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
Free Consultations with Stormwater Stewards Now Available
Looking for ideas for dealing with stormwater runoff on your property? Stormwater Stewards is a free program offered by Thurston County Water Resources, the Cities of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater and WSU Extension, which is modeled after the highly successful Master Gardener program. Stormwater Stewards are highly trained volunteers who can help residents learn about green stormwater solutions that protect water resources while improving their home and landscapes. Stormwater Stewards can make recommendations on: drainage improvements; techniques to infiltrate stormwater on-site; sustainable landscape techniques; wildlife habitat; healthier plants and lawns; designing and constructing rain gardens; permeable pavers and more. For more information or to request a Stormwater Stewards consultation, contact Krista at Krista@nativeplantsalvage.org or 360-867-2166.
Amphibian Egg-Mass Surveys
Amphibians lay their eggs in wetlands, stormwater ponds, and ponds in late winter through spring. If you have a yearning to get outdoors and like to play “I Spy”, then join us in February thru March to survey local wetlands to identify and count amphibian egg masses. Attendance at the Amphibians of the Pacific Northwest Workshop (Saturday, January 25) is preferred, but not required, to participate. Field class date will be announced: watch the Stream Team website calendar or bi-monthly Stream Team email for the egg mass survey field training date. The training will be scheduled on a Saturday in early February, depending on local amphibian breeding activity. For additional information, contact: Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us
Monday, December 30
9:00 am – 4:00 pm – Powell Creek Burlap Placement with the Nisqually Land Trust
(Yelm) Green Mountain Coffee has donated tons of burlap coffee bags to use for noxious weed control, and we need help placing them! The coffee bags will act as mulch in areas that we plan to plant in the future. 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=a07e8p4o5360a01aef9. 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!
Tuesday, December 31
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Begin to ring in the new year by preventing Scotch broom from existing at Glacial Heritage Preserve in 2014! We will also continue to clean up the prairie by setting piles ablaze! 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.
9:00 am – 4:00 pm – Powell Creek Burlap Placement with the Nisqually Land Trust
(Yelm) Green Mountain Coffee has donated tons of burlap coffee bags to use for noxious weed control, and we need help placing them! The coffee bags will act as mulch in areas that we plan to plant in the future. Join us for our last work party of 2013! 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=a07e8p4o5360a01aef9. 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!
Friday, January 3
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 – 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.
Saturday, January 4
9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Red Salmon Creek Ivy Pull
Join Nisqually Land Trust as they remove English Ivy at their Red Salmon Creek site near Olympia. English Ivy has become a predominant species in the forest understory near the creek, and is encroaching on young conifers. 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=a07e8oqn7bibaf8bd7d. 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!
10 am – 1 pm – Priest Point Park Work Party
(Olympia) Ring in the New Year with an Ivy pull! Your help is needed to remove invasive vegetation from the beach trails at Priest Point Park. We will meet in Kitchen Shelter #3. 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 mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer. Priest Point Park is located at 2600 East Bay Drive NE.
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!)
Tuesday, January 7
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, January 8
9:30 am – 12 pm – Watershed Park Work Party
(Olympia) Join efforts to resurface part of the trails in Watershed Park. Over the course of 2 work parties we will spread gravel, grade the trail and cut back encroaching vegetation. Meet at McCormick Ct. pedestrian entrance located at 2308 McCormick Ct 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 mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
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
9 am – 12 pm – Julia’s Gulch Work Party
(Tacoma) Go to http://tacoma.cedar.greencitypartnerships.org/event/calendar and click on the event for more information.
9 am – 12 pm – Wapato Hills Clean-up Party
(Tacoma) Go to http://tacoma.cedar.greencitypartnerships.org/event/calendar and click on the event for more information.
9 am – 12 pm – Puget Creek Restoration Society Work Party ??
(Tacoma) Contact Scott Hansen at pugetcreek@yahoo.com or (253) 779-8890 for meeting location of the work party.
10 am – 1 pm – Watershed Park Work Party
(Olympia) Come help finish up repairing the trails in Watershed Park. We will spread gravel, grade the trail and cut back encroaching vegetation. Meet at Harry Fain’s Legion Park across from Watershed 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 mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
10 am – 12 pm – Invite Birds to your Yard!
(LOTT Wet Science Center: ) A few small additions can liven up your yard with the sights and sounds of birds all year long! Guest speaker Burt Guttman—a local bird expert, lifetime birder, author of Finding Your Wings: A Workbook for Beginning Bird Watchers in the Peterson Field Guide Series, and Faculty Emeritus in biology at The Evergreen State College—will discuss how to create habitat in your back yard. He will talk about the common local species of birds, their habitat needs, and how to enhance them to our backyards. Learn about the different adaptations that birds utilize for survival as they select specific nesting sites and choose certain foods. Eco-Woodworks local custom woodworker, Dave King, will instruct us on building a birdhouse for your back yard. Birdhouse kits will be available at no cost, and participants will get hands-on instruction for constructing a bird house kit. (One bird house per family/group.) All registrants must commit to hanging the bird house in their yard. Families welcome! Space is limited, so please register by going to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and clicking on the event. Staff contact: Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us
Noon – 2 pm – Holiday-Tree Planting at Woodland Creek Community Park
Help plant live holiday trees. To register or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”. Contact Cynthia Taylor at CTaylor@ci.lacey.wa.us or 360-491-5600 ext. 5734 for more info.
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
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.
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
9:30 am – 12 pm – Trillium Park Work Party
(Olympia) Come out to Trillium Park to help replace steps in this well-loved park. The focus of this work party will be to replace steps and remove invasive species. Meet at 900 Governor Stevens 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 mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
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.
Thursday, January 16
6:30 – 8:30 pm – Let It Soak In: Rain Garden Workshop
(Tumwater Fire Station: 311 Israel Rd SW, Tumwater) Thinking about adding a rain garden to your landscape? Or wondering what a rain garden is? A rain garden is a great way for you to make a big difference in protecting our local waterways and Puget Sound, while beautifying your yard. Rain gardens are shaped and sized to fit your yard and planted with a variety of flowers, shrubs and ornamental grasses. Rain gardens act like a forest by collecting, absorbing and filtering stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, patios and other areas around our homes that do not allow rainwater to soak back into the ground. Attend this hands-on workshop to learn how to add one of these lovely “stormwater” features to your yard. The workshop will give you all the details you need to design and install a beautiful rain garden that will manage your home’s stormwater drainage while protecting our local water resources. Participants will receive a rain garden poster and a copy of WSU’s Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington. The basic instructional workshop will be followed by an optional session from 8:15 to 9 pm offering assistance creating a rain garden planting plan. The class will be taught by Erica Guttman, who has been a hands-on environmental educator for over 25 years and has been designing, installing, researching, and teaching about rain gardens for over seven years. She has contributed to several rain garden publications and created a 30-minute video, “Building a Rain Garden: Keeping our Pacific Northwest Waters Clean.” She holds an MA in ecological restoration with a focus on the Puget Sound nearshore. To register for this workshop, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”. (If you live in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater or Thurston County, a rain garden installation on your property could be eligible for a rebate! Go to www.streamteam.info/actions/raingardens for more information, the guidelines and applications.)
Friday, January 17
9 am – 12 pm – Wetland Habitat Restoration work party
(Tacoma) Go to http://tacoma.cedar.greencitypartnerships.org/event/calendar and click on the event for more information, or call 253-591-6439.
Saturday, January 18
10 am – 1 pm – