List of Olympia Events and Volunteer Opportunities, See Below

 

Every Monday: 

3-7pm – Schaefer Park Cleanup

Schaefer Park is located north of Centralia.  It is a wonderful park, with the beautiful Skookumchuck River running along the edge.  It recently was shut down due to lack of money.  However, with the help of a few wonderful volunteers the park is up and running and looking great!  If you’re interested in lending a hand, volunteers are encouraged to show up at the park on Mondays from 3-7pm.  Also see the facebook page Save the SchaeferVOLUNTEER EVENT

Every Tuesday: 

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

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

3-6 pm – GRub Farm Drop-in Volunteer Session

(GRuB Farm; 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502)  Volunteers support the GRuB Farm in weeding, transplanting, seeding and miscellaneous maintenance of the farm.  We ask that anyone under 14 be accompanied by an adult. Visit http://www.goodgrub.org/volunteer ahead of time so you can fill out a volunteer interest form that you can bring with you.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

Every Thursday

10 am-3pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market (700 Capitol Way N; Olympia)

Every Friday

10 am-3pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market (700 Capitol Way N; Olympia)

Every Saturday:

9 am – 2 pm – West Olympia Farmers Market  (Garfield Elementary bus loop, between the school and adjacent Woodruff Park, on Thomas Street.)

10 am-3pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market (700 Capitol Way N; Olympia)

Every Sunday:

10 am-3pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market (700 Capitol Way N; Olympia)

1-4 pm – GRub Farm Drop-in Volunteer Session

(GRuB Farm; 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502)  Volunteers support the GRuB Farm in weeding, transplanting, seeding and miscellaneous maintenance of the farm.  We ask that anyone under 14 be accompanied by an adult. Visit http://www.goodgrub.org/volunteer ahead of time so you can fill out a volunteer interest form that you can bring with you.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

 


When and Where to See Salmon

SALMON       WHEN              STREAM                       VIEWING LOCATION

Chinook           September          Deschutes River*              Tumwater Falls Park

Pink                 September          Mashell River**               University of Washington Pack Forest

Pink                 September          South Prairie Creek          Veteran’s Park in Town of South Prairie

Chum               November          Kennedy Creek***          Kennedy Creek Trail

Chum               November          McLane Creek*               McLane Creek Nature Trail

* These locations will be staffed with knowledgeable Stream Team Salmon Stewards on most weekend days from 11 am – 3 pm.  Tumwater Falls will also be staffed most weekday evenings.

** Nisqually River Pinks are best viewed in the Mashell River tributary.  To view pinks at the University of Washington Pack Forest, enter the gate for 200 Road, near the junction of Highways 161 and 7.  Do not park in front of the gate.  A trail map can be found at www.packforest.org/education.

*** For more information: www.masoncd.org/Kennedy

 

 

Monday September 26

9:00-11:00 am – Sustainable Thurston

(Thurston Regional Planning Council; 2424 Heritage Ct. SW – Suite A, Meeting Room A; Olympia 98502-6031)  How does health and human-service availability affect quality of life in the Thurston region?  What are the issues and consequences to economy, society, and environment?  The first in a series of papers on topics important to sustaining quality of life will be presented and discussed at the Sustainable Thurston Task Force Meeting.  EXTRA CREDIT

5:30pm – Olympia City Council Land Use and Environment committee

(Olympia City Hall, Conference Room #112: 601 4th Ave. E.; Olympia 98501)  The Olympia City Council Land Use and Environment committee will be discussing the development of an urban agriculture ordinance and other steps the city can take to support a sustainable local food system.  If this is an issue that interests you, please come to the meeting to show the City Council that these are issues that the community cares about, and that we will support elected officials who take visionary leadership towards a sustainable local food system.  EXTRA CREDIT

 

Tuesday September  27

5:30 pm – public hearing before the Thurston County Board of Commissioners

(Room 280, Building 1 of the Thurston County Courthouse, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW;

Olympia 98502)  The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to hear testimony on proposed changes to the Public Participation chapter (chapter 2.05) of the Thurston County Growth Management Act (GMA).  Staff is proposing to modernize and update this chapter to clarify docketing procedures, accommodate future changes in the methods of public participation, and recognize the widespread use of the internet, and other electronic communications that were not as prevalent in 1997.   For more information, go to http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/comp_plan/comp-plan-participation-amendment.html. PUBLIC HEARING

 

Wednesday September 28

6:30 pm – Thurston County Planning Commission: Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas

(Room 129, Building 2 of the Thurston County Courthouse, 2000 Lakeridge Drive S.W.; Olympia 98502)  This meeting will be a continuation of previous work sessions on proposed changes to the Critical Areas Ordinance.  The Thurston County Planning Commission will be reviewing proposed changes to the chapter on Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas in the Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance.  The Planning Commission may also review language pertaining to noxious weeds, and receive new draft information from staff.  No final action is scheduled to occur on the proposed changes at the meeting.  The meeting is open to the public.  To view the meeting agenda, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/planning_commission/planning_comm_currentwork.htmlEXTRA CREDIT

7:30 – 9 pm – Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin’ Mamas 

(Olympia Timberland Library)  Join us for a discussion of “Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin’ Mamas.” Mark Winne, the book’s author, will join the discussion via speaker phone!  This event is part of the South Puget Sound Food Summit.  Register for this program in person at the Olympia Timberland Library Information Desk, beginning on Monday, August 29.  The first ten to register will receive a free copy of the book! 
EXTRA CREDIT

 

Thursday, September 29

6-8 pm – Wapato Hills Park Community Meeting

(Fire Station 8, 4911 S Alaska St, Tacoma)  An advisory group is being formed to help increase the healthy and safe use of upper Wapato Hills Park, and your input is needed on how to best address the issues that negatively impact upper Wapato Hills Park (such as crime, homeless encampments); how to best increase the ecological value of the site (examples include cultivating native plants, removing invasive species, reducing litter, etc.); and how to best increase the use of open space for recreation (examples include increasing access points, clearing trails).  PUBLIC HEARING(I know it’s not a public hearing, but students can use the instructions for a public hearing in reviewing this.)

7-9 pm – Food Swap

(GRuB Farm)  The food swap craze is coming to Olympia!  The organizers of the Oly Food Swap have put together a blog: http://olyfoodswap.wordpress.com to answer all of your questions on how a food swap works and how to sign up for this FREE event.  “Like” the Oly Food Swap facebook page for the latest updates: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oly-Food-Swap/162431900497015?ref=ts#!/pages/Oly-Food-Swap/162431900497015

 

Saturday, October 1

6:30-8:00 pm – The Happiness Initiative: a benefit for Sustainable South Sound

(Capitol Theater; 206 5th Ave SE; Olympia 98501)  This multimedia experience with John de Graaf (Affluenza) & Laura Musikanski takes a look at how we, as members of our communities, can support new measures of prosperity for our increased happiness.  Focusing on several areas of life satisfaction, this discussion looks beyond economic wealth to an encompassing solution.  It’s LOL vs. GDP.  Bring the Joneses.  Tickets are $10-$15 ($8 for students and seniors).  100% of net proceeds go to Sustainable South Sound.  EXTRA CREDIT

 

Sunday October 2

10 am – 4 pm – Return of the Chinook Salmon Celebration

(Tumwater Falls Park)  To volunteer in the Stream Team booth, contact Debbie at 360-754-4148 or dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.usEXTRA CREDIT if you volunteer.

11 am – 4 pm – Native Plant Salvage Project  Water-Wise Plant Sale

(WSU Extension offices (): 4131 Mud Bay Rd. NW, Olympia)  The event features thousands of hard-to-find native and other water-wise perennials, shrubs, trees, and groundcovers, and a new section of hard-to-find perennials and low-growing shrubs for rain gardens!   “Personalized Plant Shoppers” who are horticultural experts will be on hand to work with you one-on-one to help find the perfect plants for your particular site conditions and aesthetic preferences.  (A partial plant list soon will be posted at www.nativeplantsalvage.org for those eager to do some “pre-shopping”.)  Compost bins will also be for sale, and there will be free educational materials sustainable gardening—both from Thurston County Master Gardeners.       We take checks, cash, VISA and MasterCard.  Volunteers are needed to staff the sale before, during and afterwards—if you’d like to help out, email erica@nativeplantsalvage.org or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.

2-5 pm – South Sound Estuary Association’s Cruising for the Sound

Join SSEA for a three-hour educational exploration of South Puget Sound, on board the luxury yacht, My Girl.  The Cruise will depart from Port Plaza Dock in Olympia and take participants to the various inlets of the South Puget Sound.  The program, “Early Encounters on Puget Sound,” will be presented by Les Eldridge, local author and maritime history nut. While cruising he will provide a detailed history of South Sound geographical features encountered, including some surprising American Civil War connections.  Tickets are $100 each, and all proceeds benefit SSEA’s mission to establish and maintain an interpretive center for marine and estuarine life.  A limited number of spaces are available.  Register at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e4rqtdt86da67300&llr=xcpwlrdab or through Brown Paper Tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/192324.  For more information, call Melanie Kincaid at 360-918-8708 or email melanie@sseacenter.org.  If you’d like to help out, contact Melanie at melanie@sseacenter.org.  EXTRA CREDIT

 

Monday, October 3

9:00 am – 3:30 pm – Storming the South Sound Conference

(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge)  Conference Theme: Making connections for Puget Sound – Building on the past, looking toward the future.  Please join us to explore and foster models and best practices for Puget Sound environmental and sustainability education.  Storming the Sound is a one-day conference for environmental and sustainability educators in the South Puget Sound region. This is a great opportunity for teachers, non-formal educators, environmental organizations with education programs, and students with an interest in a career in environmental education to: learn about other Puget Sound environmental education programs; bring home practical strategies and tactics you can use; gain skills and insights with experts and capable peers; share insights and network with other educators; engage and grow in sessions where everyone is a participant; exchange ideas and experiences to help you develop new perspectives and approaches.  Registration is open–the fee is $10, which includes lunch, coffee/tea.   You can pay at the door, but you need to register online ahead of time at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/197456.  Questions?—contact Ann Butler at People For Puget Sound at abutler@pugetsound.org, or (360) 754-9177, ext 160.  EXTRA CREDIT

6:00 – 8:00 pm – Community Forum: What if we Built Olympia Around Places?

(Washington Center; 512 Washington Street SE, in downtown Olympia)  The City of Olympia is sponsoring this community forum on Creating a safe and welcome downtown through placemaking.  The forum will be facilitated by Ethan Kent, Vice President of Project for Public Spaces.  Doors open at 5:30 pm.  Stay tuned for more details.  EXTRA CREDIT

 

Wednesday, October 5

7:30 – 8:45 pm – author visit with Thor Hanson 

(Olympia Timberland Library)  Join us for an evening with biologist Thor Hanson, author of “Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle”.  “If you feel a sudden need to read about dinosaurs, fly fishing, muttonbirds, and showgirls, this is your book!  Absolutely fascinating history, and a terrific read…!”    EXTRA CREDIT

 

Thursday, October 6

noon – 1 pm – Adult Book Discussion: “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek” by Annie Dillard

(Chehalis Timberland Library)  Contact Number: (360) 748-3301  EXTRA CREDIT

6:00-8:00 pm – Woodland Trail Greenway Association Annual Meeting

(Urban Onion—meeting room off the back lobby)  Lots happening: Pacific Avenue bridge; Bike roundabout; Tumwater Valley Trail; Trail to old Brewhouse; Grass Lake; Monarch Sculpture Park; 1000 trees; Maps for the kiosks; Public Pathways program; etc.  Geoff Glass will give a photo tour of new trails in Ireland that revitalized the countryside with bike tourism.  Food and beverage available.

