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): 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): 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
Interested in seeing Chinook or chum salmon?
In mid- September through early October you can see Chinook salmon at Tumwater Falls Park. In early November through early December you can see wild chum salmon spawning at the McLane Creek Nature Trail. Trained Salmon Stewards are frequently on-site to help answer any questions you may have. For maps to the viewing sites, go to: www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/educate/salmon.
Volunteers needed for South Sound Estuarium
The South Sound Estuarium, Olympia’s new marine life discovery center, will be open through December—and volunteers are needed! Volunteering at the Estuarium is exciting: always something going on in the tanks. If you are interested in volunteering, send an email to nate@sseacenter.org. The Estuarium is located at 608 Washington St. NE, 1 block south of the Olympia Farmer’s Market. Hours are 10 am to 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Volunteers Needed Saturday, September 28, from 10 am-1 pm
(West Bay Park: 700 West Bay Drive NW in Olympia) Olympia Parks Stewardship program is seeking volunteers to lead small 5-6 person groups for National Public Lands Day. Volunteer crew leads needed for the following projects: 1) Weeding at West Bay Park – remove weeds from planting beds (very straightforward); 2) Trail work on Garfield Nature Trail – add gravel to existing trail and replace wood railings; 3) Restoration work on Garfield Nature Trail – remove invasive English Ivy, replant with native plants, water and mulch plantings; 4) Check-in table/snacks. Those interested in leading need to contact Christie Newman at 360.753.8365 or via email cnewman@ci.olympia.wa.us to receive further details about the project.
Join Stream Team at the 24th Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival, Saturday, Sept. 28
Volunteers are needed to help staff the Stream Team booth. To volunteer, register online at www.streamteam.info and click on “Calendar”. Staff contact: Ann Marie Pearce at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us
Amphibian Migration Survey Training
Every fall local frogs and other amphibian migrate back into the woods. Certain roadways show high mortality as the amphibians cross them. Learn how to monitor roadways and help provide important data. Date, time and location to be announced. For more info., contact Michelle at 360-753-8336 or mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us
Volunteer with StreamTeam for the Return of the Chinook Salmon Celebration, October 6
(Tumwater Falls Park ) The celebration is held in conjunction with Tumwater’s Cider Sunday event on October 6 from 10 am to 4 pm. Volunteers are needed to help staff the Stream Team booth. To volunteer, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile.
Volunteer to be a Salmon Steward at McLane Creek this fall
There will be a free two-part volunteer training: Weds, Nov 6 (at Thurston County Building 4) and Sat., Nov 9 (at McLane Creek Nature Trail). No prior experience necessary. To register, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile. Contact Ann Marie Pearce for more information at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or email pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us.
Fall Beginning Birding Class
The Black Hills Audubon Society is pleased to announce a new fall Beginning Birding Class, taught by Burt Guttman, retired Evergreen professor of Biology. The class will run for five Tuesdays, beginning October 22nd, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. at the Coach House near the State Capital Museum. There will be two half-day field components on weekend dates to be determined. The $80 cost of the class includes the cost of the text, Finding Your Wings. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.
Tuesday, September 24
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
We will continue our assault on the broom invasion at Glacial Heritage. Directions: take I-5 to exit 95 (the Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west into Littlerock; continue going straight through Littlerock—do not take any turns, and follow the road (128th Ave) until it 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—there will be a tractor sign shortly before 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. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
5:30 pm – Public Hearing on Proposed Plastic Bag Ordinance
(Building One, Room 280 in the Thurston County Courthouse Complex: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Olympia ) The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing for new legislation that would ban the use of plastic carryout bags in unincorporated Thurston County (with some exceptions), and would place a fee on paper bags. The proposed ordinance comes on the heels of an announcement by Thurston County’s major waste and recycling collection provider, LeMay Incorporated, that they will discontinue collecting plastic carryout bags and other plastic film because there are no buyers for the plastic. Under the ordinance being considered, certain plastic bags are exempt, and residents using food assistance programs do not pay the fee for paper bags. If adopted, the ban on plastic bags in unincorporated Thurston County would begin on July 1, 2014, which would allow county staff about six months to inform and educate retailers and the public about the changes. Please come and make your voice heard! For more information about the proposed ordinance, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/home/index.asp.
Wednesday, September 25
7:30-8:45 pm – Schafer Bros. Logging Film and Book Signing
(Olympia Timberland Library) By popular demand, Peter Reid, a member of the Schafer family, will return to show recently restored films of 1926 logging operations of one of the largest lumber businesses in the Northwest. After the 45-minute film, Mr. Reid and Barbara Seal Ogle will talk about their just-released book, Schafer State Park, published in celebration of the Washington State Parks System’s 100th anniversary. Books will be available for purchase. FREE! This program will occur after regular library hours and no other services will be available.
