Local events & volunteering, March

Become a Beach Naturalist!

The sign-up for the South Sound Estuary Association’s Beach Naturalist Program have begun and spots are filling up fast! Over 60 volunteers will be trained to help people learn about and enjoy area beaches this summer. Beach Naturalist training sessions will be taught by experts in marine biology and interpretation. Subject matter will include the geological formation of Puget Sound, marine biology, near shore ecology, and identification and interpretation skills. Beach Naturalist volunteers are asked to commit 12 training hours followed by at least four days on the beach during the months of June, July, and August. The cost of the Beach Naturalist training is $40 and training begins April 7th. Two scholarships (made possible by the Griffin Neighborhood Association) are available for individuals from Steamboat Island Peninsula. Visit http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/volunteer/beach-naturalists or contact Leihla at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org for more information.

Become A Sound Steward: Share the Wonder of Puget Sound

Ever thought of becoming a volunteer naturalist? Sound Stewards lead downtown walking tours that weave together the story of this place and its peoples—including topics such as glaciers, estuaries, water, wildlife, history, land changes, stormwater, and sea level rise. The walks are semi-scripted with designated routes, stops and talking points (although presentations are personalized by each Sound Steward). Volunteers will be expected to attend at least 4 of 5 classroom trainings; attend one practice walk; and lead at least 3 hikes between Labor Day and Memorial Day. The classroom training schedule is as follows: March 14, South Sound Geology & Estuaries; March 21, Water Quality of Budd Inlet; March 28, Deschutes/Budd Inlet People & History; April 11, Common wildlife in and around Budd Inlet; April 25, Stormwater in downtown Olympia and History and current issues related to Capital Lake. All classroom trainings are in the Olympia Center from 7-8:30 pm. Practice walks will be in May. Contact: Patricia Pyle at ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360)570-5841.

Volunteers Needed for a Juvenile Salmon/Fish Community Study in Gray Harbor

The Wild Fish Conservancy is seeking volunteers to assist in an assessment of habitat use by fish (particularly juvenile salmon) in tidally-influenced areas of the Chehalis River estuary and tributaries. The sampling effort will use fyke trapping and beach seining to capture, identify, measure, and release juvenile salmon from March through the end of September, 2011. Habitat assessments will also be made to identify areas for future habitat restoration projects to aid in salmon recovery in the Chehalis Basin. Volunteers need to be in good physical condition (adequate for hauling seine nets and traveling across mud flats), be comfortable working from small boats, and be willing to work in adverse weather conditions. The effort will provide experience in field techniques, fish identification, data collection and habitat assessment. Group lodging will be available in the Grays Harbor area. If interested, please contact Todd Sandell at todd@wildfishconservancy.org, and provide a contact phone number.

Every Tuesday, 9am-3pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

Contact: Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or asmithers@tnc.org.

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.

Note to my current students: Because this list goes out to a wider community, some events on this list are not suitable for class assignments. Events that are suitable for the Volunteer Event Review assignment are marked in red and say VOLUNTEER EVENT at the end of the listing. Those events also are suitable for extra credit, as are the events marked in green that say EXTRA CREDIT at the end of the listing.

March 12 (Saturday)

9 am – noon – English Ivy Removal in DuPont

Work Parties are rain or shine, so dress for Washington weather. RSVPs are required for directions—this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone. RSVP to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org with a Subject line that reads “RSVP: Bannister Ivy Pull – March 12th”. The NLT provides tools, gloves, & some snacks at its work parties, but you are welcome to bring your own. For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400. VOLUNTEER EVENT

10-3pm –The Nature Conservancy work party at Tenolquat Prairie

(Rainier) We will be pulling scotch broom, piling brush and possibly burning brush piles. Directions: from I-5, take exit 99 and head east on 93^rd Ave SW; when 93^rd dead-ends onto Old Hwy 99, turn right and continue to head south; at Waldrick Road turn left and continue until it ends at Military Road; turn left and continue until Military meets Rainier Road at the blinking red light; turn left onto Rainier Road and continue for about half a mile; turn left by the “Prairie Work Day” sign, and follow the gravel road to the gate and park. VOLUNTEER EVENT

10 am – noon – McLane Creek Maintenance

Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek. CANCELLED

1:00 – 3:30 pm – Bareroot Seedling Work Party

(Stream Team/Native Plant Salvage Plant Holding Beds, near RW Johnson Blvd., in west Olympia) Come help Stream Team pot up bareroot seedlings to be used later on stream habitat enhancement projects by Stream Team and Native Plant Salvage Project. We’ll be potting up bareroot plants recently purchased from the Thurston Conservation District plant sale, and weeding/repotting up plants already on site. We’ll provide gloves, tools, refreshments and snacks. Youth under the age of 18 must have a signed Waiver of Liability Form. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Ann Marie at 360-359-3102 or finanam@co.thurston.wa.us. VOLUNTEER EVENT

