Pumas cannot roar, but they can and do purr.
They’re capable of leaping 25 feet from a standing position. And mama cougars, who spend 84 percent of their lives caring for their young, purr continuously to their kittens.
These are a few of the big-cat facts laid out on the Puma Catwalk this Saturday at Robin Hill Park, 323 Pinnell Road just outside Sequim.
Admission is free to the walk, and the public is invited to come explore it any time between noon and 3 p.m. Saturday, said Katy Bowman, the local author hosting the whole thing.
Working with the Olympic Cougar Project and Panthera, an international conservation organization, Bowman designed the walk to be family friendly, with signs bearing photographs of and information about cougars.
The 2-mile circuit will be open rain or shine, with more information at eventbrite.com via the search terms Puma Catwalk in Sequim.
Bowman will have copies of her newest book, “Grow Wild: The Whole Child, Whole Family, Nature-Rich Guide to Moving More,” available for purchase and signing, while Panthera’s Mark Elbroch will have copies of his field guides and newest book, “The Cougar Conundrum: Sharing the World with a Successful Predator,” on hand.
The Puma Catwalk is one of numerous activities, indoors, outdoors and online, this weekend on the North Olympic Peninsula.
As ever, it’s a good idea to check websites and social media pages to ensure the event is still on before heading out.
Here’s a cross-section of other things to do:
• Singer Jean Lenke will bring her band to the Castle’s outdoor stage, 651 Cleveland St., Port Townsend, tonight for music from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The venue is covered and heated, but if the weather is inclement, the ensemble will move inside to the Castle’s upstairs ballroom.
• The First Friday Speaker Series presents “Boatbuilding and Functional Art” tonight with Bruce Blatchley of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, online at 7 p.m.
This hour-long livestreamed program delves into at least two topics: his experience of being in the local boatbuilding community and art’s place in our lives. The Jefferson County Historical Society hosts the program via JCHSMuseum.org; use the Education and Programs menu to find the First Friday Speaker Series link.
Advance signup is required, the suggested donation is $10, and viewers will have access to a recording of the program afterward.
• Dmitri Matheny and his jazz band, featuring Las Vegas-based saxophonist Charles McNeal, will play tonight at the Cellar Door, 940 Water St., Port Townsend. Admission is by donation to the show from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Author Mary Lou Sanelli will sign copies of her new book, “Every Little Thing: Small Breakthroughs, Big Mistakes, Endless Lessons,” from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
She’ll share this collection of soul-baring essays at the Port Townsend Vineyards Vintage tasting room, 725 Water St., Port Townsend.
• An art sale showcasing a variety of local artists’ work will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in Port Townsend’s North Beach neighborhood.
Victoria Foster Harrison will host the sale at 889 53rd St., across from the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
• New Orleans troubadour Andrew Duhon and his trio, makers of live Americana and folk music, will step onto the Wheeler Theater stage at Fort Worden State Park at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
The show, presented by Rainshadow Recording of Port Townsend, is limited to 50 percent of the theater’s capacity. Tickets are $20 via andrewduhon.brownpapertickets.com or at the door.
• The Stardust Big Band featuring vocalist Tess Teel, bassist Vern Fosket and trumpeter Ed Donahue will play the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Buddy Rich, alongside Great American Songbook standards, at 2 p.m. Sunday.
The venue is Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave., Sequim, and tickets are $20 via www.OlympicTheatreArts.org. For information phone 360-683-7326.
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Jefferson County senior reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3509 or durbanidelapaz@peninsuladaily news.com.
