Every Tuesday, 9am-3pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Contact: Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or asmithers@tnc.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
Every Wednesday, 8-10am – Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Bird Walk
Phil Kelley from Black Hills Audubon Society leads a weekly bird walk at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at the Visitor Center Overlook at 8am, and join Phil for the entire walk or for as long as you wish.
Beach Naturalist Program
South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA) is expanding its Beach Naturalists Program and will train volunteers to help people learn about and enjoy area beaches this summer. Interested volunteers should visit SSEA’s Beach Naturalists site or contact Leihla at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org for more information.
January 18 (Tuesday)
9am – 3pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Meet at Glacial Heritage to pull Scot’s broom, thin oak trees and burn slash piles. (For those that would like to stay out of the rain, there also will be seeds to clean.) Bring warm raingear, gloves, water and a lunch. Let Ashley Smithers (asmithers@tnc.org or 503.451.0824) know if you are coming and what you would like to do, so she can make sure to bring enough supplies. Directions: Take I-5 to exit 95 (Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia. Go west through Littlerock to the T-intersection at Mima Road/Waddell Creek. Go south (left) on Mima Road 2.7 miles and take a left onto an unmarked gravel road, you will see a tractor sign and then the turn. Please adhere to the 15 mph speed limit on this road as there are often dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road through the gate and take the first right get to the house. VOLUNTEER EVENT
10am – 1pm – Hogum Bay Ivy Pull
(near Lacey) Rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Youths 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. The Land Trust will provide tools, gloves, and some snacks. For directions, RSVP to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org no later than 24 hours before the event—this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone. For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400.
10:00 am – Public hearing on HB 1124 (Establishing seasons for hunting cougars with dogs)
(House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources, House Hearing Rm A, John L. O’Brien Building) For more info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/agnr/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16193. EXTRA CREDIT
10:00 am – Public hearings relating to residential solar power
(House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications; House Hearing Rm B, John L. O’Brien Building) Public hearing on HB 1049 (Concerning net metering of electricity) and HB 1081 (Regarding the siting of small alternative energy resource facilities.) For more information and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/tec/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16190. EXTRA CREDIT
January 19 (Wednesday)
1:30 pm – Public hearing on HB 1003 (Establishing energy efficiency standards for consumer products)
(House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications ; House Hearing Rm B, John L. O’Brien Building) For more information and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/tec/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16208. EXTRA CREDIT
1:30 pm – Public hearings on bills to weaken shoreline and growth management
(House Committee on Local Government; House Hearing Rm E, John L. O’Brien Building) Public hearing on HB 1088 (Limiting the moratoria authority of counties and cities in the ordinary course of comprehensive plan and shoreline master program amendment processes) and HB 1094 (Providing a process for county legislative authorities to withdraw from voluntary planning under the growth management act). For more information and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/lg/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16209. EXTRA CREDIT
7:30 pm – Farming Heritage of Thurston County
(McLane Grange, 931 Delphi Rd SW) Presentation by Drew Crooks. Free.
7-9 pm – Community Forum on Shelton Biomass Project
(Shelton Civic Center, 252 W Cota St, Shelton 98584) Get the latest facts on the status of the ADAGE Biomass Incinerator Project. The proposed construction site includes a 170’ smokestack and will cover acres of land adjacent to neighborhoods, schools, senior housing, the MCRA Playfields and our hospital. Find out how to make your concerns known before the comment period ends January 31. Find out how to respond to the new SEPA Determination and let our elected officials and county planners know how you feel about this project. Join a discussion of the disaster plan from ADAGE—Is it adequate to protect our residents?
Speakers include nationally acclaimed environmental lawyer, Meg Sheehan, and Michelle Morris of Concerned Citizens of Thurston County. Ms. Sheehan is one of the founders of EcoLaw an organization whose goal is to engage individuals, communities and professionals in strategic efforts to ensure enforcement of environmental laws on the state and national levels by acting as advocates for natural resources and the human communities that depend on clean water, clean air and forest ecosystems. Representatives from the offices of the Olympic Regional Clean Air Agency (ORCAA), and Mason County Emergency Management have also been invited to speak. After the program, attendees will have a chance to visit with speakers and gather information from the agencies and organizations represented at the program. Doors open at 6:40pm, and the program will begin at 7:00pm. This event is free to the public. Presented as a public service of Concerned Citizens of Mason County. For more information call 360-868-2251 or 360-432-8203. Some folks are carpooling from Olympia—meeting at the Mud Bay Park & Ride lot at 6:00pm. If you’d like to join them, contact Walter Jorgensen at waltjorgensen@comcast.net or at 360-250-0838.
