Get involved with your community!!
If you would like to be added to or removed from this email list, email mleigh@spscc.ctc.edu
Deadline for comments on Critical Areas Ordinance
The deadline to submit written comments for the Planning Commission’s consideration of the Critical Areas Ordinance update is Friday, December 23, 2012 at 5:00 pm. Comments may be e-mailed to Andrew Deffobis, Associate Planner, at
deffoba@co.thurston.wa.us, or mailed to Andrew Deffobis, Associate Planner; Thurston County Planning Department; 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Building 1, 2nd Floor; Olympia, WA 98502. (For more information on the Critical Areas Ordinance, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/critical_areas/criticalareas_home.htm.)
Make Memories—Not Waste—This Holiday Season
Did you know that Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s? The additional waste of food, packaging, shopping bags, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons adds up to an additional 1 million tons of waste during the holidays! The good news is there are lots of ways that you can help make the holiday season GREEN!
Lights! Don’t get “burned out” by holiday lights. Choose light strands that are wired in parallel, so if one bulb blows out the rest will keep shining. Choose LED bulbs or smaller bulbs that use less wattage. And, when it comes time to replace a light strand, you can recycle your old light strands at the Point Defiance Zoo (and other locations) to help raise money for the zoo’s conservation fund. (Go to http://www.pdza.org/page.php?id=438 for more information on how to recycle your holiday lights.)
Camera! Purchase durable gifts and make sure to buy rechargeable batteries for cameras and toys. Or, consider giving the gift of an experience like treating someone to dinner, a movie or a live theater performance. (See www.co.thurston.wa.us/holiday/gifts.htm for more ideas.) Give the gift of homemade food, a magazine subscription or a gift certificate for services such as a massage.
Action! If you are entertaining for the holidays, consider using durable dishware or renting dishware rather than using disposables. Too many leftovers for you to eat? Freeze leftovers or send some home with your guests. And, what could be more GREEN during the holidays than to get a live tree? Stream Team is sponsoring a Live Holiday Tree Rental program (see below). Even if you are using a cut Christmas tree, you can still be green by making sure it gets recycled. (Go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/holiday/treerecycle.htm to find out when/how to recycle your tree after the holidays.)
For other ideas about how to create less waste this holiday season, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/holiday or http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/ecoconsumer/green-holidays.asp.
Living Holiday Tree Rentals for Restoration
Want to have a live holiday tree this season and reuse it for restoring Puget Sound streams? We have the solution! This season, Stream Team is partnering with Puget Sound Plants to offer you an opportunity to rent a live holiday tree that will later be reused for restoration. How does it work? You “rent” (purchase) a live tree (in a pot) from Puget Sound Plants for the holiday season; use the tree indoors or outside for the holidays; and then drop it off at a designated location by January 6th, 2012. Trees will be kept in a nursery and cared for until they are planted by Stream Team volunteers at local restoration sites later this winter or next spring. Replanting trees next to streams provides shade that keep streams cool for salmon and other species of fish and wildlife. The cost: $30 for a 4-5 foot Douglas-fir or Sitka spruce; $38 for a 5-6 foot Douglas-fir or Sitka spruce. To reserve your live holiday tree, call Puget Sound Plants at (866) 816-5080 and let them know your purchase will be part of the Stream Team Holiday Tree Rental Program. Pick up your tree at Puget Sound Plants (3147 46th Ave NE, in the South Bay area of Olympia) between 8 am and 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. If you need alternate arrangements to pick up your tree, contact Michelle (City of Olympia) at 360-753-8336 or email here at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us. This limited offer ends soon; please place orders and pick up your rental tree by December 16th.
Holiday Gift Idea: Car Wash Tickets
Are you looking for a great stocking stuffer or a gift for friends, family or coworkers? Consider giving the gift of commercial car wash tickets! Washing your car at home is a dirty business: oil, brake pad and tire dust, and other chemical residue build-up–along with soap–wash straight down the storm drain and flow, untreated, into nearby streams, rivers and Puget Sound when you wash your car in the driveway or street. In contrast, the water from commercial car washes flows into the sanitary sewer system and is treated by wastewater treatment plants before it enters local waterways. Give the gift that shows you care about reducing stormwater pollution in Puget Sound! Pick up a gift card from your local commercial car wash to give as a gift this holiday season. Or, consider selling car wash tickets as your next fundraiser: www.charitycarwash.org!
Environmental Lobby Day: January 25
(Olympia, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm) Join 25 of the state’s leading conservation groups and hundreds of citizen advocates to push for the passage of the Environmental Priorities Coalition’s 2012 legislative package. Attendees will receive detailed briefings on the environmental priorities; receive training from top environmental lobbyists on how to lobby; have opportunities to join fellow citizens in meeting with their legislators; and celebrate the unveiling of the Puget Loop Birding Trail with Washington Audubon. Registration is required. For more information, see the entry for January 25th, below.
New “Stormwater Stewards” Program Now Underway
A group of 15 talented volunteers from diverse backgrounds have recently been trained as the first class of “Stormwater Stewards,” a new volunteer-based program aimed at helping homeowners adopt one or more techniques to prevent stormwater pollution in our local waterways and Puget Sound. The Stormwater Stewards will be assisting homeowners with site assessments to identify on-site stormwater management opportunities, and to provide technical assistance and resources for implementing changes. The techniques range from simple actions, such as compost-amended soils, mulch and layered plantings, to more involved options such as rain gardens and permeable pavements. If you live in northern Thurston County and would like to schedule a home site assessment with a team of Stormwater Stewards, or if you are interested in becoming trained in the 2012 class, please contact Erica Guttman of WSU Extension at erica@ nativeplantsalvage.org or call 360-867-2166.
EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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 27
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
The final Tuesday work party of the year will be held at Glacial Heritage. It’s a good excuse to work off some holiday meals! Bring your family and get some fresh air while working outside on the prairies together. The priority is pulling broom and burning piles. We will meet at 9 am. We will have an indoor task there as well. Bring good rain gear, waterproof boots, water, and a lunch. 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.
Tuesday, January 3
5:30 pm – public hearings on development moratorium in certain urban growth areas, and on regulations regarding mineral extraction and asphalt production activities
(Room 280, Building 1 of the Thurston County Courthouse: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Olympia 98502) The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings to hear public testimony on a Subdivision Moratorium and on regulations regarding mineral-extraction activities (e.g., gravel mines) and asphalt-producing plants in Thurston County. A moratorium on new subdivisions in the Chambers Lake/South Olympia, and French Loop/ Butler Cove areas was passed in 2005, due to environmental constraints in the areas. Because the moratorium will expire in January unless renewed, the Planning Commission is taking public comment on whether the moratorium should be continued. The second hearing involves a proposal to renew a moratorium on asphalt batch plants in Thurston County. For more information on the subdivision moratorium, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/subdivision/subdivision_home.htm. For more information on the second issue, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/mineral_lands/mineral_interimreg.html.
Thursday, January 5
5:30 pm – public hearing on protecting critical areas with agricultural uses
(Swede Hall: 18543 Albany Street SW; Rochester 98579) The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to hear public testimony on whether or not Thurston County should opt in to a voluntary stewardship program for the protection of critical areas associated with agricultural uses. This program promotes plans to protect and enhance critical areas where agricultural activities are conducted, while maintaining and improving the long-term viability of agriculture. For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/voluntary-stewardship-program.html.
Friday, January 6
9 am – 12 noon – Yelm Shoreline Planting
Come join the Nisqually Land Trust as we work to restore our protected lands near Yelm. We’ll plant hundreds of native trees and scrubs in order to create wildlife habitat and improve water quality in the Nisqually River. Come lend a hand and have a great time! To sign up, go to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5grq3a41d4c5f6f&llr=jzh7gggab. For more information, contact Charly Kearns at volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org or (360) 489-3400.
Saturday, January 7
9 am – 12 noon – Yelm Shoreline Planting
Come join the Nisqually Land Trust as we work to restore our protected lands near Yelm. We’ll plant hundreds of native trees and scrubs in order to create wildlife habitat and improve water quality in the Nisqually River. Come lend a hand and have a great time! To sign up, go to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5grq3gja6800f96&llr=jzh7gggab. For more information, contact Charly Kearns at volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org or (360) 489-3400.
9 am – 12:00 pm – 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. Please read the field trip guidelines at http://blackhills-audubon.org/pubs/BHAS-Fieldtrip-Guidelines-Approved-Oct-05-2011.doc. Sponsored by the Black Hills Audubon Society.
9:30 am – 2:45 pm – Environmental Priorities Coalition Legislative Workshop
(University of Washington, Kane Hall 120: 1410 NE Campus Parkway; Seattle 98105) As we prepare for the upcoming session, you are invited to join People for Puget Sound for the annual Environmental Priorities Coalition Legislative Workshop. The workshop is a fun way to come learn about the 2012 Environmental Priorities and how you can take action to support them. We’ll have experts on hand and a panel of our state legislators to answer your questions about this year’s Environmental Priorities. We’ll also have helpful break-out sessions on building a base, getting your voice heard, and immediate ways you can take action. Cost: $20 with lunch; $10 without lunch; $10 for students with lunch. Space is limited. To register, and for more information about this year’s legislative priorities, go to www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=1608&EID=11028.
10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Priest Point Park restoration project
(Priest Point Park: 2600 East Bay Drive NE; Olympia) Join Volunteers in Parks as they work on a restoration project in Priest Point Park. We will be focused on removing invasive plants in preparation for planting of native plants (on Jan 28th). Meet at shelter #2. Contact: Sylvana Niehuser (sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8365).
Monday, January 9
10:00 am – Workshop & Hearing for Municipal Stormwater General Permit
(WA State Department of Ecology, Headquarters Building: 300 Desmond Drive; Lacey) The Washington State Department of Ecology is proposing draft Phase I and Phase II Western Washington National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) municipal stormwater general permits. For more details, go to http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/municipal/2012draftMUNIcom.html.
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – film: In Transition
(MIXX 96 Meeting Room: corner of State & Washington in downtown Olympia) A film about the Transition Movement, where communities around the world are responding to peak oil and climate change with creativity and humor. It’s about rebuilding local economies, creating local currencies, growing food locally, and celebrating local-ness. It is positive and solutions focused. It is a call to action and a story of hope. Find out how to get plugged in to the local Transition Initiative that’s working to make our community more resilient in the face of the coming changes. Bring your own mug and arrive at 6:45 for refreshments. Open to the public and free, but seating is limited. Donations are appreciated.
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.
Thursday, January 12
10 am – 1 pm – Hogum Bay Ivy Pull
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800.
7-9 pm – Black Hills Audubon Society: Birds and Culture of Taiwan
(First Christian Church (meeting hall): 701 Franklin Street, in downtown Olympia) Taiwan is an easy country to travel. English is spoken widely, yet it also has wonderful treasures of the ancient Chinese culture preserved. The three presenters traveled to Taiwan, where they saw over 100 bird species—including all the endemic species. Arrive at 7:00 pm to socialize; the program will begin promptly at 7:30. Free and open to the public.
Saturday, January 14
9:00 – 11:00 am – Black Hills Audubon Society class: Beginning Birding
(Education Building at Nisqually Nat’l Wildlife Refuge in Olympia) This course, taught by retired professor of ornithology Scott Mills, 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 five Saturday-morning classes (January 14- February 11) and two field trips (dates to be determined at the first class). The cost for the entire class (including the field trips!) is $60. Some scholarships are available. Registration is required: call Deb Nickerson at 754-5397 or email her at debranick@gmail.com. Class is limited to 24 persons.
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
Saturday, January 21
9 am – noon – Yelm Shoreline Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800.
10:00 am – public hearing on Thurston County Prairie protections
(Room 129, Building 2 of the Thurston County Courthouse: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Olympia 98502) The purpose of the hearing is to take public testimony on the renewal of the Interim Prairie Conservation Ordinance. The hearing on this issue earlier this month was before the Thurston County Planning Commission, who act as advisors to the Thurston County Board of Commissioners. Today’s hearing will be before the Thurston County Commissioners, who are the final decision-makers. The hearing will begin at 10:00 am, with doors opening and sign-in beginning at 9:00 am. The Board of County Commissioners may take action at the close of the public hearing. For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/prairieoak/prairieoak_home.htm.
10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Priest Point Park restoration project
(Priest Point Park: 2600 East Bay Drive NE; Olympia) Join Volunteers in Parks as they work on a restoration project in Priest Point Park. We will be focused on removing invasive plants in preparation for planting of native plants (on Jan 28th). Meet at shelter #2. Contact: Sylvana Niehuser (sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8365).
10 am – 3 pm – Amphibians of the Pacific Northwest Workshop
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE; Olympia) Would you like to know more about our five Pacific Northwest amphibians or learn how to survey amphibian egg masses? Workshop instructor, Dr. Marc Hayes, is a herpetological ecologist and senior research scientist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Dr. Hayes has 38 years of experience working with amphibians and reptiles in locations in Arizona, California, Costa Rica, Florida, Mexico, Oregon and Washington. The first portion of the workshop will explore the ecology, habitat requirements and unique characteristics of each species and potential changes anticipated because of climate change. The second portion of the workshop will address how to identify different lifestages of Pacific Northwest amphibians, with an emphasis on egg mass identification for participants that wish to participate in the ALL NEW Stream Team Amphibian Egg Mass Surveys. Amphibian Egg Mass Surveys will occur from February through March or April. To sign up for this free workshop, or for more information about becoming a Stream Team Amphibian Survey volunteer, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8336.
Sunday, January 22
Winter Twig Identification Field Workshop
Join the Native Plant Salvage Foundation for its annual winter twig identification class at McLane Creek Nature trail. Join local plant experts for a 2½ -hour field class, learning to identify our common deciduous native shrubs and trees in their leafless, winter form. There are two sessions to choose from: 10 am-12:30 pm, or 1:00-3:30 pm. The class costs $5 and advanced registration is required. To register, e-mail nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.
Monday, January 23
6:45-9:00 pm – Strategy to Respond to Sea Level Rise
(Olympia Center, room B: 222 Columbia St. NW, in downtown Olympia) Andy Haub (Planning and Engineering Manager for the City of Olympia Public Works Department) will present an annual update to the community on the effects of sea level rise in Olympia, and Olympia’s long-term strategy to respond to up to 50 inches of sea level rise. Bring a mug and arrive at 6:45 for refreshments. Program starts at 7:00, and is free and open to the public.
January 25
8:30 am – 4:00 pm – Environmental Lobby Day
(Olympia) Join 25 of the state’s leading conservation groups and hundreds of citizen advocates to push for the passage of the Environmental Priorities Coalition’s 2012 legislative package. This legislative session there are three priorities:
1. Preventing attempts to weaken, delay or roll back state environmental laws and programs that are critical for clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.
2. Protecting children’s health from cancer-causing flame retardants and helping to put businesses on the path to using chemicals that won’t harm the environment or the bottom line.
3. Sustaining the success of I-937, our state’s voter-approved clean energy initiative, in bringing investments, jobs, and economic development throughout Washington.
