See Below for a List of Local Volunteer and Environmental Opportunities
Where to See Salmon in November
McLane Creek Nature Trail: Knowledgeable Stream Team Salmon Stewards will be present to answer questions most weekend days from 11 am – 3 pm.
Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail is open to the public from 10 am -4 pm, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 27—as well as Nov. 11 and Nov. 25. There will be volunteers on hand to discuss chum salmon biology and operate an underwater fish camera for visitors. The trail is partially accessible to wheelchairs. No pets are allowed. From Olympia, travel north on U.S. Highway 101; turn west on Old Olympic Highway between mileposts 357 and 358; go ¾ of a mile to a gravel logging road marked ‘Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail’, and proceed a half-mile to the parking lot.
Every Tuesday:
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Contact: Audrey Lamb, alamb@cnlm.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
9:30 am – 12 pm – Yashiro Japanese Garden Work Party
Volunteers meet weekly to rake, weed and provide ongoing maintenance to this well-loved park. Parking is available in the former City Hall parking lot at 900 Plum Street SE. Contact: Sylvana Niehuser, sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360) 753-8365.
Every Wednesday:
8-11 am – Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Bird Walk
Meet at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Overlook at 8 am, 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 Saturday:
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market (700 Capitol Way N; Olympia)
Every Sunday:
10 am – 3 pm – 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 by weeding, transplanting, seeding and miscellaneous maintenance of the farm. Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit http://www.goodgrub.org/volunteer ahead of time to fill out a volunteer interest form you can bring with you. VOLUNTEER EVENT
2-6 pm – Schaefer Park Cleanup
(north of Centralia) Schaefer Park is a wonderful park, with the beautiful Skookumchuck River running along the edge. Sadly, it has recently been 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! To lend a hand, just show up. See the facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Schaefer/144068159003155. VOLUNTEER EVENT
Sunday, November 6
Noon – 2:00 pm – Percival Creek Tree Planting
(Tumwater, a ways upstream from SPSCC!) For details and directions, contact Debbie at dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us or 360-754-4148. Debbie let me know that she is willing to stay after the project a bit to answer any questions my students may have—so this is a great opportunity if you still need to do a volunteer event review. VOLUNTEER EVENT
1:45 – 2:15 pm – Photo at the Capitol: In Opposition to the Keystone Tar Sands Pipeline
(Legislative Bldg. Capitol Dome: Capitol Campus on Capitol Blvd; Olympia 98501) Be in front of the Legislative Building (the big one with the dome) for the photo at 2 pm. Come early to get ready. We will have a permit to be on the capitol grounds. This will be very short and kid-friendly, with no plans to get anyone arrested. Please bring your own very big, clever and colorful sign, to make the photo better, and some of you bring a box of donuts (only the round ones with holes) for zero fossil fuels. We will hold the donuts up for the photo. If you don’t have time to make a sign, just show up: each person who is in the photo is meaningful. Politicians know this takes effort and shows that this issue is important to you. Please don’t be silent and invisible on this day! Let’s show there are people in the state of Washington want to move away from fossil fuels. If you can, please email kealbert@comcast.net as soon as possible, so we can plan. Fore more information, go to www.tarsandsaction.org or www.sierraclub.org/sierra/201111/tar-sands. EXTRA CREDIT
4 – 6 pm – Olympia Food Co-op Cooking Class: Warming Asian Soups
(GRuB Farmhouse: 2016 Elliott Ave NW, Olympia 98502) Come and learn how to stay warm to your bones. We’ll make Miso Kabocha Ginger soup and Bone Broth with Asian Spices. Registration is required: go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes/.
Monday, November 7
9 am – 1 pm – Nisqually Planting Assistance
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Description: Staging and moving plants for later installation by schoolchildren. To volunteer, RSVP to Christina Donehower with People For Puget Sound, at cdonehower@pugetsound.org (preferred) or 360-754-9177 ext. 183. VOLUNTEER EVENT
Noon – 2:00 pm – Percival Creek Tree Planting
(Tumwater) For details and directions, contact Debbie at dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us or 360-754-4148. I erroneously listed this in previous notices as being on Monday—when in fact it is on the day before: Sunday.
