Get involved with your community!!
A list of trainings, workshops, and volunteer opportunities:
“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
Be a Purple Martin Nest Box Monitor!
Stream Team volunteers help monitor the bird’s nest boxes weekly for nesting activity and fledgling success. Once the Purple Martins have left for the season, volunteers also help clean the nest boxes, readying them once again for occupation in the spring. Monitoring is easy and takes only one hour per week. If you are interested in observing these amazing swallows, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8336 for more information or to sign-up. Training will be provided. Call soon and begin monitoring!
Volunteer with South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA)
Volunteers are needed to help SSEA do community outreach at the following events:
• 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 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.
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
Tuesday, May 31
9 am – Hearing Regarding Change of Use to Allow for Conversion of the Abandoned Bldg on the Isthmus to a Hotel
(Olympia City Council Chambers; City Hall; 601 4th Avenue E; Olympia 98501) “This will be a hearing in front of the City Hearing Officer regarding a change of use application that the owners of the nine story building on the Isthmus have submitted to allow for conversion of the building to a hotel. The Isthmus Park Association, several former governors and former Secretary of State Ralph Munro are challenging this change of use because a hotel use is not permitted by current zoning. There will be no public testimony; however, it would be very helpful to have a strong showing of visible support in the audience. Please make every effort to participate. We are closer than ever to achieving our goal of creating the Capitol/Olympic Vista Park.”
7:00-9:15 pm – Community Visioning Project for the Former Olympia Brewery
(Tumwater Valley Lodge; 4015 Tumwater Valley Dr SE; Tumwater 98501) Please join us to envision the future for the former Olympia Brewery Site. The City of Tumwater, together with the Thurston Regional Planning Council, is excited to announce a Community Visioning Project for the former Olympia Brewery properties. Our goal is to develop a community vision to revitalize and rejuvenate this former iconic site to the center of community pride and activity that it once represented. In 1999 Pabst Tumwater Brewery sold to Miller Brewing Company, who closed the plant in 2003. Since then we have watched the property deteriorate with multiple grassroots efforts to spearhead new development. We want to hear your vision for the future of the Brewery properties and provide the opportunity for you to hear from Lorig Associates, consultants to the City and TRPC, about their evaluation of the site, the buildings and the market. This public meeting will be structured to blend your vision with the research, evaluation, findings and possibilities offered by the Lorig team. Please give us input ahead of time by going to www.trpc.org/regionalplanning/landuse/Pages/TumwaterBreweryVisioning.aspx and answering three brief questions about your vision for the Brewery. Your answers will be used to help guide discussions and decisions about the future of the property. Parking at the Tumwater Valley Lodge is limited; additional parking is available at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course. EXTRA CREDIT
Wednesday, June 1
7-10pm – An Evening with Vandana Shiva, Van Jones and Bill McKibben
(Seattle Town Hall; 1119 8th Avenue; Seattle 98101) Celebrate the 15th anniversary of YES! Magazine in Seattle on June 1st! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Van, Vandana, and Bill speak about opportunities for deep change and our important role as change makers. A reception will follow with live music, local drinks, and decadent desserts. Tickets are $25, and can be bought at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/170181. If you’d like to volunteer on the day of the event, contact Gretchen at gwolf@yesmagazine.org. 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
9 am – 12 pm – Tacoma Nature Center habitat restoration work party
(Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St.; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! For more information, call 253-591-6439. VOLUNTEER EVENT
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 – noon — Point Defiance Trails Day
In order to preserve acreage in beautiful Point Defiance Park and keep the trails safe and accessible, we host an annual clean up day. The more people that are involved, the better the trails are for the community every day of the year. Volunteers are needed to tackle a section of trail. Specific directions and tools are provided that morning to groups that go out with a guide. Focus areas include: litter and garbage throughout the trail system; vegetation pruning to eliminate overgrown brush impeding movement along the trails; tread repair, like adding chips/mulch and/or gravel to areas that are historically muddy or hold water; supporting Point Defiance Park’s Fire Suppression Plan by removing downed limbs and branches from designated areas along the road corridors and trails throughout the park. If you’re interested in taking part, please contact Richard Madison at 752-2596 by June 1st.
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
9 am – 12noon – Second Saturday at Puget Creek
(Puget Creek, Tacoma) Help the Puget Creek Restoration Society restore one of Tacoma’s natural jewels—Puget Creek/Puget Gulch. We do a variety of activities such as planting native vegetation, eradicating invasive non-native, doing trail work, picking up trash, weeding around planted vegetation, and a whole bunch of other activities. We will provide refreshments, rubber boots, and gloves. Dress for weather conditions and wear clothes you can get dirty. RSVP to the Puget Creek Restoration Society if you want to attend by emailing pugetcreek@yahoo.com or calling (253) 779-8890. Meet at 3505 North Alder Way. Parking is available along Ruston Way and west side of Alder. Walk half of a block on N. Alder Way to the entrance to Puget Park. Look for PCRS banner.
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 am – 1 pm – Volunteer at the Duwamish Hill Preserve in Tukwila
Join volunteers to help restore this culturally significant park preserve. In 2001, Cascade Land Conservancy, the City of Tukwila, and a local citizen group formed a partnership to work for the preservation of an undeveloped parcel of land on the Duwamish River. The Hill is culturally significant for its association with southern Puget Sound Salish oral tradition and history, as a key location in the stories collectively known as the “Epic of the Winds.” The property will be managed as a public open space preserve devoted to the interpretation of the site’s Native American cultural significance and other aspects of Duwamish River Valley natural and cultural history. Volunteer event activities include invasive weed removal and other restoration projects. Wear boots or comfortable athletic shoes, work clothes, and dress for the weather (rain gear and appropriate layers). Also bring a refillable water bottle. Snacks, drinks, tools and gloves will be provided. If you are under 18 and attending the event without a parent or guardian, come to the event with a signed waiver form (www.cascadeland.org/files/stewardship-files/Youth%20Waiver.updated%2011.22.10.pdf). To register and get directions, go to www.cascadeland.org/events/5-21-join-in-the-restoration-fun-at-duwamish-hill-preserve. For additional information contact, volunteer@cascadeland.org.
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.
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.