See Below
New Stream Team Newsletter now available
Articles in the current edition include: “Creating a Backyard Habitat”; “Focus on Phosphates”; “A Beneficial Local Visitor: The Garter Snake”; “Lawn Care for Fall”; “Household Tips to Protect Our Water from Nitrates”; plus tons of information on upcoming events. Go to http://www.streamteam.info/pdf/newsletter-2012-fall.pdf.
See the King of Salmon—Chinook—in Your Backyard
- 5th Avenue Dam until mid-September
- Tumwater Falls Park from early September to mid-October
Stream Team Salmon Stewards will be at these locations on weekday evenings and weekends to answer questions about the salmon. For more information, contact Patricia (5th Avenue Dam) at ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-570-5841, or Debbie (Tumwater Falls Park) at dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us or 360-754-4148.
Community Invited to Apply for LOTT Advisory Group
LOTT Clean Water Alliance invites Thurston County community members to apply to serve on a Community Advisory Group for a regional scientific study that will help LOTT and the community understand how to best protect local water resources while treating reclaimed water and recharging groundwater. Applications and more information are available on the LOTT website at www.lottcleanwater.org. Applications must be received at the LOTT office no later than noon on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Join the Citizen Stewardship Committee for the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve
People For Puget Sound and its artners are creating a new Citizen Stewardship Committee for the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve to help plan and perform citizen science projects to fill in data gaps, look at policies related to the protection of the reserve, and plan education and outreach events. The Nisqually Reach aquatic reserve encompasses about 14,000 acres stretching from the shoreline of Tolmie State Park across Puget Sound between McNeil and Anderson Islands to the eastern shoreline south of Steilacoom, and is bordered on the south by the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and on the west by the shoreline near the Nisqually Reach Nature Center. If you are interested in joining or learning more, email Maddie Foutch at mfoutch@pugetsound.org.
Seeking Olympia Park Stewards
If anyone is interested in providing ongoing volunteer efforts at West Bay Park or other City of Olympia parks, please contact Sylvana Niehuser at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us. We are looking for more Park Stewards to help with weeding, trail work, and park clean up.
Citizen Scientists needed to work on The Puget Sound Seabird Survey
When: First Saturday of each month (October through April), for 15-30 minutes, within two hours on either side of high tide (a 4-hour window). This survey is the only land-based multi-month survey in the south and central Puget Sound. The data collected from the survey is being used to help determine why wintering populations of Puget Sound seabirds are declining. There is currently one site in need of volunteers in our area: Luhr Beach (near the Nisqually Environmental Center). Contact Adam Sedgley at 206-523-8243 or adams@seattleaudubon.org for more information. More information can also be found at the http://www.seattleaudubon.org/sas/WhatWeDo/Science/CitizenScience/PugetSoundSeabirdSurvey.aspx
“What’s Up with Budd?” Free Sound Stewards Shoreline Walk
Every Wednesday at 6 pm and Saturday at 10 am, through September 15. Do a little science on the docks, while taking a leisurely stroll on the waterfront between Budd Inlet and Capital Lake. Learn how to do a few simple water quality tests that scientists use to determine the health of Budd Inlet and Capital Lake. See plankton and fish up close. Talking points will focus on the present and the future of Budd Inlet. The walking route is flat and easily accessible. The route is approximately one mile and the walk will take approximately one hour. Walks are led by trained volunteer docents called Sound Stewards. The walk is free! Meet on the boardwalk facing Budd Inlet, by Bay View Thriftway and the 4th Avenue Bridge. (Look for the meeting place sign.) Registration is not necessary; just show up 5 to 10 minutes before the walk start time. For more information, contact Patricia Pyle at ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360)570-5841 or go to www.streamteam.info
Black Hills Audubon Society Beginning Birding Class
This course, taught by biologist and naturalist Robin Shoal, will provide an introduction to birding with an emphasis on developing bird 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 classes and two field trips. Classes will be held Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:30pm on October 16, 23, and 30, and on November 6 and 13. Field trip dates will be determined at the first class. The class will be held at the Coach House behind the State Capitol Museum on 22nd Ave in Olympia. The cost is $60, and some scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required by calling Deb Nickerson at 754-5397 or emailing her at debranick@gmail.com.