Thursday, September 26
2:30 pm – Sound Stewards Plankton Monitoring
(City of Olympia Port Plaza) Stream Team could use your help monitoring plankton from Budd Bay! Plankton samples are collected and viewed at the LOTT Wet Center every Thursday through the end of September. To register and/or learn more, go to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.
Saturday, September 28
10:00am – 1:00pm – West Bay Park work party
The Olympia Park Stewardship program is teaming up with REI Olympia to host a volunteer work party in celebration of National Public Lands Day at West Bay Park and Garfield Nature Trail. Join us as we eradicate invasive vegetation, restore the area with native plants, pull weeds and resurface the trail. Fun water recreational activities will follow. Register external link now and receive a free t-shirt at the event! Meet at West Bay Park located at 700 West Bay Drive NW. Parking details to be announced. 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 online 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 Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
10 am – 4 pm – Nisqually Watershed Festival
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) This year’s festival includes numerous activities, exhibits and main stage presentations including, music, dance and live wildlife shows with fascinating reptiles and birds. The Red Salmon story tent will be back along with the Drain Dare trailer for kids, and “Claudia” the King Salmon. There will be activities and exhibits from many conservation-minded agencies and organizations including fish printing, plywood fish painting, a marine organism touch tank, and much more. You should, of course, bring your appetite as the famous Nisqually Salmon Bake will again be available. This event is FREE, except for the food, so come out and celebrate the Nisqually Watershed!
10 am – 4 pm – Thurston Solar Tour
The Thurston Solar Tour is a great chance to see solar power in action in Thurston County, and talk to home and business owners about their solar experiences. You can find out why they decided to go solar, how they chose their system, why they chose their particular system, if their site had any challenges to overcome, what their installation experience was like and how their system is performing now. This year’s tour will highlight the accessibility of solar in our area: costs have come down, more system options are available, and financing is offered by many local lenders. Whatever your needs, goals, and budget, there are ways for everyone to go solar. The tour is free and self-guided. There are ten sites: you can find information about this year’s sites along with directions at http://thurstonsolartour.com.
2:00-3:30 pm – Schafer Bros. Logging Film and Book Signing
(Centralia Timberland Library) By popular demand, Peter Reid, a member of the Schafer family, will return to show recently restored films of 1926 logging operations of one of the largest lumber businesses in the Northwest. After the 45-minute film, Mr. Reid and Barbara Seal Ogle will talk about their just-released book, Schafer State Park, published in celebration of the Washington State Parks System’s 100th anniversary. Books will be available for purchase. FREE—but registration is required: click on http://events.trlib.org/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=42289.
3 – 7 pm – Imagine the Deschutes Estuary
What does a healthy urban estuary look like for downtown Olympia? Let’s find out! The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT) is hosting its annual picnic at the Commons at Fertile Ground, at the corner of 9th and Adams, right behind the downtown Olympia Library. Join us for food, fun, music and inspiration! At 3 pm, we will kick off with delicious food donated by Food donated by The Olympia Food Co-op, Old School Pizzeria, Wobbly Cart Farm, The Bearded Lady, and Dino’s Coffee Company—and solo jazz guitar with Vince Brown. The program begins at 4:45 pm, with an opening ceremony with Paulette Frisina, Métis Cree. We will talk about what DERT has been doing over the past year, and our plans for the next year. We also have two knowledgeable and inspirational speakers to share their perspective: Charlene Krise (Council Member of the Squaxin Island Tribe and the Executive Director of the Squaxin Island Tribe Museum Library and Research Center) and Brenda Snyder (an urban landscape designer who did her master’s thesis on downtown Olympia, titled Sea-Level Rise: Re-imagining the Urban Edge). At 6 pm, we will have some lively music from the Westbrook Jazz Trio!
3-5 pm – (class) 100 Ways to Cook Apples this Fall
Are you looking forward to Fall when you can sip hot apple cider and share your favorite apple pie recipes. Now what are you going to do with the other 50 pounds of apples? Get fresh ideas for apple recipes this year! Learn to make easy applesauce, zesty apple slaw, apple bbq chicken, carrot apple ginger soup, and much much more. For location and to register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (Why include cooking classes on a list of environmental events? Because learning to cook can greatly reduce the ecological footprint of your food—and it connects you to the sources of your food!)
