January 12 (Wednesday)
7-9pm – (video) Food, Inc.
(Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia) Food, Inc. lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been largely hidden from the American consumer. Video showing will be followed by discussion. Free (donations accepted). Co-sponsored by Earth Care Catholics of Olympia and Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee. For more information, call 459-5825.
January 15
9am-noon – Downtown Ducks and Other Birds, too
Black Hills Audubon Society is lucky to have Burt Guttman, who has been leading wonderful downtown winter trips for several years. These trips are primarily targeted for beginning birders, as he teaches participants how to distinguish various types of water birds from one another. They are trips that are quite delightful for all birders, however. They are a wonderful chance to explore the downtown Olympia waterfront areas with a wide variety of birds; mostly water birds, but passerines as well, along with the occasional raptor. Burt is a master teacher, as he is a retired TESC professor and really enjoys introducing folks to the delights of bird watching and identification. Meet at the Marathon Park parking lot at 9am. Dress for the weather: water birds are not bothered by the weather—so no matter what the weather, Burt and the birds will be there! Registration not required.
9-11am –Beginning Birding with Dr. Scott Mills
Registration has begun for the Black Hills Audubon Society’s winter beginning birding class taught by Scott Mills. This class provides an introduction to birding with an emphasis on developing your identification skills. There will be discussion on binoculars and field guide choices, and lectures and discussions on birding terminology, basic birding biology and classification. The course is designed primarily for beginning birders but mid-level birders will find it useful as well. The instructor, Dr. Mills, is a professional biologist with nearly 50 years of birding experience. In addition to having taught a number of beginning and specialty birding classes, he has also taught ornithology at the college level. In retirement, he remains very active with bird surveys at sea on NOAA ships as well as a trip leader for the pelagic trips through Westport Seabirds. The class will be at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, from 9am to 11am on five consecutive Saturdays (January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12). There also will be two field trips, dates yet to be determined. Cost: $40 for non-members of Black Hills Audubon Society, $30 for members. Pre-registration is required: contact Shelley Horn at shelleysmail@me.com, or at 352-0075 (before 9pm).
January 17 (Monday)
9am-1pm – Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Environmental Action!
(Westside Olympia, near Evergreen State College) Capitol Land Trust, WSU Native Plant Salvage Project, and South Sound GREEN are teaming up to offer a unique, all ages volunteer event to celebrate the spirit of service embodied by Martin Luther King Jr. Our activities will include planting native trees and shrubs, monitoring water quality at the adjacent green cove creek, and learning native plant and bird identification. This event will take place at the Kaiser property, part of a 100 acre wildlife preserve in the Green Cove Wetlands, an important wild area that provides habitat for many species of birds, fish, and plants, but that is threatened by invasive species and urbanization.
Please prepare for weather with warm clothes and rain gear. Bring sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. We will provide gloves, tools, free hot food and tea! We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to come, no experience necessary. We ask that kids younger than 12 have adult supervision, and anyone under 18 must have their parents sign a waiver.
Directions from Hwy 101: Take the Evergreen State College exit and follow Evergreen Parkway to the intersection with Kaiser Rd. (approx 3 miles), turn right on Kaiser Rd, and the site will be on your right about 1 mile down. There will be a sign and someone stationed at the entrance who can direct you for parking. Directions from downtown Olympia: Take the 4th Ave bridge West out of downtown. Take Harrison Blvd. to Division. Take a Right on Division. Continue on Division as it becomes 28th. Take a Right onto Cooper Point Rd. Take a left at the top of the hill onto Kaiser Rd. Take a left onto Kaiser Rd. just after the Evergreen State College welcome sign. Go for ¼ mile and there will be a sign and someone stationed at the entrance who can direct you for parking. For more information, contact Guy Maguire at the Capitol Land Trust, at 360-943-3012 or guym@capitollandtrust.org. If you get lost, Guy’s cell phone is 503-550-6169. VOLUNTEER EVENT
7-9pm – Cultivating Real Homeland Security: A Just, Sustainable and Resilient Food System for Thurston County
(Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church, 2200 East End St NW, Olympia) What can we do locally to cultivate a food system that is just, sustainable, and resilient? How can we use our existing assets – fertile farmland, an educated population, and a strong environmental and social justice ethic – to provide wholesome, local food to all members of our community, while also creating good jobs, a strong local economy, protecting farmland, beautifying our urban spaces, and preparing the community for an uncertain future? What are the roles of individuals, activists, non-profit organizations, local businesses and local governments?
