Check out what’s going on around town from 11/20- 1/12/13!
RECURRING EVENTS
Tuesdays, 9 am – 3 pm: South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. EVENT REVIEW
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.
Thursdays, 10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501)
Fridays, 10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Sundays, 10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Tuesday, November 20
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
We are going to be at Glacial Heritage Preserve, helping UW grad student Natalie Footen with her study. Natalie is looking at how different types of host plants affect the growth of golden paintbrush, and she needs some help with planting, as there is quite a bit of paintbrush and other plants to get in the ground. So come on out and plant in the name of science! As always, bring a box lunch, water, gloves and raingear. 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. EVENT REVIEW—but students need to stay for at least 3 hours
5:30 pm – public hearings on Stormwater Fee Credit Program and Deschutes Industrial Park
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building One, Room 269: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Olympia 98502) More information—including background documents and contact persons—can be found in www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/docs/agenda/agenda.pdf. EVENT REVIEW
Tuesday, November 27
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Details coming soon!) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. EVENT REVIEW—but students need to stay for at least 3 hours
10 am – Discussion on Sustainability
Thurston Regional Planning Council has been working for a year to develop a countywide vision for a vibrant, healthy and resilient future for the Thurston region, as well as the actions and responsibilities necessary to achieve it. Phase 2 of this project is just beginning. The League of Women Voters Thurston County is encouraging the public to engage further by attending one of three discussion meetings on sustainability in our community, scheduled for today and tomorrow. These meetings will offer an opportunity to engage with others on how our community can be more sustainable, what policies are needed to assure sustainability and what the League and we as individuals can do to create a sustainable economy and environment here in Thurston County. Pick the meeting most convenient for you—directions and additional information including discussion questions are at the League web site, http://www.lwvthurston.org/calendar.html. Today’s meeting will be at Kathleen Downey’s home (1717 Gov. Stevens Ct. SE; Olympia 98501). EXTRA CREDIT (5 points)
7:00 pm – The Wonderful World of Whales with John Calambokidis
(Olympia REI: 625 Black Lake Blvd SW, Suite 410 (Westfield Mall); Olympia 98502) November’s Adventure and Conservation Speaker Series is all about earth’s largest mammal–whales! John Calambokidis of the Cascadia Research Group will share new insights into whale movements, underwater behavior, and human impacts that have come out of recent research off the western coast of the United States. This will include some of the recent surprising changes in occurrence of marine mammals in Puget Sound. John Calambokidis is a founder and Senior Research Biologist at Cascadia Research, an Olympia based non-profit scientific organization, who has studied whales along the US West Coast for over 30 years. Free, but space is limited and registration is required, at http://www.rei.com/event/46442/session/61377/12292012. EXTRA CREDIT (2 points)
7:00 – 9:00 pm – Climate Crisis action group
(Olympia Center: 222 Columbia Street NW; Olympia 98501) The Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation has created a new climate action group to work on a wide range of climate issues, including the coal train comments and hearings, 350.org’s divestment campaign, and maintaining constant pressure on elected officials. We will also be out on the streets with creative non-violent actions demanding an immediate massive economic push to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. The tentative room number is 200, but check the schedule near the first floor info desk to confirm. Join us!! For more information, contact Bourtai Hargrove at 352-6327 or bourtai31@gmail.com, or visit the new Climate Crisis page on Olympia FOR’s website at http://olympiafor.org. EXTRA CREDIT (2 points)
Wednesday, November 28
1:30 – 3:30 pm – Discussion on Sustainability
(The Evergreen State College, Seminar II building, Room A3107—park in C-lot) See description on previous day’s listing. EXTRA CREDIT (5 points)
7-9 pm – Discussion on Sustainability
(Olympia Community Center, Room 200: 222 Columbia St. NW; Olympia) See description on previous day’s listing. EXTRA CREDIT (5 points)
Thursday, November 29
3:30-5:50 pm – Masters in Environmental Science Thesis Presentations
(The Evergreen State College, Lecture Hall 5: ) Hear presentations by Masters in Environmental Science students on their theses. As you can see from the schedule below, some students have yet to decide on the titles of their presentations. (Stay tuned for updates.) The public is welcome to attend. Dates and times are subject to change, so check http://evergreen.edu/mes/thesispresentation.htm before you go.