6 – 8 pm – Wolves & Wine: a benefit for Wolf Haven International
(Worthington Center: 5300 Pacific Ave SE; Lacey 98503) Please join us at our premier annual fund-raising event. Enjoy wine, beer, cider & hors d’oeuvres as you see incredible images of the wolves at Wolf Haven International. Wine tasting offered by local wineries. All this fun AND you are helping raise crucial funds for the wolves of Wolf Haven International and for the efforts to save the wolves of the wild! $50.00 per person. RSVP online at http://store.wolfhaven.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WW-2013, or by calling 800.448.WOLF (9653) extension 210.
Sunday, September 29
11 am – 4 pm – Native Plant Salvage Foundation’s Annual Water Wise Plant Sale
(4131 Mud Bay Rd. NW, Olympia) Hard-to-find native and water-wise plants, including a special rain garden section. Personal Plant Shoppers will help you select the perfect plants for your garden. For more information, visit www.nativeplantsalvage.org
Monday, September 30
6:30 – 8:30 pm – Forum on the Sustainable Development Plan for the Thurston Region
(Building One, room 152 in the Thurston County Courthouse) What should we do to make the Thurston Region more economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable in the coming decades? Over the last 2½ years, Sustainable Thurston—a public-private partnership of local jurisdictions, organizations, and community members—has crafted a regional sustainability plan with goals and actions to realize its vision for the next 20 years. Attend the forum and learn about the draft Sustainable Development Plan for the Thurston Region, and join the community conversation that will result in a vision for a vibrant, healthy, and resilient future. Please bring your own mug; light refreshments will be served. The program is open to the public. For more information and to view the draft Plan, go to www.trpc.org/regionalplanning/sustainability. Co-organized with TC Pro-Net and the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild. For more information about the forum, contact barb@scavezze.com.
Tuesday, October 1
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.
Wednesday, October 2
9 am – noon – Blackberry Control with the Nisqually Land Trust
(Yelm shoreline) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Thursday, October 3
5:30 – 7:30 pm – Cover Crop and Sauerkraut Workshop
(Nisqually Youth Center: 4820 She-Nah-Num Drive SE; on the Nisqually Res.) Learn about cover crops—what are they, why use them, how to use them—and how to transform your cabbage into sauerkraut. We’ll go over the bascis of fermentation and talk about getting your gardens ready for the winter. Great for new backyard gardeners. Free for KGP gardeners and GRuB volunteers; $5 for general public. To register, go to www.z2systems.com/np/clients/goodgrub/eventRegistration.jsp?event=498.
11 am – 9 pm – Free Vehicle Safety and Leak Inspections
(South Puget Sound Community College Automotive Building, Building 16) Sponsored by the SPSCC Automotive Club.
Friday, October 4
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.
9:30 am – 12 pm – Garfield Nature Trail work party
(Olympia) Volunteers will mulch and water new plantings in the restoration site while also creating diversions for water and soil runoff from the slope. Meet at the lower entrance to Garfield Nature Trail at 701 West Bay Dr NW. Participants are advised to park at West Bay Park across from the trail entrance. 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 online 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 Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Saturday, October 5
7:30 am – Birding & Breakfast along Budd Inlet with the Black Hills Audubon Society
Want to get a head start on your weekend? Join us for Birding and Breakfast on the first Saturday of each month. Bird with us at 7:30 am and then enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant at 9:00 am. Or, if you’re a late riser, just join us for breakfast. Beginning birders are welcome. Share what you know, connect, enjoy. No expert guide. This month we are meeting at 7:30 outside the KGY Radio Station (1675 Marine Dr NE in Olympia), and then breakfasting at The Spar Restaurant (114 4th Ave E) at 9 am. For more information, contact Leslie Lynam at (360) 402-9513 or Deb Nickerson at (360) 754-5397.
10 am – 1 pm – LBA Park work party
(Olympia Join other volunteers for the final painting work party of the season. Projects will focus on the entrance signs and baseball field backstops. LBA Park is located at 3500 Amhurst St SE. Meet under the shelter off the small parking lot. 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 online 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 Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
12:30-3:30 pm – Climate Forum at the State Capital
(Columbia Room in the State Capital Building: 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW; Olympia 98501) The Washington State Climate Forum is the gathering of all organizations working to reverse global warming from the burning of fossil fuels and discussing on a panel how to best work together to achieve success. Reversing the destruction of our planet from the burning of fossil fuels is the most important issue of our time. This event and parking is free; carpooling & busing encouraged! To RSVP, go to http://home.comcast.net/~fox7777/OFA%20Climate%20Summit.html, or contact Ruth King at RuthNK@comcast.net or Joel Carlson at Fox7799@gmail.com.