Tuesday November 8
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
We will meet at Glacial Heritage to improve buttefly habitat. We will target swales (low tracts of land) by either eliminating invasive species or planting native forbs, depending on the weather. Native butterfly species such as the Puget Blue (Icaricia icarioides blackmorei) use swales as protection during extreme weather. Swales are also important because they add to the diversity of microhabitats available for native butterfly species on the prairies. If it’s sunny, we will spot-spray butterfly swales at Glacial Heritage with targeted herbicide in order to prepare them for butterfly habitat in the spring. If it’s raining, we won’t be able to spray herbicide; instead, we will be planting forbs in the butterfly swales at Glacial Heritage. After lunch, we could use a couple of people at Shotwell’s to plant Columbine—if you’re interested, please talk to me (Audrey) at lunch on Tuesday. We got a burning permit this week, so we also can burn a few slash piles on Tuesday! Directions to Glacial Heritage: take I-5 to exit 95 (the Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west through Littlerock to the T-intersection at Mima Road/Waddell Creek; turn south (left) on Mima Road and go 2.7 miles; take a left onto a gravel road with sign for Glacial Heritage—you will see a tractor sign and then the turn. Please obey the 15 mph speed limit, as there are often dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road through the gate; take the first right, and then stay to the left to get to the house. Contact: Audrey Lamb, alamb@cnlm.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
5:30 – 7:30 pm – Free Septic System Maintenance Workshop
(PUD 3, 307 W Cota St; Shelton) Your septic system’s health depends on you! Invest in the health of your family, your community and your property. Learn the ins and outs of caring for your on-site septic system from WSU Extension and Mason County Public Health. Every participant will receive a free manual and coupon discounting septic services! To register, call 360-427-9670 x680 or email: elpiper@wsu.edu.
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Basic Birding Class with Black Hills Audubon Society
(The Coach House behind the State Capitol Museum on 22nd Ave. in Olympia) This course will provide an introduction to birding with an emphasis on developing identification skills. Other topics will include a review of birding tools including binoculars and field guides, an introduction to birding terminology, and some discussion of basic bird biology as they relate to identification. The course is designed primarily for beginning birders but should be useful for many mid-level birders as well. The class is comprised of six evening classes (November 8, 15 and 22, and December 6, 13 and 20) and two field trips. The cost is $80, and includes the book Finding Your Wings, by Burt Guttman. Some scholarships are available. Field trip dates to be determined at the first class. Pre-registration is required, and the class is limited to 25 persons. Register by calling Deb Nickerson at 754-5397 or emailing her at debranick@gmail.com. EXTRA CREDIT
7:00 pm –Uncertainties in Climate Projections: Do we know enough now to move ahead with control of greenhouse gas emissions?
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House: 516 Capitol Way S; Olympia) Dr. Robert Charlson traces the early history of greenhouse gas and aerosol/climate research, in particular the first estimates of aerosol forcing made in the early 1990’s, which were largely based on observations of atmospheric aerosol properties. Reducing the uncertainty of the aerosol forcing is necessary if we are to be able to understand the causes of the observed warming over the 20th century and to refine the projections of climate change in the future. Dr. Charlson is Professor of Atmospheric Sciences and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Washington, Seattle. EXTRA CREDIT
7 – 8 pm – Celebrate the Pacific Crest Trail
(LOTT Board Room: 500 Adams St NE in Olympia) Join us for an evening celebrating the Pacific Crest Trail. Rees Hughes will show pictures of the Pacific Crest Trail and read stories from the just-released two-volume anthology he edited, Pacific Crest Trailside Reader: Adventure, History, and Legend on the Long-Distance Trail. If you are a hiker or armchair hiker, join us for this evening of laughter, reflection, and celebration around this premier National Scenic Trail. Free. www.evergreen.edu/mes/pctreader.htm.
Thursday, November 10
10 am – 1 pm – Hogum Bay restoration work party
Help Nisqually Land Trust preserve and enhance the natural beauty of this site. We will be cutting ivy from trees and pulling it from the ground to allow native plants the opportunity to thrive. Coffee and water will be provided; please bring a water bottle and any snacks you might need. Work parties are rain or shine—so dress in layers, bring raingear, and wear close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. All minors MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. RSVP is required: go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=jzh7gggab&oeidk=a07e579ibhm2a0b647b&oseq=a01hzgs3u1iif. Directions will be sent in your confirmation email.
1:30 pm – Public workshop & hearing on Aquatic Noxious Weed Management
(Lacey Timberland Library: 500 College Street SE, Lacey) WA State Department of Ecology will hold a public workshop and hearing on the requirements for Aquatic Noxious Weed Control NPDES General Permits. It covers the indirect discharge of herbicides, adjuvants, and marker dyes into estuaries, marine areas, wetlands, along lake shorelines, rivers, streams and other wet areas to manage Spartina and freshwater noxious weeds in Washington. For details, go to http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/pubcalendar/calendar.asp.
