List of Local Environmental Events Below
Help Protect Critical Areas in Thurston County
Public Hearing on the Critical Areas Ordinance Revisions
Saturday, December 10, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (or until all present have had a chance to speak)
Thurston County Courthouse complex, Bldg. 2
The Thurston County Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on revisions to the Critical Areas Ordinance. It is imperative that the community speak up in support of this much-needed revision. People can speak at the hearing by signing the sign-in sheet; they will then be assigned a number designating when they will be called up to speak. If you can’t speak at the hearing, the County is accepting written comments until 5 pm on December 23rd, and you can send your comments by email to Andrew Deffobis, Associate Planner at deffoba@co.thurston.wa.us. For more information on the hearing and issues involved, see the entry below for December 10th.
Every Tuesday, 9 am – 3 pm: South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
ContactAudrey Lamb, alamb@cnlm.org.)
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.)
Every Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm: Olympia Farmers’ Market
(700 Capitol Way N; Olympia)
Every Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm: Olympia Farmers’ Market
Tuesday, December 6
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
We will be meeting at Glacial Heritage to work on a variety of winter projects including: pulling Scotch broom in a new priority area; burning slash piles; stacking and piling downed branches in the northeast area of Glacial Heritage; and cleaning seed. As always, bring gloves, lunch, rain gear, and a smile. 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.
7 pm – The Urban Biodynamic Homestead : soil, sap, and spray
(The Evergreen State College Organic Farm House: 2712 Lewis Road, Olympia) At this meeting of the South Sound Fruit Society (open to the public), Barry Lia will provide an overview of the flows of energy and materials on the urban homestead ecosystem. He will talk about the process from sun to table (“soil”); working with cosmic rhythms (“sap”) ;and provide an introduction to biodynamic preparations, sprays and tree paste (“spray”). Together with his wife, Barry has been practicing biodynamic husbandry on their urban homestead in Seattle for 20 years, and they have led workshops introducing biodynamics locally in many venues. He completed a two-year training in biodynamic agriculture with Dr. Andrew Lorand. Barry coordinates the Washington Biodynamic Group and consults and works on local biodynamic farms. As a member of both the Natural Science Section and the Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum, he participates in biodynamic research and education.
Wednesday, December 7,
4:50 – 5:10 pm – Maximizing cost-effective energy savings on Joint Base Lewis-McChord housing
(The Evergreen State College, Seminar II, A1105) Masters of Environmental Science thesis presentation by Luke Mattheis. The public is welcome to attend.
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Introduction to the WSU Master Gardeners program
(Thurston County Extension Office in West Olympia) Washington State University Master Gardeners of Thurston County is a volunteer service program that provides information to members of the community who have gardening or insect questions. To become a Master Gardener you do not need to know everything about gardening—you simply need to have some gardening experience and enjoy learning and sharing information. The WSU Master Gardener program trains volunteers in all aspects of home gardening, including water-wise gardening, how to grow your own food, low-impact landscaping, diagnosing plant diseases, and identifying insects/pests—and provides venues for volunteers to meet the public and answer questions (demonstration gardens, community booths, question/answer clinics). At the Introduction you will learn what it takes to be a WSU Master Gardener, including program expectations and the benefits you receive being a WSU Master Gardener. No pre-registration is needed. To learn more or to download an application packet, go to http://county.wsu.edu/thurston and click on the “Master Gardener” heading. For more information, contact Cori Carlton at 360-867-2162 or carltoc@co.thurston.wa.us.
6:30 pm – Thurston County Planning Department
(Room 129, Building 2 of the Thurston County Courthouse: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Olympia 98502) The Planning Commission will hold a work session to review proposed changes to the Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance in advance of their public hearing on December 10th (see below). The commission will discuss any last-minute issues and may also review how the hearing will be organized and conducted. The Planning Commission may receive new supplemental draft materials from staff. The Planning Commission will also hold a work session on Mineral Lands compliance, which may include introduction of best available science, draft regulations, and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. (Go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/mineral_lands/mineral_lands_home.htm for more information on mineral lands compliance.) The Planning Commission also will review the proposed Agritourism Overlay District. (To see the staff report on this issue, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/planning_commission/agenda/2011-12-07/pc-agenda-20111207-a-9-staff-report-agritourism.pdf.)
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. This lecture is part of the Discovery Lecture Series held each year by South Sound Estuary Association. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org.