8:00-10:00 pm – Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina
(Boston Harbor Marina; Olympia) Join South Sound Estuary Association for this night-lighting event, held the first Saturday of each month. 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! Registration is required by going to www.sseacenter.org and clicking on the Pier Peer tab. Please 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, accompanying child 6 and over are free. The event registration will be closed at ten adults for the safety and enjoyment of participants. In the event of inclement weather, call Gabby at (360) 878-9320 to confirm the event is still on.
Sunday, October 6
6:30 – 8:30 pm – (class) Making Miso
Miso is a delicious healing food that is easy to make when you have access to the right starter culture. Join Summer Bock in this action-packed, hands-on, miso-making demo and lecture explaining the health benefits and the science of miso. For location and to register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (Why include cooking classes on a list of environmental events? Because learning to cook can greatly reduce the ecological footprint of your food—and it connects you to the sources of your food!)
Tuesday, October 8
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 – Bigelow Springs Park work party
(Olympia) Come together with neighbors and fellow volunteers to re-design the flowerbed surrounding the historical sign at Bigelow Springs Park. Volunteers will compost, plant, water, and mulch this small area to make a huge difference in the park. Bigelow Springs is located at 930 Bigelow Ave NE. Limited street parking is available. Meet at the top of the park off Quince St. 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 online 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 Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
6:30 – 8:30 pm – Learn About the Trans Pacific Partnership Free Trade Deal
(United Church of Christ, basement: 210 17th Ave SE; Olympia 98501) The TPP would include 12 countries that border the Pacific, making it the largest free-trade deal ever considered by the US. President Obama wants to approve this plan himself, without the input of the American public or Congress. So what would we expect to see under the TPP?
•More fracking in the U.S. — We would see even more reckless fracking in the US as companies plan to ship fracked oil and gas abroad to countries like Japan. The deal would also threaten recent fracking bans and moratoria.
•Sketchy food imports — Food imports would increase, much of them coming from countries with questionable food safety standards and with barely any inspection at the border.
•No GE labeling — Companies that create genetically engineered foods are vehemently opposed to labeling their products, and this deal would give these companies new legal channels to stop efforts to label GE foods.
To learn more, come to this meeting—or go to the websites for the Sierra Club and the WA Fair Trade Coalition.
Wednesday, October 9
9 am – noon – Ivy Pull near Eatonville with the Nisqually Land Trust
To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
9:30 am – 12 pm – Yauger Park work party
(Olympia) Join in partnership with the Yauger community gardeners! Volunteers will help to beautify the space around the garden plots and restore selected areas to former glory. Come out to support Luke Burns and the crew tackle these important tasks! Yauger Park is located at 530 Alta St SW. Meet at the community garden off the far end of the parking lot. 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 online 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 Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
6:30-7:30 pm – David Douglas Exhibit
(Washington State Museum: 1911 Pacific Avenue; Tacoma 98402) The David Douglas exhibit at the Museum will be open to the public. Explore Douglas’s unique scientific legacy through a multi-disciplinary display that links geography, science, art, and cultural history. Jack Nisbet’s books including his latest, David Douglas: A Naturalist at Work, will be on sale, and Jack will be available to sign books. Free and open to the public. (Other exhibits in the museum will not be open.)
7:30-8:30 pm – (talk) Jack Nisbet: David Douglas: A Naturalist at Work
(Washington State Museum: 1911 Pacific Avenue; Tacoma 98402) Spokane-based teacher and writer Jack Nisbet is the author of several books that explore the human and natural history of the greater Northwest, including Purple Flat Top, Visible Bones, Sources of the River, and The Mapmaker’s Eye. The Collector, his biography of David Douglas, was named as one of the Pacific Northwest Bookseller’s Association’s 2010 Books of the Year. His latest title, David Douglas: A Naturalist at Work, is an illustrated collection of essays that both provide context for Douglas’s journeys and relate his work to the modern landscape. Nisbet will delve into the ethnographic and human aspects of Douglas’s work, as well as describing the creation of a museum exhibit built around a dozen original Douglas plant specimens from Kew Gardens. Join us to find out what makes David Douglas relevant to our larger history, both then and now. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, October 10
7:00-9:00 pm – (talk) Marbled Murrelets: On the Brink
(First Christian Church, meeting hall: 701 Franklin St. SE in downtown Olympia) Olympia writer Maria Ruth will talk about the subject of her book Rare Bird: Pursuing the Mystery of the Marbled Murrelet. Marbled Murrelets are once again in court and in the spotlight over the management of its nesting habitat, which is the mature and old-growth forests of the Pacific Coast. Maria will discuss the natural history and news of this endearing and endangered seabird. Her slide program and stories will inspire you to protect this bird, the waters where it swims, and the forests where it nests. Arrive at 7 p.m. to socialize; programs begin promptly at 7:30. Free. Sponsored by the Black Hills Audubon Society.
