See Below
RECURRING EVENTS
Tuesdays: South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party, 9 am – 3 pm
Olympia City Council, 7 pm (Olympia City Council Chambers: 601 4th Ave E)
http://olympia.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Tumwater City Council, 7 pm on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday (Tumwater City Hall: 555 Israel Rd. SW) www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/ccagendasTOC.htm
Wednesdays: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Bird Walk, 8-11 am – Meet at Visitor Center Overlook at 8 am.
Nisqually Land Trust Work Party, 9 am – noon
Thursdays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
Lacey City Council, 7 pm on the 2nd & 4th Thursday (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: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm
Saturdays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm
South Sound Estuarium, 10 am – 3 pm (608 Washington St NE; Olympia 98501) http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/south-sound-estuarium
Sundays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm
South Sound Estuarium, 10 am – 3 pm
Help Save a Tree!
Every year, an estimated 33 million trees are sold for the holidays in the United States. After the festivities, all those trees must be collected for recycling into mulch or compost, or go into the landfill. This holiday Stream Team is offering another option: purchase a live potted tree from Puget Sound Plants in Olympia—and then after the holidays, keep the tree and plant it on your property OR give it to Stream Team to plant next to streams for salmon and wildlife habitat. To reserve a tree, call Puget Sound Plants at 866-816-5080 between Dec. 9 and 20, and between 8 am and 4:30 pm. Trees will be planted at Woodland Creek Community Park on Saturday, January 11th from 11:30 am to 2 pm. For more details go to http://streamteam.info/getinvolved/plant/holidaytree or contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us.
Become a Volunteer Land Steward
Help the Capitol Land Trust monitor and steward its conservation preserves around the region—and get to visit CLT’s unique and beautiful natural areas! Contact Guy at guym@capitollandtrust.org to learn more.
Friday, December 6
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, December 7
7:30 am – Birding and Breakfast near Tumwater Historical Park
Bird with the Black Hills Audubon Society, and then enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant—or if you are a late riser, just join us for breakfast and we’ll give you the run down on what birds are in the area. At 7:30 we will meet at Tumwater Historical Park (north of Falls Terrace Restaurant on Deschutes Parkway about .2 miles, then take the unmarked road between Henderson House Museum and Crosby Road, down to the river.) At 9:00 we will meet for breakfast at River’s Edge Restaurant at the Tumwater Golf Course (4611 Tumwater Valley Drive Southeast, Tumwater). For more information, contact Leslie Lynam at 360- 402-9513 or Deb Nickerson at 360-754-5397.
8:00 am – ~2 pm – Willow planting along McDonald Creek in Elma
(600 E Main St., Elma 98541) Join volunteers as they gather at the hospital in Elma to plant willows at the recently improved McDonald Creek. We will start at 8:00a and continue until all willow stakes are planted. We will also need a hand in picking up garbage and removing invasive plants. Please park in the hospital parking lot near the front door and not on the emergency room side. We will gather near the stream on the Emergency Entrance side outside of the paved area; however, we really need to be sure the Emergency Department area is clear and free for patients and EMS. What to bring: good boots and all-weather gear are a must. Gloves, shovels, and loppers are also very welcomed if available. RSVP by contacting Jane Atha at jatha@centralia.edu or at 512-297-8743, so she has an idea of how many people to expect.
9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Red Salmon Creek Tube Removal
(Olympia) Healthy plants need your help! Join Nisqually Land Trust as they remove protective plant tubes from native trees and shrubs that have outgrown their use. It’s another important step in the restoration of this critical habitat area. 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 www.nisquallylandtrust.org/events.php and click on the event, or go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8lapcsue7e95301. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at www.nisquallylandtrust.org. We hope you can join us!