 

Friday, October 7

9 am – 12pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration work party

(Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St.)  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!  Call 253-591-6439 for more information.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

 

Saturday, October 8

9 am-noon – Ohop Valley Tree Planting with the Nisqually Land Trust

RSVPs are required for directions, to ensure that we bring enough tools for everyone.  To sign up, send an email to staff@nisquallylandtrust.orgVOLUNTEER EVENT

9 am – 12 noon – Friends of Franklin Park Forest Cleanup and Restoration

(Tacoma)  Please join us for our monthly work party at Franklin Park as we continue working on the wooded area in the northeast portion of the park.  We will be pruning low branches on trees, cleaning out the understory, and pulling out invasive plants.  Our goal is to develop this portion of the park into a safer and more inviting area for walking and other recreational activities.  Tools, snacks, and water will be provided, but please bring your own gloves.  We will be working in the forested area of Franklin Park along S. 12th Street, near South 12th Street and Puget Sound Avenue.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

9 am – 12 noon — Puget Creek Restoration Society work party

(Puget Creek in Tacoma)  For more information, contact Scott Hansen at pugetcreek@yahoo.com or (253) 779-8890.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

10 am – Noon – Percival Creek Revegetation Project

(Tumwater)  Contact Debbie at 360-754-4148 or at dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.usVOLUNTEER EVENT

10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Olympia Woodland Trail Volunteer Work Party

(Olympia Woodland Trail; 1600 Eastside St SE; Olympia 98501)  Please come out and help us weed the Olympia Woodland Trail head located at 1600 Eastside St SE.  Kids can earn their Junior Ranger Badge!  We will be meeting near the covered picnic area.  Contact: Sylvana Niehuser; sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us; 360-753-8365.

10:00 am – 12:30 pm – Guided Mushroom Walk

The Maxine G. Morse Nature Conservancy is a special place, currently being restored and taken care of.  It has many things to offer, including plant identification and mushrooms!  Join Cascade Land Conservancy for a tour of the property, and learn about mushrooms that grow in the Northwest.  Please note: this will not be a foraging event—conserved properties are protected and therefore, no mushrooms will be taken from the property.  To register, go to https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXREPHIL/EventDetail.asp?cguid=6374B924-D0D5-4655-BC98-66623676DF2C&eid=37211&sid=6938DBB6%2D5750%2D4144%2DAF46%2D0190DF1DF588.  For more information, contact Emiko Blalock at emikob@cascadeland.org or at 206-905-6912.  EXTRA CREDIT

Jordan/Lower Hylebos Marsh planting event

(Tacoma)  Join Citizens for a Healthy Bay volunteers in a planting event at Jordan/Lower Hylebos wetlands restoration site.  For details, call 253-383-2429.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

 

Sunday, October 9

Noon-2 pm – Yelm Creek Tree Planting

Contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or at finanam@co.thurston.wa.usVOLUNTEER EVENT

 

Tuesday, October 11

4:30 – 7:00 pm – Help Update the Plan for Puget Sound Recovery

(LOTT Clean Water Alliance, 500 Adams St. N.E.; Olympia)  The Puget Sound Partnership has drafted a regional plan for restoring the health of Puget Sound and determined top actions that need to be taken, and invites the public to this to help determine the steps needed to restore the health of Puget Sound.  At the open house, the Partnership will highlight Puget Sound recovery priorities and accomplishments, and ask people for feedback on those priorities and what other activities are important for their community.  The Partnership also will share information about the agency’s measure of Puget Sound health, seek comments on the upcoming update to the Puget Sound recovery plan and provide general information about Puget Sound, recovery and what individuals can do to help.  EXTRA CREDIT

 

Wednesday, October 12

6:30 – 8:00 pm – Green Cleaning 

(Yelm Timberland Library)  Jennifer Johnson from Thurston County Environmental Health will show you how to have a healthy home and will provide the supplies for you to make and take your own green cleaner. Discover the benefits of cleaning with low-toxic cleaners that are easy to make, effective, smell good, cost less than commercial products, and don’t pollute indoor air.  Registration is required.    EXTRA CREDIT

