Submitted by Friends of Lime Kiln Society

The tower of Lime Kiln Lighthouse will be open for tours and education from 3-7 p.m., May 12. Bring mom to see the view from the top. Come and go as you please. Bring a picnic and enjoy it at the tables outside. Since it will be Mother’s Day weekend, volunteers will celebrate the matriarchs of the Southern resident orca whales (J, K and L pod). Presenters will share stories of how the females assist each other with birthing, child rearing, how they have learned to share food. They’ll talk about how they communicate, echolocate prey and express their emotions.

This is a family-friendly event but kids must be with their parent to be able to go to the top of the lighthouse. The tours are free. The education is free. The parking at Lime Kiln State Park is $10 per vehicle. Buy a day pass or use the opportunity to buy an annual state park pass. The first 10 island families will receive a $10 bill for parking. The interpretative center at the lower parking lot will be open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., as well.