See Below
RECURRING EVENTS
Tuesdays:
9 am – 3 pm: South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party. (See specific dates below for details.)
7 pm: Olympia City Council (Olympia City Council Chambers: 601 4th Ave E) Go to http://olympia.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx for more information.
7 pm (1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month): Tumwater City Council (Tumwater City Hall: 555 Israel Rd. SW) Go to www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/ccagendasTOC.htm for more information.
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) 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.
7 pm (2nd & 4th Thursday of the month): Lacey City Council (Lacey City Hall: 420 College Street) Go to www.ci.lacey.wa.us/city-government/city-council/city-council-2/city-council-meetings/council-meetings for more information.
Fridays
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Saturdays
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Sundays
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Position Announcement: Events Coordinator for Capitol Land Trust
Capitol Land Trust is seeking a part-time Events Coordinator to organize fundraising and outreach events, ranging from 20 to 500 people, under the direction of the Trust’s Associate Director. More information is available on the CLT website at www.capitollandtrust.org.
Wednesday, May 29
6:30 – 8:00 pm – Public meeting on Cowlitz River fisheries and hatcheries
(Centralia College, Washington Hall Room 103, at Washington Ave. and Pear St. in Centralia) The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Tacoma Power are hosting a public meeting regarding Cowlitz River fisheries and hatchery programs. Representatives from WDFW and Tacoma Power will discuss an update to the Fisheries and Hatchery Management Plan (FHMP) for the Cowlitz River, and recommendations for next years’ hatchery production. As a condition of its operating license, Tacoma Power submitted the updated FHMP to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, outlining its plan to maximize wild fish production in the Cowlitz River while also working to maintain sustainable fishing opportunities. The plan sets out expectations for increasing the abundance of wild salmon and steelhead in the river, maintaining hatchery production and monitoring and evaluating programs in the coming years. There will be an opportunity for public input at the meeting. The updated plan is available at http://1.usa.gov/14tdhC2. For more information, contact WDFW Region 5 Office at (360) 696-6211.
Thursday, May 30
6 – 9 pm – What is Sustainable Development and how do we get there?
(Coach House: 211 21st Ave SW; Olympia) The Carnegie Group (a local non-profit organization concerned about the costs of growth) is pleased to present a forum on sustainable development entitled “Meeting the Challenge: What is Sustainable Development and How do we get there?” If you’re concerned about the future of our community, you think it’s possible to have both a healthy economy and a healthy environment, you worry about the health of our land and water, and you value our quality of life, this forum is for you! Find out what “sustainable development” means for Thurston County and what it should mean if we want our children to enjoy the natural and built environment we enjoy today. This forum is geared particularly to the Sustainable Thurston Task Force, which is finalizing a “regional plan for sustainable development” by the end of the year, but anyone interested in sustainable land use and development is welcome. This forum will present information we believe to be essential to successful completion of the regional plan. Please join The Carnegie Group for refreshments and to hear local experts on sustainability present recommendations for meeting the challenge! To attend, RSVP to richmond.carole@gmail.com or 360-754-0813.
Friday, May 31
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
The weeds are ever persistent at Shotwell’s Landing Nursery. As always, please dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves, and 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.For more information, contactssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Saturday, June 1
7:30 am and 9:00 am – Black Hills Audubon Birding & Breakfast
Want to get a head start on your weekend? Join us for Birding and Breakfast at 7:30 am on the first Saturday of each month. Bird with us at 7:30 am, then enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant at 9:00 am. Or, if you’re a late riser, just join us for breakfast and we’ll give you the run down on what birds are in the area. Beginning birders are welcome. Share what you know, connect, enjoy. No expert guide. We will meet at 7:30 at Tumwater Falls Park (777 Simmons LN SW, Tumwater 98501). After birding, we will meet for breakfast at River’s Edge Restaurant (at The Valley Golf Course—4611 Tumwater Valley Drive SE) at 9:00 am. For more information contact Leslie L. at 360-402-9513 or Deb N. at 360-754-5397.
9 am – 7 pm – Mother Earth News Fair
(Washington State Fair Events Center; 110 9th Ave. SW; Puyallup 98371) The Mother Earth News Fair is a fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event that features practical, hands-on demos and workshops on topics such as renewable energy, small-scale agriculture, gardening, green building, and much much more. We hand-select local and national exhibitors to bring you the best in: organic food and drink; books and magazines; tools and seeds; clothing and more. For more information, go to www.motherearthnews.com/fair/washington.aspx#axzz2TW9V519n.