Join us as we explore these and other questions and begin the dialogue about creating a just, sustainable, and resilient local food system. TJ Johnson, local food activist and Director of the Urban Agriculture Program at Sustainable South Sound will present information about the current food system, identify opportunities for re-localizing food production, and offer ideas for moving forward. Following the presentation there will be an open discussion and a chance for everyone in attendance to begin envisioning solutions. Sponsored by Transition Olympia – Climate Action, Sustainable South Sound, and the OUUC Ethical Eating Committee.
January 18 (Tuesday)
10am – 1pm – Hogum Bay Ivy Pull
(near Lacey) Work Parties are rain or shine, so please dress for Washington weather. All youths 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. The Land Trust provides tools, gloves, and some snacks at its work parties, but you are welcome to bring your own. RSVPs are required for directions: this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone. RSVP to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org no later than 24 hours before the event. For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360)489-3400. VOLUNTEER EVENT
January 20 (Thursday)
7-9 pm – Birds of Iraq
(Capitol Museum Coach House, 211 W. 21st St, Olympia) Join the Black Hills Audubon Society in hearing a talk and slide show on the birds of Iraq by Matt Pike. Matt was deployed with the US Army in Iraq for two tours, 2003-4 and 2006-7. While there, he was able to photograph more than 180 species of birds in their native habitats. For those of us who picture Iraq as bird-less and only desert, please join us and become enlightened! Social hour is at 7pm; program begins promptly at 7:30 pm. Directions: From I-5, take exit 105 following the “State Capitol/City Center route. Go straight, through the tunnel. At the light (Capitol Way) turn left (south). After 7 blocks, turn right onto 21st Street. The Museum is two blocks down on the left. The Coach House meeting room and parking are south of and behind the Museum.
January 22 (Saturday)
7am-6pm – Black Hills Audubon Society Field Trip: Skagit River and Flats Field Trip
The Black Hills Audubon Society has chartered a bus to the Skagit River valley to learn about and view the wintering populations of birds there: Tundra Swans, Trumpeter Swans, Snow Geese, various Raptors, and of course the Bald Eagles which congregate for the last salmon run of the season. There only is room for 48 persons, half of whom we would like to be young people. The bus leaves at 7am and will return about 6pm. The cost for the day is $25 for adults; youth are free. For more information, contact Deb Nickerson at debranick@gmail.com . Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
January 23 (Sunday)
10am-12:30pm OR 1-3:30pm – Winter Twig Identification field course
Join us for a fun and informative walk through the winter woods. Learn to identify native deciduous trees and shrubs without leaves or flowers, to enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the woods during winter time. Two workshops from which to choose: 10 am to 12:30 pm or 1-3:30 p.m. The cost is $10 with the Winter in the Woods guide, $5 without. To register and for more information, contact Erica Guttman at erica@nativeplantsalvage.org or at 360-867-2164.
January 25 (Tuesday)
7-9 pm – Return of the Nisqually: Restoration and Monitoring
(LOTT Water Education & Technology Center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia) The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the Nisqually Indian Tribe, restored tidal waters to 762 acres of the Refuge by removing 5 miles of the Brown Farm Dike in the fall of 2009. Jesse Barham (Refuge Restoration Biologist) will talk about the restoration process and construction, Kelley Turner (USGS Biologist) will speak about the preliminary results of the USGS monitoring including both physical and biological responses, and Christopher Ellings (Nisqually Tribe Salmon Research Biologist) will talk about preliminary results of ongoing fish ecology monitoring.
January 26
6:30- 9 pm — Environmental Stewardship, Part 1
(The Urban Onion Ballroom) The Olympia Planning Commission is seeking to engage citizens in deeper conversations that build on comments they have received from the website, various community meetings and interviews. This meeting has been convened to get community input on the topic of the environment. At the meeting, citizens will have an opportunity to learn more about the topic, discuss it with each other, and share their preferences and concerns with the City. Much of the time will be spent working together in small groups, with notetakers capturing the discussions at each table.
7-9 pm – Permaculture: A Brief Overview
(Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church, 2300 East End St NW, Olympia 98502) This two-hour session will touch on the basic concepts & the philosophical underpinning of the movement. Topics to be presented are: principles & ethics; energy management; water management; waste recycling; use of animals; plants for the Pacific Northwest; sheet mulching & hugelkultur; designing & building a garden; and food forests. A reading list & web resources will also be included. This class, offered through the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation Adult Education Program, is open to all interested individuals. A single registration fee of $10 applies to all the classes. Fee waivers are available. Additonal class information and the entire program guide is available at http://www.ouuc.org (then click on “Adult Education”). Roger Nielsen would also be happy to answer questions and can be contacted at thenielsens2000@yahoo.com.
February 3 (Thursday)
6-8 pm – Black Hills Audubon Society Birding Class: Gulls Need Love, Too.
Birding-basics instructor Matt Pike will teach a gull identification basics class geared toward beginning to sort out the treacherous montage of gull species present in western Washington each winter. Classroom instruction focuses on learning gull molt cycle and its influence on gull appearance, the differences in molt cycles between gulls that mature at different ages, and the basics of Washington’s regularly occurring gulls. This evening class will be followed by a field trip on Sunday, Feb. 6th—location yet to be determined. The field trip will focus on field application of the knowledge gained in the classroom, as well as some just plain fun birding. Contact Matt at hoodedcrow3b@yahoo.com for more information. Cost: $15.
February 5 (Saturday)
7am-(all day) – Black Hills Audubon Society Field Trip: Samish and Skagit Flats
Leader: Scott Morrison. “Western Washington Raptor Central” is the nickname for these delta areas. It’s a locality which often produces all five falcon species which regularly occur in the state. There are also plenty of Bald Eagles in all plumages, Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, Short-eared Owls, and Northern Harriers. Flocks of Trumpeter and Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, and numerous species of ducks are typical. Many rarities have been recorded in these areas; however the trip is focused on wintering raptors. The trip is limited to three vehicles and 12-14 people. Call Scott Morrison at (360) 412-1260 to reserve a place on the trip. Please indicate your willingness to drive. Vehicles must hold a minimum of four people, and we will convoy to the beginning of the field trip in Skagit County. This is a very long day with quite a bit of driving. Meet at the Hawks Prairie Home Depot parking lot near the Cutter’s Point coffee shop at 6:50 a.m. for a 7:00 departure.
9 am – noon – Wilcox Flats Planting
(near Yelm) Work parties are rain or shine, so dress for Washington weather. All youths 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. The Land Trust provides tools, gloves, and some snacks at its work parties, but you are welcome to bring your own. RSVPs are required for directions: this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone. RSVP to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org no later than 24 hours before the event. For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400. VOLUNTEER EVENT
February 9 (Wednesday)
7-9pm – (video) Hidden Dangers in Kids Meals: Genetically Engineered Foods
(Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia) Research results, inadequate regulations, and warnings from eminent scientists explain why genetically modified foods are dangerous and should be removed from kids’ meals, and why GMOs threaten your health, the environment and future generations. Video showing will be followed by discussion. Free (donations accepted). Co-sponsored by Earth Care Catholics of Olympia and Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee. For more information, call 459-5825.
February 10 (Thursday)
6:30 pm – Community Supported Agriculture
(Thurston County Courthouse, Bldg. 1, Room 280—2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Olympia 98502) Join the Thurston County League of Women Voters for a presentation by and discussion with several local CSA farmers regarding the social, economic and environmental benefits of Community Supported Agriculture. The speakers will discuss the benefits and how it works. Open to all. Social period is at 6:30pm, followed by presentation and discussion at 7:00 pm.