7:30 – 8:45 pm – Dog Days, Raven Nights with authors John and Colleen Marzluff 

(Olympia Timberland Library)  Experience natural science at work. Join authors John Marzluff, professor of wildlife science at the University of Washington, and Colleen Marzluff, an expert in dog training and animal behavior, in the wilds of Maine as they train and race reluctant sled dog and study the mysterious raven.    EXTRA CREDIT

 

October 14th & 15th:  Coming to the Table – A Community Food Summit

October 14th will feature a giant community pot-luck on the streets of downtown Olympia, and environmental and agricultural expo, and a presentation by Mark Winnie – author of  Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart Cookin’ Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture and Closing the Food Gap – at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts

October 15th will be a ‘roll up your sleeves’ conference at the Thurston County Fairgrounds where we will learn about our current local food system, clarify our vision for the future, and start building the roadmap to get us from today to tomorrow.

The food summit will be the capstone of a series of events throughout the fall and summer that is called Focus on Food.  Events leading up to the summit will include tours of local farms and gardens, events and programs at local Timberland Regional Libraries, discussion groups, and other opportunities to learn about the food system, our local food economy, and options for a more sustainable food future.  To register, go to http://cometothetablefoodsummit.eventbrite.com.  Email Halli Winstead at hallilw@gmail.com if you have questions!  EXTRA CREDIT

 

Friday, October 14

5-9pm – A Table for South Sound

(Washington Center: Washington St, between 5th and Legion in downtown Olympia)  Do you eat food, or know someone who does?  As part of Come to the Table: The Food Summit, we are hosting a potluck in the streets of downtown Olympia.  Following the meal, we invite you to join us inside the Washington Center to be inspired by the words of Mark Winne, author of Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty and Food Rebels, Guerilla Gardeners, and Smart Cookin’ Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture.  There also will be an Environmental and Agricultural Expo in the lobby areas of the Washington Center, with local organization sharing their work and contribution to our food system.  The potluck begins at 5:00 pm.  We will have a large tent, along with tables and chairs.  Bring some food to share, a serving utensil, and a note to describe your dish (including possible allergens: nuts, gluten, dairy, etc.).  Please bring your own plate and utensils to limit waste.   At 7:00 pm, the speaking event will begin inside the Washington Center with an opening statement from the Mayor, followed by keynote speaker Mark Winne.  So, come to the table, make some friends, and get inspired to participate in our local food system!  This event is free and open to all.  For more information on the Food Summit, go to www.sustainablesouthsound.org/.  EXTRA CREDIT (for the speaking event)

 

Saturday, October 15

Skookum Wulge planting event

(Pierce County)  Join Citizens for a Healthy Bay volunteers in a native planting work party at the Skookum Wulge restoration site.  For details, call 253-383-2429.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

9 am – 12 noon – McKinley Park Clean-Up Work Party

(McKinley Park; 500 E McKinley Way, Tacoma 98404)  Meet at the new playground and restrooms off of McKinley Ave.  Metro Parks will provide all of the necessary tools and equipment.  Volunteers need to dress for the weather and have work gloves.  Volunteers will be assigned to work in specific areas removing invasive and non-native plants such as English Ivy and blackberry bushes.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

9 am – 12 noon – Oak Tree Park Work Party

(Tacoma)  Oak Tree Park is a beautiful and unique 25-acre park located off of South 74th and Cedar Streets.  It protects a Garry Oak woodland community that has become increasingly rare due to a combination of land development and colonization of invasive species of native trees like Douglas fir.  We will meet at the east entrance to Oak Tree Park, at the end of Pine Street South, just north of S 78th St.  We will be removing non-native and invasive plant species, and litter pick-up.  Bring sturdy shoes and clothes to get dirty in.  Some gloves and tools will be provided, but if you have gloves, shovels, rakes, or loppers, please bring them.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Burri Park Volunteer Work Party

(Burri Park; 2415 Burbank Ave NW; Olympia 98502)  Please come out and help us remove invasive Yellow Arch Angel from Burri Park.  Kids can earn their Junior Ranger Badge!  Contact: Sylvana Niehuser; sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us; 360-753-8365.  EXTRA CREDIT