RECURRING EVENTS
Tuesdays
9 am – 3 pm: South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org
9:30 am – 12 pm: Yashiro Japanese Garden
Volunteers meet weekly to rake, weed and provide ongoing maintenance to this well loved park. Parking is available in the parking lot at 900 Plum Street SE.
4 – 7 pm: West Olympia Farmers’ Market
(Parking lot of Gloria Dei Church: 1515 Harrison Ave NW—at Harrison & Thomas) Produce, baked goods, eggs, flowers, veggie starts, crafts, tool sharpening and more! Farmers, artisans and producers are from Thurston County, and most work and live on the west side of Olympia. Most produce small-scale, and many only sell to the public through the West Olympia Farmers’ Market.
Wednesdays
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 as long as you wish.
3-6 pm: GRuB Farm Drop-In Volunteer Day
Each week we’ll tackle the most pressing tasks on the farm and have lots of fun getting to know each other in the process. We have plenty of tools and extra rain gear, boots and gloves if you don’t have your own. Volunteers need to have an approved volunteer packet already submitted beforehand. Go to http://goodgrub.org/volunteer/ for the necessary forms.
4-7 pm: GRuB Neighborhood Market Stand
(GRuB Farm: 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia) Stand featuring the best of what’s available from the farm at fair prices. Staffed by farm interns and youth in GRuB School Summer Program. Accepts cash, check and EBT.
6-7 pm: “What’s Up with Budd?” Free Sound Stewards Shoreline Walk
Do a little science on the docks while taking a waterfront stroll between Budd Inlet and Capital Lake. Learn how to do simple water quality tests that scientists use to determine the health of Budd Inlet and Capital Lake, and see plankton and fish up close. Talking points will focus on the present and the future of Budd Inlet. The walking route is flat, easily accessible, and about one mile long. Free! Meet on the boardwalk facing Budd Inlet by Bayview Thriftway. (Look for meeting place sign.) No registration: just show up 5-10 minutes before the start time. For more information, contact Patricia Pyle at ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360)570-5841 or go to www.streamteam.info. Through September 15.
Thursdays
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
(700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) Fresh organic produce; Washington-grown fruits & meats; fresh fish, clams & oysters; dried herbs; fresh-cut flowers; breads; desserts; eggs; cheeses; jams & jellies; great food; quality locally grown plants & flowers; lots of fun; art and crafts from local artisans; live entertainment! For more information, go to http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
Fridays
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Saturdays
10-11 am: “What’s Up with Budd?” Free Sound Stewards Shoreline Walk
See description under Wednesday
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Sundays
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Tuesday, September 4
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Sierra needs help with assorted tasks at Shotwell’s Landing Nursery all day: seed cleaning and collection, weeding, and other tasks. At Glacial Heritage there is seed cleaning in the volunteer house (all day); spot-spraying of Scotch broom and possibly ox-eye daisy and hairy cats ear in the butterfly units; and some brush-cutting opportunities for you loud-equipment fiends. The weather’s looking hot and sunny this week (in the 80’s), so bring carry plenty of extra water with you because the prairie can get very hot! As always, bring work gloves, lunch, and plenty of water. Directions to Shotwell’s Landing Nursery (14447 Littlerock Road SW; Rochester 98579): take I-5 to exit 95 (Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west on Maytown Rd SW to the only stop sign in Littlerock (by the elementary school); continue straight for ~100 feet, and turn left onto Littlerock Road; go 1.7 miles south on Littlerock Road—Shotwell’s Nursery will be on your right. Directions to Glacial Heritage: take I-5 to exit 95 (the Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west on Maytown Rd SW into Littlerock; Maytown Rd becomes 128th Ave in Littlerock, and Littlerock Road goes off to the right and then to the left—continue straight until 128th Ave ends at Mima Road/Waddell Creek Road; 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. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org.