10am-noon – Advanced Organic Gardening Class 3: Worms and Castings; Container Media and Growing

(Black Lake Organic Learning Center, 4711 Black Lake Blvd. SW, 98512) The castings from properly fed earthworms are superior in many ways to regular compost. Learn what it takes to generate superior plant food. Arrive by 9:30am to register. Each class is $20; the last class is free for those who attended the first 4. For further information, go to www.blacklakeorganic.com, call (360)786-0537 or email info@bloorganic.net.

6-10pm – Olympia Small Farmer’s Mixer

(McLane Grange, 1/2 mile south of Mud Bay Road at 931 Delphi Rd SW) Open to farmers and non-farmers of all ages! All are welcome! Meet farmers, share seeds, get connected! 6pm: Seed Swap and Social. 7pm: Dinner, Music and more! Bring a side dish or dessert to share—main course and beverages will be provided. Music by Oly Old Time. Salmon dinner * community networking * dancing * antique farm equipment * silent auction * door prizes and more. For more information, email terracommons@gmail.com.

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.

Take-What-You-Dig work party with Pierce County’s Native Plant Salvage Alliance

(Bonney Lake). This development site is unusually an weed-free and healthy urban habitat. (Mike’s addition: at least until the developers destroy it.) Registered participants can salvage a variety of native upland-forest plant species for use in their own yards. To register, visit: http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=IOMKJN_cd751c46

1-3pm – Woodland Creek Tree Planting

(Olympia eastside – 98506) Help Stream Team plant native trees and shrubs along Woodard Creek on Sunday, March 13. Woodard Creek is home to a variety of fish species, including coho and chum salmon, and birds such as Great blue heron. This tree planting is part of an experiment to suppress invasive weeds using a thick layer of woodchips. We’ll supply gloves, tools, snacks and refreshments! Please come dressed for the weather and wear sturdy boots or shoes. Youth under the age of 18 must have a Waiver Form . Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. For directions or to register, contact Ann Marie at 754-3355 ext. 6857 or e-mail finanam@co.thurston.wa.us. VOLUNTEER EVENT

2-4 pm – South Puget Environmental Education Clearinghouse (SPEECH) Annual Meeting/21st birthday party

(SPEECH office: Media Island, 816 Adams Street SE, Olympia) SPEECH is a local non-profit environmental information clearinghouse founded in 1990. It is best known for publishing the quarterly environmental news journal, the South Sound Green Pages. In addition, SPEECH sponsors an environmental list serv (EnviroTalk) and regular forums and events. Current and former SPEECH board members and volunteers will briefly discuss the organization’s 21 year history, current projects, future events and potential outreach efforts. Board nominations and elections will also take place. Several volunteer positions involving fundraising, membership, events, news journal publication production and advertising are available. Refreshments will be provided. EXTRA CREDIT

March 14 (Monday)

7-9pm – The Alliance for Community Transition of South Sound (ACT-SS) Open House

(MIXX 96 Meeting Room, on the corner of State and Washington in downtown Olympia) ACT-SS was formed as a response to three concerns which will affect us locally: a changing climate; an unstable economy; and shortages of fossil fuels. The group’s purpose is to assist our community’s transition toward a resilient and sustainable future dependent upon human resourcefulness, renewable energy and a healthy natural environment. Several working groups have been formed to organize community participation in developing and implementing an action plan. During the open house, the community is invited to stop by several “stations” featuring the intentions of these work groups, and to sign up to participate in future efforts and discussions. Refreshments and door prizes donated by local businesses will be offered. Participating organizations include Transition Olympia – Climate Action, Thurston Climate Action Team, South Puget Environmental Education Clearinghouse, and Sustainable South Sound. EXTRA CREDIT

March 15 (Tuesday)

7-9 pm – Backyard Beekeeping: Could beekeeping be in your future?

(MIXX 96 Meeting Room, corner of State & Washington in downtown Olympia) Kellie Shincke, a local backyard beekeeper, will share from her experience with bees in her backyard. She will discuss both honeybees and mason bees as pollinators, different kinds of hives, and plants to attract bees to your yard and will bring samples of honey and hives.

