Register for Environmental Lobby Day (February 15th)

(Olympia, 8:45 am – 6:00 pm)  If you pre-register by Feb 11th, the cost is $20 ($10 for students)—which includes breakfast, lunch, materials, appointments and receptions.  For more information, see listing for Feb. 15th.

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

Meet at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Overlook at 8am, and join Phil Kelley from Black Hills Audubon Society for the entire walk or for as long as you wish.

Beach Naturalist Program

South Sound Estuary Association is training volunteers to help people learn about and enjoy area beaches this summer.  Go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/volunteer/beach-naturalists or contact Leihla at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org for more information.

February 7 (Monday)

10:00 am – Senate Agriculture & Rural Economic Development Committee

(Senate Hearing Rm 3, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearing: SB 5575 (Recognizing certain biomass energy facilities as an eligible renewable resource).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – Senate Natural Resources & Marine Waters Committee

Senate Hearing Rm 2, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearing: SB 5266 (Improving the permitting process at certain natural resources agencies); SB 5356 (Establishing seasons for hunting cougars with the aid of dogs); SB 5551 (Concerning the forestry riparian easement program).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

5:30pm – Thurston County public hearing on Asphalt Permitting and on the 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.  The Commissioners also will be holding a public hearing on an interim ordinance that limits the permitting of new asphalt plants, gravel mines and other mineral-extraction activities.  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.  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

February 8 (Tuesday)

9am – 3pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

(Glacial Heritage) The plan is to continue slash-pile burning, pulling Scot’s broom, thinning oak seedlings, and seed cleaning. Bring weather appropriate clothes, gloves, water and a lunch.  Directions:  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 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

10:00 am – Senate Environment, Water & Energy Committee

Senate Hearing Rm 4, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearing: SB 5485 (Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts at earlier stages in the building and construction design process; requires state building code council to adopt changes to promote the greater use of wood and wood products) SB 5510 (has to do with renewable energy, though I can’t tell whether it helps or hinders) SB 5526 (Concerning incentives for stirling converters); SB 5509 (Mitigating carbon dioxide emissions resulting from fossil-fueled electrical generation).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

10:00 am – House Local Government Committee

(House Hearing Rm E, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing: HB 1622 (Authorizing rural conservation development demonstration projects); HB 1660 (Authorizing multijurisdiction flood control zones); HB 1696 (Concerning provisions for notifications and appeals timelines under the shoreline management act).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

10:00 am – House Technology, Energy & Communications Committee

House Hearing Rm B, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing: HB 1781 (Regarding alternative fuel vehicle requirements).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – House Environment Committee

(House Hearing Rm C, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing: HB 1489 (Limiting the use of fertilizer containing phosphorus); HB 1307 (Concerning standards for the use of science to support public policy); HB 1721 (To prevent storm water pollution, prohibits the sale of pavement products that contain coal tar, and he application of such products on driveways or parking areas).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

6-8:30pm – SSEA Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Event

(Squaxin Museum, 150 SE K’WUH-DEEGS-ALTXW, Shelton)  Help elect new board members and honor those who contributed above and beyond in volunteer service to the organization.  The 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.  Everyone welcome.  See the event invitation here.  RSVP to melanie@sseacenter.org or call 360-918-8708.

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)  Our planet is currently experiencing a long-term increase in the length of a day of 20 microseconds per year—meaning each day is, on average, nearly 55 nanoseconds longer than the last.  Even our familiar moon is not static in its orbit around Earth, increasing its average distance from us by 3.8 centimeters per year.  Chris Coughenour, Ph.D. (The Evergreen State College) will discuss how these phenomena are intimately related, why our corner of the solar system is undergoing such changes, and why these changes have not been constant in the distant past.  He will also tell us how, through the geologic record of preserved tidal cycles, this long-standing problem first recognized by Edmund Halley may be solved throughout Earth’s long history.  EXTRA CREDIT

February 9 (Wednesday)

8:00 am – House State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

(House Hearing Rm E, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing: HB 1671 (Requires agencies to determine whether proposed rules will result in a certain economic impacts—and if so, the agency must provide notification and may not enforce the rule until the rule is enacted into law by the legislature) HB 1156 (Suspends almost all agency rule making for 3 or more years).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

(House Hearing Rm A, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing: HB 1610 (Regarding the management of water resources); HB 1803 (Modifying the Columbia river basin management program).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – Senate Environment, Water & Energy Committee

(Senate Hearing Rm 4, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearing: SB 5536 (Regarding the management of water resources); SB 5647 (Modifying the Columbia river basin management program); SB 5555 (Concerning interbasin transfers of water rights); SB 5350 (Concerning the unlawful dumping or depositing of solid waste).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

7pm – Chickens in Lacey?

(Lacey City Hall, Council Chambers) City of Lacey Land Use Committee.  Topic:Urban Poultry.