PUBLIC HEARING. Students interested in reviewing this for credit need to attend the public workshop and the hearing. To find out how long the event is expected to last, contact Kathy Hamel at (360) 407-6562 or at kham461@ecy.wa.gov.
7 – 9 pm – Oil Spills in Washington Waters
(First Christian Church: 701 Franklin Street SE; Olympia 98507) Despite having one of the better oil-spill programs in the country, Washington State’s waters, wildlife, and economy are still at high risk from oil spills. Join Black Hills Audubon Society to hear Marine Biologist Jerry Joyce (member, Puget Sound Partnership Oil Spill Workgroup) review some of the risks we have in our waters, the effects we can expect, what currently is and isn’t being done to protect our environment, and what an oil spill could mean to birds and other wildlife. He will also discuss what you can do to help protect our waters from spills and help minimize oil spill damage to birds and the environment. Arrive at 7:00 pm to socialize; the program will begin promptly at 7:30. EXTRA CREDIT
Friday, November 11
8-10 am – Titlow Park Waterbird Survey
(Tacoma) Description: Identifying and counting waterbirds at Titlow Lagoon and beach, no experience necessary. To volunteer, RSVP to Christina Donehower (cdonehower@pugetsound.org, 360-754-9177 ext. 183). We will provide driving directions and other event details to participants upon RSVP. EXTRA CREDIT
Saturday, November 12
7:00 am – 5:00 pm – Black Hills Audubon Field Trip: Birding in Kitsap and Jefferson Counties
This trip will cross the Narrows Bridge with Port Townsend as the final destination, with stops along the way, including Marrowstone Island and Fort Flagler. The emphasis of the day will be water birds arriving for the winter. In addition to waterfowl and other birds, this trip offers lovely views of Hood Canal, Admiralty Inlet, and the Straits of Juan de Fuca. There will be little walking that is not difficult. Dress for weather, which means possible rain and wind (it is winter in the PNW, after all). Bring food and drinks. There is a limit of 4 cars. Meet at the Martin Way Park and Ride at 7:00 and the 6th Avenue Park and Ride in Tacoma at 7:30 am. Call Phil at 360-970-6323 or Ruth at 253-564-7419 to reserve a spot for this trip. EXTRA CREDIT
9 am – 2 pm – Mount Rainier Gateway Forest Reserve Work Party
(near Ashford) Come join the Nisqually Land Trust for a day of property beautification near Mt. Rainier. We will start off the morning by removing garbage from conservation land. Then we will break for a scenic brown bag lunch in the shadow of Mount Rainier. After lunch, we’ll spend some time removing Scotch broom throughout the property. Coffee and water will be provided; please bring a bagged lunch and water bottle. Work parties are rain or shine. Dress in layers, bring raingear, and wear close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. RSVP is required for directions. To sign up, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=jzh7gggab&oeidk=a07e557t413fc4333de&oseq=a01hzgs3u1iif or send an email to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
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%2DC48FDE2AD220. VOLUNTEER EVENT
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
Sunday, November 13
10 am – 1 pm – Mission Creek Nature Park Work Party
Join the Stewards of Mission Creek Nature Park as we work on maintaining the wonderful nature trails in the park. Parking is limited so please carpool or find alternative transportation. Meet at 1500 Fir St NE, near the entrance. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or at (360) 753-8365. VOLUNTEER EVENT
Monday, November 14
1:30 – 3:30 pm – Public meeting on Mercury Lights Program Rule Development
(Dept of Ecology Lacey Headquarters: 300 Desmond Drive; Lacey) In October 2011 the Department of Ecology began the rule-making process for a new mercury lights product stewardship program. This rule is needed to clarify product stewardship program requirements. For details, go to www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/mercurylights/index.html. Contact: Kara Steward, (360) 407-6250, kara.steward@ecy.wa.gov. PUBLIC HEARING.