Friday, October 11
9:30 am – 12 pm – Watershed Park work party
(Olympia) The time for ivy pull is here! Join fellow volunteers at Watershed Park to remove invasive English Ivy from trunks and bases of trees. Volunteers will work near the south pedestrian entrance off Henderson Blvd. No parking is available at the project site. Limited street parking is available in surrounding neighborhoods or at the main park entrance located at 2500 Henderson Blvd SE. 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 online 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 Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Saturday, October 12
9 am – noon – NatureMapping at Ohop Valley
(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, email ctobin@nisquallylandtrust.org, or contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Gog-le-hi-te Wetlands planting
(Tacoma) For more information, contact Jeanine Riss at jriss@healthybay.org or call 253.383.2429.
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. (South 12th Street and Puget Sound Avenue) For a map, go to https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com.
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. For a map, go to https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com.
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
(S Wapato St and S 64th St in 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. For a map, go to https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com.
10:00 am – Worm Composting Workshop
(Dirt Works Demonstration Garden: at the end of Alta St SW; Olympia 98502) Composting food scraps with red worms (vermicomposting) produces rich organic compost for your garden and diverts waste from your trash can. The Master Recycler Composters of Thurston County will teach you how to set up and maintain a worm bin. No pre-registration needed—just show up! Directions: From I-5 take Hwy 101 towards Shelton. Get off at the 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 (on the right). Turn onto Alta Street, and follow it until it ends. The garden entrance is located at the end of the parking lot.
Monday, October 14
7 pm – (talk) Tom Burke: Treasure Everywhere – Studies Leading to the Book Land Snails and Slugs of the Pacific Northwest
(Washington State Capitol Museum Coach House: 211 21st Avenue SW; Olympia 98501) This presentation will follow the experiences and findings in the career of biologist, Tom Burke, that ignited his interest in mollusks, culminating in the book, Land Snails and Slugs of the Pacific Northwest. Working with habitats of many species, including threatened, endangered and sensitive animals and plants, led Tom to many hidden treasures including several new species of mollusks. Using photographs from his book, Tom will show the wide diversity of forms and sizes of our native snails and slugs, discuss the ecology and reproductive specialization of land mollusks, and illustrate important differences between native and exotic species (those found in your yards and gardens are seldom natives). Also of interest are mollusk’s distribution, and defenses (have you seen the jumping-slugs or taildroppers?). Tom is a retired Wildlife Biologist. His interest in mollusks began as he encountered them during different projects on the job, and he has been studying them as an avocation for the past 40 years. He currently works under contract with various agencies as a consultant on inland mollusks. Free!
Tuesday, October 15
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.
Wednesday, October 16
9 am – noon – Plant Placement at Ohop Creek with the Nisqually Land Trust
(near Eatonville) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
9:30 am – 12 pm – Madison Scenic Park work party
(Olympia) Volunteers will remove invasive species near the walking path overlooking beautiful downtown Olympia. Madison Scenic Park is located at 1600 10th Ave SE. Meet up the driveway inside 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 online 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 Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Thursday, October 17
8:00 am – 12:00 pm – Birding with Black Hills Audubon Society at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
The Eagles Pride Golf Course at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) 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. It is worth a visit. For more information, 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).
4-8 pm – Public Hearing on Proposed Longview Coal Export Terminal
(Tacoma Convention Center) The public comment period for the proposed 44 million ton coal export facility in Longview, WA is officially underway. If approved, the Millennium Bulk Terminals proposal would be the largest coal export terminal in the United States, with plans to export 44 million tons of coal annually. It is projected that 8-9 trains of empty, dusty coal trains would wend their way through Thurston County while the coal burned in Asia will worsen the climate crisis. Right now, the three agencies involved in issuing permits are trying to decide which impacts to take into account in their decision-making process. This is your opportunity to voice your concerns on what impacts you believe should be considered. TC-Pro-Net has arranged for a bus from Thurston County, leaving mid-afternoon and returning at the end of the hearings. To reserve your seat on the bus, email info@tcpronet.org. For more information, go to www.powerpastcoal.org.
Friday, October 18
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.