10 am – 1 pm – Priest Point Park work party
Olympia Park Stewardship Program is teaming up with Alpine Experience to celebrate National Trails Day with a fun and exciting stewardship work party! The goal of the work party will be to improve trail conditions on the Ellis Cove Trail. Tools, gloves, and light refreshments will be provided. 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. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided. Meet at kitchen shelter #2 in Priest Point Park. Registered participants will receive a coupon for a free BBQ lunch at Alpine Experience’s Mountain Life Festival immediately following the work party. Sign up external linktoday for this free event! For more information, contact Christina Newman (City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation) at cnewman@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360) 753-8365.
10 am – 1 pm – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) With spring migration in full swing, the Refuge is all aflutter! Experience the thrill of seeing swallows (four different species) or the “wichity wichity” of the common yellowthroat! Join experienced birder Eric Slagle for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures – the birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
10 am – Let’s Go for a Bird Walk in Seminary Hill Natural Area
(Centralia) Woody Franzen and Kelly Stanley will lead, looking and listening for the birds found in and around our woods. Bring cameras, binoculars and the kids and join this quiet walk. Note: Some trails are quite steep, and there is a 2-300-foot elevation gain from the parking lot to the higher points in the Natural Area. Wear appropriate shoes or hiking boots: trails can be slippery when it has been raining. A walking stick can make the climbing and descending much easier and safer. Be prepared for changes in the weather: layered clothing and rainwear are advisable. Remember your camera, a water bottle, perhaps a snack and a litter bag. Books for identifying trees, flowers, birds and animals are also handy. Meet in the parking lot at the main entrance to Seminary Hill Natural Area, at the corner of East Locust Street and Barner Drive in Centralia. For more information, call 360-736-7045 or 360-330-7688.
2:00 pm – Farming the Tidelands
(WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Come learn about shellfish and how they are farmed here in the Puget Sound. Jennifer Hopper, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Taylor Shellfish Farms, will provide a presentation on shellfish farming in our local community. Participants will get to touch live oysters, clams, mussels, and geoducks and look at shellfish larvae under microscopes! Coloring books will also be provided.
10 pm – Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina
(Boston Harbor Marina; Olympia) Join South Sound Estuary Association for a night-lighting event. 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 a flashlight (one per person is ideal) and dress for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 5 are not advised. Registration is required, and the cost is $10/adult; accompanying child 6 and over are free. To register, go to www.sseacenter.org and click the Pier Peer tab. Event registration will be closed at ten adults for the safety and enjoyment of participants.
Sunday, June 2
9-11 am – It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) From bitterns to butterflies, chickadees to crabapples, the Refuge is home to many types of wildlife. Join naturalist Jan Seguin on this nature walk that is sure to teach you something new about the creatures of the Refuge. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
9 am – 6 pm – Mother Earth News Fair
(Washington State Fair Events Center; 110 9th Ave. SW; Puyallup 98371) The Mother Earth News Fair is a fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event that features practical, hands-on demos and workshops on topics such as renewable energy, small-scale agriculture, gardening, green building, and much much more. We hand-select local and national exhibitors to bring you the best in: organic food and drink; books and magazines; tools and seeds; clothing and more. For more information, go to www.motherearthnews.com/fair/washington.aspx#axzz2TW9V519n.
Tuesday, June 4
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contactssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
9:30 am – 12 pm – Margaret McKenny Park work party
(Olympia) Join us at this charming park to spread fibar, maintain trails, and mulch tree circles. 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. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided. Margaret McKenny Park is located at 3111 21st Ave SE. Meet in the open area off 21st Ave where street parking is available. For more information, contact Christina Newman (City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation) at cnewman@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360) 753-8365.
7:00 pm – South Sound Fruit Society: Organic Methods used in the Orchard
(The Farmhouse at Evergreen State College’s Organic Farm) A group discussion moderated by Lowell Cordas on different organic methods used by our members for better fruit, keeping pests at bay, or attracting beneficial insects. Come and join in—talk about what methods you employ in the orchard and/or garden, or solicit information from others as to what they are doing as solutions for better growth and production. If you bring pictures on a memory stick, we can show them on the big screen. For directions, go to www.evergreen.edu/conference/drivingdirections.htm.
