Interns Needed for a Juvenile Salmon/Fish Community Study in Gray Harbor
The Wild Fish Conservancy is seeking interns to assist in an assessment of habitat use by the fish community in the 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 fish. Habitat assessments will also be made to identify areas for future habitat restoration projects to aid in salmon recovery. 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. Free group lodging will be provided in Westport, but at present there is no funding for salaries or stipends. Interns do not need to commit to the entire study period, but during summer, preference will be given to those who can commit for longer time periods (weeks/months). If interested, please contact Todd Sandell (todd@wildfishconservancy.org) and provide a contact phone number. Secondary contact: James Fletcher (james@wildfishconservancy.org).
Volunteer with South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA)
Volunteers are needed to help SSEA do community outreach at the following events:
• May 7-8: Wooden Boat Fair
• May 17: SSEA Speaker Series: On-the-Ground Salmon Habitat Restoration
• May 21-22: Lacey Spring Fun Fair
• June 3: SEA Cinema Street Party “Under the Sea”
• June 18: Father’s Day Sea Life Exploration Event
• August 27: Sand in the City
• September 24: Nisqually Watershed Festival
• October 2: Cruising for the Sound
To volunteer, contact Melanie at melanie@sseacenter.org. EXTRA CREDIT
Volunteers Needed May 13 & 14 for Prairie Appreciation Day!
We need help with set-up on Friday May 13th, from 9-5 pm—setting up canopies and tables, and putting together paper guides. And on Saturday, May 14, volunteers are needed from 8:30-5:00 pm to help with the event—helping staff information stations, controlling parking, and working with children’s activities. No special knowledge is necessary for volunteering. Any amount of time you can volunteer is excellent; we would appreciate at least a half day commitment for Saturday. For details on the event, go to http://www.prairieappreciationday.org. Please email marionjarisch@comcast.net to volunteer for either day. All volunteers are welcome to join us for a celebratory potluck at the Welcome station starting after tear down on Saturday (usually starting about 5:30 to 6:00pm). EXTRA CREDIT
“Storm Stewards” Training!
The Native Plant Salvage Project and Thurston County’s Stormwater Utility and Stream Team Programs are launching a new volunteer-based program to help prevent pollution and flooding problems in local waterways and Puget Sound from stormwater runoff. Starting Thursday, May 26, the new “Storm Stewards” program will begin training volunteers in many aspects of on-site stormwater management—including rain gardens, water-wise plants, sloped biodetention hedgerows, pervious pavements, vegetated roofs, and more. Trained volunteers will use their new expertise to work in teams to provide guidance to homeowners who want to do their part to protect local waterways and Puget Sound. Classes and hands-on field trainings will be held in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate work schedules, and landscaping professionals are also encouraged to take part in the volunteer certification program. To learn more and receive an application packet, email Erica@nativeplantsalvage.org or call 360-867-2164. EXTRA CREDIT
Volunteers needed May 20th in Grays Harbor County
Grays Harbor Stream Team will be supporting Elma High School as they bring students out to Point Grenville to visit the tide pools. Help is needed to support the teachers and students in their work. We need people to help the students stay on task, safe and to support their positive interaction with the environment (no harassing sea stars!) Contact Jessica or Kim for more information at 360-538-4140. EXTRA CREDIT
Volunteers Needed to Staff a Stream Team Table at Local Beaches this Summer!
Do you enjoy talking to people? Do you want to help others learn about Stream Team or what they can do to help protect our streams and Puget Sound? Volunteer to staff a table at one of three local beaches this summer. South Sound Estuary Association is inviting local organizations to share information at Tolmie State Park, Burfoot County Park and Frye Cove County Park as part of their summer Beach Naturalist Program—which runs on Saturdays and Sundays from June through August. Stream Team will supply you with all you will need, such as hand-out materials, a Stream Team shirt (yours to keep), table and chair. This is an excellent way to reach out to our local community to help them learn how they can get involved in protecting and restoring our precious water resources! Please respond by May 19 so that we can reserve our space. For more information, dates and times, please contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or email: finanam@co.thurston.wa.us
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.
Do you have a naturally cared for lawn that you would like to show off?
The City of Olympia is looking for a lawn to show case in the July- August utility bill insert. Do you have healthy grass that is tended to without chemical fertilizers or pesticides? Then give us a call! Photographs of your lawn will be used on the cover and inside, with tips on how to build soil health and use other natural methods for a healthy lawn. Also, share your tips with us for the Olympia Gardens summer utility insert. Call Patricia Pyle at (360)570-5841 or e-mail ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us for more information.