3:30 – 3:50pm: Jason Cornell – Payment for Ecosystem Services: Investigations in Defining Success in Theory and Practice
3:50 – 4:10pm: Evan Hayduk – Using LiDar Data to Estimate Effective Leaf Area Index, Visualize Canopy Structure and Identify Individual Tree Location, Height and Crown Diameter in a Small, Steep Watershed in Central Oregon
4:10 – 4:50pm: break
4:50-5:10pm: Justin Rogers – Youth Education Programs at College/University Student Farms in the United States: An Investigation of Initial Program Implementation and Long-Term Organizational and Financial Sustainability.
5:10-5:30pm: Jennie Husby – Pollinators May Not Limit Native Seed Viability for Puget Lowland Prairie Restoration.
5:30-6:00pm: Allison Osterberg – Whose Shore? Assessing the Effects of Public Participation on Shoreline Master Plan Updates in Puget Sound.
Abstracts are available at http://evergreen.edu/mes/thesispresentation.htm.
7:30 -9:00 pm – Solving the Climate Crisis through Social Change: an Evening with Gar Lipow
(Olympia Timberland Library) Join Gar Lipow for a discussion of his book, Solving the Climate Crisis through Social Change: Public Investment in Social Prosperity to Cool a Fevered Planet. The book argues that the massive waste that caused the climate crisis resulted not only from fundamental flaws in markets, but also from social inequality, lack of democracy, and a deeply flawed foreign policy. Rather than a providing a doomsday perspective, it offers realistic optimism about the expanding climate crisis, highlighting the convergence between the necessary steps to save the planet and what needs to be done to improve the lives of Americans. This program takes place after the library closes. EXTRA CREDIT (2 points)
Saturday, December 1
7:30 am and 9:00 am – First Saturday Birding and Breakfast
Want to get a head start on your weekend? Come bird with Black Hills Audubon Society, and then enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant. Or, if you’re a late riser, just join us for breakfast and we’ll give you the run down on the birds we saw in the area. Beginning birders are welcome. Share what you know, connect, enjoy. No expert guide. We will meet at Bayview Thriftway Grocery (516 4th Ave; Olympia), main entrance at 7:30, and then bird along Percival Landing and Capitol Lake. At 9:00 am we will retire to The Spar Restaurant (114 4th Ave E) for breakfast. For more information contact Leslie Lynam at 360 402-9513 or Deb Nickerson at 360 754-5397. EXTRA CREDIT (2 points)
9 am – noon – Mashel River Work Party
Join Nisqually Land Trust as they remove Scot’s broom from a site near Eatonville. To sign up and get more information, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. EVENT REVIEW
9 am – noon – Help plant trees & shrubs at Northwest Trek
(Eatonville) Northwest Trek recently completed the initial phase of construction on our mitigation site, and now needs to install over 10,000 plants. We need as many hands as possible to get the plants in the ground, tubed and mulched. Volunteers should wear clothes and shoes appropriate for walking in tall grass, wet and muddy conditions and potentially around blackberry bushes. Bring water bottles and snacks as needed. Tools will be provided. Youth are welcome to attend with chaperones; we only have gloves in adult sizes, so youth should bring their own gloves to ensure a good fit. PLEASE RSVP TO: Jessica Moore at 360-832-7160 or jessica.moore@nwtrek.org. EVENT REVIEW
10 am – 1 pm – Woodruff Park work party
(1500 Harrison Ave NW; Olympia.) Come out to Woodruff Park and help us sheet mulch and maintain trees in this historic park! We will focus on restoring the health of the plants and trees and cleaning up the park. 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 Mike Baker at 360.570.5854.