January 20 (Thursday)
8:00 am – Public hearings on permitting anaerobic digestors and regarding car refrigerants
(House Committee on Environment; House Hearing Rm C, John L. O’Brien Building) Public hearing on HB 1070 (Regarding the permitting of anaerobic digestion under chapter 70.94 RCW, the clean air act) and HB 1135 (Regarding refrigerants for motor vehicles). For more information and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/envi/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16215. EXTRA CREDIT
10:00 am – Public hearing on bill to prevent noxious weeds that are grown commercially (like butterfly bush and English ivy) from being declared ‘noxious weeds’
(Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development; Senate Hearing Rm 3, J.A. Cherberg Building) Public hearing on SB 5087 (Regarding noxious weed lists). For more information and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/senate/committees/ared/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16235. EXTRA CREDIT
5:30 pm – Public hearing on Thurston County Prairie Regulations
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 152) The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on renewing interim prairie regulations for another six months. The regulations were originally approved in 2009, and then renewed/amended in 2010. For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/prairieoak/prairieoak_home.htm. EXTRA CREDIT
6:30-8:30 pm – Renewing the “Cycle”: Using Recycled Materials in Construction and DIY Projects
(Urban Onion Ballroom, 116 Legion Way SE, Olympia 98501—in downtown Olympia, across from Sylvester Park) In the Recession, the bottom has fallen out of traditional recycling markets, slowing and in some cases stopping the “cycle.” Construction companies and homeowners can help by using local recycled materials in their projects. Find out how to use recycled glass & concrete, salvaged materials, and more. Join the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild for a panel presentation by John Specht (Concrete Recyclers, Inc.), Terri Thomas (Thurston County Solid Waste) and Gregory Smith (Smith Design Studio). Program begins at 7pm. For more information and to RSVP for catered buffet, call 754-6152.
7-9 pm – Birds of Iraq
(Capitol Museum Coach House, 211 W. 21st St, Olympia) Join the Black Hills Audubon Society in 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. While there, he photographed more than 180 species of birds in their native habitats. 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 21 (Friday)
8:00 am – Public hearing on bill requiring government officials to provide individuals with information and seek voluntary compliance with the Shoreline Management Act and the Growth Management Act before issuing penalties.
(House Committee on Local Government; House Hearing Rm E, John L. O’Brien Building) Public hearing on HB 1082 (Concerning violations of the shoreline management act and the growth management act.) For more information and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/lg/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16229. EXTRA CREDIT
January 22 (Saturday)
7am-6pm – Black Hills Audubon Society Field Trip: Skagit River and Flats Field Trip
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 Bald Eagles. 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 . Pre-registration required.
10am-1pm – Burri Park Work Party
(Burri Park, Olympia 98502) We will be removing invasive Yellow Archangel and pulling weeds. Meet at 2415 Burbank Ave NW. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser or at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360-753-8365. VOLUNTEER EVENT
January 23 (Sunday)
10am-12:30pm OR 1-3:30pm – Winter Twig Identification field course
Learn to identify native deciduous trees and shrubs without leaves or flowers, and enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the woods during winter time. Two workshops to choose from: 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, contact Erica Guttman at erica@nativeplantsalvage.org or at 360-867-2164.
January 24 (Monday)
6:00- 8:00 pm – Public Meeting on Biomass Gasification Research at Evergreen
(Evergreen State College, Seminar II, B1105) The Evergreen State College Sustainability Council will be hosting a public meeting on. We will be discussing our process and timeline for the biomass gasification feasibility study, and we will provide an update on the research. If you want a parking pass for the event, contact Dani Madrone at madroned@evergreen.edu. EXTRA CREDIT
January 25 (Tuesday)
6:30-8:30 pm — Nisqually Watershed Septic System Proposal
(Expo Center at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Rd SE, Lacey) If you live in the Nisqually Watershed, join Thurston County staff for an open house on a proposed septic system operations and maintenance program. Learn more and give feedback. For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehrp/nisqually.html.