Wednesday, September 5
6-8 pm – film: Bag It
(Rainier City Hall: 102 Rochester St. W; Rainier) Thurston County residents use about 90 million plastic shopping bags each year! Thurston County Solid Waste staff is working with citizens, cities, and retailers in Thurston County to discuss the problems these bags can create. Our goal is to identify possible solutions that help us reduce our use. Join us for a screening of Bag It, a film about the issue of plastic bags and their effects on the environment and human health. After the screening we’ll discuss plastic bags in our community. We need your ideas to help us reduce plastic bag use, reduce litter clean-up, and keep bags from affecting our environment! To learn more, visit www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org/Plastics.
6:00 – 7:00 pm – Budd Inlet Shoreline Walk
What’s up With Budd? Shoreline Walk is approximately one hour and one mile flat walking surface. We will start at Percival Landing, next to Bay View Thriftway and 4th Ave. Bridge. Sponsored by StreamTeam. Free!
6:30 pm – Thurston County Planning Commission Meeting
(Room 152, Building 1 of the Thurston County Courthouse: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Olympia 98502) The Thurston County Planning Commission will hold a work session on four Long Term Agriculture (LTA) reconsiderations. The County has received four requests from property owners to consider changing their Comprehensive Plan land use designation from LTA to Rural Residential/Resource One Unit per Five Acres. The requests for reconsideration will be considered in light of new soils information and other agricultural lands designation criteria. The Planning Commission also will discuss two proposed land use plan amendments. The first is a plan amendment for a 9.01 acre property at the intersection of 8th Ave. SE and Steele St. SE in the Olympia urban growth area, for which the applicant is seeking a rezone from Residential 4 to 8 Units per Acre to Residential Multifamily 18 (Units per Acre). The second amendment is for the French Loop and Chambers Lake areas of the Olympia urban growth area. Based on environmental considerations and other constraints that limit the potential for urban density to be achieved, these areas may be downzoned or removed from the Olympia UGA. Finally, the Planning Commission will hold a work session on a proposed Parks Element addition to the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan. The meeting is open to the public. Although there will not be any opportunity for public input at this meeting, the commissioners will be setting dates for public hearings on these issues.
Thursday, September 6
6-8 pm – film: Bag It
(Tumwater Fire Dept. Headquarters: 311 Israel Rd. SW; Tumwater) Thurston County residents use about 90 million plastic shopping bags each year! Thurston County Solid Waste staff is working with citizens, cities, and retailers in Thurston County to discuss the problems these bags can create. Our goal is to identify possible solutions that help us reduce our use. Join us for a screening of Bag It, a film about the issue of plastic bags and their effects on the environment and human health. After the screening we’ll discuss plastic bags in our community. We need your ideas to help us reduce plastic bag use, reduce litter clean-up, and keep bags from affecting our environment! To learn more, visit www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org/Plastics.
Saturday, September 8
10:00 – 11:00 am – Budd Inlet Shoreline Walk
What’s up With Budd? Shoreline Walk is approximately one hour and one mile flat walking surface. We will start at Percival Landing, next to Bay View Thriftway and 4th Ave. Bridge. Sponsored by StreamTeam. Free!
10 am – 1 pm – Volunteer with Stream Team at Tumwater Community Day
To volunteer in the Stream Team booth, contact Debbie at 360-754-4148 or dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us
10am – 1pm – How to Keep a Wave on the Sand; Capturing the Outdoors in Photographs
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: 100 Brown Farm Road; Olympia 98516) Never again let nature’s beauty escape your lens! In this hands-on workshop with writer and photographer Greg Farley, you will learn to take your camera off the automatic settings and then head outside to apply basic and professional outdoor photography techniques. Bring your camera (film, DSLR, or point and shoot), extra batteries and a sense of adventure! Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but a $3 Refuge entrance fee still applies. Pets are not allowed. If you have any questions, call the Refuge at (360)753-9467.