3:30 pm – film: Sound and Vision (65 min.; USA 2011)
(Capitol Theater: 206 E 5th Ave in downtown Olympia) Sound and Vision explores issues facing the nearshore environment. It is a film about the oceans, told through the stories of people working to clean up, protect, and restore habitat in Puget Sound and beyond. Moving from stirring scenes of the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster and its effect on Louisiana’s communities eight weeks into the spill, the film transitions to the threats facing Puget Sound, examining oil spills, plastic trash, legacy pollution, and ongoing degradation in the form of storm water and household toxins. Looking at practical ways that people can be involved in working for ocean health, Sound and Vision is a call for the restoration of Puget Sound, the Gulf, and beyond. Director Eric Becker and cinematographer Rodrigo Valenzuela will be in attendance. To buy tickets, go to www.olympiafilmsociety.org/festivals/olympia-film-festival/schedule/. For EXTRA CREDIT, you need to stay for any after-film discussion.
5:30 pm – public hearing on Ken Lake interim zoning regulations
(Room 280, Building 1 of the Thurston County Courthouse Complex: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Olympia) In 2010, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners passed interim (short-term) ordinances for an area bounded by Highway 101 to the north, the Olympia UGA boundary to the west, and the Olympia City limits to the south and east—an area adjacent to the Ken Lake development, and accessible only from the south end of Kaiser Road. These ordinances reduced the number of units that could be built per acre, and required that construction in the area meet higher standards regarding the amount of impervious surfaces. The interim ordinance will expire at the end of this year unless it is renewed, and this hearing is to get the public’s opinion as to whether the ordinance should be renewed. It has been a fairly contentious issue—with the owners and potential developers of the affected properties generally against the ordinance, and many owners of adjacent Ken Lake properties in favor of the ordinance. So this controversy may play out during this hearing. (In other words, it could be quite interesting!) PUBLIC HEARING
Tuesday November 15
3:00 pm – public hearing on Farm Stands, Edgewater Beach Water Company, and a six-year transportation improvement program
(Room 280, Building 1 of the Thurston County Courthouse Complex: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Olympia) Stay tuned for details. PUBLIC HEARING
5:25 – 7 pm – City Council Briefing on Sea Level Rise
(City Council Chambers, #207: 601 4th Ave E; Olympia 98501) Join the Olympia City Council in hearing a briefing by Andy Haub from the Olympia Public Works Department on the implications of sea level rise for the City of Olympia. Open to public. EXTRA CREDIT
7:00 – 8:15 pm – Linking Incarceration with Sustainability, Conservation and Restoration
(REI Olympia, at the Capitol Mall: 625 Black Lake Blvd. #410; Olympia 98502) Kelli Bush of the Sustainable Prisons Project will be speaking about this unique collaboration between The Evergreen State College and the Washington Department of Corrections. The mission of the Sustainable Prisons Project is to bring science and nature into prisons. Kelli will talk about how they collaborate with scientists, conservation groups, students, prisons and incarcerated individuals to benefit both people and ecosystems through endangered species recovery and habitat restoration programs. Registration required: go to www.rei.com/event/31461/session/39296, email Kathleen Ackley at kathleen@capitollandtrust.org, or call her at Capitol Land Trust at (360) 943-3012. EXTRA CREDIT
7:00-9:00 pm – Designing Our Local Economy As If People Mattered
(MIXX 96 Meeting Room: on the corner of State & Washington, in downtown Olympia) “Economics has become an out-of-control, global system that exploits workers, resources and the environment to benefit a select few. Yet its origins from the Greek language mean ‘household management’. Isn’t it time we reclaim our economy, our household management, for the benefit of all? We’ll take a look at global and regional economics, explore existing as well as new projects for re-localizing, and brainstorm ideas for an economy that will serve our community. Bring your own mug and come at 6:45 for refreshments.” For more information, contact Barb Scavezze at 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com. Sponsored by OlyClimateAction.