9:30 am – 12 pm – Madison Scenic Park work party
(Olympia) Volunteers will remove invasive species near the walking path overlooking beautiful downtown Olympia. Madison Scenic Park is located at 1600 10th Ave SE. Meet up the driveway inside 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 online 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 Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Saturday, October 19
9:00 am – early afternoon – Millersylvania Mushroom Foray
Long one of the most popular trips Black Hills Audubon Society offers, this quest for the rainy season’s first mushrooms is a must. Leader Jim Pruske will help you identify many of the more common mushroom species associated with Pacific Northwest conifer and deciduous forests. Come learn about the ecological value of fungi in the overall health of a forest. Note: The trip date is tentative and may be sooner or later, depending on the season’s wetness and auspicious conditions for mushrooms. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.
10 am – 1 pm – Evergreen Park work party
(Olympia) Tackle invasive species at this hidden gem of a park on the westside! This work party will focus on removing blackberry and scotchbroom from wooded areas as well as mulching and caring for tree circles surrounding landscaping trees in the park. Evergreen Park is located at 1445 Evergreen Park Dr SW. Street parking is available. 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 online 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 Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
3-5 pm – (class) Make condiments from scratch! Quick, Easy and Tastes Good!
Is your ketchup really fancy? Is your mayo really REAL? Learn to make your favorite condiments and some new ones, too! It’s easy, tasty and your friends will be thoroughly impressed! Come learn how to make avocado mayo, simple ketchup, spicy mustard, and your favorite salad dressings. For location and to register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (Why include cooking classes on a list of environmental events? Because learning to cook can greatly reduce the ecological footprint of your food—and it connects you to the sources of your food!)
Monday, October 21
4:30 pm – Black Hills Audubon Society: Birds & Beer
Gather with birders at the Fish Tale Brewpub (515 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia) on the third Monday of each month. People will share their “best birding spots in our area.” Come ready to share where and why you go birding in a particular spot. People new to our area will benefit from your knowledge. We will gather at the couches in the back.
Tuesday, October 22
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.
7:00 pm – Ecotourism at Lake Baikal: Opportunities and Challenges
(Olympia REI: 625 Black Lake Blvd. #410; Olympia 98502) Russia’s Lake Baikal is the world’s oldest, largest, deepest, and most biologically unusual lake. The lake offers breathtaking scenery and fascinating endemic wildlife, including the Baikal Seal, one of only two species of freshwater seal in the world. However, this “Galapagos of Asia” is located in remote southern Siberia, one of Russia’s poorest regions. Consequently, there is increasing pressure to expand tourism at Baikal. But can this happen in ecologically sustainable ways? Jean MacGregor and Rob Cole will describe an exciting project (for which they are volunteering), a collaboration among the Great Baikal Trail organization, the staff of Baikal’s protected areas, and several partners in the U.S. The talk is free, but space is limited and you must register by going to www.rei.com/event/53651/session/80070/11082013 or by sending an email to Alison Beglin at alison@capitollandtrust.org or by calling (360) 943-3012. A collaboration between Capitol Land Trust and REI.
Wednesday, October 23
9 am – noon – Ivy Pull at Ohop Creek with the Nisqually Land Trust
(near Eatonville) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
9:30 am – 12 pm – East Bay Overlook work party
(Olympia) Join the East Bay Neighborhood in weeding efforts around this small overlook on East Bay Drive. Creating visibility by maintaining current vegetation and removing unwanted plants will provide an even better view of the sound from this scenic park! East Bay Overlook is located north of the East Bay Waterfront at 313 East Bay Dr NE. Street parking is available along northbound East Bay Dr across from the overlook. Directional signage will be posted. 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 online 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 Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Saturday, October 26
9 am – Noon – Nisqually Land Trust Ohop Halloween Planting
(near Eatonville) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
9:30 am – 2:30 pm – Place of Circling Waters planting and mulching
(Tacoma) For more information, contact Jeanine Riss at jriss@healthybay.org or call 253.383.2429.
10 am – Noon – Plant Trees along Woodard Creek
(Woodard Creek at 36th Ave. NE; Olympia) To register, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile.
11 am – 1 pm – (class) Sauerkraut 101
Raw fermented sauerkraut tastes amazing and is easy to make with inexpensive, widely available ingredients. It is also rich in probioticbacteria which improve digestion, relieve constipation, increase energy levels and support healthy immune function. This class will include a hands-on demonstration and sauerkraut samples. You’ll leave with recipes and instructions so you can confidently create raw fermented sauerkraut in your own kitchen. For location and to register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (Why include cooking classes on a list of environmental events? Because learning to cook can greatly reduce the ecological footprint of your food—and it connects you to the sources of your food!)