Sunday, September 9
1:30pm – 3pm – Our Amazing Plant World
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: 100 Brown Farm Road; Olympia 98516) Summer is the perfect time to experience the Refuge plant life is all its diversity! Join Sally Vogel on a nature walk through the Refuge—all the while learning about plant-insect interactions, adaptations for survival and other interesting facts. You only live once: Stop to smell the flowers! Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but a $3 Refuge entrance fee still applies. Pets are not allowed. If you have any questions, call the Refuge at (360)753-9467.
Monday, September 10
7 pm – film: Garbage Warrior
(MIXX 96 Meeting Room, at the corner of State and Washington in downtown Olympia) An award-winning documentary chronicling the life and work of visionary Michael Reynolds, the radical architect-engineer who has been designing and building self-sustaining, eco-friendly homes out of disposable materials for 30 years. Battling opposition from bureaucrats, politicians and big business, Reynolds strives to show the entire world that “Earthship Biotecture” is the key to preserving mankind’s future on earth. It’s a good challenge for us to do some out-of-the-box thinking about our future in a resource-depleted world. Join us and bring a friend! Sponsored by Transition Olympia.
Tuesday, September 11
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
As always, bring work gloves, lunch, and plenty of water. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org.
6:30 – 7:30 pm – Home Canning
Shelton Timberland Library) Join WSU Cooperative Extension staff for answers to your food preservation questions. This interactive program will feature water bath food preservation and freezing techniques. FREE.
Wednesday, September 12
6-8 pm – film: Bag It
(Lacey City Hall, Community room: 420 College St. SE; Lacey) Thurston County residents use about 90 million plastic shopping bags each year! Thurston County Solid Waste staff is working with citizens, cities, and retailers in Thurston County to discuss the problems these bags can create. Our goal is to identify possible solutions that help us reduce our use. Join us for a screening of Bag It, a film about the issue of plastic bags and their effects on the environment and human health. After the screening we’ll discuss plastic bags in our community. We need your ideas to help us reduce plastic bag use, reduce litter clean-up, and keep bags from affecting our environment! To learn more, visit www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org/Plastics.
6:00 – 7:00 pm – Budd Inlet Shoreline Walk
What’s up With Budd? Shoreline Walk is approximately one hour and one mile flat walking surface. We will start at Percival Landing, next to Bay View Thriftway and 4th Ave. Bridge. Sponsored by StreamTeam. Free!
Thursday, September 13
7-9 pm – White Swans of Winter
(First Christian Church: 701 Franklin Street SE; Olympia 98507) Join Black Hills Audubon Society to hear Martha Jordan, well-known swan biologist, present a slide program on Washington’s native Trumpeter and Tundra swans. You will learn about their life history, biology, and some swan identification tips. She will shed some light on the problems and controversies these birds face on their wintering grounds and what is needed to insure their future. Get updated on the swan lead poisoning die-off, habitat issues and more. Martha will share some excellent slides that help clarify the difficult identification of these swans. Come, share and learn the facts, myths and legends of the swans of Washington’s winter. Arrive at 7:00 pm to socialize – the program will begin promptly at 7:30. Free.
Friday, September 14
5:30 pm – Black Hills Audubon field trip to view Vaux’s swifts
The trip will last until around sunset (dusk), and entails no walking: bringing a chair is recommended. Cameras and video are welcomed. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm. Pre-registration is required. Contact Valerie Elliott (253-966-6450 weekdays at work) for vehicle and passenger sign-up.
Saturday, September 15
9:00 am – noon – Stormwater Retention Pond Workshop
(Tumwater City Hall: 555 Israel Road SW; Tumwater) Did you know that maintaining stormwater facilities in your neighborhood is the responsibility of homeowners? Join us for a free class to learn how to inspect and maintain your community’s facilities. You’ll get tips on how to pass your Thurston County and City of Tumwater stormwater facilities inspection, and discover simple steps to keep the facilities working all year long. Participants will take a short, local field trip to get a first-hand look at nearby stormwater ponds. Light refreshments will be provided. This class is intended primarily for residents of Tumwater and Thurston County. For questions, or to register, please contact Cahte Linn at linnca@co.thurston.wa.us or (360) 867-2095.