November 16
6 pm – Public hearing on TransAlta’s Best Available Retrofit Technology Compliance Order and Technical Support Document
(Ecology Headquarters, Auditorium: 300 Desmond Drive; Lacey) TransAlta is the company running the coal-burning power plant in Centralia, WA. The WA Department of Ecology is revising the TransAlta Best Available Retrofit Technology Compliance Order and Technical Support Document, and the part of the Regional Haze State Implementation Plan they address. The purpose of the changes is to incorporate new legal requirements passed by the WA State Legislature in 2011 into the BART documents. Because the TransAlta plant is one of the largest sources of air pollution in WA, and one of the larger employers in Lewis County, this has been a very contentious issue—so I expect this hearing to be quite interesting! For more information, go to www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/globalwarm_RegHaze/regional_haze.html. Contact: Al Newman, (360) 407-6810, anew461@ecy.wa.gov. PUBLIC HEARING
6:00 – 7:30 pm – West Olympia Park: Draft Concept Plan
(Olympia Center: 222 Columbia St NW; Olympia) The Olympia Parks and Recreation Committee is holding a meeting to review the West Olympia Park Plan and provide a recommendation to the City Council. The public is invited to attend and give feedback. The proposed park is located on Harrison Ave., one block west of Cooper Point Rd. EXTRA CREDIT
7-9 pm – Biodiversity in the South Sound & the Human Condition
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) The lecture will be presented by Daniel Hull, Executive Director of the Nisqually Reach Nature Center. Daniel has championed many citizen-monitoring programs with the goal of connecting people to biodiversity in the Puget Sound. This free lecture is a culmination of Daniel’s work connecting citizens with science and critical thinking. For more information, contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org. EXTRA CREDIT
November 17
Noon – 1:00 pm – Water for Humans Project in Oaxaca, Mexico
(SPSCC, Building 26, Room 101) Rick McKenney is the Executive Director of Water for Humans, a nonprofit social venture enterprise working to bring sanitation and clean water to communities in need through partnerships with local communities, NGOs, social entrepreneurs, universities and governments. Rick will report on his recent trip to Oaxaca where Water for Humans’ is working with the State of Oaxaca to develop a strategy and actionable project plan for water and sanitation in the central valley of Oaxaca. For EXTRA CREDIT, you need to stay for any after-talk discussion.
Saturday, November 19
9 am – 12 noon – Puyallup & White River Plantings
(Sumner) Contact Stream Team to volunteer (253) 845-2973. VOLUNTEER EVENT
9 am – 5 pm – Warm Home: Creating Insulating Window Inserts
(Olympia Unitarian Church: 2300 West End Ct, Olympia) Are your windows cold or drafty? Save energy, cut costs and help the environment while you learn in a fun community setting how to build simple, low-cost interior insulating window inserts. These double-layered windows fit snugly inside the window opening, are easily removable and can be made in custom sizes. They are built with local wood, a double layer of shrink wrap and weatherstripping. The inserts are perfect for single-pane or aluminum windows. (To see a video of this, go to www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=99333.) We provide the tools and materials, you bring measurements and friends—and together we’ll build a set of inserts for your house (and for others) to stay warm and save money this winter. To register, contact Joe Joy at joejoy2@comcast.net. Brought to you by the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church partnered with The Home Empowerment Project (a project of the NW Ecobuilding Guild). For more information, visit www.HomeEmPOWERment.org.
10 am – 2 pm – Allison Springs Estuary Restoration Project
(Randall Preserve, Olympia) Join us to restore fish and wildlife habitat on Mud Bay in Olympia! Volunteers are needed to install native plants and to remove invasive vegetation. No experience is necessary. Please bring work gloves if you have them, a sack lunch, and a water bottle. Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots. We will provide hand tools, light snacks and beverages, and will have some extra work gloves to share. Minors who plan to attend without their legal guardians must contact the event coordinator prior to the event to receive a special release form that must be completed. Children ten and under must have adult supervision. We will provide driving directions and parking instructions to all participants upon RSVP. Project partners/cosponsors include Capitol Land Trust, the City of Olympia, Stream Team, South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, and People For Puget Sound. To volunteer, RSVP to Christina Donehower with People For Puget Sound, at cdonehower@pugetsound.org (preferred) or 360-754-9177 ext. 183. VOLUNTEER EVENT
10 am – 1 pm – Madison Scenic Park Work Party
(1600 10th Ave SE; Olympia) Join us as we remove invasive Scotch Broom, Himalayan Blackberry, English Ivy and weed the tree circles. We will meet near entrance. Parking is limited, so please carpool or find alternative transportation. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or at (360) 753-8365. VOLUNTEER EVENT
10 am – 2 pm – Joy Ave Pathway work party