Sunday, May 8
10am – 11:30am – Critter Clues: Signs of Wildlife at Nisqually
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Come celebrate Nisqually’s many animal families by discovering Mother Nature’s treasures at the Refuge. Meet the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge—but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Walking trails are beginner level, smooth with no elevation. Wear comfortable shoes. Feel free to bring binoculars or check them out from the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov.
Monday, May 9
11:00 am – 1:00 pm – film: Gasland
(TESC, Lecture Hall 1) The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The drilling technology of “fracking” or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a “Saudia Arabia of natural gas” just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called GASLAND. Part verite travelogue, part expose, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown. EXTRA CREDIT
1:15 – 2:30 pm – film: The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
(TESC, Lecture Hall 1) When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba’s economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half, and food by 80%, people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis, which they call “The Special Period.” The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis–the massive reduction of fossil fuels–is an example of options and hope. EXTRA CREDIT
3:00 – 5:00 pm – lecture on Environmental Citizenship
(TESC, Lecture Hall 1) “I care deeply about the environment and the state of the world. What now? Is it good enough to recycle and change my driving habits? Does anything I do matter, anyway? This interactive lecture examines how our personal and professional choices impact the planet, with discussions about career paths and explorations of the disconnect that often exists between our values and our consumer and life choices. Particular focus is made on the question of what constitutes a “good life” and whether it can be environmentally sound. EXTRA CREDIT
6:30 – 9:00 pm – The Clean Energy Fair
(TESC, Red Square) This annual event is organized by the Clean Energy Committee to share the renewable energy and resource projects on campus, connect the campus the broader community, and to celebrate another year of research, outreach, and success. We will have two bands who are conscious of their ecological footprint: Kipchoge with the Ginger Ninjas and StitchCraft. They have toured by bicycle across Mexico, Europe, and the west and east coasts of the United States. They will be bringing their own energy-efficient sound system, which, like most of their transportation, is powered by bike. To hear the music, folks from the crowd have to get on stage and pedal to power the sound. Students will be presenting on work that was funded by the student body through the Clean Energy Committee, including research into bio-inspired molecular solar power and microbial fuel cells; demonstration projects for compost heat recovery and rainwater catchment; bike programs that are implemented at Housing; and energy efficient super-computing. Rain location: The Longhouse.
Tuesday, May 10
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
There is only a little over one week left until Prairie Appreciation Day! It is going to be a busy week. We will be meeting at Glacial Heritage to pull Scot’s broom, assist in putting together buckets for booths, and flagging the trail. Check in with Marion or Anita Tuesday morning to be assigned a task. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, gloves, water and a lunch. Directions to Glacial Heritage: 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 (shortly after a tractor sign); 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 to get to the house. Directions to Shotwell’s Landing Nursery (14447 Little Rock Road SW ; Rochester 98579): take I-5 to exit 95 (Littlerock exit); go west to the Stop sign in Littlerock by the Elementary School. (the only stop sign in Littlerock); continue straight for ~100 feet, and turn left onto Littlerock Road; go 1.7 miles south on Littlerock Road—Shotwell’s Nursery will be on your right. Contact: Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or asmithers@tnc.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
11:00 am – 12:00 noon – film: The Salmon Forest
(TESC, Lecture Hall 1) On Canada’s Pacific coast, winding from the north end of Vancouver Island to the Alaskan border, is over 400 kilometers of forested inlets and islands. This is the largest tract of intact temperate rainforest on earth—it’s more than twice the size of Switzerland. Here millions of spawning salmon that support dense concentrations of forest life, return every year. It is also where grizzly bears, black bears, bald eagles, seals, otters, gulls, and countless invertebrates thrive. Bathed in mist and rain year round, this is one of the most biologically diverse and lush places on the planet. Much of life here still remains secret and unknown. Biologist Dr. Tom Reimchen, however, has uncovered one of those secrets. He has discovered why both black and grizzly bears fish at night and revealed the link between the salmon and the forest. Entomologist Dr. Neville Winchester is also featured as he investigates the vast array of strange-looking arthropods and insects that litter the forest canopy. In addition, the Gitga’at, a First Nations people, are featured reaffirming their connection with the land and sea and performing their traditional Salmon Dance. EXTRA CREDIT
12:30 – 2:30 pm – lecture: Edible Ecosystems with Marisha Auerbach
(TESC, Lecture Hall 1) Strategies for humans to get our needs met while stewarding ecologies are found within the design system known as Permaculture. This lecture will highlight the current state of our food system and alternative found within permaculture design that yield lots of tasty food, build soils, provide habitat, reduce work, and enhance our connection to our local ecology. Marisha Auerbach has been practicing, studying, and teaching permaculture in the Pacific Northwest for the past decade. As an itinerant permaculture designer, Marisha calls the greater Olympia area home, especially the Wild Thyme Farm, a 150 acre permaculture demonstration farm and FSC certified forest in the northern Willapa Hills.
