Local Environmental Events! |

See Below

RECURRING EVENTS

Tuesdays:

9 am – 3 pm: South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party.

(See specific dates below for details.)

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.

7 pm: Olympia City Council (Olympia City Council Chambers: 601 4^th Ave E)

Go to http://olympia.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx for more information.

7 pm (1^st & 3^rd 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 (2^nd & 4^th 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

Volunteer at Lakefair: July 20

Summer is quickly approaching and that means Lakefair is, too! The Lakefair Parade is July 20th and a great opportunity to show our community that we are working hard to reduce, reuse and recycle. The City of Olympia, Public Works, Waste ReSources is looking for eager volunteers to walk the parade route… hold a sign, collect plastic water bottles and pop cans, or be part of the Recycle Cart Drill Team! Kids are welcome as well. This is also a great opportunity for high school students to get some volunteer hours. Volunteers are needed from 3:00 to 6:30 pm. Free t-shirt, drinks and snacks are provided for volunteers! If you have questions or are interested in this opportunity, please contact Kim Johnson at 570-5837 or through email kjohnson@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Wednesday, June 26

1 am – 2 pm – Public open house on proposed bus service enhancements

(Tumwater Farmers Market: Israel Road & Capitol Boulevard) Intercity Transit recently received two grant awards to provide two, 2-year trial routes on I-5 between Thurston and Pierce Counties and support commuter travel between Tumwater, Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle: 1) a new weekday Olympia Express route between Tumwater and Lakewood serving several south Puget Sound park and ride lots and connecting with several regional transit systems; and 2) extending Sound Transit’s current weekday Route 592 Express service (currently operating between Seattle and DuPont) to Olympia, to serve long-distance commuters between Olympia and Seattle. IT is holding public open houses to inform people about the proposals and to get public comment on them. For more information, go to http://www.intercitytransit.com/newsandinfo/newsroom/Pages/serviceenhancements.aspx.

Thursday, June 27

11:30 am – 1 pm – Public open house on proposed bus service enhancements

(West Capitol Campus, at the north end of Victory Circle) Intercity Transit recently received two grant awards to provide two, 2-year trial routes on I-5 between Thurston and Pierce Counties and support commuter travel between Tumwater, Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle: 1) a new weekday Olympia Express route between Tumwater and Lakewood serving several south Puget Sound park and ride lots and connecting with several regional transit systems; and 2) extending Sound Transit’s current weekday Route 592 Express service (currently operating between Seattle and DuPont) to Olympia, to serve long-distance commuters between Olympia and Seattle. IT is holding public open houses to inform people about the proposals and to get public comment on them. For more information, go to http://www.intercitytransit.com/newsandinfo/newsroom/Pages/serviceenhancements.aspx.

4-6 pm – Public open house on proposed bus service enhancements

(Tumwater Timberland Library: 7023 New Market Street, Tumwater) See description in previous listing.

Friday, June 28

9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

Come join us at Shotwell’s Landing Nursery to collect and clean seeds and work on weeding the beds. Feel free to arrive whenever and stay for as long or short as you’d like. Please bring water, a box lunch, and gloves, and dress for the weather. We will be out there rain or shine. 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, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.

9:30 am – 12 pm – Friendly Grove Park work party

Park Stewardship will head to Friendly Grove Park for this high spirited weekday work party! Join fellow volunteers in maintenance of paved trails, fence rail repair, and invasive species removal. Friendly Grove Park is located at 2316 Friendly Grove Rd NE. Meet under the covered picnic area near the main parking lot. 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. For more information, contact Christina Newman ‎(City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation) at cnewman@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360) 753-8365.

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. Learn where bats spend the day and what they require to raise their young. Learn about our local species of big and little brown myotis and Yuma bats. Special guest speaker, Greg Falxa will provide basic bat biology and dispel age-old myths. Bat Walk to follow after lecture. To register, go to www.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 – 1 pm – Margaret McKenny Park work party

This work party will follow-up on previous efforts to create and mulch tree circles at the side entrance to the park. Join the team at Margaret McKenny located at 3111 21st Ave SE. Street parking is available. Meet in the large open area near the main entrance to the park. 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. For more information, contact Christina Newman ‎(City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation) at cnewman@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360) 753-8365.

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

9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.