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 dikes 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 USGS monitoring of the physical and biological responses, and Christopher Ellings (Nisqually Tribe Salmon Research Biologist) will talk about preliminary results of fish ecology monitoring. EXTRA CREDIT
January 26 (Wednesday)
9am – 1pm – Puget Sound Shoreline Restoration Work Party
People For Puget Sound is holding this restoration work party on private shoreline properties on the Cooper Point peninsula. We will be pulling English ivy and other invasive species, and replanting the cleared areas with native trees, shrubs, and ground covers. E-mail cdonehower@pugetsound.org to RSVP and get directions. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring your own lunch and water bottle; we will provide snacks and beverages. If you have hand tools and work gloves, please bring them as well. If not, we will have tools and gloves to share. No experience is necessary, but children ten and under must have adult supervision. VOLUNTEER EVENT
4:00 pm – Biomass Moratorium Briefing from Agency Representatives
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280) In December, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners enacted a one-year moratorium on new biomass facilities, to give commissioners time to investigate environmental concerns surrounding biomass energy. At today’s meeting, Thurston County Commissioners will hear from the state departments of Commerce, Natural Resources, and Ecology, and from the Olympia Region Clean Air Agency. The briefing is open to the public. For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/biomass/biomass-home.html. EXTRA CREDIT
6:30- 9 pm — Environmental Stewardship, Part 1
(The Urban Onion Ballroom) The Olympia Planning Commission is seeking to engage citizens in deeper conversations to build on previous comments they have received regarding planning for Olympia’s future. This meeting will be focusing on the topic of the environment. 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 note-takers capturing the discussions at each table. EXTRA CREDIT
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 & philosophical underpinning of the movement. Topics include: principles & ethics; energy & 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 and web resources will also be included. The class is open to all interested individuals. There is a registration fee of $10, and fee waivers are available. For more information, go to www.ouuc.org and click on “Adult Education”—or contact Roger Nielsen at thenielsens2000@yahoo.com.
January 29 (Saturday)
10am-1pm – Trillium Park Work Party
(Trillium Park, Olympia 98501) Join us as we remove invasive Yellow archangel, English ivy, and work on trail maintenance at Trillium Park. Meet at 901 Eskridge Blvd SE. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser or at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360-753-8365. VOLUNTEER EVENT
February 1 (Tuesday)
3:30-4:30pm – Biomass Moratorium Briefing to Thurston Board of Health
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280) Open to the public. See Jan 26 listing for more information. EXTRA CREDIT
February 2 (Wednesday)
9am – 1pm – Puget Sound Shoreline Restoration Work Party
People For Puget Sound is holding this restoration work party on private shoreline properties on the Cooper Point peninsula. We will be pulling English ivy and other invasive species, and replanting the cleared areas with native trees, shrubs, and ground covers. E-mail cdonehower@pugetsound.org to RSVP and get directions. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring your own lunch and water bottle; we will provide snacks and beverages. If you have hand tools and work gloves, please bring them as well. If not, we will have tools and gloves to share. No experience is necessary, but children ten and under must have adult supervision. VOLUNTEER EVENT
9-10:30am – Biomass Moratorium Briefing from Evergreen State College
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280) Representatives from Evergreen State College will be briefing and discussing biomass issues with the Commissioners and staff. Open to the public. See Jan 26 listing for more information. EXTRA CREDIT
February 3 (Thursday)
2-4pm – Biomass Moratorium Briefing from Concerned Citizens of Thurston County
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280) Open to the public. See Jan 26 listing for more information. EXTRA CREDIT
6-8 pm – Black Hills Audubon Society Birding Class: Gulls Need Love, Too.
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. The class will be followed by a field trip on Sunday, Feb. 6th (location yet to be determined), focusing on applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. 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
“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, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks, Short-eared Owls, and Northern Harriers. Flocks of Trumpeter and Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, and numerous species of ducks are typical. 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 a lot of driving. Meet at Hawks Prairie Home Depot parking lot near the Cutter’s Point coffee shop at 6:50am for a 7:00am departure.