3:00 – 4:30 pm – lecture: Designing Built Environments with Steve Badanes
(TESC, Lecture Hall 3) Steve Badanes is a co-founder of Jersey Devil, a group of architects, artists, and inventors committed to the interdependence of design and construction. Often living on the jobsite, Jersey Devil builds all their own work, which shows a concern for craft and detail, innovative use of materials, and a strong environmental consciousness. The work has been the subject of two monographs: the Jersey Devil Design Build Book, and Devil’s Workshop 25 Years of Jersey Devil Architecture. And Badanes has lectured on design/build at over 100 universities in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Qatar. At University of Washington, Badanes holds the Howard S. Wright Endowed Chair and directs the Neighborhood Design/Build Studio, which builds small community projects for Seattle area non-profits. He co-founded the University of Washington Design Build Mexico program, which won an AIA Education Honor Award in 1997. The Neighborhood Design/Build Studio won one in 2005 and an NCARB Prize in 2004. Badanes was awarded an ACSA Distinguished Professor Award in 2002 and the Solar Pioneer Award from the American Solar Energy Society in 2005. In summer, he teaches at the Yestermorrow Design Build School in Vermont.
7:00 – 9:00 pm — panel discussion & dialogue: Humans and Trees
(TESC, Seminar II B1107) We are dependent on the forest for a number of resources: timber, paper, food, sanctuary. Due to the mismanagement and over-consumption of these resources, we have nearly lost all of the old growth forests in Washington, and they continue to disappear at an alarming rate around the world. Given the ongoing abuse to these endangered ecosystems, we must explore and establish healthy relationships between the humans and trees. Panelists include: Jim Peters (lead for forestry issues for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, which assists member tribes in their role as natural resources co-managers); Kirk Hanson (Director of Northwest Certified Forestry, a membership program for small woodland owners that provides conservation-based forest management and forest products marketing assistance); Dale Hom (Forest Supervisor for Olympic National Forest, with a long and diverse career in natural resources management); Dylan Fischer (faculty member at The Evergreen State College, with a keen interest in forests and how plant diversity affects ecosystem processes); Margaret Tudor (Director of Environmental Education at the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and Executive Director of the Pacific Education Institute, a consortium of education and natural resource government and industry stakeholders dedicated to quality education that assists schools in setting up outdoor programs integrating outdoor learning with subject learning); and Richard Bigley (as State Lands Habitat Conservation Plan riparian conservation strategy team leader at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, he leads the implementation of riparian conservation strategy in western Washington and supports conservation strategy adaptive management information needs). EXTRA CREDIT
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) We are expecting a slow-slip “earthquake” next fall in western Puget Sound. While it is likely to be about a magnitude 6.5 or maybe larger, no one will feel it since it will last about three weeks instead of 20 seconds like a regular earthquake. Dr. Steve Malone (Professor Emeritus in the Department of Earth and Space Science at UW and the past Director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network) will discuss the relatively new discovery of slow-slip earthquakes and accompanying tremors, and the latest research into what they are. Do they mean that the “big one” is coming sooner, or are they relieving stress to delay it? Our region happens to be one of the best laboratories in the world for studying this strange, repeating and predictable phenomenon, which is now being called EpisodicTremor and Slip (ETS).