9am – 11am – Birding Basics: Learning to See
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: 100 Brown Farm Road; Olympia 98516) What subtle cues do experienced birders use to quickly and accurately identify species? Birding is nothing less than the art of seeing, so the techniques used by birders increase awareness of all things natural. Refuge Ranger Michael Schramm will guide you through the estuary’s diverse habitats on an odyssey of avian discovery, all the while teaching the ins and outs of birding. Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center – and remember to bring binoculars! The program is open to the public and free of charge, but a $3 Refuge entrance fee still applies. Pets are not allowed. If you have any questions, call the Refuge at (360)753-9467.
9:00 am – Noon – Lower Nisqually Watershed Tour
Join Stream Team on this fantasic free tour to learn more about the greater Nisqually Watershed. The tour will begin at Lacey Community Center and will feature stops at a variety of interesting features that make this one of the most interesting areas of Thurston County. The tour is free, but registration is required. Residents of the Nisqually Watershed will be given priority seating on the tour. Participants will also have the opportunity to help improve the health and water quality of this area through participating in the Clear Choices for Clean Water program on the day of the tour. The program offers many great tools; there is definitely something for everyone! For more information or to register, contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us. More information will be posted on www.streamteam.info.
10 am – 1 pm – Priest Point Park restoration work party
Join us for an ongoing restoration effort in Priest Point Park. Help eradicate invasive vegetation as we prepare for a planting project for National Public Lands Day. We will focus on removing English ivy, holly, Himalayan blackberry and laurel. Meet near the playground parking lot at 2600 East Bay Drive NE. 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 (available at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx)or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser, Olympia Park Ranger, at (360) 753-8365.
10 am – 1 pm – Salmon Steward Chinook Field Training/Deschutes River Historical Walk
(Tumwater Falls Park) To register, contact Debbie at 360-754-4148 or dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us.
10 am – 4 pm – 7 th Annual Chehalis Watershed Festival
(Morrison Riverfront Park and Rotary Log Pavilion in Aberdeen) This fun, free, hands-on family event is intended to raise an awareness and appreciation for the unique natural resources of the Chehalis Watershed, in which we all live, work and play! Tons of interesting exhibits and activities, including the following:
all day: Chehalis Basin Drinking Water Taste Test, and come meet Fin, the 28ft-long salmon!
10-1: Tours of the Hawaiian Chieftain tall ship (at Aberdeen Landing behind Wal-Mart)
11-3: “Gyotaku” (Japanese fish printing) with local artist Anita Eisenman.
12-4: Salmon bake by the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation.
1:00, 2:00, 3:00: Free longboat sailings (at Aberdeen Landing behind Wal-Mart)
2-5: Adventure sail on the Hawaiian Chieftain (call 800-200-5239 for ticket and tour info)
For more information, contact Janel Spaulding (360) 538-4212 or email jspauldi@ghc.edu.
10:00 – 11:00 am – Budd Inlet Shoreline Walk
What’s up With Budd? Shoreline Walk is approximately one hour and one mile flat walking surface. We will start at Percival Landing, next to Bay View Thriftway and 4th Ave. Bridge. Sponsored by StreamTeam. Free!
Sunday, September 16
10am – 12 noon – The Photographer’s Eye: The Basics of Outdoor Photography
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: 100 Brown Farm Road; Olympia 98516) Nature photography offers individuals the opportunity to develop their finer naturalist instincts and vision, and the beginner’s eye is often the eye that sees most clearly. With this in mind, experienced Refuge photographer John Whitehead offers guidance in technique and composition, with emphasis on learning to utilizing manual settings in order to more completely capture the image you want to capture. Meet at the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but a $3 Refuge entrance fee still applies. Pets are not allowed. If you have any questions, call the Refuge at (360)753-9467.
Tuesday, September 18
12:00 – 1:00 pm – Lunch for Your Brains: The Lake Sylvia Story
(Montesano Timberland Library) How did a mysterious body of water hidden in a dense forest become part of a beautiful playground visited by thousands? Follow the transformation of Lake Sylvia as told by local historian Pat Clemons.