9am – 1pm – Puget Sound Shoreline Restoration Work Party
People For Puget Sound is holding this restoration work party on private shoreline properties on the Cooper Point peninsula. We will be pulling English ivy and other invasive species, and replanting the cleared areas with native trees, shrubs, and ground covers. E-mail cdonehower@pugetsound.org to RSVP and get directions. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring your own lunch and water bottle; we will provide snacks and beverages. If you have hand tools and work gloves, please bring them as well. If not, we will have tools and gloves to share. No experience is necessary, but children ten and under must have adult supervision. VOLUNTEER EVENT
9am – noon – Wilcox Flats Planting
(near Yelm) Rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Youths 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. The Land Trust will provide tools, gloves, and some snacks. RSVP to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org no later than 24 hours before the event for directions: this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone. For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400. VOLUNTEER EVENT
February 7 (Tuesday)
5:30pm – Thurston County public hearing on Biomass Moratorium
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 152.) In December, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners enacted a one-year moratorium on new biomass facilities, to give commissioners time to investigate environmental concerns surrounding biomass energy. This hearing before the Thurston County Board of Commissioners is to hear the public’s opinions on the ordinance, to help the commissioners decide whether to extend the moratorium. It is likely to be very well attended (and possibly a bit boisterous), so you probably need to arrive early if you want a seat! For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/biomass/biomass-home.html. EXTRA CREDIT
February 8 (Tuesday)
6-8:30pm – SSEA Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Event
(Squaxin Museum, 150 SE K’WUH-DEEGS-ALTXW, Shelton) Everyone is welcome to attend our annual meeting to celebrate the promise of a very busy year, elect new board members, and honor those who contributed above and beyond in volunteer service to the organization. Our guest speaker will be Rich Gieger, District Engineer for the Mason Conservation District, who has played a key role in many projects that are helping restore the health of the Skokomish River and Hood Canal. You can download the event invitation here. RSVP to melanie@sseacenter.org or call 360-918-8708 with the names of people attending.
7pm – The longer day: How rocks can tell us about changes in the Earth’s spin and the Moon’s orbit.
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Prof. Christopher Coughenour, TESC.
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. EXTRA CREDIT
February 10 (Thursday)
noon-1pm — Cherie Fontenot: “Theo Chocolate: Equal Parts Ethical and Delicious”
(SPSCC, Room 26-101) Theo Chocolate’s founding principle is that the finest artisan chocolate in the world can (and should) be produced in an entirely ethical, sustainable fashion. Sustainable growing practices benefit both our fragile environmental ecosystem and all of the people inhabiting our planet. Fair Trade benefits the child who has greater opportunities with adequate nutrition, access to healthcare, and education, and it enables farmers to blend the benefits of modern techniques with artisanal practices, while participating in greater social change through the democratic Fair Trade cooperative organization. Theo Chocolate is at the forefront of a successful new business model that unites strong ethical goals and the highest standards of quality. EXTRA CREDIT
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. EXTRA CREDIT
February 11 (Friday)
5-9 pm – Native Plant Salvage Project Annual Dinner & Auction
(First United Methodist Church of Olympia) Join us for an evening of fun and fundraising to support the work of the Native Plant Salvage Project and recognize our community partners and volunteers! Reservations are required. RSVP via email to nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com
February 12 (Saturday)
10am – 2pm – Woodard Bay Restoration Work Party
(Woodard Bay NRCA, Olympia) Removing English ivy and installing native plants. For more information, contact Christina Donehower with People for Puget Sound, at 360-754-9177 ext. 183 or at cdonehower@pugetsound.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
10am-3pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Glacial Heritage) We probably will be pulling Scot’s broom, thinning oak seedlings, and burning brush piles. Stay as long as you want—all are welcome! Bring raingear, gloves, water, lunch and a smile. Directions to Glacial Heritage: Take I-5 to exit 95 (the Littlerock exit) about 10 miles south of Olympia. Go west through Littlerock to the T-intersection at the Mima Road/Waddell Creek. Go south (left) on Mima Road 2.7 miles and take a left onto an unmarked gravel road, you will see a tractor sign and then the turn. Please be sure to adhere to the 15 mph speed limit on this road as there are often dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road through the gate. Take the first right get to the house. For more information, contact Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or at asmithers@tnc.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
February 13 (Sunday)
10:30am – 12:30 pm – Titlow Park Waterbird Survey
(Titlow Park, Tacoma) Help identify and count waterbirds at Titlow Lagoon and beach. No experience necessary. For more information, contact Christina Donehower with People for Puget Sound, at 360-754-9177 ext. 183 or at cdonehower@pugetsound.org.