Friday, May 13
8:30 am – 12:30 pm – Yelm property cleanup and Invasive Species Removal
(Nisqually Land Trust Trestle Farm property, in Yelm) Join volunteers in helping the Nisqually Land Trust continue their restoration work at Trestle Farm. Work parties are rain or shine, so dress for the weather. RSVPs are required for directions–this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone. To RSVP, send an email to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org with “RSVP for Trestle Farm on May 13th” in the Subject line. Youths 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The NLT provides tools, gloves, & some snacks, but you are welcome to bring your own—especially water. If you are looking for additional volunteer opportunities, contact the Nisqually Land Trust at Staff@nisquallylandtrust.org or 360-489-3400; we frequently need volunteers for our Site Stewards program, internships and special events. VOLUNTEER EVENT
9 am – 5 pm – help set up for Prairie Appreciation Day
Saturday, May 14 is the 16th Annual Prairie Appreciation Day at Glacial Heritage and Mima Mounds nature preserves, in south Thurston County—and we need help setting up. (Afterwards, we will have dinner at Infernos Pizza.) For more information, contact Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or asmithers@tnc.org.
7:00-8:15 pm – Edible Heirlooms author Bill Thorness
(Olympia Timberland Library) What was Thomas Jefferson’s favorite lettuce? Which fabulous old tomato varieties do well in Olympia? Bill Thorness shares stories about the origins of many heirlooms growing in our gardens today, and discusses techniques for growing your own. He will also share heirloom seeds from his own garden and invites the audience to bring seeds to trade with one another. His book, Edible Heirlooms will be for sale. A vegetable gardener since the mid-1980’s, Bill Thorness is the editor of Seattle Tilth’s newsletter.
Saturday, May 14
9 am – 2pm – West Olympia Farmers’ Market: Opening Day!
(In the bus loop of Garfield Elementary, between the school and adjacent Woodruff Park, on Thomas Street) Come to the opening day for the newly-formed West Olympia Farmers’ Market! The market will be open every Saturday from 9am–2pm, through October 29th. The purpose of the market is to promote west Olympia producers by creating a neighborhood-scale market where small farmers and producers can sell directly to their community and increase the social and economic vitality of the community. Along with vegetables, fruit, and plant starts from Sunbreak Farm and Delphinia Community Farm, goods at the market will also include eggs from Township 18 Farm, baked goods from 8 Arms Community Bakery, sauerkraut and kimchi from Olykraut, locally-roasted coffee from Olympia Coffee Roasters, and homemade soaps and body products from Zeep Soap. The market will also provide a space for community groups to do outreach on topics of public interest, with a preference on horticultural and agricultural topics. Opening Day festivities will include live music, face painting, tasty samples, and a meet-and-greet with local farmers and producers. For more information, contact Michael Kelly at 360.339.3329 or at info@wolyfarmersmarket.org.
9 am – 4 pm – Master Gardener Foundation’s 19th 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.
10 am – 3 pm – Prairie Appreciation Day!
(Glacial Heritage and Mima Mounds nature preserves, in south Thurston County) Join the fun during the 16th Annual Prairie Appreciation Day. Go on Prairie Wildflower walks, learn about native plant gardening and prairie restoration work. Native American uses of prairie plants, prairie pollinators and making ink from oak galls are also a part of this popular event. For more information, go to www.prairieappreciationday.org/index.html. EXTRA CREDIT
10am – 1pm – Capturing the Outdoors in Photographs
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Come learn some basic and professional outdoor photography techniques and tips from writer and national photographer Greg Farley. Learn to take your camera off the “automatic” settings and onto the “manual” settings in just a couple of hours. Workshop participants will spend time inside learning camera operations, then head outside to apply what they’ve learned. Never again let nature’s beauty escape your lens! Bring your camera (film, DSLR, or point and shoot), extra batteries and a sense of adventure! Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium. The program is open to the public and free of charge—but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. For more information, call (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov.
9-10pm – 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. EXTRA CREDIT
Sunday, May 15
1-3pm – McLane Creek Nature Trail 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. EXTRA CREDIT
1:00pm – 2:30pm – Medicine Creek, Formerly She-nah-num: Historic Tour
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) SPSCC’s own Lynn Corliss leads you down history’s winding path on this historic tour. Learn about the events surrounding the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty, explore how the Nisqually people came to the Nisqually delta and how their lives changed with the settlement of Europeans. This walk will also focus on the significant events that surrounded the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty. Discover important things about the people who enjoyed this land before you did. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge—but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Walking trails are beginner level, smooth with no elevation. Wear comfortable shoes. Feel free to bring binoculars or check them out from the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov.