Thursday, June 6
9 am – 3 pm – Introduction to Common Bryophytes and Lichens of the Puget Sound Prairies
(Glacial Heritage Preserve and Mima Mounds Natural Area) To help address the need for a better understanding of lichen and bryophyte diversity on the Puget Sound prairies, the Center for Natural Lands Management will host a one-day field-based workshop led by Dr. Lalita Calabria, Visiting Faculty at The Evergreen State College and Curator of Bryophytes and Lichens. This workshop is intended for prairie land managers, volunteers and restoration ecologists who want to: 1) Learn to identify the common mosses and lichens found on Puget Sound prairies, with an emphasis on those found in burned and unburned areas; and 2) learn a field survey method for recording lichen and bryophyte diversity and abundance. Participants will be trained to identify and record lichen and bryophyte growth-forms and functional groups that can readily be distinguished in the field by non-experts. Including this protocol in existing vegetation surveys will help land managers to effectively monitor changes in lichen and bryophyte communities at these sites and to develop conservation strategies to protect sensitive species. Please bring weather appropriate clothing (rain gear, sun hat, waterproof shoes, etc) and a lunch! RSVP to Sarah Hamman (shamman@cnlm.org) if you wish to attend. Come learn about the communities under your feet!
7 – 8:30 pm – Valuing Thurston Region’s natural resources
(Lacey Community Center: 6729 Pacific Ave. SE; Lacey) Join us for a conversation with David Batker, Chief Economist & Executive Director for Earth Economics, an independent, non-partisan non-profit dedicated to researching and applying the economic solutions of tomorrow, today. Since 1998, Earth Economics has been providing robust, science-based, ecologically sound economic analysis, policy recommendations and tools to positively transform regional, national and international economics, and asset accounting systems. Dave will talk about Innovative ways of valuing the Thurston Region’s natural resources, including information on connections between existing ecosystems and the regional economy and quantifying the economic value of ecosystem goods and services produced in Thurston County. This presentation is open to the public. For more information, contact Thurston Regional Planning Council at 360.956.7575 or selstroms@trpc.org.
Friday June 7
6:00 – 10:30 pm – 5th Annual Sea Cinema Festival featuring Chasing Ice!
(Minnaert Center for Performing Arts, South Puget Sound Community College: 2011 Mottman Rd. SW; Olympia 98512) From 6 to 8 pm we will screen independent films by producers of all ages, a special guest performance by Northwest Dance Intensive, and guest speakers. This will be followed by a half-hour intermission to enjoy shellfish appetizers from Taylor Shellfish, and a screening of the globally acclaimed film Chasing Ice at 8:30. Free and family-friendly! Doors open at 5:30.
Saturday, June 8
8:00 – 11:00 am – Bird Walk on Oakland Bay
(Shelton) Join us for this special outing with the Black Hills Audubon Society (BHAS) at the newly opened Oakland Bay Park in Mason County. Capitol Land Trust conserved this 85-acre property in 2005. Here’s your chance to explore this gem just outside Shelton! Call the BHAS message line, (360) 352-7299, to reserve a spot.
9 am – noon – Bragett Parcel NatureMapping Field Trip
The Nisqually Tribe trust protects this 50+ acre site adjacent to the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. The site is a mixture of estuary, river, forest and meadow, and the diverse habitat creates ideal conditions for a wide variety of wildlife. Northwest Trek has offered to help collect data on wildlife in the project area using citizen-scientists—which is what today’s event involves. No previous NatureMapping experience is required, and the event is free. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a grassy, woody and wetland environments and on uneven surfaces. Rubber boots are advised for portions of the site. To sign up or for more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
10 am – 4:30 pm – Meet the Trees of Washington Field Class
(Thurston County Courthouse, Bldg 1, Rm. 152) This class is especially beneficial for newcomers to our area or anyone else who has ever wondered about the benefits and horticultural uses of native trees and other plants. Participants will learn about a variety of different ecosystems found in Western Washington and the plants and animals that inhabit them. Start the morning with classroom instruction, an introduction to four South Sound ecosystems and some basic hands-on native plant identification. Then take a field trip to a local nature trail and learn to identify native trees, shrubs, ferns and perennials. Bus transportation is provided for the field trip. Field class is free and registration is required, as space is limited. For more information and to register, go to http://streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.