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)

8:00 am – House Environment Committee

(House Hearing Rm C, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing: HB 1712 (Regarding null power).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

10:00 am – Senate Agriculture & Rural Economic Development Committee

(Senate Hearing Rm 3, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearing: SB 5611 (Requiring cities, counties, and state agencies that own land designated as agricultural land of long-term commercial significance to protect and maintain that land for future agricultural use).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

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

noon- 1:30pm – Understanding Makah Whaling Rights & Fishing Treaties from a Makah Perspective

(SPSCC, Room 26-102)  Speakers: Micah McCarty (Makah Tribal Council Chairman) and Russel Svec (Makah Fisheries Manager).  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – Senate Natural Resources & Marine Waters Committee

(Senate Hearing Rm 2, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public Hearing:  SB 5669 (Consolidating various natural resources agencies and programs).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

3:30 pm – Senate Ways & Means Committee

(Senate Hearing Rm 4, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearing: SB 5604 (Concerning creating clean water jobs through storm water pollution funding); SB 5385 (Increasing revenue to the state wildlife account); SB 5450 (Creating a local mineral severance tax).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

5-10 pm – “Warm Home” Insulating Window Inserts

(Olympia Unitarian Church, 2300 West End Ct, Olympia)  Are your windows cold or drafty?  Save energy, cut costs and help the environment while you learn in a fun community setting how to build simple, low-cost interior insulating window inserts.  These double layered windows fit snugly inside the window opening, are easily removable and can be made in custom sizes. They are built with local wood, a double layer of shrink wrap and weatherstripping.  The inserts are perfect for single-pane or aluminum windows.  We provide the tools and materials, you bring measurements and friends—and together we’ll build a set of inserts for your house (and for others) to stay warm and save money this winter.  Thanks to the City of Olympia Housing Program this Work-party Series is FREE to eligible low-income households.  Others pay cost of  materials ($1.50 per sq ft) and a small workshop fee ($30-50 sliding scale).  To register, go to www.homeempowerment.org/home/register or contact Joseph Becker at ionecobuilding@gmail.com.

6:30 pm – Stormwater: Are we doing our best to deal with All This Rain?

(Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia)   All are welcome to this meeting of the Thurston County League of Women Voters.  We will have a discussion, and photos will show how polluted rain runoff can be handled in a more deliberate and creative way to more closely mimic natural systems.  Social period is at 6:30pm, followed by presentation and discussion at 7:00 pm. EXTRA CREDIT

February 11 (Friday)

8:00 am – House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

(House Hearing Rm A, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing: HB 1192 (appears to limit the ability of small forest landowners to take part in a state program that protects streams) HB 1582 (Concerning forest practices applications leading to conversion of land for development purposes); HB 1110 (Requiring certain state agencies that manage natural resources to coordinate their land management with local governments); HB 1589 (Concerning trust water rights).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

8:00 am – House Local Government Committee

(House Hearing Rm E, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing: HB 1662 (revises appeal and permit procedures under the Shoreline Management Act); HB 1265 (Prohibits the maximum residential density of an unincorporated portion of an urban growth area from exceeding that of the immediately adjacent areas of the abutting city or cities.)  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – House Environment Committee

(House Hearing Rm C, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public Hearing:  HB 1766 (Regarding hydronic heaters).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

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 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:  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

10am – 12 noon – Tree Planting at Circle Hawk Farm along Spurgeon Creek

(9404 Crete St. SE, Olympia 98501)  Join Stream Team for the first tree planting event in 2011!  We’ll be going back out to Circle Hawk Farm to plant more native trees and shrubs along Spurgeon Creek, which is a tributary to the Deschutes River.  The farm is located in southeast Olympia off of Rich Road and near Lattin’s Cider Mill.  This planting is part of a larger habitat restoration effort that Stream Team is helping with at Circle Hawk Farm.  We’ll supply the gloves, shovels, snacks and refreshments… including Lattin’s hot apple cider!  Please wear sturdy boots or shoes and come dressed for the weather.  We’ll be planting rain or shine.  Youth under 18 must have a waiver form signed by a parent or guardian.  Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.  To register or for more information contact Ann Marie @ 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or finanam@co.thurston.wa.us.  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, and include a hot vegetarian lunch—and then move to our nursery/holding beds to pot the salvaged plants. For details and directions, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

February 14 (Monday)

Noon – The Civilian Conservation Corps in Washington State Parks: a Long-Term Investment

(State Capital Museum, 211 – 21st Ave. SW Olympia)  Washington State Historical Society, and State Capital Museum present Ryan Karlson, Interpretive Program Manager, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.  During the depths of the Great Depression, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt launched the Civilian Conservation Corps as a way to conserve natural resources and assist unemployed young men. In Washington State the CCC played a significant role in the early development of the area’s park system. This program will highlight the accomplishments of the CCC and the lasting benefits of their regional work, including local examples such as Millersylvania State Park.  Suggested donation to each presentation is $2. You are welcome to bring lunch. Coffee, tea and cookies will be served.