9:30 am – 12 pm – Yashiro Japanese Garden work party

Celebrate our nation’s independence early by joining the community to beautify one of Olympia’s most unique parks! Yashiro Japanese garden is conveniently located close to downtown at 1010 Plum St SE. Volunteers will meet inside the garden near the entrance off the main parking lot. 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. 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: 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.

Wednesday, July 3

5:30 pm – Public hearing on proposed bus service enhancements

(Intercity Transit Board Room: 526 Pattison St SE; Olympia 98501) The Intercity Transit Authority will hold a public hearing on the 2014, 2015 and 2016, and revised 2013 elements of Intercity Transit’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for projects with projected U.S. Department of Transportation funding. This includes two, 2-year trial routes: 1) a new weekday Olympia Express route between Tumwater and Lakewood serving several south Puget Sound park and ride lots and connecting with several regional transit systems; and 2) extending Sound Transit’s current weekday Route 592 Express service (currently operating between Seattle and DuPont) to Olympia, to serve long-distance commuters between Olympia and Seattle. For more information, go to http://www.intercitytransit.com/newsandinfo/newsroom/Pages/serviceenhancements.aspx.

Friday, July 5

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.

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.

10:30 am – 1:30 pm – Meet Us At The Beach at Priest Point Park & Burfoot County Park

Trained Beach Naturalists from South Sound Estuary Association will be on the beach during low-tide to answer questions. Visit the beach and see what you can discover! For more information, go to www.sseacenter.org.

9 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, July 7

11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Meet Us At The Beach at Tolmie State Park & Frye Cove County Park

2 – 4 pm – All About Summer Salads

(Westside Olympia) Want to learn to make a few easy and fabulous salads for healthy eating and entertaining? Come and learn 5 simple and delicious salad recipes. We will focus on using seasonal produce and will also cover basic vinaigrette preparation and variations. The cost is $5, and registration is required. To register and get more information about this and other classes, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes.

Tuesday, July 9

9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.

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.

7:00 pm – Public Hearing on Olympia’s Shoreline Master Program Update

(Olympia City Council Chambers: 601 Fourth Ave E; Olympia) The Olympia City Council will hold a public hearing to receive public comments prior to making a decision on a comprehensive update of the Olympia Shoreline Master Program. (The Shoreline Master Program sets forth policies and regulations regarding uses and activities for shorelines of Budd Inlet, Capitol Lake, Chambers Lake, Grass Lake, Ken Lake, Ward Lake, Percival Creek and Black Lake Ditch.) Anyone interested is invited to attend and present testimony. To ensure that all attending members of the public have an opportunity to speak, the Council may limit the amount of time allowed for each comment during the hearing. The text of the draft is available at http://olympiawa.gov/city-services/planning-and-zoning/long-range-planning/shoreline-master-pgm. For more information, contact Keith Stahley, Director, Community Planning and Development, at 360.753.8314; or shorelineupdate@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Wednesday, July 10

4:00 – 7:00 pm – McLane Creek Nature Trail work party

(5044 Delphi Rd SW, Olympia 98512) Help Stream Team and Native Plant Salvage keep the McLane Creek Nature Trail accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Volunteers will be issued a temporary Discover Pass for this event. For more information contact Ann Marie Pearce at pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us or 360-754-3355 x6857.

Thursday, July 11

10 am – 4 pm – South Sound Estuarium Opening Day

(608 Washington St. NE, 1 block south of the Olympia Farmer’s Market; Olympia 98506) The creation of an Estuarium—a marine life discovery center—in downtown Olympia will give residents and visitors the chance to explore our unique Puget Sound and learn ways we can each be stewards of this special place, our waters and the creatures who live here. The Estuarium includes saltwater and freshwater tanks, interpretive exhibits, and video programing. The target audience is older youth and adults. South Sound Estuary Association will operate the Estuarium Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm through August 25. Suggested admission fees: under 6, free, 6 to 11, $1; 12 and older, $2.

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.

9 am – 12 pm – Friends of Franklin Park Forest Cleanup and Restoration

(Tacoma) Join us for our monthly work party at Franklin Park as we continue working on the wooded area in the northeast portion of the park (forested portion along South 12th Street). We will be pruning low branches on trees, cleaning out the understory, and pulling out invasive plants. Our goal is to develop this portion of the park into a safer and more inviting area for walking and other recreational activities. Tools, snacks, and water will be provided but please bring your own gloves. Go to www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com&gsessionid=OK and click on the event to find a map.