12:30 – 1:30 pm – PageTurners Book Discussion: The Highest Tide
(Tumwater Old Town Center: 215 N. 2nd Ave. SW; Tumwater) Join others for a lively discussion of The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch. Books are available at the Old Town Center or at the Tumwater Library information desk.
Wednesday, September 19
6-8 pm – film: Bag It
(Olympia City Hall, Council chambers: 601 4th Ave. E; Olympia) Thurston County residents use about 90 million plastic shopping bags each year! Thurston County Solid Waste staff is working with citizens, cities, and retailers in Thurston County to discuss the problems these bags can create. Our goal is to identify possible solutions that help us reduce our use. Join us for a screening of Bag It, a film about the issue of plastic bags and their effects on the environment and human health. After the screening we’ll discuss plastic bags in our community. We need your ideas to help us reduce plastic bag use, reduce litter clean-up, and keep bags from affecting our environment! To learn more, visit www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org/Plastics.
7:00 pm – Public Hearing on Thurston County Capital Facilities Plan for 2013-2018
(Room 280, Building 1 of the Thurston County Courthouse: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Olympia 98502) The Thurston County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to accept public comment on proposed amendments to the Thurston County Capital Facilities Plan for 2013-2018. The Plan describes the county’s expenditures and revenues for the capital facilities during the coming six-year period and is updated annually. To view the proposed amendment, go to http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/cap-facilities-plan/cap_facilities_home.htm.
Saturday, September 22
9 am – noon – Powell Creek NatureMapping Field Trip
(near Yelm) The Powell Creek site is on the Nisqually River. It wasrecently planted to restore the natural habitat for wildlife use along the River, and the Nisqually Land Trust is seeking baseline data on the property. Northwest Trek is helping out with this event, using citizen-scientists in the data collection efforts. This field trip is free, and you do not have to have NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces. The terrain ranges from level unpaved roads to uneven meadows and forests. Some areas require climbing and manuvering over debris. Please contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org for more information or to sign up.
10 am – 1 pm – Priest Point Park restoration work party
Join us for an ongoing restoration effort in Priest Point Park. Help eradicate invasive vegetation as we prepare for a planting project for National Public Lands Day. We will focus on removing English ivy, holly, Himalayan blackberry and laurel. Meet near the playground parking lot at 2600 East Bay Drive NE. 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 (available at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx)or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser, Olympia Park Ranger, at (360) 753-8365.
2:00 – 4:00 pm – Make Your Place: a DIY Workshop
(Olympia Timberland Library) In this hands-on workshop with domestic goddess Raleigh Briggs, you’ll learn the basics of creating natural, non-toxic cleaners for your home, body, and even your pets. At the end of the class, you’ll have several products to take home and start using right away. Supplies included. Registration is required in person at the information desk, or by calling the library at 352-0595, or sign up online starting
September 7.
September 23
4th Annual “Cruising for the Sound” fundraising Benefit for South Sound Estuary Association
The day offers 2 options for participation. Option 1 (2 – 5 pm) includes a panel discussion on watershed restoration in Budd and Eld Inlets—what are the upland sources of the watersheds; why they are important to protect; factors influencing their health; ongoing restoration efforts and associated costs; and consequences for salmon and shellfish (Confirmed panel participants are Scott Steltzner, biologist with the Squaxin Tribe, and Lance Winetka, Executive Director, South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group)—and an oyster bar, other delectable delights, a 2-hour cruise of South Puget Sound, and a no-host bar. Cost: $90.00 before Sept. 16th, $100 after the 16th. Option 2 (3 – 5 pm) just includes the cruise and no-host bar. Cost: $45 before Sept. 16th, $55 after the 16th. To Register, go to
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e65qo27e71deb6ab&oseq=.
Saturday, September 29
10 am – 1 pm – Priest Point Park restoration work party
The Olympia Park Stewardship program is teaming up with REI Olympia to host a volunteer work party in celebration of National Public Lands Day at Priest Point Park. Join us as we eradicate invasive vegetation and restore the area with native plants. Register with REI at http://www.rei.com/event/42592/session/54606/10082012 and receive a free t-shirt at the event! All ages are welcome; this is a family-friendly activity. Please arrive at 9:45am to get checked in. Turn in the attached “REI Activity Liability Release” at time of check-in. 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 (available at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Meet near the playground parking lot at 2600 East Bay Drive NE. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser, Olympia Park Ranger, at (360) 753-8365.