Thursday, December 8
10 am – 1 pm — Ivy Pull at Hogum Bay
Come join the Nisqually Land Trust for a few hours of restoration work at beautiful Hogum Bay! We will be cutting ivy from trees and pulling it from the ground to allow native plants the opportunity to thrive. Come help us preserve and enhance the natural beauty of this site. Coffee and water will be provided; please bring a water bottle and any snacks you might need. Work parties are rain or shine—so bring layers, raingear, and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. All minors MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To register and receive directions, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=jzh7gggab&oeidk=a07e5ckmfh8ccab66be&oseq=a01hzgs3u1iif (be sure to remove my email address and type in yours!). For more information, contact Charly Kearns at volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org or
360-489-3400.
4:30-5:30 pm – Factors that Trigger Willingness or Unwillingness to Conserve Farmland: interviews with farmland owners in Thurston County.
(TESC, Seminar II, A1105) Masters of Environmental Science thesis presentation by Jodie DuBois. The public is welcome to attend.
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.
9 am – 12 noon – Friends of Franklin Park Forest Cleanup and Restoration
(Forested area of Franklin Park along S. 12th Street, South 12th Street and Puget Sound Avenue, 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.
9 am – 12 noon – Julia’s Gulch Work Party
(Tacoma) We will continue ridding the site of the invasive Himalayan Blackberry and spreading wood chips. Tools will be provided but if you have a favorite bring it along, especially clippers, pitch forks and pointed shovels. Dress appropriately. Don’t forget a water bottle and heavy gloves. We’ll meet at View Point Park at 9 am and work until noon.
Hope to see you there!
9 am – 12 noon – Puget Creek Restoration Society work party
(Tacoma) Contact: Scott Hansen at pugetcreek@yahoo.com or (253) 779-8890.
10 am – 3 pm – Public Hearing before the Thurston County Planning Commission on the draft Critical Areas Ordinance
(Building 2, Room 129 of the Thurston County Courthouse complex: 2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW; Olympia 98502) The Growth Management Act requires local governments to protect important fish and wildlife habitat areas, wetlands, critical aquifer recharge areas, frequently flooded areas; and geologically hazardous areas, (such as bluffs). Thurston County’s critical areas regulations are a response to that law, regulating how development and redevelopment can safely occur on lands that contain critical areas. Because the county’s Critical Areas Ordinance dates back to 1994, many portions are out-of-date and have not kept pace with changes in state law. So the county is working to update the ordinance, and is holding this hearing to get public comment on the draft proposal. There has been considerable opposition to the Critical Areas Ordinance at previous hearings, particularly from advocates of property rights—along with considerable support from citizens wanting to protect critical areas. This hearing will be longer than usual, to allow all citizens to have a safe, convenient environment in which to testify. Doors will open and sign-in will begin at 9 am, and the hearing will continue until all people present have had a chance to speak. People are welcome to speak at the hearing by signing the sign-in sheet. They will then be assigned a number designating when they will be called up to speak. To quote one of the groups supporting the revisions, “It is imperative that the community speak up in support of this much needed revision.” To see draft chapters of the revised CAO, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/critical_areas/criticalareas-dec10-hre.html. For more information from the folks supporting the revisions, visit www.gothurston.org.
10:00 am -1:00 pm – Watershed Park Volunteer Work Party
Join us as we work to remove invasive plants from Watershed Park. Meet at the Olympia Woodland trailhead, located at 1600 Eastside St SE near the shelter. Contact: Sylvana Niehuser, sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8365.
10 am – 2 pm – Allison Springs Estuary Restoration Project
(Randall Preserve, Olympia) The Randall property on Eld Inlet is in the last planting phase of a shoreline restoration project that was considered high priority for salmon recovery. Join the upcoming planting to see this awesome site and project! 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. To volunteer, RSVP to Christina Donehower with People For Puget Sound, at cdonehower@pugetsound.org (preferred) or 360-754-9177 ext. 183. The Randall property is located behind Blue Heron Bakery on Mud Bay Road.
10 am – 2 pm – Wood Window Workshop
(The EcoHouse: 911 Adams Street SE; Olympia) The City of Olympia Heritage Commission and Northwest EcoBuilding Guild have teamed up to bring you this valuable workshop on how to preserve, maintain and weatherize your historic wood windows, doors and architectural details. Built to last, wood windows and doors need regular upkeep and sometimes restoration work to maintain their value. If you want to stay warm and save on energy costs, don’t replace them! You can tune up and weatherize your old windows and recoup your investment through energy savings. Do it yourself and save even more. The workshop fee is $20 per person—$30 per household—and includes a healthy lunch. The Instructor is Dave King, owner and master craftsman of EcoWoodworks, a local company specializing in historically accurate wood restoration and replacement. (Visit www.EcoWoodworks.com to see what they do.) This will be a do-it-yourself hands-on workshop to restore and weatherize windows at the South Sound EcoHouse, a demonstration project of the NW EcoBuilding Guild. Arrive early for a tour of “The Commons” and to sign-in.