10 am – 4 pm – Come Get Your Undriver License
(WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Bring in the family to learn about all the ways you can get around town, enjoy the outdoors, and protect the environment by biking, walking, and taking the bus. Then put on a fun costume and get your picture taken for your Undriver License! At 1:00 and 2:00 pm you can also take a ride on an Intercity Transit hybrid electric bus to tour downtown and practice riding the bus.
10:00 am – FREE Composting Workshop on Worms
(Closed Loop Park—just inside the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center entrance at 2418 Hogum Bay Road at Hawk’s Prairie). Directions: From downtown Olympia take I-5 North. Take exit 111, the ramp has two lanes. Stay in the left lane and follow it to the traffic light on Marvin Road. Turn left onto Marvin Road; make sure you are in the right lane. Once you go through the light turn right onto Hogum Bay Road (a Mexican restaurant on this corner). Take the second road into the Waste and Recovery Center entrance. Look for a small “Closed Loop Park” sign on the fence at that intersection. Follow the road in and the garden is located on the right, just past the dog park.
10 am – 1 pm – How to Keep a Wave on the Sand: Capturing the Outdoors in Photographs
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) 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 free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
Sunday, June 9
1-2:30 pm – The Nisqually and Medicine Creek: Where Nature, Culture and History Converge
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) Learn about the events surrounding the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty; explore how the Nisqually people came to the Nisqually delta and how their lives changed with the settlement of Europeans. Lynn Corliss leads you down history’s winding path, where you will discover important things about the people who enjoyed this land before you did. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
Monday, June 10
8:00 pm – Bees and Lawns: Growing Healthy Grass Naturally!
(Chinook Middle School: 4301 6th Ave NE; Lacey) Join Olympia Beekeepers and Stream Team for a talk given by local expert Rick Longnecker and Doug Kinnaman on natural lawn care. Rick and Doug have over 25 years experience in the lawn care and landscaping trade. Rick and Doug will tell you their tried-and-true advice for improving the health of your lawn naturally. The talk will include a presentation, demonstration, and a question and answer session. The talk is the education component of the monthly Olympia Beekeepers meeting. You are welcome to attend early to learn about bees and beekeeping, or just show up between 7:45 and 8:00 for the lawn care talk. 6 pm: Bee certification class. 7 pm: Business meeting. 8 pm: Education program. Contact Patricia Pyle at ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us for more information.
Tuesday, June 11
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contactssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
7:00 pm – Polar Bears, Ice Dependence and Other Stories
(Orca Books: 509 East 4th Ave; Olympia ) Using images from the polar regions, Dr. Dean Gushee will lead us in a conversation on the importance of sea ice to those ecosystems. While media coverage often begins and ends with a statement that “sea ice has no impact on sea level,” Dr. Gushee will discuss how sea ice supports a wide range of animals that includes not only charismatic mega fauna, such as polar bears, but lesser known and equally important animals. Images will help illustrate what is at risk in these regions, and the effects of sea ice change is a natural segue to the broader discussion on global climate change. Dr. Dean Gushee is a physician and photographer whose photographs of his expedition to Antarctica have appeared in the National Geographic magazine.
7:00 pm – More than Arrowheads: Cultural Resources on Washington State Lands
(Olympia REI: 625 Black Lake Blvd (Westfield Mall), #410; Olympia 98502) Washington’s diverse landscapes, from the bottom of Puget Sound to the top of Cascade peaks, have been explored and lived in by people since time immemorial. Sometimes they left behind a campfire or a few artifacts, and sometimes entire settlements. Beyond that, people have shaped our landscape in profound ways, leaving behind “natural” ecosystems that tell tales of adaptation and stewardship, but also historical sites that speak to exploitation and abandonment. Maurice Major is an archaeologist working for a state agency that manages 5,000,000 acres of land, and has retraced the footsteps of those who came before us. Join Capitol Land Trust and REI as Maurice describes some of the cultural landscapes of Washington, focusing on several of the conservation areas around our state. Free, but space is limited. To reserve a space, go to www.rei.com/event/51449/session/72827/07222013, email kathleen@capitollandtrust.org or call (360) 943-3012.
Saturday, June 15
10 am – 1 pm – How to Keep a Wave on the Sand: Capturing the Outdoors in Photographs
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) 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 free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
1:00 pm – Budd Inlet Treatment Plant Tour
(WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) The Budd Inlet Treatment Plant has been cleaning up our urban wastewater since the early 1950s. Come and learn how we do it, including the steps we’ve added along the way to further protect Puget Sound. A slideshow followed by a treatment plant tour will begin at 1:00 pm Tour participants must be ten years or older, dress for outdoor weather, and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes.