10am – 4pm – 23rd Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: 100 Brown Farm Road; Olympia 98516) Celebrate the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Nisqually Watershed! This year’s festival includes a variety of educational exhibits and hands-on activities for kids of all ages, such as salmon fish printing, plywood fish painting, a marine touch tank and much, much more! The festival main stage will feature live reptiles and birds of prey, music and dancing. The Red Salmon Story Tent will be back along with the City of Olympia’s Drain Dare trailer for kids. Fin, the Wild Olympic Salmon will also be back. This year will also mark the 100-year anniversary of the Nisqually River Hydroelectric Project at La Grande. Bring your appetite, as there will be a variety of delicious treats available. The event is FREE (except for the food), so come out and celebrate the history and culture of the Nisqually Watershed! Stream Team will host the Drain Dare and hands-on activities: if you are interested in volunteering at the Stream Team booth, contact Ann Marie at pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us or 360-754-3355 ext. 6857. For more information about the festival, visit http://nisquallyriver.org or call (360)753-9467.
Sept. 30 •
11 am – 4 pm – Native Plant Salvage Foundation’s Annual Water Wise Plant Sale
(4131 Mud Bay Rd. NW, Olympia) Hard-to-find native and water-wise plants, including a special rain garden section. Personal Plant Shoppers will help you select the perfect plants for your garden. For more information, visit www.nativeplantsalvage.org.
Thursday, October 4
11 am – 7 pm – Free Vehicle Safety Inspection & Leak Check
(South Puget Sound Community College, Building 16—follow the signs) Every quarter (except summer), South Puget Sound Community College Automotive Club sponsors free vehicle inspections at an event called “Lights On”. This fall, the inspection will include information and instruction on how to check for automotive leaks. No reservations necessary. Donations accepted. Stream Team is providing a free car wash incentive when you check for vehicle leaks at home. Go to www.checkforleaks.info for more information.
Saturday, October 6
7:45 am – Black Hills Audubon field trip: Birding & Breakfast at Theler Wetlands
Come join us for birding at Theler Wetlands (at 22871 NE State Route 3, Belfair, WA 98528), followed by breakfast at 9:45 am at a to-be-determined location. We will meet at Theler Community Center at 7:45 A.M. for birding. Come for birding, breakfast or both. We are mostly beginners sharing skills with other beginners, although all birders are welcome. To learn more, including what coffee shop we’ll meet at, contact Norma or Allan Borden at 360 426-1051. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.
8:00 am – late afternoon – Black Hills Audubon Field Trip: Mt. Rainier – Paradise
Join us for this fall trek starting at Paradise and going up the Golden Gate Trail to Skyline Trail and the snowline. This trip is fairly strenuous and involves a fair amount of elevation gain. To reserve a spot, e-mail Lonnie Somer at wheelermombi@comcast.net. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.
Sunday, October 7
10 am – 4 pm – Return of the Chinook Salmon Celebration at Tumwater Falls Park
To volunteer in the Stream Team booth, contact Debbie at 360-754-4148 or dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us.
Saturday, October 13
10 am – Noon – Percival Creek Revegetation Project
(Percival Creek at Sapp Rd, behind Streamland Estates) For more information, contact Debbie at 360-754-4148 or dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us.
Saturday, October 20
9 am – noon – Ohop Creek Restoration NatureMapping Field Trip
(near Eatonville) The South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually Land Trust and its partners have joined together to restore the creek through the Ohop Valley to its original meandering pathway. Northwest Trek is helping by providing data collection and monitoring of the wildlife in the project area, using citizen-scientists in the data collection efforts—which is what this event will involve. This field trip is free, and you do not have to have NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. Please contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org for more information or to sign up for a field trip.