10 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
The Center for Natural Lands Management—South Sound Program will hold its last Saturday volunteer event of 2011 at Glacial Heritage. The priority will be pulling broom in the eastern area near the road. We also have some wood that needs to be stacked into piles, and more piles to burn. If you’d like to stay inside, there is more seed to clean. At the end of the day, there will be an opportunity to cut down small Douglas firs for those of you who’d like to take one home for the holidays. We’ll have twine and scissors on hand to tie trees to your car. Bring gloves, a lunch, rain gear, and warm, waterproof boots. We also will have a special holiday potluck after the work day is over, so feel free to bring a dish to share. 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.
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.
9 am – 2 pm – Native Plant Salvage Alliance plant-salvage event
The concept of gleaning plants prior to development, to landscape one’s gardens with resource-efficient plants, while digging on behalf of Pierce County habitat projects is one way to get ahead of the economy. We will be returning to the upland forest in Bonney Lake to dig plants for the Puyallup Tribe’s Grandview Early Learning Center located off of Pioneer Way East. Participants are invited to dig for 1 hour on behalf of this effort, and then dig for whatever planting project you wish to benefit. This site is an unusually weed-free and healthy urban habitat. At this site, registered participants may be able to salvage: big-leaf maple, vine maple, red alder, cascara, poplar, Douglas-fir, Western redcedar, willows, oceanspray, osoberry/Indian plum, sword and bracken fern, wild roses, black-cap raspberry, salmonberry, hardhack spirea, snowberry, and shade-loving mosses. If you’re feeling lucky, you can also dig salal, red and evergreen huckleberry, and Oregon-grape. (None of these have great survival rates when salvaged.) You also may find vanilla leaf, deer and licorice ferns, fairy bells, Roemer’s fescue, vining honeysuckles, false solomon’s seal, fringecup, piggy-back plant, trillium, nettles, violets, and other specialty natives. To register visit: www.kwiksurveys.com?s=OIEDGG_96f6a3c0.
Monday, December 12
7 pm – film: The Economics of Happiness
(MIXX 96 Meeting Room: corner of State & Washington in downtown Olympia) A film by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Stephen Gorelick and John Page, featuring voices from six continents, including: Vandana Shiva, Bill McKibben, David Korten, Zac Goldsmith, Michael Shuman, Samdhong Rinpoche, Andrew Simms, Richard Heinberg, Chris Johnstone, Juliet Schor, Clive Hamilton, Keibo Oiwa, and Rob Hopkins. Please bring your own mug and arrive at 6:45 for refreshments. This program is open to the public, but seating is limited.
Tuesday December 13
7:00 pm – Olympia Science Café: Charting the Future of Puget Sound Energy’s Resource Mix
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House: 516 Capitol Way S; Olympia) Puget Sound Energy, the largest electric and gas utility in Washington, will be discussing long-term energy resource issues from multiple perspectives: feasibility, cost, reliability, and sustainability. This will include a presentation on its 2011 Integrated Resource Plan, which examines the least-cost mix of demand and supply-side resources for the next 20 years. There also will be a discussion of emerging energy supply resources and technologies—including renewable energy, distributed generation, smart grid, energy efficiency resources, and plug-in electric vehicles. Presenting these topics will be Phillip Popoff (Manager, Integrated Resource Planning), Patrick Leslie (Manager, Emerging Technologies Program), and Michael Wehling (Energy Efficiency Strategic Planning). Also in attendance will be Casey Cochrane (Community Relations Manager) and Farra Vargas (Energy Efficient Communities Program Coordinator).
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.
Wednesday, December 14
9 am – 12:00 noon – Training: Exploring Effective Techniques for Dealing with Homeless Encampments
(Tacoma Nature Center) Join Colin DeForrest from the City of Tacoma Homeless Services to explore effective techniques for dealing with homeless encampments: who to call and when to call for assistance. Rick Fuller of the Center for Urban Waters will present effective ways of hazardous waste removal. Kelly Crouch from Crime Free Housing will provide information and examples of crime prevention through environmental design. Both classroom and field work will be included in this training. Please RSVP to Sue Wattier swattier@tahomaaudubon.org or call 253-686-2873.
Thursday, December 15
6:30pm – 8:30pm – Turning Point: Transform the Built Environment
(Urban Onion Ballroom: 116 Legion Way SE in downtown Olympia, across from Sylvester Park) Calling all guild members, partners and friends. Time to reconnect, re-energize and renew our commitment for the year to come! Help map out the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild’s programs for 2012. We’ll begin by taking care of organizational business (State of the Chapter; Steering Committee nominations), then break into four roundtable discussions of 2012 issues and programs: South Sound Green Tour; Greening the Codes—the Database Project; Policy & Leadership Symposium Series; and the Guild EcoHouse & other special projects. The program begins at 7 pm, but you should arrive early if you want to order from the menu. Guild Members are Free. Guests, $5 donation. For more info, call 360-754-6152. Sponsored by the South Sound Chapter of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild
Friday, December 16
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.