5:00-9:00 pm – Left Foot Organics Fun Farm Formal Benefit Dinner and Auction

(South Puget Sound Community College; 2011 Mottman Rd SW; Olympia 98502)  Good food, great company, and lots of fun auction items.  All proceeds support Left Foot’s employment and training program for people with developmental disabilities and rural youth, working together to grow good food for you!  Your generous donations keep Left Foot growing.  For tickets or more info, call Cindy at 360-701-5221 or Pat at 360-701-2330, or email info@leftfootorganics.org

 

Sunday, October 16

Noon – 2 pm – Spurgeon Creek Tree Planting

(Circle Hawk Farm near Rich Rd.)  Contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or at finanam@co.thurston.wa.usVOLUNTEER EVENT

 

Monday, October 17

12 noon – 1 pm— Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

(Tacoma) Take a lunch break and enjoy a guided plant walk at a local urban park to learn how you can use native plants to attract wildlife to your yard.  The Adriana Hess Wetland Park was preserved by the Hess Family and given to the city of University Place in 1995, and since then has undergone a transformation from a backyard to an urban wildlife sanctuary.  Join us to discover the possibilities and get inspired!  Volunteers at Tahoma Audubon Society provide monthly walks on the third Monday of each month.  Pick up a free Donna Cooper Pepos Native Plant Trail Guide and come by anytime.  Adults and families welcome.  FREE.  Call 253-565-9278 to sign up or for more information.  EXTRA CREDIT

7:00-9:00 pm – Travel That Transforms Lives: Clean Water in India

(Olympia Unitarian Universalist; 2300 East End St NW; Olympia 98502)  David Albert has lived his beliefs for decades by helping in areas of greatest need, especially in setting up water purification systems in India.  Come hear David speak about an India most travelers (and most Indians that travelers meet) don’t know at all.  David found his very self in India, he found family and community there, and he “found entry to a much larger world, one that most people only dream of”.  As David says, “In my life, I have learned to expect the unexpected; the unexpected is where life really happens.”  Part of the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation Adult Education Program.  Open to all interested individuals.  A single registration fee of $10 applies to all the classes in the Program Guide; fee waivers are available. For more information, contact Roger Nielsen at thenielsens2000@yahoo.comEXTRA CREDIT

 

Wednesday, October 19

7-9 pm – SSEA Discovery Lecture Series at LOTT’s WET Science Center

For more information, contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org
EXTRA CREDIT

 

Friday, October 21

9 am – 12 noon – Wetland 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!  Call 253-591-6439 for more information.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

 

Saturday, October 22

9 am – 12 noon – Oak Tree Park Work Party

(Tacoma)  Oak Tree Park is a beautiful and unique 25-acre park located off of South 74th and Cedar Streets.  It protects a Garry Oak woodland community that has become increasingly rare due to a combination of land development and colonization of invasive species of native trees like Douglas fir.  We will meet at the east entrance to Oak Tree Park, at the end of Pine Street South, just north of S 78th St.  We will be removing non-native and invasive plant species, and litter pick-up.  Bring sturdy shoes and clothes to get dirty in.  Some gloves and tools will be provided, but if you have gloves, shovels, rakes, or loppers, please bring them.  

10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Restoration Event at Clover Creek Reserve

(Tacoma)  Clover Creek Reserve is an example of woodland prairie, an increasingly rare landscape in Pierce County.  Dress for the weather.  Suggested dress: boots or comfortable athletic shoes, work clothes, rain gear and appropriate layers.  Volunteers should bring a refillable water bottle.  Snacks, drinks, tools and gloves will be provided.  Directions: Clover Creek Reserve is located on Johns Street E, Tacoma 98445 (enter 6th Ave E & Johns St E, Tacoma, WA 98445 on on google maps/mapquest).  If you are under 18 and attending the event without a parent or guardian, please come to the event with a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.  (Go to www.cascadeland.org/files/stewardship-files/Youth%20Waiver.updated%2011.22.10.pdf)  To register for this event, go to https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXREPHIL/EventDetail.asp?cguid=6374B924%2DD0D5%2D4655%2DBC98%2D66623676DF2C&eid=38536&sid=923AEE4B%2D2232%2D45D5%2D87B8%2D38E0D515BBADVOLUNTEER EVENT

