See Below

RECURRING EVENTS

Tuesdays:

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

                        (See specific dates for details.)

            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): 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)  For more information, go to http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.

            7 pm (2^nd & 4^th 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

 

 

See the Salmon at Tumwater Falls  

The Chinook run is in full swing at Tumwater Falls!  Be sure to stop by in the next few weeks for prime salmon viewing.  See the fascinating process of WDFW staff collecting eggs and milt on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.  In addition, trained Stream Team Salmon Stewards will be available to answer questions from 4 to 6 pm most weekdays, and from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends. 

 

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.   

 

 

 

Saturday, October  26

8:30 am – 1 pm – Sustainability Symposium: Green Urbanism

(South Puget Sound Community College, Natural Sciences Building: 2011 Mottman Road SW; Olympia)  Protecting our air, water, forests and farms will be a major challenge as thousands of new residents come to Thurston County in the years ahead.  Is there an effective win-win solution that enables our region to become healthier, greener and more resilient, while accommodating this growth?  We invite you to join us.  Hear how Portland Metro and other regions have addressed this challenge with creativity and success.  Then engage a collaborative civic dialogue on what it will take to move forward on the draft Sustainable Thurston plan.  The cost is $20/person if you register ahead; $25 at the door.  To register and get more information go to www.ecobuilding.org/guild-chapters/olympia/vision2action-series

9 am – noon – Ohop Creek Planting  

(near Eatonville)  Join Nisqually Land Trust for a restoration planting of Ohop Creek.  We will be installing native trees and shrubs to re-establish critical habitat at a restoration site adjacent to Ohop Creek, one of the most important salmon spawning streams in the Nisqually River Watershed.  Coffee, water, and some light snacks will be provided; please bring a water bottle and anything else you might need.  Work parties are rain or shine. Bring layers, raingear, and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.  All minors MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  RSVP is required for directions: to RSVP go to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e8db738082ca4783&llr=jzh7gggab.  For more information, contact Cris Peck, AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or 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.

10:0 am – 1 pm – Garfield Nature Trail work party

(Olympia)  It is time to get ready for winter on the Garfield Nature Trail.  We plan to help our newly planted trees by spreading mulch around the base of the trees.  Also, we will work to add gravel to the trail itself from West Bay up.  Limited parking is available at West Bay Park 700 West Bay Dr NW.  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 Mike Baker with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.

10:00 am – 1 pm – Mission Creek Nature Park work party

(Olympia)  The Stewards of Mission Creek are hosting a work party in this much-loved nature park.  They will focus on removing invasive ivy, clearing brush from trails and raking leaves from the graveled trails in the park.  The meeting spot for this event is 1500 Fir St. NE.  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.  If you have any questions, contact Tom Badger at badgert@earthlink.net. 

10 am – 4 pm – Fall Art: Salmon & Leaves

(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams ST NE, Olympia 98501)  Celebrate fall by creating beautifully colored works of art inspired by leaves and the returning salmon.  Design color-diffusing paper leaves, leaf or fish prints, and much more.  We provide the supplies and inspiration, you bring your creativity!  Feel free to bring in your own fall leaves to use in your artwork.

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

We are going to meet up at Glacial Heritage Preserve, and the weather forecast calls for sunshine!  There are opportunities to pull Scotch broom and plant forbs.  The volunteer coordinator will be out of town for a conference, but sign-in sheets and volunteer release forms will be in the house.  Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water.  Directions to Glacial Heritage:  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 (128^th 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. 

7:00 – 9:00 pm – Heifer International Presentation

(Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation: 2300 East End St NW; Olympia 98502)  Small farmers caring for their land as they improve their lives; women learning literacy skills and self- esteem; children able to afford school fees and medication; hungry people who can now feed both themselves and their neighbors—what all of these actions have in common is Heifer International, a world-wide charity working to end hunger and care for the planet while teaching people how to lift themselves up out of poverty.  There will be a film presentation about Heifer’s multi-year, multi-nation work and displays showing you ways that you can help support that work. 

 

Wednesday, October  30

9 am – Noon – Weed Control with Burlap with the Nisqually Land Trust

(near Yelm)  We received a large donation of burlap, and need help transporting the bails to restoration sites in Yelm!  If you have a full size truck or trailer and would like to help, please contact Charly Kearns at landsteward@nisquallylandtrust.org.  Even if you don’t have a truck, extra hands for unloading the bails is definitely welcome!  RSVP is required for directions.  Coffee, water, and some light snacks will be provided; please bring a water bottle and anything else you might need.  Work parties are rain or shine. Bring layers, raingear, and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.  All minors MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.   

