🎇 Happy New Year! 🎇
The new year is here, welcome to 2026!
New Year's Day is a great time to go on a free hike in our state parks.
 Also, we've got tips to help you reach your goals in 2026!

Explore the state’s scenic parks for free in 2026, thanks to a lineup of no-fee days for residents and visitors alike.

On select dates like New Year’s Day, Earth Day, Juneteenth, Veterans Day, and more, visitors can experience hiking, fishing, picnicking, and the full range of outdoor adventures with no Discover Pass required.

Popular days include State Parks’ Birthday, National Public Lands Day, and World Mental Health Day, giving everyone a chance to connect with nature and discover the local beauty.

If you can’t make it on those dates, the Check Out WA program lets you borrow a Discover Pass free from your local library for a limited time.

Be sure to check with your library for details and plan ahead for your next outdoor getaway.

Embrace the outdoors and make the most of your state’s parks in 2026!

📣 Local Business Owners – Let’s Partner!
Want to get your brand in front of an engaged, local audience? We are actively looking for local businesses to spotlight each week in the South Sound Life newsletter.  Let's shine a light on your business or a local business you love! Let us know!

As 2026 begins, it’s the perfect time to set intentions and focus on boosting productivity.

Reflecting on last year can reveal valuable lessons that illuminate your path forward.

Ask yourself: What were your toughest challenges, and where did you find success?

Understanding both the highs and lows helps identify areas to improve and strategies worth repeating.

Consider what you learned, what you’ll stop, what you’ll keep, and what new initiatives you’ll pursue.

Shedding old habits makes room for fresh opportunities, while maintaining positive routines builds momentum.

To guide your journey, a detailed 20-page workbook is available to help clarify goals and inspire confident action.

Using these insights, you can lay the groundwork for a year that’s both productive and personally meaningful.

Move into 2026 with renewed focus and purpose, ready to create your best year yet.

Oly on Ice

Puget Sound Party
Saturday, January 3
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WET Science Center
Olympia
A fun family event to celebrate the waters and wildlife in the south sound.  You can make a marine party hat and mask, or play some clean water party games! More details here!

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Meet Cinny, a gentle 4-year-old German Shepherd mix with a warm tan coat and soft black highlights.

Known for her affectionate nature, Cinny loves relaxing on the couch and cherishes quiet moments with her humans.

She is both potty and crate trained, showing her intelligence and adaptability to new routines.

While her interactions with other pets are being evaluated, Cinny has done well with children, making her a great fit for families.

If you’re seeking a loving companion to bring joy and warmth home, Cinny may be perfect for you.

Her adoption fee is $90, including spaying, microchipping, and vaccinations.

Consider joining the 5th Annual Paws 4 A Cause Walk in Olympia on May 2, 2026, supporting animal and cancer charities.

Adopting Cinny means welcoming both love and purpose into your life.