9:30am – Native Plant Salvage Project Plant Salvage
Salvages begin at the site. Around noon, we serve a hot vegetarian lunch, and then move to our nursery/holding beds to pot the salvaged plants during the afternoon. Some volunteers choose to join us for the afternoon shift only, and we are always grateful for the extra help! To get details and directions, 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 21 (Monday)
9:30am – Native Plant Salvage Project Plant Salvage
Salvages begin at the site. Around noon, we serve a hot vegetarian lunch, and then move to our nursery/holding beds to pot the salvaged plants during the afternoon. Some volunteers choose to join us for the afternoon shift only, and we are always grateful for the extra help! To get details and directions, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166. 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
February 24 (Thursday)
6-9 pm – Naturescaping Workshops with Native Plant Salvage Project
(Tumwater Fire Hall) Are you interested in sustainable landscaping practices that can result in reduced maintenance chores, including watering and mowing? Join us to learn design ideas for creating landscapes that are beautiful year round and feature native and waterwise plants; attract birds, butterflies, amphibians, and beneficial insects; and help protect and conserve our local waterways and groundwater. Learn how to transform your landscape into your home sanctuary, while also saving you time, money and resources. Participants will receive many free handouts to help create more attractive and sustainable landscapes. Free—but space is limited and registration is required. Sponsored by Stream Team.
March 5 (Saturday)
9:30 am – 3:30 pm – South Sound Steward Training
(People For Puget Sound Olympia office) A free, one-day training course for restoration volunteers covering natural history of Puget Sound, principles of restoration ecology, current projects in the South Sound, an introduction to plant and waterbird identification and survey methods, and invasive vegetation management techniques. E-mail cdonehower@pugetsound.org to register. EXTRA CREDIT
9:30am – Native Plant Salvage Project Plant Salvage
Salvages begin at the site. Around noon, we serve a hot vegetarian lunch, and then move to our nursery/holding beds to pot the salvaged plants during the afternoon. Some volunteers choose to join us for the afternoon shift only, and we are always grateful for the extra help! To get details and directions, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166. VOLUNTEER EVENT
March 8 (Tuesday)
7pm – Olympia Science Café: Tuberculosis in the 21st Century
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Dr. Diana Yu, MD, Health Officer for Thurston and Mason Counties.
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 13 (Sunday)
10am – noon – Titlow Park Waterbird Survey
(Titlow Park, Tacoma) Help identify and count waterbirds at Titlow Lagoon and beach. No experience necessary. For more information, contact Christina Donehower with People for Puget Sound, at 360-754-9177 ext. 183 or at cdonehower@pugetsound.org.
* * * 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 20: Native Plant Salvage Project Plant Salvage. Location to be announced. For more information, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166.
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.
March 31 (Thursday)
6-9 pm – Naturescaping Workshops with Native Plant Salvage Project
(Lacey Community Center) Are you interested in sustainable landscaping practices that can result in reduced maintenance chores, including watering and mowing? Join us to learn design ideas for creating landscapes that are beautiful year round and feature native and waterwise plants; attract birds, butterflies, amphibians, and beneficial insects; and help protect and conserve our local waterways and groundwater. Learn how to transform your landscape into your home sanctuary, while also saving you time, money and resources. Participants will receive many free handouts to help create more attractive and sustainable landscapes. Free—but space is limited and registration is required. Sponsored by Stream Team.
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 12 (Tuesday)
7pm – Olympia Science Café: The Hubble Telescope
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Dr. Bruce Balick, Chair, Dept. of Astronomy, UW.
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.
6:30- 8:45 pm – Rain Garden Workshop
(Tumwater) Learn to manage your stormwater onsite! Learn the details for creating a beautiful landscape feature that protects local waterways while managing drainage on-site. We’ll also have how-to information about other low-impact development techniques. Many free handouts and guidebooks for participants! Plus, we’ll be offering participants a chance to join us for some local rain garden installations this spring and summer for more hands-on learning! Registration is required. (Stay tuned for more details). Sponsored by Stream Team.
May 10 (Tuesday)
7pm – Olympia Science Café: The magnitude 6.5 Puget Sound earthquake of Fall 2011 (that no one will feel)
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Prof. Emeritus Steve Malone and Past Director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, UW
June 14 (Tuesday)
7pm – Olympia Science Café: Hair and the detection of breast cancer.
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Prof. Emeritus D. Lyman, Univ. of Utah.