9-11 am – Class: How to eBird

(Harbor House on Percival Landing, in downtown Olympia)  Do you eBird?  This class can help you if you don’t, but want to.  eBird is a wonderful online database and tool a birder can use to record their sightings and see what others are seeing around the world.  Other facets of this resource include migration patterns, comparisons of sightings over years and locations. It is worth exploring.  To help you become more comfortable using eBird, we are offering a class where we will help you set up an account, record birds spotted on a walk, and peruse the website to see the other data it encompasses.  You must bring a device with Internet such as laptop, iPad, or smartphone.  Pre-registration is required.  Cost:  $10.  To register, contact Deb Nickerson at debranick@gmail.com or (360) 754-5397.

9:30 am – 12 pm – Margaret McKenny Park work party

(Olympia) Come out to Margaret McKenny Park to help us get this lovely park ready for winter!  The focus will be on weeding and adding gravel to the trail and weeding the tree circles within the park.  Margaret McKenny park is located at 3111 21st Ave SE.  Limited parking is available at 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 Mike Baker with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.

7-10 pm – Stand-up Economist/Humorist Yoram Bauman

(Traditions Café: 5th and Water Street in downtown Olympia)  It’s free!  It’s fun!  The performance will be followed by a short panel event with Yoram and author Gar Lipow, and a short question and answer session.  The underlying discussion is the need for economic and legislative solutions to global warming—things like a carbon tax or a green jobs program.  To get a preview of Yoram’s schtick, check him out on youtube.  Sponsored by Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace and Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation – Climate Change Action Group.

 

Friday, November 1

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

We have a couple dozen plant beds that need to be weeded at Shotwell’s Landing.  Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water.  Directions to Shotwell’s Landing Nursery (14447 Littlerock Road SW; Rochester 98579):  take I-5 to exit 95 (Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west on Maytown Rd SW to the only stop sign in Littlerock (by the elementary school); continue straight for ~100 feet, and turn left onto Littlerock Road; go 1.7 miles south on Littlerock Road—Shotwell’s Nursery will be on your right.  For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management. 

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.

7:00 – 9:00 pm – Octopus Species and Puget Sound with Seattle Aquarium Invertebrate Biologist Kathryn Kegel

(LOTT Water Education (WET) Science Center: 500 NE Adams; Olympia)  Free and open to the public.  Doors open at 6:30 pm.  Sponsored by South Sound Estuary Association.  For more information, please contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org.

 

Saturday, November 2

10:00 am – 1 pm – Harry Fain’s Legion Park work party

(Olympia)  Join the Park Stewardship team as we perform some much needed maintenance on this local jewel of a park.  Our goal for the day is to replace the stairs in the park.   Harry Fain’s Legion park is located at 1115 20th Ave 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 Mike Baker with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.

2 pm – Native Plants, Native Peoples: Ethnobotany of Puget Sound

(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams ST NE, Olympia 98501)  Join us for a presentation on some of the ways local plants were used by Native Americans as food, medicine, clothing, baskets, and more.  Weaving projects and native plant identification cards available in the classroom all day.

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

2:30 – 5 pm – Cooking class: Quinoa Class

Have you heard about quinoa, the nutritious and versatile seed that cooks like a grain? Have you always wanted to try cooking with it but weren’t sure where to begin? Come and join Erin and learn to cook four delicious dishes that feature quinoa. We will cook two quinoa salads, a warm side dish, and at least one quinoa breakfast dish.  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 November 4

9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Ohop Plant Placement

Come spend time with the Nisqually Land Trust in the Ohop Valley!  We will be working with the Nisqually Indian Tribe in preparation for a large student planting of the Ohop floodplain.  RSVP required for directions.  Coffee, water, and some light snacks will be provided; please bring a water bottle and anything else you might need.  Work parties are rain or shine. Bring layers, raingear, and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.  All minors MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  To register and get directions, go to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e8f5x6tea7ca1201&llr=jzh7gggab.  For more information, contact Cris Peck at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.

 

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.

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

(Olympia)  Here is your opportunity to spend some time in one of the most beautiful parks our city has to offer!  The focus will be on weeding the beds and pruning back vegetation from the gravel paths in the park.  Yashiro Japanese Garden is located at 1010 Plum Street.  Limited parking is available at 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 Mike Baker with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.

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!