12:30-2:00 pm and 2:30-4:00 pm – Nature Walks at Ohop Creek
(near Eatonville) Learn about the restoration work that the Nisqually Land Trust and its volunteers have been doing in the Ohop Valley, and the plants and animals that are there! For more information, email sjackson@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Monday, October 28
6:30 – 8:30 pm – (class) How to be Healthy on a Vegan Diet
It is true that adding more vegan and/or raw foods into your diet can be a fabulous way to support maximizing your health potential. However, just because your meal is ‘vegan’ doesn’t mean it is good for you. It is actually quite possible to be very unhealthy and seriously deficient in some key nutrients on a vegan diet. In fact, an uneducated vegan is typically not in good health. Come join Doug Walsh, 25-year vegan as he shares the secretes to being successful long-term on a vegan diet. For location and to register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (Why include cooking classes on a list of environmental events? Because learning to cook can greatly reduce the ecological footprint of your food—and it connects you to the sources of your food!)
Tuesday, October 29
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.
Wednesday, October 30
9 am – Noon – Weed Control with Burlap with the Nisqually Land Trust
(Yelm shoreline) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Friday, November 1
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, November 2
8:00-10:00 pm – Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina
(Boston Harbor Marina; Olympia) Join South Sound Estuary Association for this night-lighting event, held the first Saturday of each month. 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! Registration is required by going to www.sseacenter.org and clicking on the Pier Peer tab. Please 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, accompanying child 6 and over are free. The event registration will be closed at ten adults for the safety and enjoyment of participants. In the event of inclement weather, call Gabby at (360) 878-9320 to confirm the event is still on.
Sunday, November 3
1 – 3 pm – Tree Planting at Nature Nurtures Farm
(Delphi Rd, near Olympia’s Westside). To register, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile. For more info., contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us
Wednesday, November 6
9 am – Noon – Ivy Pull at Ohop Creek with the Nisqually Land Trust
(near Eatonville) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
12:30-1:45 pm – Schafer Bros. Logging Film and Book Signing
(Tumwater Timberland Library) Peter Reid, a member of the Schafer family, will show recently restored films of 1926 logging operations of one of the largest lumber businesses in the Northwest. Following the 45-minute film, Mr. Reid and Barbara Seal Ogle will talk about their just-released book, Schafer State Park, published in celebration of the Washington State Parks System’s 100th anniversary. Books will be available for purchase with the authors signing after the main program. FREE!
Thursday, November 7
6 – 9 pm – Naturescaping for Water and Wildlife Workshop
(Tumwater Fire Hall) Are you interested in spending less on your water bill, plus spending less time mowing and maintaining your landscape? Would you like to learn how to create a beautiful landscape that attracts birds, butterflies and other wildlife? You can learn all this and much more at Stream Team and WSU Native Plant Salvage Project’s Naturescaping for Water and Wildlife workshop. To register, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile. For more info., call 360-867-2166 or email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
Saturday, November 9
9 am – noon – Ivy Pull at Red Salmon Creek with the Nisqually Land Trust
(Dupont) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.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. (South 12th Street and Puget Sound Avenue) For a map, go to https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com.
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. For a map, go to https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com.
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
(S Wapato St and S 64th St in 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. For a map, go to https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=upsgreenspaces@gmail.com.
10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Yowkwala planting
(Tacoma) For more information, contact Jeanine Riss at jriss@healthybay.org or call 253.383.2429.
Monday, November 11
7 pm – (talk) Cheryl Fimbel: Meet the Pollinators
(Washington State Capitol Museum Coach House: 211 21st Avenue SW; Olympia 98501) Cheryl Fimbel is a wildlife ecologist with the Center for Natural Lands Management. Cheryl’s work for the better part of the last decade has focused on restoring prairie habitat in South Puget Sound for rare butterflies and pollinators. Following a brief overview of the topic of pollination and the role of insects in pollinating plants, Cheryl Fimbel, a wildlife ecologist with the Center for Natural Lands Management, will discuss the biology and natural ecology of pollinators, while highlighting unique aspects of native bees and their relationships to plants and habitat. She will also talk about our native pollinators in the South Sound and show us a collection of pinned specimens from the South Puget Sound Prairies. Free!
Wednesday, November 13
10 am – 1 pm – Ivy Pull at Hogum Bay with the Nisqually Land Trust
(Olympia) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
7 pm – (talk) David E. Perry: Smartphone Garden Photography
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 South Tyler Street; Tacoma 98405) Cameras in smart phones today are miniature wonders. They are nearly always within reach and are delightfully capable of making magical photographs that can quickly and easily be shared. Spend an hour with photographer, longtime blogger and storyteller, David E. Perry as he discusses the amazing potential that smart phone cameras offer. Learn to both master their wonders and sidestep some of their inherent pitfalls. David will show simple processes and tricks to enhance your own smart phone photography and show which apps offer the most zing for a mere $1.99. Free!