March 16 (Wednesday)

6:30pm – South Sound Sierra Club Presents: Captain Charles Moore

(Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave SE, Olympia 98501) Captain Charles Moore will talk about the effects of plastics on marine life in Puget Sound as well as the Washington and Oregon coast. We also will show several videos on South Puget Sound and the effects of corporate farming on our tidelands. Charles Moore founded Algalita Marine Research Foundation (AMRF) in 1994 to focus on the “coastal ocean.” In 1997, his focus dramatically changed. While returning to California from Hawaii aboard his 50-foot catamaran, the Alguita, he chose to chart a course though the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, where he encountered enormous amounts of trash, mostly plastic, scattered across the area. On the most recent voyage in the summer of 2009, AMRF’s area of study extended to the International Date Line which revealed more of the same plastic sludge in our trawl samples. Captain Moore has made numerous research voyages resulting in a body of authoritative research publications and date and educational programs and has appeared on The Letterman Show and The Colbert Report as well as many national radio programs. Doors open at 6pm; the event begins at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10, and are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/156496 or at the boxoffice on the night of the talk.

March 17th (Thursday)

9am – noon – Capitol Land Trust Beach cleanup

(Twin Rivers Ranch Conservation Property, north of Shelton) Join in the Pacific Coast Shellfish Grower’s Association Annual beach cleanup. Contact Guy Maguire at guym@capitollandtrust.org or 943-3012 for information. VOLUNTEER EVENT

Gig Harbor plant salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Alliance

Volunteers are invited to dig on behalf of Citizens for a Healthy Bay, and to dig for their own purposes. To register, go to http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=IOOMNN_79d6d7b

* * * MARCH 17 (THURSDAY): ALL REVIEWS ARE DUE ! ! ! * * *

(Also due: Outdoor Journal)

March 18 (Friday)

8 am – 6:30 pm – 2^nd Annual Passive House Northwest Spring Meeting

(Longhouse at The Evergreen State College) The PHnw Spring Regional Meeting 2011 is open to all levels of building experience with both Introductory and Advanced tracks. This all-day seminar will tease your building science tastebuds with hot topics from seasoned professionals. Registration required. For more information, go to http://www.phnw.org/100/7/2nd-annual-phnw-regional-spring-meeting.html.

8:30 am -12:30 pm – English Ivy Removal in Yelm/Bald Hills

Work Parties are rain or shine, so dress for Washington weather. RSVPs are required for directions—this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone. RSVP to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org with a Subject line that reads “RSVP: Friday, March 18^th – English Ivy Removal in Yelm/Bald Hills”. The NLT provides tools, gloves, & some snacks at its work parties, but you are welcome to bring your own. For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400.

Saturday March 19

9am – 1pm – Cooper Point Restoration Work Day

Join us to restore this stretch of shoreline on the Cooper Point Peninsula! Your efforts will help to protect this beautiful native forest from aggressive, invasive weeds. We will be removing English ivy and other habitat-modifying invasive species and installing native plants. Bring a lunch and water bottle, and wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. If you have hand tools and work gloves, please bring them as well. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. This is a free, family-friendly event. (Children 10 and under must have adult supervision.) Contact Christina Donehower, 360-754-9177 ext. 183, for directions or additional information.

10am-noon – Advanced Organic Gardening Class 4: Superior Soil Making; Garden Planting and Maintenance

(Black Lake Organic Learning Center, 4711 Black Lake Blvd. SW, 98512) Our objective is to create superior soil based on knowing all the factors and providing all the needed materials, and conditions of aeration, drainage, wetness and fertility. Arrive by 9:30am to register. Each class is $20; the last class is free for those who attended the first 4. For further information, go to www.blacklakeorganic.com, call (360)786-0537 or email info@bloorganic.net.

10am – 2pm – Straddleline ORV Park Tree Planting

Come plant riparian trees along Mox-Chehalis Creek at the Straddleline ORV Park, near McCleary. Bring sturdy shoes, gloves, and dress for the weather! The Grays Harbor Stream Team will provide tools, extra gloves, water, and light refreshments. For more information please contact Janel Spaulding, (360) 538-4212 or email jspauldi@ghc.edu.

6:00 – 8:30 pm – Chehalis River Basin Land Trust Annual Membership Dinner

(Carpenter’s Hall Auditorium, 417 N. Pearl Street, Centralia 98531) Join us for a dinner pot luck affair! Baked chicken, potatoes, and beverages will be provided by the Land Trust. Bring your best to share (salads, veggies and desserts are most welcome). Come celebrate CRBLT’s completed acquisition project and plans for the future! A wonderful program will be given by the Centralia, Aberdeen and Elma Students as they show pictures and tell their story of building a rain garden at Centralia High School. RSVP by calling 360-807-0764.