 

Monday, October 24

Real Food Day: Local, Humane, Fair

(The Evergreen State College; 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW; Olympia 98505)  Students, faculty, and community members will join together with the Campus Food Coalition to celebrate the importance of Real Food.  We are talking about: food that is local and community based; food that is FAIR to both producer and consumer, and ecologically sound; and food that is HUMANE to workers and animals.  Through art exhibition, photo petition, and engaging activities including lots of delicious local food, we will focus on raising awareness of the upcoming expiration of our contract with Aramark, and organize to discuss what we would like to see our campus food system become.  We are still in the planning process, and we need as much help as we can get from absolutely everyone tied to Evergreen and greater Olympia.  If you are part of our community and care about real food, please help us organize this event!   Please email evergreenfoodcoalition@gmail.com for more information or to get involved.  EXTRA CREDIT

 

Wednesday October 26

6-8p m – Green Tacoma Partnership Fall Meeting and Potluck

(Portland Ave Community Center, Tacoma)  EXTRA CREDIT

 

Thursday, November 3

6-9 pm – Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife Workshop

(Tumwater)  Fall is an ideal time to do some research and make plans for your lawn and garden.  If you are interested in learning how to turn your yard into a lovely year-round landscape that attracts birds, butterflies and amphibians, then this workshop is for you.  Attend this FREE workshop to learn: planting for 4-season interest; landscaping for tricky areas like slopes; easy ways to minimize lawns; water-wise ideas for your landscape; how simple landscape changes can save you time and money.  Erica Guttman, WSU Native Plant Salvage Project, will teach the class.  Registration is required, and space is limited.  To register, or for more information, contact nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or 360-867-2166.  EXTRA CREDIT

 

Friday, November 4

9 am – 12pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration work party

(Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St.)  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!  Call 253-591-6439 for more information.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

 

Saturday, November 5

Olympic View restoration site work party

(Tacoma) Join Citizens for a Healthy Bay volunteers in an invasive species removal and native plant planting work party at the Olympic View restoration site.  For details, call
253-383-2429. 
VOLUNTEER EVENT

 

Nov 12

10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Environmental Restoration at Clover Creek Reserve

(Tacoma)  Clover Creek Reserve is an example of woodland prairie, an increasingly rare landscape in Pierce County.  Dress for the weather.  Suggested dress: boots or comfortable athletic shoes, work clothes, rain gear and appropriate layers.  Volunteers should bring a refillable water bottle.  Snacks, drinks, tools and gloves will be provided.  Directions: Clover Creek Reserve is located on Johns Street E, Tacoma 98445 (enter 6th Ave E & Johns St E, Tacoma, WA 98445 on on google maps/mapquest).  If you are under 18 and attending the event without a parent or guardian, please come to the event with a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.  (Go to www.cascadeland.org/files/stewardship-files/Youth%20Waiver.updated%2011.22.10.pdf)  To register for this event, go to https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXREPHIL/EventDetail.asp?cguid=6374B924%2DD0D5%2D4655%2DBC98%2D66623676DF2C&eid=38534&sid=89CF7DD7%2D4E81%2D4BBA%2D92A1%2DC48FDE2AD220VOLUNTEER EVENT

 

Saturday, November 12

10 am – noon – Salmon Steward Chum Field Training

(DNR McLane Creek Nature Trail)  To register, contact Ann Marie at finanam@co.thurston.wa.us or 360-754-3355 x6857.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

 

November 16

7-9 pm – SSEA Discovery Lecture Series at LOTT’s WET Science Center

For more information, contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org.
EXTRA CREDIT

 

December 7

7-9 pm – SSEA Discovery Lecture Series at LOTT’s WET Science Center

For more information, contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org.

 

March 21

7-9 pm – SSEA Discovery Lecture Series at LOTT’s WET Science Center

For more information, contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org.