Tuesday, May 17
3:00 – 7:00 pm – Native Plant Salvage Project plant-salvage event
Looking for native perennials for your landscape? Our salvage site in Tumwater continues to be bountiful, and it will be cleared this summer. Join us any time between 3 and 7 pm. We’ll pot plants in the field, so bring your own pots or let us know if you need to borrow some. In addition to digging for your garden, we’ll collect plants for future NPSP projects, too. For more information and to RSVP, contact the WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
7:00-9:00 pm – On-the-Ground Salmon Habitat Restoration from the Headwaters to Puget Sound
(WET Science Center; 500 Adams Street NE, Olympia) South Sound Estuary Association, Sound Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group (SPSSEG) and the WET Science Center join to present this free lecture. Kristin Williamson (Salmon Habitat Restoration Biologist & Project Manager for SPSSEG) and Lance Winecka (SPSSEG Executive Director) will present several on-the-ground salmon restoration projects, including examples from upland rivers and streams down to the marine shoreline. EXTRA CREDIT
Thursday, May 19
6:30– 8:45 pm – Rain Garden Workshop
(Olympia) 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. EXTRA CREDIT
Friday, May 20
7:00 – 8:30 pm – Visiting Author and Chef: Greg Atkinson
(Olympia Timberland Library) Greg Atkinson, author of Northwest Essentials: Cooking with Ingredients that Define a Region’s Cuisine, will address the importance of local ingredients and how cooking at home connects us to family, friends and the world at large. Atkinson won the James Beard Award and the M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished writing award in 2000. His books include essays and stories as well as recipes to encourage home cooks to take advantage of the wealth of natural ingredients available in the Great Pacific Northwest. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
Saturday, May 21
8am – 10am – Nature from Every Angle; An Introduction to Point of View Photography
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Join i’ina van Lawick in a beginners’ photo-composition class as she introduces you to a creative side of yourself you’ve never met before! Point of view is a style of photography that uses interesting perspectives and camera angles to give the photo viewer a unique experience when looking at your pictures. In this session you will learn how to “see” through the eye of the lens and create interesting images. Please bring your camera, extra batteries and a photo you would like to critique for improvement. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge—but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov.
8am – 10am – Birds of a Feather: It’s Nesting Time!
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Many species of birds nest on the Refuge. Join expert birder Phil Kelley for a bird walk and see how many nesters you can find. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge—but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Walking trails are beginner level, smooth with no elevation. Wear comfortable shoes. Feel free to bring binoculars or check them out from the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov.
9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Eld Inlet work party with Capitol Land Trust
Capitol Land Trust invites you to join us for a volunteer stewardship event at our conservation property on McLane Point on lower Eld Inlet, Olympia. We will be removing invasive plants, including holly, scotch broom and English ivy. We will provide tools, gloves, water and snacks. Bring sturdy, waterproof shoes, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothes. If you have tools and gloves of your own, we invite you to bring them as well. Students under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver form to participate. To RSVP and get directions, contact Guy Maguire at guym@capitollandtrust.org or 360-943-3012. VOLUNTEER EVENT
9 am – 4 pm – Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County Plant Sale
(Dirt Works, in Yauger Park on the west side of Olympia) The sale features a wide variety of plants including great plant picks, perennials, shrubs/trees, grasses, native plants, heirloom tomato starts, and herb/vegetable starts. Along with the sale, Dirt Works garden is open to the public the whole day. Education of the community about plants, water-wise gardening, other related organizations and composting are major focuses of the event. Something else to look for is a demonstration on tool sharpening and maintenance. Bring your pruners, loppers or shears and learn as they are sharpened. The sharpening tool will be available for sale, with proceeds going to the Foundation. The Master Composters of Thurston County will be demonstrating yard and worm composting. There will also be bins on site for you to see and purchase from the MGFTC. Composting workshops the day of the sale: Yard Waste 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM; Worm Bin 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm – WSU Lewis County Master Gardeners Plant Clinic
(Chehalis Timberland Library) Bring your problem plants, your questions, and all of your gardening dilemmas to the experts. The Lewis County Master Gardeners will be on hand on the third Saturday of the month through August to help you make your garden successful.
Sunday, May 22
8am -12 noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Join birders Ken and Nell Batker, experts who know the ins and outs of birding at Nisqually, for a bird walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the refuges largest treasures—the birds! Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge—but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Walking trails are beginner level, smooth with no elevation. Wear comfortable shoes. Feel free to bring binoculars or check them out from the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov.