3-6 pm – Haunted Hike: “The Tale of the Disappearing Forest”
(Priest Point Park: 2600 East Bay Drive NE, Olympia) After disappearing for several years, the Stream Team Haunted Hike is reappearing this year. Do you dare to enter the disappearing forest? The forest is disappearing and its denizens are dying. What could be behind this dire situation? Collect clues as you meet forest inhabitants and mysterious creatures along the trail. Can you help save and protect this unique forest and all that depends on it? Or is it doomed to oblivion? Take a half-mile hike with Stream Team and a talented group of Capital High School thespians and solve the mystery. Actors staged along the route. A family-friendly event. Costumes are encouraged! Learn about Stream Team, wildlife, forests and how you can be part of the solution in this free, fun, engaging event brought to you by the City of Olympia, Stream Team and the Capital High School drama department. Hikes leave every 10 minutes & last approximately 1 hour; the first hike starts at 3:30, and last hike ends at 5:30. Come before your scheduled hike departure time and enjoy fun hands-on activities at “Water World”! To register, contact Patricia Pyle at 360-570-5841 or ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us.
Volunteers also are needed! This event is extremely popular and volunteers are needed for set up, as group docents and as Water World activity coordinators. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Patricia Pyle at 360-570-5841 or ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us.
Thursday, November 8
6-9 pm – Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife
(Tumwater) Are you interested in learning about landscaping practices that will reduce your water bill, time spent mowing and on maintenance chores? Or, perhaps you want to learn about creating a beautiful landscape that will attract birds, butterflies or other wildlife. You can learn about all this and much more at Stream Team & Native Plant Salvage Project’s Naturescaping for Water and Wildlife workshop. Participants will receive lots of free handouts and helpful tips to create more attractive and sustainable landscapes. To register, or for more information, contact Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
Saturday, November 10
9 am – 12 pm – Salmon Steward field training
Whether you are new to the area or have lived here for years, it is always a sight worth seeing to view the chum salmon spawning in McLane Creek at the McLane Creek Nature Trail. With their dark purplish-black coloring, they are truly a sight to see as they dig their nests and vie for optimal spawning positions. Every year, Stream Team trains Salmon Steward volunteers to greet people walking along the nature trail and answer questions people may have about the wild, native run of chum salmon. Chum return to spawn in early November through mid-December, once the rains have helped the water levels to rise. If you are interested in being a Salmon Steward at the McLane Creek Nature Trail, Stream Team is hosting this field training. For more information, or to register for the training, contact Ann Marie at pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us or 360-754-3355 ext. 6857.
10 am – noon – Enhancing Wetlands Through Native Plantings Workshop
(Northwest Trek: 11610 Trek Drive East; Eatonville 98328-9502) Join Northwest Trek staff for this two-hour workshop to learn how to enhance your wetlands through native planting and natural landscaping methods. This workshop will begin with a 30-minute indoor lecture and finish with 1-1/2 hours of planting outdoors on Trek property. Workshop materials, gloves, tools and plants will be provided. Please bring water and snacks. This workshop is free—however, class size is limited to 15 participants. Contact Jessica Moore at 360-832-7160 or Jessica.moore@nwtrek.org to reserve your spot today!
Sunday, November 18
11 am – 1 pm – Chum Salmon and Cider Celebration at McLane Creek Nature Trail
Enjoy hot cider and snacks while learning from trained Salmon Stewards about the wild spawning chum salmon. For more information, contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us.
December 8
10 am – noon – Enhancing Wetlands Through Native Plantings Workshop
(Northwest Trek: 11610 Trek Drive East; Eatonville 98328-9502) Join Northwest Trek staff for this two-hour workshop to learn how to enhance your wetlands through native planting and natural landscaping methods. This workshop will begin with a 30-minute indoor lecture and finish with 1-1/2 hours of planting outdoors on Trek property. Workshop materials, gloves, tools and plants will be provided. Please bring water and snacks. This workshop is free—however, class size is limited to 15 participants. Contact Jessica Moore at 360-832-7160 or Jessica.moore@nwtrek.org to reserve your spot today!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Environmental Lobby Day 2013 – stay tuned for details