Attendees will receive detailed briefings on the environmental priorities; receive training from top environmental lobbyists on how to lobby; have opportunities to join fellow citizens in meeting with their legislators; and celebrate the unveiling of the Puget Loop Birding Trail with Washington Audubon. The event costs $15 (to cover the cost of snacks and materials)—$10 for students—if you register before January 22, and registration is required. To register or for more information, go to http://pugetsound.org/policy/lobby-day/lEnvironmental-Lobby-Day-2012/#Environmental_Lobby_Day.
7:30 – 8:45 pm – (talk) Flotsametrics and the Floating World
(Olympia Timberland Library) Curtis Ebbesmeyer will discuss his book Flotsametrics and the Floating World: How One Man’s Obsession with Runaway Sneakers and Rubber Ducks Revolutionized Ocean Science. Curtis Ebbesmeyer holds a Ph.D. in oceanography from the University of Washington. Media worldwide have turned to his expertise on ocean currents and floating objects. Each year, Curt presents a booth and talks at beachcomber fairs in Alaska, Florida, and Washington, as well as hosting the radio program Flotsam Hour, in which listeners call in with interesting flotsam (like “Antiques Roadshow” for ocean currents). Copies of the book will be available for purchase. This program takes place after the library closes.
Friday, January 27
9 am – noon – Thurston Ridge Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800.
6 – 9 pm – South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust Annual Meeting
(South Bay Grange Hall: 3918 Sleater-Kinney Rd. NE; Olympia 98506) The annual meeting of the South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust includes a community potluck dinner, celebration of several grants dedicated to preservation of farmland, updates and a short business meeting. Our speaker will be TJ Johnson, Sustainable South Sound Program Lead – Local Food Systems, who will give a follow-up from the October 2011 South Sound Food Summit with a focus on the action plans related to the topic “Vibrant Farms.” This family-friendly evening is free and open to all. We will pass the hat to cover meeting costs and provide a fun raffle opportunity as well.
Saturday, January 28
9 am – noon – Thurston Ridge Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800.
10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Priest Point Park restoration project
(Priest Point Park: 2600 East Bay Drive NE; Olympia) Join Volunteers in Parks as they work on a restoration project in Priest Point Park. We will be focused on planting native plants in areas previously cleared of invasive plants. Meet at shelter #2. Contact: Sylvana Niehuser (sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8365).
1:00 – 3:00 pm – Hands-on Water Fun
(Tumwater Timberland Library) Learn about streams, groundwater, and salmon through activities and crafts including the Enviroscape game, groundwater model, salmon life cycle beads and marine creature button-making. Bring the whole family for some hands-on fun! Presented by the Tumwater Stream Team and South Sound GREEN. For more information, contact Debbie Smith at dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us or 360-754-4148.
Sunday, January 29
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – 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.
Tuesday, January 31
6:30 – 8:30 pm – Creating Centers 2010-2040: Changing Demographics and Market Demand in Thurston County Cities and Towns
(Lacey Community Center: 6729 Pacific Ave SE; Lacey 98503) Featuring two presentations: “The Future of Our Housing Market”, and “Commercial Market Potential in Our Urban Centers and Corridors, and South County City/Town Centers”. Sponsored by Sustainable Thurston.
Saturday, February 4
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native Plant Salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
NPSP’s volunteers salvage small native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from local areas that are scheduled for clearing due to development. The plants are cared for and later provided to community groups who use them to restore habitat and improve water quality in and around Thurston County. 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. For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
1:00 – 2:15 pm – The Botany of Chocolate and Chocolate Tasting
(Elma Timberland Library) Chocolate–the history, the goodness, the deliciousness… Dr. Alfredo Gomez-Beloz, ethnobotanist, will lead you on a journey of discovery of chocolate’s origins, history, uses and variety of flavors with samples provided. More free samples will be provided by Image Flowers and Chocolate of Elma. For more information, call 482-3737.
Wednesday, February 8
7 – 8:30 pm – free presentation: Shoreline Master Planning
(Traditions Café: 300 5th Avenue SW; Olympia) Across Washington, many local governments are in the process of updating their Shoreline Master Programs. Shoreline Master Programs are local policies and regulations designed to manage human use of shorelines. More than 260 Washington towns, cities and counties have marine, lake and stream shorelines that fall under the Shoreline Management Act, passed by voter referendum in 1972. The act requires local governments in Washington State to regularly review and revise their shoreline regulations and policies; however, most jurisdictions have not done a thorough update of their shoreline master programs since the 1970s. In 2003, the state legislature began providing funding and established a mandatory schedule for updating local shoreline programs through 2014. These updates are a unique opportunity to create a positive future for Washington’s shorelines. Find out more about Shoreline Master Programs and where your local jurisdiction is in the process at this talk given by Department of Ecology staff. For more information, contact Patricia Pyle at ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360) 570-5841.
Thursday, February 9
10 am – 1 pm – Hogum Bay Ivy Pull
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800.
Saturday, February 11
9 am – noon – McKenna Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800.
10 am – noon – Create a Backyard Bird Habitat Workshop
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE; Olympia) Join Stream Team and South Sound Green for a free workshop with special guests Wild Birds Unlimited and Eco Woodworks. Wild Birds Unlimited will talk about: local species of birds and their habitats; how we can turn our back yards into a more welcoming habitat; the different adaptations that birds utilize for survival; how and where to install bird nesting boxes and/or provide supplemental feeding; which supplemental foods to avoid and why. Eco Woodworks local custom woodworker, Dave King, will instruct us on building a bird nesting box for your back yard. Bird nesting box kits will be available at no cost, and participants will get hands-on instruction for constructing your bird nesting box kit. Families welcome (limited to one bird nesting box per family). Space is limited to 25, and pre-registration is required. To register, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8336.
Thursday, February 16
6:00 – 9:15 pm – Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife Workshop
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE; Olympia) Learn about sustainable landscaping techniques that will save you time and money while also attracting birds and butterflies to your garden and protecting water resources. Erica Guttman of WSU’s Native Plant Salvage Project will lead the class. Topics include how to make a landscaping plan; design ideas for outdoor living spaces; managing drainage, slopes and other trouble spots; how to reduce unnecessary lawn; how to create habitat for birds and butterflies; and selecting water-wise plants for all four seasons. The class is free, but advance registration is required as space is limited. For details and registration call 360-867-2166 or email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. To register, contact Native Plant Salvage Project at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or 360-867-2166
Monday, February 20 (Presidents’ Day)
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native Plant Salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
NPSP’s volunteers salvage small native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from local areas that are scheduled for clearing due to development. The plants are cared for and later provided to community groups who use them to restore habitat and improve water quality in and around Thurston County. 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. For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
Friday, February 24
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native Plant Salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
NPSP’s volunteers salvage small native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from local areas that are scheduled for clearing due to development. The plants are cared for and later provided to community groups who use them to restore habitat and improve water quality in and around Thurston County. 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. For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
Saturday, February 25
9 am – noon – Yelm Shoreline Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800.
Noon – 2 pm — Annual Native Plant Sale
Pre-orders begin Jan. 1. For details, contact Thurston Conservation District at www.thurstoncd.com or 360-754-3588
Sunday, March 4
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native Plant Salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
NPSP’s volunteers salvage small native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from local areas that are scheduled for clearing due to development. The plants are cared for and later provided to community groups who use them to restore habitat and improve water quality in and around Thurston County. 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. For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
Saturday, March 10
9 am. to noon – Yelm Shoreline Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800.
Saturday, March 17
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native Plant Salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
NPSP’s volunteers salvage small native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from local areas that are scheduled for clearing due to development. The plants are cared for and later provided to community groups who use them to restore habitat and improve water quality in and around Thurston County. 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. For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
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.
Saturday, March 24
4-9 pm — Nisqually Land Trust 20th Annual Auction & Dinner
(Worthington Conference Center in Lacey)