Join with your neighbors to transform an abandoned lot into a beautiful public pathway and pocket park along the Joy Avenue right-of-way (between Bethel and Tulllis, behind the San Francisco Street Bakery). Our vision is to have this once ugly and debris-filled corridor become an inviting place for neighbors to walk, sit, read, visit, talk, birdwatch, and to harvest edible fruits and nuts. We’ve already removed lots of blackberry roots and more than one ton of debris from the site, and laid down about 40 yards of recycled asphalt to create the trail surface. Now it’s time to start planting and we need your help! The primary focus of the work party will be planting trees, shrubs and other plants. Please bring a shovel, work gloves and dress for the weather (and for the dirt!). If you don’t have tools or work gloves, we’ll have some available for you to use. If you can only spare half an hour, we’ll be glad to have your help. Stay as long as you like. This project, funded in part by a generous grant from the City of Olympia’s neighborhood matching grant program, will make it safer and easier for students to walk and bike to Roosevelt and Reeves, and will help all of us get active and get connected. More information about the project can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/olympiasnortheastneighborhood/home/joy-ave-pathway-1. Our draft planting and site improvement plan includes lots of native plants and fruit and nut trees and bushes. If you have ideas about what how you’d like to see the site improved or what you’d like to see planted on the site, please send a note to the Joy Ave. pathway Google Group at joyavepathway@googlegroups.com. VOLUNTEER EVENT
8:00-9:00 pm – Hood Canal Pier Peer Exploration
(Hood Canal Marina: 5101 East State Route 106; Union) Join People For Puget Sound naturalists as they shine a light (literally!) on the creatures of Puget Sound. You’ll head out on the docks after dark and watch as animals are drawn to submerged lights. During the fall and winter, visitors range from jellyfish and colorful sea slugs to schools of fish and squid. And let’s not forget the creepy but compelling polychaete worms! These centipede-like creatures can grow to be the size of your arm and many have jaws that they shoot out of their mouths to capture prey. The event is family-friendly, but we recommend that children under 8 not attend. FREE for People For Puget Sound members; $10 for non-members. Bring a flashlight, and dress warmly; it can get cold on the pier at night. Space is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, go to http://pugetsound.org/events/hood-canal-pier-peer-exploration/1015-hoodcanal-pier-peer/forms/event_rsvp. For more information, contact Ann Butler at 360-754-9177, ext 160. EXTRA CREDIT
Sunday, November 20
12:00 – 2:00 pm – Welcoming Home the Chum Salmon to McLane Creek
(McLane Creek Nature Trail—off Delphi Road, on the west side of Olympia) Whether you are new to the area or have lived here for years, it is always a fascinating sight to see the chum salmon spawning in McLane Creek at the McLane Creek Nature Trail. The chum return to spawn in early November through mid-December, once the rains have helped the water levels to rise. A short walk along the trail past the beaver pond and through a colorful forest of native trees and shrubs and you arrive at the creek where the big and colorful chum display fascinating courtship behaviors. Join Stream Team and DNR to celebrate the return of the chum to the McLane Creek Nature Trail. Salmon Stewards will be on hand to provide guided tours to the viewing platform and to answer questions about this native run of wild fish returning to spawn in their natal creek. Hot cider and snacks will be provided. The celebration will take place rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather and remember to wear sturdy boots or shoes. (Salmon Stewards are wanted to assist at this event. Please contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or finanam@co.thurston.wa.us.) NOTE: a Discover Pass is required to park at McLane Creek Nature Trail. For more information and a map to the site go to the Stream Team calendar at www.streamteam.info. EXTRA CREDIT
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29: ALL EVENT REVIEWS DUE!
Saturday, December 3
10 am – 2 pm – Allison Springs Estuary Restoration Project
(Allison Springs, Olympia) Join us to restore fish and wildlife habitat on Mud Bay in Olympia! Volunteers are needed to install native plants and to remove invasive vegetation. No experience is necessary. Please bring work gloves if you have them, a sack lunch, and a water bottle. Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots. We will provide hand tools, light snacks and beverages, and will have some extra work gloves to share. Minors who plan to attend without their legal guardians must contact the event coordinator prior to the event to receive a special release form that must be completed. Children ten and under must have adult supervision. We will provide driving directions and parking instructions to all participants upon RSVP. Project partners/cosponsors include Capitol Land Trust, the City of Olympia, Stream Team, South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, and People For Puget Sound. To volunteer, RSVP to Christina Donehower with People For Puget Sound, at cdonehower@pugetsound.org (preferred) or 360-754-9177 ext. 183.
December 7
7-9 pm – The Road to Recovery for Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Presented by Lynne Barre, National Marine Fisheries. For more information, contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org.