1 pm – 3 pm – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance
(Olympia) Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek. Snacks will be provided. Please register bu contacting Native Plant Salvage at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. Youth under the age of 18 must have a Waiver Form signed by a parent or guardian. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. EXTRA CREDIT
Thursday, May 26
Storm Stewards Training
(Olympia) The Native Plant Salvage Project and Thurston County’s Stormwater Utility and Stream Team Programs are launching a new volunteer-based program to help prevent pollution and flooding problems in local waterways and Puget Sound from stormwater runoff. For more details, see the entry at top of this list—or email Erica@nativeplantsalvage.org or call 360-867-2164. EXTRA CREDIT
6:30 – 8:00 pm – Discussion of The World Without Us
(Montesano Timberland Library) Read The World without Us by Alan Weisman and join others in a conversation about the book. Everyone is welcome to join in. The library is normally closed at this time and is only open for the program. EXTRA CREDIT (but you must first read the book!)
Saturday, May 28
9 am – 1 pm – Restoration work party at the William Cannon Trail
Join People For Puget Sound in removing invasive vegetation along this unique stretch of shoreline on Mud Bay, on the west side of Olympia. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring your own lunch, water bottle, and work gloves. We will provide light refreshments and tools and will have some extra gloves to share. No experience is necessary, but children ten and under need adult supervision. Directions: head west from downtown on Harrison/Mud Bay Rd; turn right at Madrona Beach Rd NW; continue 0.4 mi to the Madrona Park and Ride (on your right, at (~520 Madrona Beach Rd NW; Olympia 98502). Park in the Park and Ride lot at the head of the trail, and walk down the trail until you see us. for more information, contact Christina Donehower at 360-754-9177 ext. 183 or 253-380-7987 (cell), or at cdonehower@pugetsound.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
10am – 12 noon – It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) From bitterns to butterflies, chickadees to crabapples, the Refuge is home to many types of wildlife. Join naturalist Art Pavey, on this nature walk that is sure to teach you something new about the creatures of the Refuge. Meet at the Visitor Center flag pole. The program is open to the public and free of charge—but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Walking trails are beginner level, smooth with no elevation. Wear comfortable shoes. Feel free to bring binoculars or check them out from the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov. EXTRA CREDIT
June 3-4
Sea Cinema Film Festival
(Capitol Theater, 206 5th 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. EXTRA CREDIT
Friday, June 3
1:00 – 4:00 pm – Capitol Land Trust work party
(near the Evergreen State College, Olympia) Capitol Land Trust invites you to join us for a volunteer stewardship event at our conservation property on the Kaiser Property. We will be removing English ivy, and cleaning up and mulching plantings. We will provide tools, gloves, water and snacks. Bring sturdy, waterproof shoes, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothes. If you have tools and gloves of your own, we invite you to bring them as well. Students under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver form to participate. To RSVP and get directions, contact Guy Maguire at guym@capitollandtrust.org or 360-943-3012. VOLUNTEER EVENT
Saturday, June 4
9 am – 7 pm – Mother Earth News’ Green Living Fair
(Puyallup Fairgrounds; Puyallup) Hosted by Mother Earth News, the largest and longest-running publication about sustainable lifestyles. Dozens of hands-on workshops will cover renewable energy, small-scale livestock, green building and remodeling, organic gardening, DIY projects, real food, natural health, green transportation and related topics. The Fair also will host a “green-shopping” pavilion, vendor and livestock demonstrations, a seed swap, children’s activities, musical acts, and local and organic food options. The keynote speaker will be Joel Salatin. Tickets are $15 for a one-day pass; $25 for a weekend pass. Children 17 and under are free! Volunteers (10 years-old and up) receive free admission to the Fair. To volunteer, contact Kristi Koehler at Kristi@sevenstarevents.com. For more information, go to http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair/workshop-puyallup.aspx.
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.
Sunday, June 5
9 am – 7 pm – Mother Earth News’ Green Living Fair
(Puyallup Fairgrounds; Puyallup) See entry on Saturday, June 4 for details.
Wednesday, June 8
10am – noon – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance
(Olympia) 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, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166. EXTRA CREDIT
Saturday, June 11
10 am – 3:30 pm – “Meet the Trees of Washington” Field Class
Sponsored by Thurston Co. Stream Team. For more information and to RSVP, contact the WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
9-10pm – 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, June 14
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.