10 am – 4 pm – Ocean Bingo at LOTT’s WET Science Center
(500 Adams Street NE, in downtown Olympia) Escape the rain and bring the family inside to play a fun and educational game of Ocean Bingo! There are many great prizes for adults and children to win. Bingo games and ocean inspired art projects will continue throughout the day. For more information, contact Amber Smith at 360.528.5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
10 am – 3 pm – Interior Storm Window Insert Workshop
(Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation: 2300 East End St. NW; Olympia) Are your windows putting a chill on your comfort and your budget? Save energy, cut costs and help the environment while you learn how to build simple, low-cost interior insulating window inserts. These double-layered windows fit snugly inside the window opening, are easily removable and can be made in custom sizes. They are built on a wood frame with shrink wrap and weatherstripping. Perfect for single-pane or aluminum windows. We provide the tools and materials, you bring measurements—and together we’ll build a set of inserts for your house (and for others) to stay warm and save money this winter. Cost is $1 per square foot of window area or pay what you can. An inexpensive way to reduce cold air infiltration, condensation and heat loss! To register, contact Joe Joy at joejoy2@comcast.net or (360) 280-8651. Once you contact us, we will send you registration and window measurement forms.
8:00 pm – Pier Peer
Join South Sound Estuary Association at Boston Harbor Marina for Pier Peer night-lighting events the first Saturday of each month starting November 3rd. Peer below the waters of Puget Sound and discover the lives of mysterious and beautiful creatures. Jellyfish, colorful sea slugs, predatory worms and more visit us at the underwater lights. Learn about the animals of Puget Sound and see them like you never have before! Bring your own flashlight (one per person is ideal) and dress for the weather. Children under 5 are not advised. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost to register is $10/adult; children are free. Registration is required: go to http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=xcpwlrdab&oeidk=a07e6ii7alw5285ab76 Questions?—contact Gabby@sseacenter.org or call (360) 878-9320. EXTRA CREDIT (2 points)
Tuesday, December 4
1:30 pm – public hearing on SEPA Rule Making.
(Dept of Ecology Lacey Headquarters: 300 Desmond Drive; Lacey) The Department of Ecology proposes to adopt amendments to the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) rules. For more information, go to http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/sepa/rulemaking2012.html. Contact: Fran Sant at (360) 407-6932 or fran.sant@ora.wa.gov.
6:30 pm – public hearing on SEPA Rule Making.
See description in previous listing.
Thursday, December 6
7-9 pm – Estuary Restoration.
(LOTT WET Science Center, 500 NE Adams, Olympia) Join us to hear about the amazing work Capitol Land Trust and South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group are doing together! Executive Directors Eric Erler (CLT) and Lance Winecka (SPSSEG) will give a joint presentation on the work they have been doing together and how our conservation and restoration missions enhance each other’s goals. The event is free, but please RSVP to Leihla Scharlau at leihlascharlau@yahoo.com. Doors open at 6:30. EXTRA CREDIT (2 points)
EVENT REVIEW #2 DUE by midnight for 1:15 MWTh class
Friday, December 7
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest 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. EVENT REVIEW
EVENT REVIEW #2 DUE by midnight for 9:00 MWF class
EXTRA CREDIT DUE by midnight for both classes
Saturday, 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!
10 am – 1 pm – Allison Springs Eagles and Kayaks Event
Join expert staff from Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation, Stream Team and the City of Olympia Park Ranger to experience the incredible amount of wildlife at Allison Springs on Mud Bay. S ome species we might see include: Green Heron, Osprey, Double Crested Cormorants, Great Blue Heron and the star of the show the amazing Bald Eagle! To register for this fun and educational event, go to http://online.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec/Activities/ActivitiesCourseDetails.asp?aid=1604&cid=16481 or call customer service at 360.753.8380.