Thursday, December 8
7 – 9 pm – Native Bees
(First Christian Church: 701 Franklin Street SE; Olympia 98507) Every summer, a vast and interesting tribe of insects is hard at work in the fields and gardens around Olympia. They are the native bees. Did you know there is a bee that incubates its eggs like chickens do? Another mother bee gives her offspring a dab of a powerful antibiotic to protect them. Join Black Hills Audubon Society to hear Naturalist Rob Sandelin as he explores the fascinating lives of our native bees. Arrive at 7:00 pm to socialize; the program will begin promptly at 7:30.
Saturday, December 10
8:00 am – late afternoon – Black Hills Audubon Field Trip: Port Townsend and vicinity
Stops will include Fort Worden SP, Point Hudson, Mystery Bay SP, Fort Flagler SP, and Kah Tai Lagoon. Possible species include Ancient and Marbled Murrelet, Rhinoceros Auklet, Pigeon Guillemot, Black Oystercatcher, loons (including a possibility for Yellow-billed Loon), Brant, Long-tailed, Harlequin, and Ruddy Duck, and 8 or more species of shore birds. This is a great opportunity for beginning birders to see some of our harder to find northwest specialties! What to bring along: It can be windy, rainy, and cold, so appropriate Winter weather clothing and rain gear are strongly recommended; water, snack, and lunch. The trip will entail several stops with short walks on level ground. Where and when to meet: Mud Bay Park & Ride, 8:00 am. Pre-registration is required: contact Lonnie Somer at wheelermombi@comcast.net.
10 am – 2 pm – Allison Springs Estuary Restoration Project
(Randall Preserve, Olympia) Join us to restore fish and wildlife habitat on Mud Bay in Olympia! Volunteers are needed to install native plants and to remove invasive vegetation. No experience is necessary. Please bring work gloves if you have them, a sack lunch, and a water bottle. Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots. We will provide hand tools, light snacks and beverages, and will have some extra work gloves to share. Minors who plan to attend without their legal guardians must contact the event coordinator prior to the event to receive a special release form that must be completed. Children ten and under must have adult supervision. We will provide driving directions and parking instructions to all participants upon RSVP. Project partners/cosponsors include Capitol Land Trust, the City of Olympia, Stream Team, South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, and People For Puget Sound. To volunteer, RSVP to Christina Donehower with People For Puget Sound, at cdonehower@pugetsound.org (preferred) or 360-754-9177 ext. 183.
Public Hearing before the Thurston County Planning Commission on the draft Critical Areas Ordinance – stay tuned for details
8:00-9:00 pm – Hood Canal Pier Peer Exploration
(Hood Canal Marina: 5101 East State Route 106; Union) Join People For Puget Sound naturalists as they shine a light (literally!) on the creatures of Puget Sound. You’ll head out on the docks after dark and watch as animals are drawn to submerged lights. During the fall and winter, visitors range from jellyfish and colorful sea slugs to schools of fish and squid. And let’s not forget the creepy but compelling polychaete worms! These centipede-like creatures can grow to be the size of your arm and many have jaws that they shoot out of their mouths to capture prey. The event is family-friendly, but we recommend that children under 8 not attend. FREE for People For Puget Sound members; $10 for non-members. Bring a flashlight, and dress warmly; it can get cold on the pier at night. Space is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, go to http://pugetsound.org/events/hood-canal-pier-peer-exploration/1015-hoodcanal-pier-peer/forms/event_rsvp. For more information, contact Ann Butler at 360-754-9177, ext 160. EXTRA CREDIT
Sunday, December 11
9 am – 12:00 noon – Field Trip: Downtown Ducks at Capital Lake
Burt Guttman leads fabulous winter water birding trips to downtown Olympia. There are all kinds of ducks, grebes, geese, and the occasional loon, as well as passerines to be seen in the trees and shrubs. This trip begins at Marathon Park at Capital Lake and generally includes Tumwater Historical Park and Percival Cove. Occasionally visits to lower Budd Inlet are included. This trip is especially oriented for beginners, but all interested folks are welcome. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.
Tuesday December 13
7:00 – 8:15 pm – Fly by Night: Bats of Washington State
(REI Olympia, at the Capitol Mall: 625 Black Lake Blvd. #410; Olympia 98502) John Fleckenstein, a zoologist with WA Dept. of Natural Resources, will talk about bats. More than 900 species of bats are known around the world, but none are as cool as the bats you can watch in your own backyard. John has given many public tours and talks about bats, not to mention spending plenty of time in the field researching them. Registration required: go to www.rei.com/event/32163/session/40074, email Kathleen Ackley at kathleen@capitollandtrust.org, or call her at Capitol Land Trust at (360) 943-3012.