6 – 8 pm – Salmon Stewards Chum Training 

(Thurston County Building 1, Room 280: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW Olympia 98502)  For years Stream Team has trained volunteers to be Salmon Stewards at the McLane Creek Nature Trail where the wild chum salmon complete their remarkable journey home to spawn and die.  Come train and become a Salmon Steward yourself!  Training involves today’s classroom session, and a field session Saturday, November 9, at 10 am – 12 pm (a van pool will be offered).  To register or get more information, go to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar.

 

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 – 1 pm – Garfield Nature Trail work party

(Olympia)  Join us as we continue our efforts on this well-loved trail.  We plan to focus on improving trail by spreading gravel from Rogers street down towards West Bay.  Limited on street parking is available at 620 Rogers St NW. 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 Mike Baker with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.

10 am – 12 pm – Percival Creek Revegetation Project

(near SPSCC)  Volunteers are needed to help plant native trees and shrubs and remove invasive weeds.  Come dressed for the weather.  Waterproof boots helpful, but not required.  Tools, gloves and snacks provided.  To register, go to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar.  For more information, contact Debbie Smith at dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us or 360-754-4148.

10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Yowkwala planting

(Tacoma)  For more information, contact Jeanine Riss at jriss@healthybay.org or call 253.383.2429.

2:00 pm – film: Pandora’s Promise (USA / 82 min)

(Capitol Theater: 206 5th Avenue SE; Olympia 98501)  When the subject of nuclear power is broached, such environmental catastrophes as Chernobyl or the Fukushima disaster immediately come to mind.  Televised images of widespread environmental devastation and corruption- -exposing films such as The China Syndrome and Silkwood are also hard to erase when it comes to nuclear energy and its negative effects. The documentary Pandora’s Promise seeks to challenge these prejudices with its pro-nuclear energy stance.  Through interviews with noted experts and compelling testimonies from those in the scientific field, this topical documentary builds a case for the widespread use of nuclear energy and how it might benefit humankind if utilized properly.  Created by an adamant environmentalist, Pandora’s Promise makes the very controversial argument that nuclear power is where we need to find energy.  This film is sure to spark major discussion!

2 pm – Water: The Never Ending Story

(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams ST NE, Olympia 98501)  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.  Join us for a presentation on the natural and built water cycle.  Play our giant dice game, the Amazing Journey, and make a Water Cycle Wheel anytime throughout the day!

 

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 am – noon – Black Hills Audubon Society Class: eBird for Educators

(Harbor House on Percival Landing, northwest of the Olympia Center in downtown Olympia)  Would you like to infuse more technology and citizen science into your classroom?  eBird may be what you’re looking for.  Join us for a free three-hour workshop in which we learn how to use eBird with our students.  Discover this database, sponsored by Cornell Institute of Ornithology, and all its potential.  After creating an account, data can be entered regularly by you and your students.  The scope of data entered by observers all over the world can be analyzed in a number of ways, all at no cost to you, the classroom teacher.  We will take you through the site and all its layers, create accounts together, go for a walk, and count birds.  We will enter the data after-wards, look at migration patterns of various species, see other tools of the site, and generate ways to use this in your work.  Field guides, snacks and lunch will be provided.  Appropriate for teachers of all age groups.  Space is limited to 22 educators.  You must bring a device with you such as laptop or iPad and ability to create an online account if you don’t have one already.  Free—but pre-registration is required.  Contact Deb Nickerson at debranick@gmail.com to enroll.

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 pm – Budd Inlet Treatment Plant Tour

(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams ST NE, Olympia 98501)  The Budd Inlet Treatment Plant has been cleaning our wastewater since the early 1950s.  Come and learn how we do it!  There will be a slideshow, followed by a treatment plant tour.  Tour participants must be 10 years or older, dress for outdoor weather, and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes.

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!

2:30 – 5 pm – Cooking class: Pie Making

In this class I will demonstrate how to make a fruit pie. Using a simple recipe you will learn how to make a flaky and delicious pie crust filled with juicy, seasonal fruit. I have a lifetime of pie making experience.  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!)

 

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

2:30 – 5 pm – Cooking class: Hearty Italian Soups

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!)

 

 

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.

 

Saturday, November 23

9 am – 1 pm – Green Cove Creek Habitat Restoration Work-party

(Olympia)  Join Capitol Land Trust at their Kaiser property as we plant live willow stakes along the creek.  To sign up and receive directions, email info@capitollandtrust.org.  All are welcome; no experience is necessary.