March 20 (Sunday)

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.

March 26 (Saturday)

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.

9am to 1pm – Capitol Land Trust Stewardship Work Party

(West Olympia, near TESC) Planting, weeding, touch up, mulching at the Kaiser property (part of the Green Cove Wetlands). Contact Guy Maguire at guym@capitollandtrust.org or 943-3012 for information.

9am – 1pm – Cooper Point Restoration Work Day

10am-noon – Advanced Organic Gardening Class 5: Soil Making Workshop

(Black Lake Organic Learning Center, 4711 Black Lake Blvd. SW, 98512) This is where we put all the information to practical use by observing and participating in the preparation of soil-based, mineralized potting and gardening mixes and worm castings. Gardening goes easier with great soil. Arrive by 9:30am to register. Free if you attended the first 4 classes; $20 otherwise. For further information, go to www.blacklakeorganic.com, call (360)786-0537 or email info@bloorganic.net.

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.

8-9pm – South Sound Pier Peer Exploration: night dockside adventure with marine naturalists in Olympia

(Boston Harbor Marina, Olympia) Fall in love with Puget Sound again, or for the first time! Join People For Puget Sound naturalists out on the docks for a night time adventure. We’ll see the food web in action! We may be joined by giant marine worms, colorful sea slugs, sea stars, larval fish, jelly fish and maybe even the luminescent squid! AND you never know when the harbor seal might swing by for a snack. People For Puget Sound members free; non-member adults, $10. (Children free) This is a family-friendly event but we advise parents not to bring children under 8. All children must by supervised by an adult. Please dress for the weather (and damp docks) and bring your own flashlights. Advance reservations are required, and space is limited. To RSVP, go to http://pugetsound.org/forms/event_rsvp. For more information, contact Gabby Byrne, (360) 754-9177

Tuesday, March 29

7:30 pm – David Doubilet: Undersea Images

(The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Stage 1; 512 Washington St SE; Olympia 98501) Photographer David Doubilet estimates he has spent nearly half of his life in the sea since he took his first underwater photograph at the age of 12 with a Brownie Hawkeye camera sealed in a bag. Considered the world’s leading underwater photographer, Doubilet has introduced a generation to the mystery and wonder of the deep. He has photographed more than 70 stories for National Geographic reporting on coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, ocean predators, and exotic marine creatures. Doubilet is a part of the National Geographic LIVE! Series at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts and will present his story of underwater discovery and adventure. The event is not free—for more information, go to http://wcpa.squarespace.com/upcoming-events/2011/3/29/david-doubilet-undersea-images.html.

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 – 19^th 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 3 (Sunday)

Noon – 4 pm – Tumwater Falls Spring Salmon Event

Celebrate the release of juvenile salmon. Volunteers are needed for the Stream Team booth. Contact Debbie at 360.754.4148 or dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us.

April 6

9am – 1pm – Cooper Point Restoration Work Day

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.

Sun. April 10

1 pm – 3 pm – McLane Creek Maintenance

Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek. Snacks will be provided! For more information, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166.

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 13^th (Wednesday)

1-4pm – Capitol Land Trust Stewardship Work Party

(West Olympia, near TESC) Invasive removal at Harper Property. Pulling scotch broom and blackberry, cleaning up plantings and re-applying mulch. Contact Guy Maguire at guym@capitollandtrust.org or 943-3012 for information.

Thursday, April 14

5:30-8:00 pm – Climate Solutions 12th Annual Olympia Fundraiser

(Wine Cellar Room, Waterstreet Café; 610 Water St. SW, Olympia) Featured speakers: Rich Feldman, PNW Regional Manager, ECOtality North America; Gregg Small, Climate Solutions, Executive Director; and Lisa Smith, Enterprise for Equity. Come support Climate Solutions and hear Rich Feldman from ECOtality who’ll share the very latest news on their ambitious rollout of Electric Vehicle charging station infrastructure in our region. RSVP by April 4^th to http://csolympiafundraiser2011.eventbrite.com.

April 16 (Saturday)

9 am – noon – Ohop Ivy Pull

For more information, call the Nisqually Land Trust at 360-489-3400.

9am – noon – Stormwater Pond Workshop

(Tumwater City Hall, 555 Israel Rd SW) Learn how to maintain your neighborhood stormwater pond at this free workshop. Well-maintained ponds help prevent pollution, flooding and erosion. To register for the workshop, contact Chris Maun at 360-754-3355×6377 or maunc@co.thurston.wa.us.