9 am – Tree Planting along the Woodland Creek Trail
(Olympia) We will assemble at the Poplar Street trail access, just south of Poplar & Pacific, at 935 Poplar Street SE, Olympia (next to the big mural on the Olympic Moving and Storage Building)—look for the white tent. We will be planting trees up and down the trail within sight of the mural. Bring gloves and shovels, and DRESS FOR RAIN. Gloves and tools provided if you do not have them. For more information, email info@woodlandtrail.org or check out Woodland Trail Greenway Association on facebook.
10 am – 1 pm – 3rd Annual Bald Eagle Kayak Tour in Mud Bay
We will leisurely paddle Mud Bay into the mouth of McLane Creek to see eagles on their feeding grounds. Special guest biologist, Lindsy Wright, US Fish and Wildlife Service, will discuss eagle behaviors, habitat and new trends. The cost is $25, and kayaks and safety equipment will be provided. Children ages 12–16 may attend with an adult. Ages 17–18 may attend with signed permission. Moderate walking on uneven ground will be required. Space is limited to 15 participants, and you must register to attend. To register, call City of Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation at 360-753-8380, or go to http://olympiawa.gov/city-services/parks and click on “Experience It! Online – Program Registration”. (This is Program # 17467.) Staff contact: Mike Baker, at mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us.
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.
1 pm – Ribbon-Cutting and Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the third Chehalis-Western Trail bridge
Finally, after all these years, we are breaking ground on the third and final bridge of the “bridging the gap” project! This bridge across Pacific Avenue will fulfill our common dream of a continuous North-South Chehalis-Western Trail! This bridge will complete the Chehalis-Western Trail and link together the I-5 Bike Trail and Woodland Trail. The ground breaking will be at the intersection of the Chehalis- Western Trail and the Woodland Trail—just east of the 9am tree-planting event. The location is readily accessible by bike from throughout the metropolitan area via the Woodland Trail, as well as on street bike lanes. It also is served by Intercity Transit route #66, and parking is available on-site. Come help us celebrate this achievement by the staff, elected officials, and citizens of Thurston County, in partnership with WSDOT and the Cities, facilitated by Thurston Regional Planning Council.
8 pm – Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina
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. Pre-registration is required: go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8agsyun9dc9dbba. Cost is $10 for persons 12 and older; children ages 6 to 11 are free.
Monday, December 9
6:30 pm – Panel Discussion on Urban Greenspace
(City Council Chambers, Olympia City Hall: 601 4th Avenue East; Olympia) The City of Olympia Planning Commission is hosting a series of informational panel discussions on issues related to how our community will grow and develop over the next 20 years. Olympia is expected to welcome over 20,000 new residents over the next two decades, so we need to understand how we can create a denser community while maintaining and enhancing livability. Vital to livability are opportunities to experience the natural environment, so will denser development lead to fewer opportunities for residents to come into daily contact with nature? A panel of four regional experts will discuss this question and the wide range of health and community benefits that result from integrating nature into the urban environment. The panel also will provide valuable insight into: the environmental and psychological benefits of greenspace; the community stewardship benefits of greenspace; techniques for incorporating greenspace into urban environments; and how to be good stewards of greenspace for long-term benefits. The panel discussion will be part of a regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting, which is always open to the public. No RSVP is required. For those unable to attend, the presentation will be video-taped for replay on public television and the City’s website. For more information, contact Associate Planner Stacey Ray at 360.753.8046 or sray@ci.olympia.wa.us.
Tuesday, December 10
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
We will be at Glacial Heritage Preserve. You can warm your hands because we are burning slash piles and pulling broom! 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 (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.
7:00 pm – Olympia Science Café: Tidal Energy Research
(Orca Books: 509 East 4th Avenue, Olympia) Tidal energy shows promise as a resource for sustainable, renewable power generation. Research is underway on the technical, environmental and social challenges to its deployment, such as designing and engineering tidal turbines for power production on a utility scale; identification and mitigation of underwater sound and direct interactions between marine animals and marine energy converters; and the development of hydrokinetic turbines at the micro-scale to provide power for autonomous oceanographic instrumentation. Dr. Brian Polagye, Co-Director of the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington, will present an overview of the current status of marine renewable energy research.