Monday, June 17
4:00 – 7:00 pm – McLane Creek Nature Trail Work Party
(Olympia) Join Stream Team as we trim, weed and repair the boardwalk at the McLane Creek Nature Trail. A pizza snack will be provided along with gloves, tools and refreshments. To register, go to http://www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar. For more information, contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us.
Wednesday June 19
5:00 – 8:30 pm – An Evening with Capitol Land Trust at Salish Cliffs Golf Club
(Shelton) You are invited to spend an evening with Capitol Land Trust at the Salish Cliffs Club House—a world-class, salmon-safe certified golf course located in Shelton. Golfers and non-golfers alike are encouraged to attend. This non-fundraising event is a unique opportunity to learn about the conservation work of Capitol Land Trust while enjoying live music, food, drink and the beautiful views from the newly built Club House. There will be a putting contest and a beginners golf clinic for those hoping to learn a bit more about the game. 21 and over only please. This is a FREE event, but registration is required. To register, call (360) 943-3012 or send an email to kathleen@capitollandtrust.org.
6:00 – 9:00 pm – Stream Bug Monitoring Training
(Olympia) Stir things up this summer with Stream Team as we gather “stream bug” samples from local streams. Learn all you will need to know at this training. Volunteers can sign up for one or more monitoring dates at the training. To register, go to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar. (There will be a duplicate training July 9th, should you not be able to attend this one.) For more information, contact Ann Marie at 754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us.
Saturday, June 22
8:30am – 12noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or of hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join experienced birder David Richardson for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures: The birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
10am – 12 noon – It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) From bitterns to butterflies, chickadees to crabapples, the Refuge is home to many types of wildlife. Join naturalists Art Pavey, Jan Kramer, and Cheri Greenwood on this nature walk that is sure to teach you something new about the creatures of the Refuge. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
2:00 pm – So What Is a Watershed Anyway?
(WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Join the City of Lacey for some “watersheducation” and learn how you can improve the watershed where you live. First you’ll follow three teens in the short movie “Lost and Puget Sound” as they learn about where water goes when it rains. Then use materials like rocks, clay, soil, florist foam, moss and toothpicks to build your own watershed, followed by a friendly competition to see whose watershed soaks up the most water during a simulated heavy rain!
Friday, June 28
7:30 – 9:00 pm – Bat Talk
(Olympia) Join Stream Team for a fun, fact-filled lecture and bat walk to learn about bat life history, habits and habitats. Special guest speaker, Greg Falxa will provide basic bat biology and dispel age-old myths. Bat Walk to follow after lecture. To register, go towww.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar.
Saturday, June 29
8:30am – 12noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join experienced birder David Richardson for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures: the birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
10:00 am – Seminary Hill Natural Area Poetry Walk
(Centralia) Join this unique walk led by David Underwood. Come to the woods and hear wondrous verses by renowned bards, plus some stanzas by our own Northwest poets. Stretch your legs, breathe fresh air, and nourish your spirit. Note: Some trails are quite steep, and there is a 2-300-foot elevation gain from the parking lot to the higher points in the Natural Area. Wear appropriate shoes or hiking boots: trails can be slippery when it has been raining. A walking stick can make the climbing and descending much easier and safer. Be prepared for changes in the weather: layered clothing and rainwear are advisable. Remember your camera, a water bottle, perhaps a snack and a litter bag. Books for identifying trees, flowers, birds and animals are also handy. Meet in the parking lot at the main entrance to Seminary Hill Natural Area, at the corner of East Locust Street and Barner Drive in Centralia. For more information, call 360-736-7045 or 360-330-7688.
2:00 pm – Water: A Never Ending Story
(WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Water is all around us and always in motion. Water doesn’t only move on the surface of the Earth, it also moves in the sky and in the ground. Come and learn all about the natural and built water cycle through games and by making a take home Water Cycle Wheel.