April 18

8-9pm – South Sound Pier Peer Exploration: night dockside adventure with marine naturalists in Olympia

April 20 (Wednesday)

9am – 1pm – Cooper Point Restoration Work Day

6:30-8pm – Stormwater Pond Workshop

(Lacey City Hall, 420 College St SE) Learn how to maintain your neighborhood stormwater pond at this free workshop. Well-maintained ponds help prevent pollution, flooding and erosion. To register for the workshop, contact Erin Keith at 360-438-2687 or ekeith@ci.lacey.wa.us

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.

9:30pm – Luminary Procession of the Species

(Downtown Olympia) For more information, go to www.procession.org

April 23 (Saturday)

4:30pm – Procession of the Species!!!

(Downtown Olympia). For more information, go to www.procession.org

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) Rain gardens provide natural beauty, food and habitat for wildlife, and they help

improve water quality. A rain garden is a shallow depression that can be shaped and sized to fit your yard and planted with a variety of flowers, shrubs and grasses. Rain gardens act like a native ecosystem by collecting, absorbing and filtering stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, patios and other impervious surfaces that do not allow rainwater to soak in around our homes. Join us for a free, hands-on workshop to learn how to add one of these lovely features to your yard. The workshop will give you all the details you need to design and install a beautiful rain garden that will manage your home’s stormwater drainage while protecting our local water resources. Participants will receive a FREE, full-color rain garden poster and a FREE copy of WSU’s “Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington Homeowners.” Those interested in learning more can join us for a rain garden installation field day in early summer for hands-on learning and practice! Workshops are FREE. Advanced registration is required. For more information, or to register, contact WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.

Sat. April, 30

10 am – noon – McLane Creek Maintenance

May 7 (Saturday)

10am – 4:30pm – Naturescaping Field Class

(Olympia) Learn how to turn your yard into a lovely year-round landscape that attracts birds, butterflies and amphibians with beautiful plants that requires little watering and helps protect our water quality. Morning classroom session will be followed by site visits to local gardens. Bus transportation will be provided. The workshop will cover: water-wise ideas for your landscape; keys to attracting birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and amphibians; easy ways to minimize lawn space; how to solve drainage issues with on-site stormwater management; planting for four-season interest; landscaping for tricky areas like slopes; how simple landscape changes can save you time and money. Erica Guttman (WSU Native Plant Salvage Project) and Linda Andrews (owner of Patterns in Nature Landscape & Design) will teach the class. Both instructors bring decades of professional experience in horticulture and botany, plus a passion for protecting water and creating wildlife habitat. Registration is required, and space is limited. For more information or to register, contact WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.

Black Lake Meadows Bird Walk

(Olympia). Part of the Bird-A-Thon sponsored by Black Hills Audubon Society. Contact Sheila McCartan at schooleymccartan@comcast.net or 360-951-7251 for more information.

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

May 14

9-10pm – South Sound Pier Peer Exploration: night dockside adventure with marine naturalists in Olympia

9am-4pm – Master Gardener Foundation’s 19^th Annual Plant Sale

(Dirt Works at Yauger Park, Olympia) Includes a wide variety of plants (including native and water-wise plants), tool sharpening and composting demo’s. Contact 360-867-2163 or visit www.mgftc.org for more info.

May 15

1-3pm – McLane Creek Maintenance

May 19 (Thursday)

6:30- 8:45 pm – Rain Garden Workshop

(Olympia) Rain gardens provide natural beauty, food and habitat for wildlife, and they help

Sun. May 22

1 pm – 3 pm – McLane Creek Maintenance

June 3-4

Sea Cinema Film Festival

(Capitol Theater, 206 5^th Ave SE, Olympia) Celebrate World Oceans Day locally with the Sea Cinema Film Festival. 15 FREE films on marine life and oceans, including Oceans from Disneynature. For more information, go to www.seacinema.org or contact Gabby at 360-754-9177 ext. 162.

June 4

10 am – Olympia Historic Shoreline Marking Event

Meet at Sylvester Park, located at the corner of Capital and Legion Ways SE

11 am – Olympia Historic Shoreline Walk

TBD – Sea Cinema Block Party in front of the Capital Theater

The Sea Cinema Block Party is a FREE Family-Friendly block party in celebration World Oceans Day. Includes live music, arts and crafts, hands-on activities, live marine critter touch tank and more! Go to www.seacinema.org for more information.

Wed. June 8

10 am – noon – McLane Creek Maintenance

June 11

9-10pm – South Sound Pier Peer Exploration: night dockside adventure with marine naturalists in Olympia

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.

Thurs. June 30

4:30 – 7:30 pm – McLane Creek Maintenance

Wed. July 13

10 am – noon – McLane Creek Maintenance

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