Saturday, December 17
9 am – 12 noon – McKinley Park Clean-Up Work Party
(500 E McKinley Way; Tacoma 98404) Meet down 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.
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. What to Bring: sturdy shoes and clothes to get dirty in. Optional: gloves, shovels, rakes, and loppers – some gloves and tools will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have them and can bring them. The work at Oak Tree Park on this day will include removal of non-native and invasive plant species, and litter pick-up. Meet at East Entrance to Oak Tree Park—at the north end of Pine Street South.
9:30 am – 1:00 pm – Free Kayak Trip!
See the cycle of life: bald eagles feasting on salmon. Come and kayak Mud Bay with Stream Team and City of Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation! The McLane Creek Chum salmon have spawned and eagles soar in for a winter feast. Explore Olympia’s Mud Bay and the mouth of McLane Creek with special guest Lindsy Wright, a US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist. Lindsy will tour with us to talk about the importance that salmon and bald eagles provide to the ecology of the Pacific Northwest. Space is limited, so registration is required. Children ages 12 -15 may attend with an adult; youth 16-18 may attend with signed permission from parent or guardian. Moderate walking on uneven ground will be required. Kayaks and safety equipment provided. We will meet at 9:30 am, launch by 10:30 am; end around 12:30 pm. For more information, or to register, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8336.
10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Priest Point Park Work Party
(Priest Point Park: 2600 East Bay DR NE; Olympia) Join us as we work to remove invasive plants from Priest Point Park. Meet at shelter #2. Contact: Sylvana Niehuser, sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8365.
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.
Twin Rivers Ranch Riparian Planting Project along Cranberry Creek
(Shelton) For more information, contact Rony Thi at rony@capitollandtrust.org or 360-943-3012.
Monday, December 19
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! Adults and families welcome. FREE. Call 253-565-9278 to sign up or for more information.
Tuesday, December 27
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – South Sound Farm Land Trust Annual Meeting & Potluck
(South Bay Grange) Presentation by TJ Johnson will focus on farm-related actions coming out of the South Sound Food Summit.
Pierce Conservation District 21st Annual Native Bare-Root Plant Sale
The PCD is featuring 31 species of plants native to Western Washington, as well as plastic tree tubes and spray-on repellent to protect seedlings from deer, rodent and grass trimmer damage. Species include 6-24 inch conifers such as western red cedar, Douglas fir, Fort Lewis ponderosa pine, and noble fir; 10-12″ deciduous trees such as pacific madrone and quaking aspen; and Oregon white oak, ground covers such as kinnikinnick and salal, and a number of favorite wildlife species such as; evergreen huckleberry, mock orange, red flowering currant, and many more. Pre-orders will be taken until January 20th, 2012. Prices range from $6 – $23 per bundle of five to ten plants. Plants will be available for pick up March 2 and 3, 2012 at the PCD office in Puyallup. If you would like to request an order form, call the Pierce CD at 253-845-9770 or email renes@piercecountycd.org. You also can download an order form from www.piercecountycd.org/.
Tuesday, January 10
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Become a GRuB Docent and help host community workshops
(GRuB Farmhouse) Join us as a GRuB Ambassador—helping to host after-hours and weekend workshops, with the bonus that you get to attend! Your volunteer job is to help the workshop presenter set up, hold the space, and clean up. You also will learn about GRuB and share a short welcome to all participants – linking them in with opportunities to get involved, donate, etc.
Saturday, 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
Sunday, January 22
Winter Twig Identification Field Workshop
Join the Native Plant Salvage Foundation for its inspiring hands-on winter twig ID class. We will teach you to identify our common deciduous native shrubs and trees in their leafless, winter form! Walk a nature trail with a small group for personalized help learning this unique skill! The cost is $5 and registration is limited, so e-mail nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com to reserve your spot today!
Sunday, January 29
9:30 -3:30 – Native plant salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
Join WSU’s Native Plant Salvage Project for an exciting plant recovery event! Digging begins at 9:30 am; we will serve a hot vegetarian lunch in the field; and then around 1 pm head to NPSP’s nursery on Olympia’s West Side to pot the plants, until about 3 pm. Volunteers might even find some lovely plants to transplant to their own landscapes! Volunteers are needed for morning and afternoon shifts, or spend the entire day with us. Contact James O’Keeffe at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com for details and directions.
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.