10 am – 4 pm – Tree-Mendous Trees

(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams ST NE, Olympia 98501)  How do trees grow?  How can you tell how old they are?  How do you identify them?  How are they involved in the water cycle?  Come find out!  Play games, watch a slideshow, and make a tree disc necklace in the classroom anytime throughout the day.

 

Sunday, November 24

6:30 – 8:30 pm – Cooking class: Sauerkraut 101

Raw fermented sauerkraut tastes amazing and is easy to make with inexpensive, widely available ingredients. It is also rich in probiotic bacteria which improve digestion, regulate the bowels, 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!)

 

Saturday, December 7

10 am – 1 pm – Twin Rivers Ranch Work Party

(Olympia)  Capitol Land Trust is ramping up our second phase of restoration efforts on this beautiful Oakland bay shoreline property. Come help restore the tidal Sitka spruce forests and wetland habitat.  A great chance to visit this unique and special place!   To sign up and receive directions, email info@capitollandtrust.org.  All are welcome; no experience is necessary.

10 am – 4 pm – Use it Wisely: Conserve Water & Energy

(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams ST NE, Olympia 98501)  Come play our giant floor game, The Drip Stops Here, anytime throughout the day.  You’ll learn how to conserve water at home, and take home fun prizes.  At 2 pm, take the family on a tour of our LEED Platinum certified green building to learn about all of the ways we are conserving water and energy, including how we generate our own electricity using methane from the treatment plant.

 

Saturday, December 14

10 am – 4 pm – Ocean Bingo

(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams ST NE, Olympia 98501)  Bring the family inside to escape the rain and play a fun and educational game of Ocean Bingo!  There are many great prizes for adults and children to win.  There will be bingo games and ocean inspired art projects in the classroom all day.

 

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.

 

Saturday, December 28

2 pm – Groundwater 101

(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams ST NE, Olympia 98501)  Groundwater, aquifers, wells – oh my!  This presentation, with hands-on activities, will help you understand what groundwater is, how it can become contaminated, and what you can do to protect it. 

 

Friday, January 3

7:00 – 9:00 pm – Sustainability in Exile and how it relates to Puget Sound

(LOTT Water Education (WET) Science Center: 500 NE Adams; Olympia)  Speaker: Jonathan Scherch, Antioch University.  Free and open to the public.  Doors open at 6:30 pm.  Sponsored by South Sound Estuary Association.  For more information, please contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org.

 

Sunday, January 5 

2:30 – 5 pm – Cooking class: Improve Nutrition in the New Year

Do you want to improve your nutrition in the New Year? Are you looking for ways to add more vegetables and fruits to your diet? Come join Erin and learn to cook five high-fiber, plant-based dishes that you can incorporate into your plans for healthy eating. We will make one breakfast dish, one side dish, two main dishes, and one snack.  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!)

 

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.

 

Saturday, January 18

2:30 – 5 pm – Cooking class: Edible Weeds 101

Join Kate in exploring edible weeds which grow in our region. Learn about identifying, collecting and preparing those pesky plants that get in the way of what we choose to grow. Handouts will be provided, including recipes. Samples will be presented as available.  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, January 20 (MLK Day)

10 am – 1 pm – Twin Rivers Ranch Work Party

(Olympia)  Capitol Land Trust is ramping up our second phase of restoration efforts on this beautiful Oakland bay shoreline property. Come help restore the tidal Sitka spruce forests and wetland habitat.  A great chance to visit this unique and special place!   To sign up and receive directions, email info@capitollandtrust.org.  All are welcome; no experience is necessary.

 

Friday, February 7

7:00 – 9:00 pm – Ocean Acidification and Fish: It’s not All about the clams. 

(LOTT Water Education (WET) Science Center: 500 NE Adams; Olympia)  Speaker: Scott Steltzner, Fisheries Biologist, Squaxin Island Tribe.  Scott Steltzner has been a fisheries biologist with the Squaxin Island Tribe for the past nine years.  Research interests include early marine survival of salmonids and assessment of nearshore habitats.  He holds a degree in marine biology from San Diego State University.  Free and open to the public.  Doors open at 6:30 pm.  Sponsored by South Sound Estuary Association.  For more information, please contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org.

 

Friday, February 28

1 – 4 pm – Twin Rivers Ranch Work Party

(Olympia)  Capitol Land Trust is ramping up our second phase of restoration efforts on this beautiful Oakland bay shoreline property. Come help restore the tidal Sitka spruce forests and wetland habitat.  A great chance to visit this unique and special place!   To sign up and receive directions, email info@capitollandtrust.org.  All are welcome; no experience is necessary.