February 15 (Tuesday)

8:45 am – 4 pm — annual Environmental Citizens’ Lobby Day 2011

Your legislators in Olympia need to hear first-hand that the people of Washington care about having clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and a safe environment for ourselves and our children.  During Environmental Lobby Day, you will get briefed by experts on the four main environmental priorities for this legislative session; learn tricks of the trade from top environmental lobbyists; have a chance to meet face-to-face with your legislators; attend an important committee hearing on the Capitol campus; and be well fed.  Registration for students is $10, which covers breakfast, lunch, materials, and receptions.  (For non-students, registration is $20 if you register before Feb. 11; after that it is $25.)  For more information, go to http://environmentalpriorities.org or talk to Mike Leigh at SPSCC.

9am – 3pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

(Scatter Creek)  We will be going to Scatter Creek to plant and weed some plots that will be used for Checkered spot butterflies. For more information, contact Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or at asmithers@tnc.org.

10:30 am –1:30 pm – Hogum Bay English Ivy Removal (Round 2)

(Olympia)  For directions, RSVP no later than 24 hours before the event, to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org with a Subject line that reads “RSVP: Hogum Bay Ivy Pull – Feb 15th”.  For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400.

7-9pm – Deep Green film and discussion

(MIXX 96 meeting room, corner of State and Washington in downtown Olympia)  Deep Green is an eye-opening film that travels the globe, unearthing ingenious solutions to get humanity off its fossil fuel consumption and reduce civilization’s footprint.  The film will be screened at 7 pm, followed by a discussion. This program, sponsored by Transition Olympia Climate Action, is free and open to the public. Please bring a mug for coffee or tea.  For more information, contact Barb Scavezze 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com.  EXTRA CREDIT

February 17 (Thursday)

7-9pm – Audubon Program: Critters of Costa Rica

(Capitol Museum Coach House, 221 West 21st Avenue, Olympia 98501)  Join members of the Black Hills Audubon Society as Valerie Elliot presents photos about her 2-week trip to Costa Rica in search of dragonflies and other wildlife.  Doors open at 7 PM for refreshments; presentation begins at 7:30 PM.  The public is welcome.

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 no later than 24 hours before the event, to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org with a Subject line that reads “RSVP-Trestle Farm Tree Planting – Feb 19th”.  For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

12-5 pm – “Warm Home” Insulating Window Inserts

(Olympia Unitarian Church, 2300 West End Ct, Olympia)  Are your windows cold or drafty?  Save energy, cut costs and help the environment while you learn in a fun community setting how to build simple, low-cost interior insulating window inserts.  These double layered windows fit snugly inside the window opening, are easily removable and can be made in custom sizes. They are built with local wood, a double layer of shrink wrap and weatherstripping.  The inserts are perfect for single-pane or aluminum windows.  We provide the tools and materials, you bring measurements and friends—and together we’ll build a set of inserts for your house (and for others) to stay warm and save money this winter.  Thanks to the City of Olympia Housing Program this Work-party Series is FREE to eligible low-income households.  Others pay cost of  materials ($1.50 per sq ft) and a small workshop fee ($30-50 sliding scale).  To register, go to www.homeempowerment.org/home/register or contact Joseph Becker at ionecobuilding@gmail.com.

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 22 (Tuesday)

9am – 3pm – TNC Amphibian Survey

(Mima Creek)  We will be looking for Oregon Spotted Frog (OSF) egg masses as part of TNC’s pre-monitoring for the reintroduction of OSF at Mima Creek. Please bring waders or hip boots. For more information, contact Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or at asmithers@tnc.org.  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.

February 26 (Saturday):

Thurston Conservation District’s Annual Native Plant Sale

Each February the District holds a native plant sale event. They provide conservation-grade plants at affordable prices to the public. The plant sale offers over 35 different native species ranging from trees, shrubs, herbaceous varieties and groundcovers.  Pre-orders are being taken until January 31st, and make it more likely you will get the plant species you want.  For pre-order forms go to: www.thurstoncd.com/index.php?id=93.  For more information, contact Kathleen at 360-754-3588 ext. 114 or  kwhalen@thurstoncd.com

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

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 – Bannister Ivy Pull

(DuPont)  RSVP no later than 24 hours before the event, to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org with a Subject line that reads “RSVP: Bannister Ivy Pull – March 12th”.  For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400.  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

(Saint Martin’s University, Lacey)  Volunteers are needed to help throughout the day, from 9am to 10 pm.  If you are interested in volunteering, please send an e-mail to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org with the Subject line “Auction Volunteer”.

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.

June 23 (Thursday)

6:30 pm – Community Supported Agriculture

(Thurston County Courthouse, Bldg. 1, Room 280—2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Olympia 98502)  Presentation by and discussion with several local CSA farmers regarding the social, economic and environmental benefits of the increasingly popular Community-Supported Agriculture. Speakers will discuss the benefits and how it works. Social period at 6:30 p.m. followed by presentation and disucssion beginning at 7:00 p.m.