9 am – 12 pm – Julia’s Gulch Work Party

(Tacoma) We will be cutting and digging up blackberry roots along the road and in the lower Gulch, and weeding in the upper area. We have some tools but if you have a favorite bring it along. Pitch forks, clippers and loppers are good for the blackberries. If you plan to tackle the blackberries wear long sleeves, long pants, heavy gloves and heavy footwear. Please bring your own water but tea and treats will be provided. We will meet at the picnic table overlooking the Gulch. Cars can be parked at View Point Park. Go to www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com&gsessionid=OK and click on the event to find a map.

9 am – 12 pm – Puget Creek Restoration Society Work Party

(Tacoma) Contact Scott Hansen at pugetcreek@yahoo.com or (253) 779-8890 for exact meeting location of the work party.

9 am – 12 pm – Wapato Hills Clean-up Party

(Tacoma) Join fellow volunteers as work continues to clean-up Wapato Hills Urban Wildlife Habitat. This work party meets on the second Saturday of each month, and is currently removing invasive species and doing general clean-up. Go to www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com&gsessionid=OK and click on the event to find a map.

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.

7:30 pm – dusk – Birds and Bats Picnic Dinner

Come join Black Hills Audubon Society for an evening of birds and bats while socializing over dinner. Bring a chair, your dinner, a flashlight, and your binoculars. We will meet at Woodard Bay at 7:30 pm Sunset is at 9:00 pm, and the bats should start flying at about 9:20. Carpooling is highly recommended, because parking is limited. Discover Passes are required for all cars. Call Tina Peterson at 360-459-7661 to sign up and to coordinate carpooling. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.

Tuesday, July 16

9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.

Thursday, July 18

8:00 – 11:00 am (or so) – Black Hills Audubon Society field trip to Eagles Pride Golf Course at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

The Eagles Pride Golf Course covers 431 acres, 55% of which is native or naturalized Douglas-fir/Hemlock woodland forest with five bodies of water. One-half mile from Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, the golf course attracts many species of birds and other wildlife. We will walk open gravel roads and paths. For more details go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm or contact David Wienecke at david.l.wienecke.naf@mail.mil or 253-964-0341 (office) or 760- 828-8788 (mobile).

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)

6 pm – Yard & Worm Composting for Small Spaces Workshop

(Olympia Farmers Market Demonstration Garden: on the East side of the Market on the North end of Capitol Way in downtown Olympia) Even if you live a small space you can compost yard and food waste. Join the Master Recycler Composters of Thurston County to learn how to compost food scraps with red worms and divert yard waste from your trash can. This class will show you different options for small space composting. Free! No pre-registration needed.

Friday, July 19

9 am – 12 pm – Wetland Habitat Restoration work party

(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary—experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information. Go to www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com&gsessionid=OK and click on the event to find a map.

Saturday, July 20

9 am – 12 pm – McKinley Park Cleanup Work Party

(Tacoma) Meet down at the new playground and restrooms off of McKinley Ave. Metro Parks will provide all of the necessary tools and equipment. Volunteers need to dress for the weather and have work gloves. Volunteers will be assigned to work in specific areas removing invasive and non-native plants such as English Ivy and blackberry bushes. Go to www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com&gsessionid=OK and click on the event to find a map.

9 am – 12 pm – Oak Tree Park Work Party

(Tacoma) Oak Tree Park is a beautiful and unique 25-acre park located off of South 74th and Cedar Streets. It protects a Garry Oak woodland community that has become increasingly rare due to a combination of land development and colonization of invasive species of native trees like Douglas fir. The work at Oak Tree Park on this day will include removal of non-native and invasive plant species, and litter pick-up. Bring sturdy shoes and clothes to get dirty in. Optional: gloves, shovels, rakes, and loppers – some gloves and tools will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have them and can bring them. The east entrance to Oak Tree Park is at the north end of Pine Street South. Please meet at the end of Pine Street South in the culdesac. Go to www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com&gsessionid=OK and click on the event to find a map.

9:30 am – 1:30 pm – 6^th Annual Shoreline Clean-Up and Kayak Rodeo

(Tacoma) For more information, contact Jeanine Riss at jriss@healthybay.org. Sponsored by Citizens for a Healthy Bay.