Saturday, December 17
10 am – 12 noon – Titlow Park Waterbird Survey
(Tacoma) Description: Identifying and counting waterbirds at Titlow Lagoon and beach, no experience necessary. To volunteer, RSVP to Christina Donehower (cdonehower@pugetsound.org, 360-754-9177 ext. 183). We will provide driving directions and other event details to participants upon RSVP.
January 14
8:00-9:00 pm – Hood Canal Pier Peer Exploration
(Hood Canal Marina: 5101 East State Route 106; Union) Join People For Puget Sound naturalists as they shine a light (literally!) on the creatures of Puget Sound. You’ll head out on the docks after dark and watch as animals are drawn to submerged lights. During the fall and winter, visitors range from jellyfish and colorful sea slugs to schools of fish and squid. And let’s not forget the creepy but compelling polychaete worms! These centipede-like creatures can grow to be the size of your arm and many have jaws that they shoot out of their mouths to capture prey. The event is family-friendly, but we recommend that children under 8 not attend. FREE for People For Puget Sound members; $10 for non-members. Bring a flashlight, and dress warmly; it can get cold on the pier at night. Space is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, go to http://pugetsound.org/events/hood-canal-pier-peer-exploration/1015-hoodcanal-pier-peer/forms/event_rsvp. For more information, contact Ann Butler at 360-754-9177, ext 160. EXTRA CREDIT
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.
Volunteer and Intern Opportunities with Thurston County Food Bank Produce Programs
The Thurston County Food Bank’s (TCFB) Produce Team is dedicated to lowering access barriers to nutritious, local fruits and vegetables—particularly for low-income people. We have various outreach activities (described below) to bring in fresh produce, and to educate our clients about how to use it. Last year, TCFB received over 60,700 lbs of local produce from gleaning, Kiwanis Food Bank Gardens, and school gardens programs. This past winter, we collected over 1,700 pounds of produce from our first-ever Winter Produce Drive. None of these achievements would be possible without the generous support of our community. Please consider supporting our work by being a volunteer or an intern for one or more of these efforts.
Gleaning: Farmers routinely over-plant their fields as a safeguard against poor weather, poor yields, and pests. As a result there is often a large excess. Gleaning is the act of harvesting the excess fruits, grains, and vegetables farmers leave in their fields. Each week, from late June through December we take volunteers to farms, orchards, and residences to harvest this bounty. We host as many as five gleaning events a week. Our gleaning days this year are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and one additional weekday. For information about volunteering or interning in our gleaning program, email: gleaning@thurstoncountyfoodbank.org or call (360) 352-8597 ext 108.
Kiwanis work parties: The Olympia Kiwanis Club started their garden project in the early 90’s to provide fresh produce to hunger relief programs. Our work parties are currently every Thursday morning at one of their four gardens. Activities include tilling, mulching, weeding, planting, work on simple construction projects, and harvesting. To get on the Kiwanis work party email list, contact Derek Valley at schmidtvalley@comcast.net. For information about interning to coordinate the Kiwanis work parties, email: gleaning@thurstoncountyfoodbank.org or call (360) 352-8597 ext 108.
Cooking Demonstrations: Twice a month, we offer recipes and meal samples to our clients at our downtown location. The recipes are for nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals that clients can make at home using the produce and staples available at the Food Bank. With more volunteers or an intern, we can expand this nutrition education program. For information about volunteering or interning for this program, contact: produce@thurstoncountyfoodbank.org.
Plant a Row for the Hungry: Starting in early spring we distribute seeds and plant starts throughout Olympia/Tumwater/Lacey to encourage residents to grow food for the food bank. The food bank always accepts donations of produce and eggs. So bring ’em in! For information about volunteering for this program, or a winter/spring quarter internship to coordinate this program, contact: gleaning@thurstoncountyfoodbank.org or call (360) 352-8597 ext 108.
School Gardens: We work with school gardens to encourage nutritious eating habits, to teach children how to grow their own food, and to engage children in growing food for the needy. During the school year, we host farm stands and pack mini-CSAs at area schools. We also collaborate with schools on cooking classes and garden education, help schools maintain their gardens during the school year and in the summer, and host an annual networking/educational summit for those involved in school gardening. For information about volunteering or interning in the school gardens program, contact: schoolgardens@thurstoncountyfoodbank.org, or call (360) 352-8597 ext 123