Saturday, June 18
10:00 am – 2:00 pm – WSU Lewis County Master Gardeners Plant Clinic
(Chehalis Timberland Library) Bring your problem plants, your questions, and all of your gardening dilemmas to the experts. The Lewis County Master Gardeners will be on hand on the third Saturday of the month through August to help you make your garden successful.
Thursday, June 23
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.
Thursday, June 30
4:30-7:30 pm – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance
(Olympia) 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, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.
Saturday, July 2
9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Capitol Land Trust work party
(near the Evergreen State College, Olympia) Capitol Land Trust invites you to join us for a volunteer stewardship event at our conservation property on the Kaiser Property. We will be removing invasive plants, and cleaning up and mulching plantings. We will provide tools, gloves, water and snacks. Bring sturdy, waterproof shoes, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothes. If you have tools and gloves of your own, we invite you to bring them as well. Students under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver form to participate. To RSVP and get directions, contact Guy Maguire at guym@capitollandtrust.org or 360-943-3012.
Thursday, July 7
7:00 pm – The Story of Big Cat Behavior and Conservation
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center auditorium) Speaker: Howard Quigley—Director, Western Hemisphere Program for Panthera and the Teton Cougar Project (www.panthera.org). Lectures usually last ~1 hour, followed by questions. Attendance is limited to 100, and seating starts at 6:00pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to be seated. The usual entrance fee is waived for those attending the lectures. For more information, call the Refuge Office, (360) 753-9467.
Wednesday, July 13
10 am – noon – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance
(Olympia) 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, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.
Thursday, July 14
7:00 pm – Indian Shellfish Harvests in South Puget Sound at Treaty Time
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center auditorium) Speaker: Eugene Hunn—Professor Emeritus, Department of Anthropology, University of Washington. Lectures usually last ~1 hour, followed by questions. Attendance is limited to 100, and seating starts at 6:00pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to be seated. The usual entrance fee is waived for those attending the lectures. For more information, call the Refuge Office, (360) 753-9467.
Thursday, July 21
7:00 pm – Effects of Climate Change on Pacific Northwest Rivers and Aquatic Ecosystems
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center auditorium) Speaker: Alan Hamlet—Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington. Lectures usually last ~1 hour, followed by questions. Attendance is limited to 100, and seating starts at 6:00pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to be seated. The usual entrance fee is waived for those attending the lectures. For more information, call the Refuge Office, (360) 753-9467.
Thursday, July 28
7:00 pm – Feathered Architects: The Fascinating World of Bird Nests
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center auditorium) Speaker: Idie Ulsh—nature photographer; founder of the Washington Butterfly Association; Past President of Seattle Audubon Society. Lectures usually last ~1 hour, followed by questions. Attendance is limited to 100, and seating starts at 6:00pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to be seated. The usual entrance fee is waived for those attending the lectures. For more information, call the Refuge Office, (360) 753-9467.
Thursday, August 4
7:00 pm – Sea Otter Tales
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center auditorium) Speaker: Julie Miller—mammal biologist at the Seattle Aquarium. Lectures usually last ~1 hour, followed by questions. Attendance is limited to 100, and seating starts at 6:00pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to be seated. The usual entrance fee is waived for those attending the lectures. For more information, call the Refuge Office, (360) 753-9467.
Thursday, August 11
7:00 pm – Twenty Years on the Trail of Pacific Northwest Earthquake Hazards
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center auditorium) Speaker: David Yamaguchi—author . Lectures usually last ~1 hour, followed by questions. Attendance is limited to 100, and seating starts at 6:00pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to be seated. The usual entrance fee is waived for those attending the lectures. For more information, call the Refuge Office, (360) 753-9467.
Thursday, August 18
7:00 pm – Understanding Shorebirds: The Miracle of Migration
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center auditorium) Speaker: Tim Boyer—photographer (www.timboyerphotography.com). Lectures usually last ~1 hour, followed by questions. Attendance is limited to 100, and seating starts at 6:00pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to be seated. The usual entrance fee is waived for those attending the lectures. For more information, call the Refuge Office, (360) 753-9467.
Thursday, August 25
7:00 pm – Welcoming the Tides: The Return of the Nisqually Estuary
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center auditorium) Speaker: Jesse Barham—Restoration Biologist, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and Duck Unlimited (www.nisquallydeltarestoration.org). Lectures usually last ~1 hour, followed by questions. Attendance is limited to 100, and seating starts at 6:00pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to be seated. The usual entrance fee is waived for those attending the lectures. For more information, call the Refuge Office, (360) 753-9467.