Wednesday, December 11
9:30 am – 12 pm – Yashiro Japanese Garden work party
Come out to the Beautiful Yashiro Japanese Garden for a morning of enjoyable stewardship. Our focus will be to spread bark and clean-up the park. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available 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. Yashiro Japanese Garden is located at 1010 Plum ST SE. We will meet near the entrance. For more information, contact Mike Baker with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
9:00 am to 12:00 pm – Ohop Valley Plant Tube Removal
Join Nisqually Land Trust in the beautiful Ohop Valley removing protective plant tubes from native trees and shrubs that no longer need protecting. It’s another important step in the restoration of the valley. 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 www.nisquallylandtrust.org/events.php and click on the event, or go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8mdeh1p1f1babf7. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at www.nisquallylandtrust.org.
Thursday, December 12
7-9 pm – (presentation) Christmas Bird Count – From There to Here
(First Christian Church: 701 Franklin Street SE; Olympia 98507) This year, for the 114th time, 93% of all Audubon chapters across the country will brave snow, wind or rain to conduct their Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Recently at the Fall Audubon Council meeting, we learned just how valuable data from counts is to agencies. Each participant makes an enormous contribution to conservation through this longest-running wildlife census. These citizen scientists help assess the health of bird populations, predict trends, and guide conservation action. Come join us in hearing a bit of the history of this great citizen science success, and get inspired to participate in our own local event on December 15 (Sunday)! Arrive at 7:00 pm to socialize; the program will begin promptly at 7:30 pm. Sponsored by the Black Hills Audubon Society.
Friday, December 13
2 – 5 pm – Hearing on Washington’s Response to Climate Change
(House Hearing Room A in the O’Brien House Building: 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, on the Capitol Campus in Olympia) Governor Inslee’s Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup is identifying specific policies and actions to meet the state’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In the past two months, they have held two public hearings in Seattle and Spokane demonstrating that citizens want and expect climate action. Today is the final hearing. This is an exciting opportunity for concerned citizens to weigh in on the draft recommendations, which may include: carbon cap and price; transitioning off of coal for PSE’s electricity; Clean Fuels Standard; a variety of transportation initiatives; and energy-efficiency policies and clean-energy investments. For more information, go to www.governor.wa.gov/issues/economy/climateWorkgroup.
Saturday, December 14
9:00 am – 12 noon – Black Hills Audubon field trip: Downtown Ducks at Capital Lake
Burt Guttman’s Downtown Ducks quests are a beloved tradition in Olympia. Many different ducks, geese, grebes, and the occasional loon or swan, as well as passerines in the trees and shrubs, are possible at Capital Lake in late fall and winter. Meet at the Marathon Park parking lot on Capital Lake. Dress for the weather. Bring snacks and water as needed. This trip is especially oriented toward beginning birders, but all interested folks are welcome.
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 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.
Monday, December 16
4-5:30 pm – Public invited to comment on Regional Transportation Plan
(Shelton: Commission Chambers, Mason County Building 1: 411 N. Fifth St.) The Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization invites the public to attend this public meeting to learn more about a Regional Transportation Plan and to comment on the future vision of transportation for the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas. The Regional Transportation Plan (www.wsdot.wa.gov/partners/prtpo/docs/materials/prtpo_rtp_draft2013.pdf) is designed to promote and guide efficient and sustainable transportation systems on the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas. It was developed as a shared vision of how strategic transportation planning can create a better future for residents and businesses on the peninsulas. Anyone can participate.
Tuesday, December 17
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wednesday, December 18
9:30 am – 12 pm – Madison Scenic Park work party
Come on out to Madison Scenic Park for a fun and festive work party! We will focus on removing invasive species. 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. Madison Scenic Park is located 1600 10th Ave SE. We will meet at the top of the paved walk-way. For more information, contact Mike Baker with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
6:30 pm – Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve: Then and Now
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia 98501) Presented by Daniel Hull, Executive Director, Nisqually Reach Nature Center. Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve is an exciting project with community involvement. Doors open at 6:30 pm; presentation is from 7-8:30pm. Sponsored by the South Sound Estuary Association in partnership with the WET Science Center.