Friday, November 15
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 and click on the event to find a map.
Saturday, November 16
9 am – 12 pm – McKinley Park Cleanup Work Party
(500 E McKinley Way, 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 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 and click on the event to find a map.
9:30 am – 2:30 pm – Swan Creek live staking and mulching
(Tacoma) For more information, contact Jeanine Riss at jriss@healthybay.org or call 253.383.2429.
1:00-2:00 pm – Gluten Free Girl Every Day
(Tumwater Timberland Library) Shauna James Ahern, the author and photographer behind the award-winning blog GlutenFreeGirl.com and the food memoir Gluten-Free Girl is considered one of the most authoritative gluten-free voices on the Internet. She will discuss her new book Gluten-Free Girl Every Day, highlighting healthy, relatively simple meals to feed your family well. Books will be available for purchase at the event. FREE!
Sunday, November 17
11 am – 1 pm – Chum Salmon and Cider Celebration
(McLane Creek Nature Trail) Enjoy hot cider and snacks while learning from trained Salmon Stewards about the wild spawning chum salmon. For more info., contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us
Wednesday, November 20
9 am – noon – Ivy Pull at Mashel River with the Nisqually Land Trust
(near Eatonville) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Sunday, December 15
From dawn to dusk, and anywhere in between! – Christmas Bird Count and Chili Feed
During this event, sponsored by Black Hills Audubon Society, volunteers spend the day (or part of the day) in the field counting birds in their group’s assigned count area. Folks new to birding, or those who prefer working with a more experienced birder, will be partnered with veteran group leaders. This is a serious commitment, as well as a whole lot of fun, and it’s a great way for amateurs to become familiar with our local birds. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.
Wednesday, January 8
7 pm – (talk) Know Your Grasses
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 South Tyler Street; Tacoma 98405) Grasses are critical to many fields of science and practice, including wetland identification and delineation, ecosystem restoration, erosion control, and interpretation of natural history. Beautiful and diverse, grasses are globally important in many ways—fundamental to the past and future survival of humans. In this presentation, Clay Antieau explores the grass language and distinguishing characteristics of the grass family. Featuring invasive grasses, rare grasses, and ornamental grasses, Clay will describe the remarkable adaptiveness of grasses as well as their habitat affinities, restoration roles, and associated conservation challenges. Clay Antieau is a horticulturist, botanist, and environmental scientist who enthusiastically combines these disciplines to offer unique abilities and perspectives in environmental education and science communication. He currently works for the City of Seattle as an environmental permit specialist. Clay’s a recognized local authority and educator in Northwest flora and has taught courses in plant identification, wetland science, restoration science, and related subjects at the University of Washington and numerous technical and community colleges around Washington. He has been teaching grass identification for more than 20 years. Free!
Monday, January 13
7 pm – (talk) Rare Plants: Endemics, Disjuncts, and Peripheral Species.
(Washington State Capitol Museum Coach House: 211 21st Avenue SW; Olympia 98501) Why is this plant growing here? Is it a native? How did it get here? Are there more of these plants nearby? What are our conservation priorities for this plant? These are the kinds of questions often facing Joe Arnett, rare-plant botanist for the Washington Natural Heritage Program. J oe will discuss selection of the plant species regarded to be conservation priorities in Washington, considering the different ways that they are distributed on the landscape. Aspects of distribution include evaluation of risk, genetics, and dispersal mechanisms. Joe Arnett has been the rare plant botanist for the Washington Natural Heritage Program since 2005 and has formally studied the plants of Washington since 1982. Free!
Tuesday January 14
7:00 pm – Great Ape Genetic Diversity and Species Conservation
(Olympia REI: 625 Black Lake Blvd. #410; Olympia 98502) Homo sapiens belong to a family of species called the great apes, which includes chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans in addition humans. Though much of the attention has focused recently on ‘personal genomics,’ the ability to cheaply sequence human genomes for medical records and ancestry tracking, far fewer resources have been focused on exploring the genomic diversity of other great apes. However, non-human great apes demonstrate far more genetic diversity than humans. Additionally, every species of great ape, with the exception of humans, is endangered, and some populations very critically. It is thus imperative to study these close relatives of our own species not only to inform conservation techniques, but, before some populations disappear forever. In this talk University of Washington doctoral student Peter Sudmant will discuss our recent effort to sequence the largest number of wild great ape genomes to date, and how this resource can be used in conservation efforts and to better understand human history. The talk is free, but space is limited and you must register by sending an email to Alison Beglin at alison@capitollandtrust.org or by calling (360) 943-3012. A collaboration between Capitol Land Trust and REI.