Native Plant Salvage Project Plant Salvages: February 13; February 18; February 21; March 5
Locations to be announced. For more information, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166. VOLUNTEER EVENT
February 15 (Tuesday)
9am- 4pm — annual Environmental Citizens’ Lobby Day 2011
Contact: Rein Attemann, (206) 382-7007
February 19 (Saturday)
9 am – noon – Planting at Trestle Farm
(Yelm) Work parties are rain or shine, so dress for Washington weather. All youths 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. The Land Trust provides tools, gloves, and some snacks at its work parties, but you are welcome to bring your own. RSVPs are required for directions: this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone. RSVP to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org no later than 24 hours before the event. For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400. VOLUNTEER EVENT
February 23
6:30- 9pm – Neighborhood Planning, Part 2
(The Urban Onion Ballroom) The Olympia Planning Commission is seeking to engage citizens in deeper conversations that build on comments they have received from the website, various community meetings and interviews. This meeting has been convened to get community input on the topic of neighborhood planning. At the meeting, citizens will have an opportunity to learn more about the topic, discuss it with each other, and share their preferences and concerns with the City. Much of the time will be spent working together in small groups, with notetakers capturing the discussions at each table. EXTRA CREDIT
Naturescaping Workshops with Native Plant Salvage Project:
February 24, at the Tumwater Fire Hall
March 31, at the Lacey Community Center
May 7, at the Tumwater Fire Hall
March 9 (Wednesday)
7-9pm – (video) Good Food
(Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia) Good Food offers an intimate look at the farmers, ranchers, and businesses that are creating a more sustainable food system in the Pacific Northwest. Video showing will be followed by discussion. Free (donations accepted). Co-sponsored by Earth Care Catholics of Olympia and Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee. For more information, call 459-5825. EXTRA CREDIT
March 12 (Saturday)
9 am – noon – Red Salmon Creek Ivy Pull
For more information, call the Nisqually Land Trust at 360-489-3400. VOLUNTEER EVENT
* * * MARCH 17 (THURSDAY): ALL REVIEWS ARE DUE ! ! ! * * *
March 18 (Friday)
8:30 am -12:30 pm – Wilcox Flats Ivy Pull
For more information, call the Nisqually Land Trust at 360-489-3400.
March 26 ()
9am- noon – Environmental Stewardship, Part 2
(The Olympia Center) The Olympia Planning Commission is seeking to engage citizens in deeper conversations that build on comments they have received from the website, various community meetings and interviews. This meeting has been convened to get community input on the topic of the environment. At the meeting, citizens will have an opportunity to learn more about the topic, discuss it with each other, and share their preferences and concerns with the City. Much of the time will be spent working together in small groups, with notetakers capturing the discussions at each table.
1:30-2:30 pm – Mushroom Hunting
(Tumwater Timberland Library) Tom Keller of the South Sound Mushroom Club will discuss mushroom hunting in the Pacific Northwest and help you identify the best edibles and the ones to stay away from.
April 2 (Saturday)
4 – 9 pm – 19th Annual Nisqually Land Trust Auction & Dinner Gala
Nisqually Land Trust. 360-489-3400
April 9 (Saturday)
10am-noon – Discover the Wonders of Nature at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) Aimed especially at families and educators, this program includes a tour of the Education Center, Nature Explore Area, and information about the Refuge’s environmental education programs. Free (donations accepted). Co-sponsored by Earth Care Catholics of Olympia and Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee. For more information, call 459-5825.
April 16 (Saturday)
9 am – noon – Ohop Ivy Pull
For more information, call the Nisqually Land Trust at 360-489-3400.
April 22 (Friday)
8:30 am – 12:30 pm – Powell Uplands Scotch Broom Pull Earth Day!
For more information, call the Nisqually Land Trust at 360-489-3400.
April 28 (Thursday)
6:30 pm – What’s New at LOTT
(LOTT Headquarters, 500 Adams Street NE in Olympia) Join the Thurston County League of Women Voters to see LOTT’s new office and learn the latest on what LOTT does to reclaim wastewater, including how demand for this reclaimed water is growing. Social period at 6:30 p.m. followed by presentation and discussion at 7:00 p.m.
Rain Garden Workshop
(Tumwater Fire Hall)