Sunday, June 30
10 am – 3 pm – Boston Harbor to Gull Harbor Kayak trip with Capitol Land Trust
Join Capitol Land Trust and Alpine Experience for a kayak tour of Budd Inlet and Gull Harbor. Gull Harbor is one of the last pristine estuaries in the Southern Puget Sound region. Capitol Land Trust has conserved 152 acres and 8,500 feet of shoreline within Gull Harbor as part of the Budd-to-Henderson Coastal Conservation Initiative, which was established to create an overland corridor between Gull Harbor and Woodard Bay. Gull Harbor provides habitat for variety of rare and unique native wildlife species as well as seven different species of salmonids who spend most of their lives in salt water before returning to fresh water to spawn. Come see this treasure for yourself and enjoy a day on the water as we’re guided by Capitol Land Trust’s Executive Director, Eric Erler, and Alpine Experience’s General Manager, Russ Gilsdorf. We’ll provide the kayaks, snacks, beverages, and great company! The cost is $45 per person including kayak rental, $20 per person if you bring your own kayak. To register, email Quita at quita@capitollandtrust.org or call 360-943-3012.
Tuesday, July 2
7:00 pm – South Sound Fruit Society: Orchard Soils
(The Farmhouse at Evergreen State College’s Organic Farm) Jeb Thurow will be talking about orchard soils. Jeb has just finished his paper on what good soil is composed of. He analyzed the Evergreen Organic Orchard Soil and we hope he will shed some light on why this soil is so good for growing fruit trees and what makes up a good soil. For directions, go to www.evergreen.edu/conference/drivingdirections.htm.
Saturday, July 6
9 am – noon – Wilcox Flats NatureMapping and Habitat Restoration Field Trip
(near Wilcox Farms in Roy) The Nisqually Land Trust is looking to gather wildlife data at its Wilcox Flats property along the Nisqually River—a site vital to salmon recovery efforts along the Nisqually River. Northwest Trek has offered to help by organizing citizen-scientists to collect baseline data about plants and wildlife in the surrounding habitat, and to continue restoration efforts in the meadows and forests along the Nisqually River and side channels. Today’s field trip will consist of data collection, invasive species removal, and weeding and care of new plantings. No previous NatureMapping experience is required, and the event is free. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces. To sign up or for more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
Tuesday, July 9
6:00 – 9:00 pm – Stream Bug Monitoring Training
(Olympia) Stir things up this summer with Stream Team as we gather “stream bug” samples from local streams. Learn all you will need to know at this training. Volunteers can sign up for one or more monitoring dates at the training. To register, go to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar. For more information, contact Ann Marie at 754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us.
Saturday, July 13
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 are working together to restore the creek through the Ohop Valley to its original meandering pathway. Northwest Trek is helping by using citizen-scientists to collect data on wildlife in the project area—which is what today’s event involves. No previous NatureMapping experience is required, and the event is free. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. To sign up or for more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
10:00 am – Seminary Hill Natural Area Photography Workshop
(Centralia) Come and learn new techniques for taking pictures with resident teacher and photographer Marlene Hodge. Bring your camera manual, and a tripod if you have one. Study your manual ahead of time so you are ready to “focus in” on her advice. Note: Some trails are quite steep, and there is a 2-300-foot elevation gain from the parking lot to the higher points in the Natural Area. Wear appropriate shoes or hiking boots: trails can be slippery when it has been raining. A walking stick can make the climbing and descending much easier and safer. Be prepared for changes in the weather: layered clothing and rainwear are advisable. Remember your camera, a water bottle, perhaps a snack and a litter bag. Books for identifying trees, flowers, birds and animals are also handy. Meet in the parking lot at the main entrance to Seminary Hill Natural Area, at the corner of East Locust Street and Barner Drive in Centralia. For more information, call 360-736-7045 or 360-330-7688.
Tuesday, June 18
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contactssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
10:00 am – FREE Composting Workshop on Worms and Yard Waste for small spaces
(Olympia Farmers Market Garden—located on the east side of the Market, on the north end of Capitol Way in downtown Olympia)
Saturday, July 27
10:00 am –Children’s Nature Activity at Seminary Hill Natural Area
(Centralia) Barbara Fandrich, Margie Joy and Marshall Murray, retired forester, will be your guides as you and your child explore the flora of Seminary Hill. Children up to age 12 and their parents are welcome to participate. Then they will make forest notebooks filled with samples of the flora they find. All materials will be provided, and activities will vary by the age of the child. Meet in the parking lot at the main entrance to Seminary Hill Natural Area, at the corner of East Locust Street and Barner Drive in Centralia. For more information, call 360-736-7045 or 360-330-7688.