Friday, December 20
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, December 21
Winter Solstice at the ESTUARIUM
(Olympia) Join us at the Estuarium to welcome in the Winter Solstice! This will be an all-day free event at the Estuarium. Daniel Hull is bringing the Nisqually Reach Nature Center to the Estuarium with a marine-life touch tank. Learn about the moon’s gravitational pull on the ocean. Raise funds for the Estuarium by making your very own sand art with Seadazzle for holiday gifts, and so much more. If you would like to help out, please contact Nate Bernitz, nate@sseacenter.org. For more information, go to www.sseacenter.org.
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.
10 am – 12 pm – Madison Scenic Park work party
Join us as we ring in the holidays for some much needed work at Madison Scenic Park! We will focus on, removing invasive species. 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. Madison Scenic Park is located 1600 10th Ave SE. We will meet at the top of the paved walk-way. For more information, contact Mike Baker with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
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!
Saturday, January 11
10 am – 12 pm – Bird Box Building Workshop
(LOTT Wet Science Center: ) Come join guest speaker and local bird expert, Burt Guttman, as we discuss how to create habitat in your backyard. Eco Woodworks local custom woodworker, Dave King, will also instruct us on building a bird house for your back yard. Bird house kits will be available at no cost, and participants will get hands-on instruction for constructing a bird house kit. Space is limited, so please register by going to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and clicking on the event.
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.
Wednesday, January 15
6:30 pm – Understanding South Sound Tides
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia 98501) Presented by Lynn Corliss, Professor, South Puget Sound Community College. Doors open at 6:30 pm; presentation is from 7-8:30pm. Sponsored by the South Sound Estuary Association in partnership with the WET Science Center.
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)
9 am – 4 pm – Native-Plant Restoration with the Nisqually Land Trust
(Yelm) Join Nisqually Land Trust for a massive native-tree and shrub planting in the riparian zone of the Nisqually River. We need all the help we can get! Volunteers can stay for the entire day, or join in at 9 am (for the 9-noon shift) or at 1 pm (for the 1-4 shift). 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, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at www.nisquallylandtrust.org.
10 am – 1 pm – Twin Rivers Ranch Work Party
(Olympia) Capitol Land Trust is ramping up its 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.
Tuesday, February 11
Capitol Land Trust’s 10th Annual Conservation Breakfast
Join us for breakfast as we celebrate conservation leaders from throughout southwest Washington and raise vital funds for our work. If you’re interested in being a sponsor, table captain or volunteer for the Conservation Breakfast, please contact Alison at alison@capitollandtrust.org.
Wednesday, February 19
6:30 pm – Citizen Science in Environmentalism: What Can YOU Do?
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia 98501) Presented by Laura James (Videographer, Beneath the Looking Glass, LLC) and Janna Nichols (Outreach Coordinator, REEF Environmental Education Foundation) . Doors open at 6:30 pm; presentation is from 7-8:30pm. Sponsored by the South Sound Estuary Association in partnership with the WET Science Center.
Saturday, February 1
9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Nisqually Land Trust Volunteer Site Steward Workshop
Do you want to help take care of the special places you love? This is an opportunity to learn about the Land Trust’s volunteer stewardship program, best practices, and meet current stewards. Location to be determined. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at www.nisquallylandtrust.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.
Wednesday, March 19
6:30 pm – Waterbirds & Shorebirds of Puget Sound: Observations From the Field
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia 98501) Phil Kelley and Whittier Johnson, Black Hills Audubon Society. Doors open at 6:30 pm; presentation is from 7-8:30pm. Sponsored by the South Sound Estuary Association in partnership with the WET Science Center.