi - ends at Tennant Lake parking lot. |
Parking/Restroom Information
Parking lot and ADA restroom facility |
Other Information
Closed during hours of darkness. Boardwalk closed during hunting season. |
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| Half-mile wetland boardwalk, viewing tower, scent garden for the blind, interpretive programs, birding/dog walking trails, interpretive displays, three hunting blinds and year-round off leash dog walking area on south end of unit. |
| No dogs on boardwalk. See kiosk for other dog use information.
Maps for all hunting areas are posted at the HQ parking lot, and unit maps are up at Marine Drive, Slater Road, and Intalco parking lots. |
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OTHER INFORMATION
