Grab the water-color block, sketchbook or smart phone and take a nature walk this month.  There is no better sight than the first signs of spring in our spectacular valley to bring out the artist in each of us.

IN NATURE… look for a variety of plants unfurling in the spring sunshine.
A local naturalist offers a nature walk visual list of blooms [photo] you might see along the trail, roadside or wild area. Suggested walk: Osprey Park, Crescent Trail,

For auditory inspiration…  listen for the come-hither calls of frogs returning to their breeding ponds and pools.  The calls can be heard especially in the evening and early mornings when the air temperature remains above 45 degrees.  For more information about frogs check out this link to Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

APRIL IS POETRY MONTH… sign up for a poem a day! or Watch a poetry movie!

PERFORMANCES…Saturday April 16th at 7-9 pm in the River House, 444 Avenue A, Index, the Rebel Voices will entertain with songs from labor history 7-9 pm.  Northwest Heritage Resources is presenting the concert in partnership with the Index Historical Society.  $5 admission donation at the door.

MARKETS & FESTIVALS… the new Gold Bar Farmers Market is starting Sunday April 3rd and running every Sunday into October. UPCOMING FESTIVAL OPPORTUNITIES… are posted or linked on our OPPORTUNITIES tab for summer 2016. Note that the Sultan Shindig Car Show Logo Contest deadline is April 15th.

FUN ARTS & CRAFTS TIME…

Grab a friend and get out Friday evening for some fun and creativity on April 8th for a Paint & Sip at 8pm GroWashington Sultan, call for details 360 789 2146..

Saturday April 9th All ages are invited to a drop-in workshop at Ellie & Clarence in Index.  This month a crafty artist will be in the shop from 1-3 pm to help you make a fun 2 inch magnet or pin.  Bring a favorite photo, fabric or print [or rummage thru our scrap box] to create a masterpiece for the fridge… or an early Mothers Day surprise!

NEED INSPIRATION FOR THE GARDEN… Pine Creek Nursery has plenty of flora to choose from and while you’re there on weekends Gregarious Cellars offers a wine tasting starting at noon.

KEEP IN STEP WITH VALLEY HERITAGE…Index Historical Society, Skykomish Historical Society, Bush House facebook

Startup Gym Renovation – we will be looking for volunteers to work on the exterior of the building as our next phase of restoration begins soon.  Keep in touch!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR – Sky Valley Arts Council annual general meeting is scheduled for Thursday MAY 12th, 7 pm at the Startup Event Center – all interested people are welcome.  The evening will include social time, general meeting and a pop up show! Look for details early May.