August 10
10:00 am – FREE Composting Workshop on Yard Waste
(Dirt Works Garden) Directions: From I-5 take HWY 101 towards Shelton. Get off at Black Lake Blvd. exit and at the bottom of the ramp turn right. Get in the left lane and make a left onto Cooper Point Road. Make a left onto Capital Mall Drive and follow it until you see the Yauger Park and Dirt Works sign on the corner of Alta Street. Turn right onto Alta Street. Follow this road into the park and drive through the parking lot until it ends. The garden entrance is located at the end of the parking lot.
Saturday, August 17
10 am – Seminary Hill Natural AreaGeology Walk
(Centralia) Join geologist Jim Ward on a trip back in time as he explains the geological history of the Seminary Hill area. As we walk we will see examples of and learn about development of the present-day land forms of this region. Note: Some trails are quite steep, and there is a 2-300-foot elevation gain from the parking lot to the higher points in the Natural Area. Wear appropriate shoes or hiking boots: trails can be slippery when it has been raining. A walking stick can make the climbing and descending much easier and safer. Be prepared for changes in the weather: layered clothing and rainwear are advisable. Remember your camera, a water bottle, perhaps a snack and a litter bag. Books for identifying trees, flowers, birds and animals are also handy. Directions: Follow Seminary Hill Road past the Armory, then past Saxon and Baker Streets to the large blue gate on the right (just beyond the small pump house). Enter through the large blue gate to park and meet the event leader. For more information, call 360-736-7045 or 360-330-7688.
August 22-25 – Joint WA Ornithology Society / Western Field Ornithologists Conference
Black Hills Audubon Society (BHAS) will host the first joint conference of the Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) and the Washington Ornithology Society (WOS) at the Red Lion Inn in Olympia. The conference will feature over 20 field trips in addition to workshops, science sessions, and panels. For more details, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm and http://blackhills-audubon.org/pubs/WFO-WOS_2013_Conf_flyer.pdf.
Saturday, September 7
9 am – noon – Red Salmon Creek NatureMapping Field Trip
The Nisqually Land Trust protects this 25+ acre site near the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. The site is a mosaic of small coastal streams buffered by narrow forest bands and pastures that have been planted with natives in the last 6 years. The site also contains a small area of salt marsh at the southwest edge of the property and an active beaver population. The land trust needs to collect wildlife data at the site, and Northwest Trek has offered to help by organizing citizen-scientists to do the data collection. No previous NatureMapping experience is required, and the event is free. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces. The terrain ranges from uneven meadows and forests to riparian and wetland edges. Some areas require climbing and maneuvering over debris. Rubber boots and walking sticks are advised for portions of the site. To sign up or for more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
September 14
10:00 am – FREE Composting Workshop on Yard Waste
(Closed Loop Park—just inside the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center entrance at 2418 Hogum Bay Road at Hawk’s Prairie). Directions: From downtown Olympia take I-5 North. Take exit 111, the ramp has two lanes. Stay in the left lane and follow it to the traffic light on Marvin Road. Turn left onto Marvin Road; make sure you are in the right lane. Once you go through the light turn right onto Hogum Bay Road (a Mexican restaurant on this corner). Take the second road into the Waste and Recovery Center entrance. Look for a small “Closed Loop Park” sign on the fence at that intersection. Follow the road in and the garden is located on the right, just past the dog park.
Saturday, September 21
9 am – noon – Powell Creek NatureMapping Field Trip
(near Yelm) This Nisqually Land Trust property was recently planted to restore natural habitat for wildlife use along the Nisqually River. The land trust needs to collect wildlife data on the site, and Northwest Trek has offered to help by organizing citizen-scientists to do the data collection. No previous NatureMapping experience is required, and the event is free. 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 maneuvering over debris. To sign up or for more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
Saturday, October 12
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 are working together to restore the creek through the Ohop Valley to its original meandering pathway. Northwest Trek is helping by using citizen-scientists to collect data on wildlife in the project area—which is what today’s event involves. No previous NatureMapping experience is required, and the event is free. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. To sign up or for more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
10:00 am – FREE Composting Workshop on Putting your worms to bed for the winter
(Dirt Works Garden) Directions: From I-5 take HWY 101 towards Shelton. Get off at Black Lake Blvd. exit and at the bottom of the ramp turn right. Get in the left lane and make a left onto Cooper Point Road. Make a left onto Capital Mall Drive and follow it until you see the Yauger Park and Dirt Works sign on the corner of Alta Street. Turn right onto Alta Street. Follow this road into the park and drive through the parking lot until it ends. The garden entrance is located at the end of the parking lot.