10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Meet Us At The Beach at Priest Point Park & Burfoot County Park

2 – 4:30 pm – Hand-Made Pasta

(Westside Olympia) Perfect for the first-time pasta maker, this hands-on class instructs students in the basics of traditional fresh egg pasta. Christine Ciancetta will guide you through the steps in mixing the dough in a well on a board and shaping with a hand-cranked pasta machine. You’ll also learn how to incorporate fresh herbs or black pepper in your dough for easy and delicious variations. Sample your work with Cucina Ciancetta Marinara and an olive oil garlic sauce. The cost is $5, and registration is required. To register and get more information about this and other classes, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes.

Sunday, July 21

10:30 am – 1:30 pm – Meet Us At The Beach at Tolmie State Park

Mon, July 22

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina!

(Olympia) Stream Team will pair with local divers and retired volunteer marine biologists David Jamison and Joe Hiss. Divers will demonstrate their equipment prior to diving to the bottom of the Sound to collect marine creatures for our viewing. Biologists will talk about each species found and their habitat needs and what is required to keep Puget Sound clean and healthy. All the marine creatures are kept in seawater and gently released back into Puget Sound. Life vests required for age 6 and under; please bring your own or the marina has a few loaners. This is one of our most popular, all ages event. Online registration is necessary to keep the group size small: go to http://streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar. For more information contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8336.

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina!

See description for event earlier today.

Tuesday, July 23

9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.

Saturday, July 27

10 am – 3 pm – Yowkwala invasive species removal and clean-up

(Tacoma) For more information, contact Jeanine Riss at jriss@healthybay.org. Sponsored by Citizens for a Healthy Bay.

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.

Mon, July 29

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina!

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina!

See description for event earlier today.

Tuesday, July 30

9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.

Thursday, August 1

6:30 am – late afternoon – Black Hills Audubon Society field trip to Mt. Rainier: Wildflowers and Casual Birding

Join us for a Mt. Rainier wildflowers trip—on a Thursday, so we can avoid the weekend crowds. However, the date for this trip may change depending on snow and flower conditions at Paradise. We will go for a relatively easy and slow hike and enjoy the views, the flowers, and any birds we happen upon. We plan to hike a fair distance, but at a leisurely pace. For more details go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm. To sign up, call Jan Sharkey at (360) 943-8786 or Kristin Stewart at (360) 456-5098.

Saturday, August 3

10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Meet Us At The Beach at Priest Point Park & Burfoot County Park

9 pm – Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina

Sunday, August 4

10:30 am – 1:30 pm – Meet Us At The Beach at Tolmie State Park & Frye Cove County Park

Mon, August 5

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina!

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina!

See description for event earlier today.

Saturday, 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.

Mon, August 12

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina!

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina!

See description for event earlier today.

Tuesday, August 13

6:00 – 7:30 pm – Priest Point Park Beach Seine

(Olympia) The nearshore and open waters of lower Puget Sound are highly productive. Juvenile salmon, sand lance and Pacific staghorn skulpin all utilize the nearshore environments shallow waters to rest, feed or spawn. These fish are critical to the larger marine food web and the integrity of the nearshore environments of Puget Sound. Join Washington State Department Fish and Wildlife fish biologist, Larry Phillips for a beach seine at Priest Point Park. Participants will help unroll a seining net and pull the net to shore to see what is caught. Larry will identify and talk about the fish and other marine creatures that are found in the net and their importance to the health of our nearshore ecosystems. To register, go to http://streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar. For more information contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8336.

Thursday, August 15

8:00 – 11:00 am (or so) – Black Hills Audubon Society field trip to Eagles Pride Golf Course at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Saturday, August 17

9:30 am – 2:30 pm – Yowkwala invasive species removal and clean-up

(Tacoma) For more information, contact Jeanine Riss at jriss@healthybay.org. Sponsored by Citizens for a Healthy Bay.

10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Meet Us At The Beach at Priest Point Park & Burfoot County Park

10 am – Seminary Hill Natural Area Geology 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.

Sunday, August 18

10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Meet Us At The Beach at Tolmie State Park & Frye Cove County Park

Monday, August 26

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina!

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina!

See description for event earlier today.

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.

9 pm – Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina

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

10:00 am – FREE Composting Workshop on Putting your worms to bed for the winter

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