Black Hills Audubon Society (BHAS) has made prayer flags with Chinese calligraphy that translates to Beautiful River. These prayer flags have been made to specifically honor the Black River in western Thurston County, but may also honor the Deschutes, the Nisqually, other Pacific Northwest rivers, or rivers around the world.

The slow meandering Black River and its mosaic of high quality wetlands are unusual for western Washington and support over 70 species of birds, amphibians, and other wildlife.

BHAS has been in litigation for the past four years in an effort to stop an asphalt plant and expanded gravel mine from locating immediately adjacent to the Black River National Wildlife Refuge. A donation for a prayer flag (recommended $10) will enable BHAS to continue its defense of the Black River.

The flags are 11” x 11” and come in many colors. Traditionally, yellow symbolizes Earth; blue symbolizes Space; white symbolizes Air; green symbolizes Water; and red symbolizes Fire. Available colors may expand and change as the project evolves.

By hanging this prayer flag outside in a high place, the wind will carry your blessings for rivers across the land and around the world. Threads from the prayer flag, captured by the breeze, carry the prayer message. Hang your flag in your garden, on a line, or from your porch.

Please call 705-9247 to order a prayer flag or email sdanver7@aol.com and please put prayer flag on the subject line. Consider purchasing several to sell or give to others. The prayer flags come with an explanatory handout. Flag and handout may be mailed very inexpensively. Networking would be very much appreciated. Our goal is to make the protection of the Black River a community effort.

Also, if you have any green, blue, neutral, red or yellow medium weight cotton remnants you would like to donate for the fabrication of prayer flags please email or call the number above.

Thank you for your support and your concern for rivers, wetlands, and wildlife.