1:00-2:00 pm – Wonderful World of Worms
(WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE, in downtown Olympia) What has no lungs, is both male and female, and hatches from a cocoon? Worms of course! Put on your lab coat, grab your magnifying glass, and examine red wiggler worms and other soil critters up close. You’ll get to learn about the importance of worms in the environment and their role in turning our garbage into compost. Presentation starts at 1 pm. Worm-related activities will be available in the classroom all day. For more information, contact Amber Smith at 360.528.5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Tuesday, December 11
7:00 – 9:00 pm – Climate Crisis action group
(Olympia Center: 222 Columbia Street NW; Olympia 98501) The Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation has created a new climate action group to work on a wide range of climate issues, including the coal train comments and hearings, 350.org’s divestment campaign, and maintaining constant pressure on elected officials. We will also be out on the streets with creative non-violent actions demanding an immediate massive economic push to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. The tentative room number is 200, but check the schedule near the first floor info desk to confirm. Join us!! For more information, contact Bourtai Hargrove at 352-6327 or bourtai31@gmail.com, or visit the new Climate Crisis page on Olympia FOR’s website at http://olympiafor.org.
Thursday, December 13
7-9 pm – Black Hills Audubon Society: Wildlife of Tanzania
(First Christian Church: 701 Franklin Street SE; Olympia 98507) BHAS Audubon members Fred Fiedler, Patt Brady, and Kristin Stewart have been traveling again. This time they have visited Tanzania, East Africa, and are delighted to share their memories and photos of some the birds and mammals they encountered. They visited most of the north/eastern Tanzanian National Parks from Mt Kilimanjaro in the east to Lake Victoria on the west. They observed somewhere around 300+ bird species and all of the most important mammals. Please come share this evening of slides and memories with them. This monthly program meeting of the Black Hills Audubon Society is free and open to the public. Arrive at 7:00 pm to socialize; the program will begin promptly at 7:30.
Saturday, December 15
8:00 am – late afternoon – Black Hills Audubon Field Trip: Birding in Port Townsend and vicinity
This is a great opportunity for beginning birders to see some of the harder-to-find special birds of the Pacific Northwest. Stops will include Fort Worden, Point Hudson, Mystery Bay, and Fort Flagler State Parks, as well as Kah Tai Lagoon. Pre-registration required: e-mail Lonnie Somer at wheelermombi@comcast.net. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.
9 am – noon – Downtown Ducks at Capital Lake
Join Burt Guttman for his fabulous annual quest for winter birds in downtown Olympia. There are all kinds of ducks, geese, grebes, and the occasional loon possible, as well as passerines in the trees and shrubs. This trip begins at Marathon Park at Capital Lake and generally includes Tumwater Historical Park and Percival Cove. Sometimes visits to lower Budd Inlet are included. This trip is especially oriented toward beginner birders, but all interested folks are welcome. No registration required—just show up!
9 am – noon – Lower Reach work party
Join Nisqually Land Trust as they remove Scot’s broom and other weeds from a site on the Nisqually River near Yelm. To sign up and get more information, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
10 am – 1 pm – Sunrise Park work party
(505 Bing Street NW; Olympia) Join us at Sunrise Park as we sheet mulch around the trees in this much loved park! We will focus on restoring the health of the plants and trees and cleaning up the park. Meet near the community garden. 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 Mike Baker at 360.570.5854.
10 am – 3 pm – Interior Storm Window Insert Workshop
(Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation: 2300 East End St. NW; Olympia) Are your windows putting a chill on your comfort and your budget? Save energy, cut costs and help the environment while you learn how to build simple, low-cost interior insulating window inserts. These double-layered windows fit snugly inside the window opening, are easily removable and can be made in custom sizes. They are built on a wood frame with shrink wrap and weatherstripping. Perfect for single-pane or aluminum windows. We provide the tools and materials, you bring measurements—and together we’ll build a set of inserts for your house (and for others) to stay warm and save money this winter. Cost is $1 per square foot of window area or pay what you can. An inexpensive way to reduce cold air infiltration, condensation and heat loss! To register, contact Joe Joy at joejoy2@comcast.net or (360) 280-8651. Once you contact us, we will send you registration and window measurement forms.
1:00-2:00 pm – Mighty Microbes: The Superheroes of Sludge
(WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE, in downtown Olympia) Put on your lab coat and gloves, and take a look at some mighty microbes under our microscopes. You’ll learn how these tiny heroes help LOTT clean up the dirty water from your house. You’ll also get to visit the water quality lab to talk to a real scientist. Everyone will take home some fun trading cards with fun facts about these microscopic bugs. Limited to upper elementary-aged children and older. For more information, contact Amber Smith at 360.528.5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Dec 22
Holiday Handprint Crafts at LOTT
(WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE, in downtown Olympia) Looking to make a last minute holiday gift for a loved one? Bring the family down to get creative and make a special holiday work of art including handprint trees, wreaths, reindeers, and snowmen. We supply all the materials and you create the holiday memories. For more information, contact Amber Smith at 360.528.5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Dec 29
1:00-2:00 pm – Go Green in 2013!
(WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE, in downtown Olympia) Bring the family in to get some easy ideas for greening-up around the house. There is no better time to start new family habits that will help save money as well as the environment! This fun, all-ages presentation starts at 1 pm. Earth inspired coloring activities will be in the classroom all day. For more information, contact Amber Smith at 360.528.5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
January 5
9 am – noon – Help plant trees & shrubs at Northwest Trek
(Eatonville) Northwest Trek recently completed the initial phase of construction on our mitigation site, and now needs to install over 10,000 plants. We need as many hands as possible to get the plants in the ground, tubed and mulched. Volunteers should wear clothes and shoes appropriate for walking in tall grass, wet and muddy conditions and potentially around blackberry bushes. Bring water bottles and snacks as needed. Tools will be provided. Youth are welcome to attend with chaperones; we only have gloves in adult sizes, so youth should bring their own gloves to ensure a good fit. PLEASE RSVP TO: Jessica Moore at 360-832-7160 or jessica.moore@nwtrek.org.
10 am – 1 pm – Priest Point Park work party
(2600 East Bay Drive NE; Olympia) Ring in the New Year by helping improve the beach access trail and remove invasive ivy in historic Priest Point Park. There will be a fun contest and prizes. Meet at kitchen shelter #2. 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 Mike Baker at 360.570.5854.
8:00 pm – Pier Peer
Join South Sound Estuary Association at Boston Harbor Marina for Pier Peer night-lighting events the first Saturday of each month starting November 3rd. Peer below the waters of Puget Sound and discover the lives of mysterious and beautiful creatures. Jellyfish, colorful sea slugs, predatory worms and more visit us at the underwater lights. Learn about the animals of Puget Sound and see them like you never have before! Bring your own flashlight (one per person is ideal) and dress for the weather. Children under 5 are not advised. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost to register is $10/adult; children are free. Registration is required: go to http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=xcpwlrdab&oeidk=a07e6ii85hx867667c3 Questions?—contact Gabby@sseacenter.org or call (360) 878-9320.
Saturday, January 12
9 am – noon – Downtown Ducks at Capital Lake
Join Burt Guttman for his fabulous annual quest for winter birds in downtown Olympia. There are all kinds of ducks, geese, grebes, and the occasional loon possible, as well as passerines in the trees and shrubs. This trip begins at Marathon Park at Capital Lake and generally includes Tumwater Historical Park and Percival Cove. Sometimes visits to lower Budd Inlet are included. This trip is especially oriented toward beginner birders, but all interested folks are welcome. No registration required—just show up!
10 am – 1 pm – Grass Lake Nature Park work party
(814 Kaiser Rd NW; Olympia) Come out to Grass Lake Nature Park and help us groom the loop trail and remove invasive plants. We will focus on maintaining an area that was restored with native vegetation. Meet near the trailhead. Parking is limited, so please be courteous to neighbors. 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 Mike Baker at 360.570.5854.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Environmental Lobby Day 2013 – stay tuned for details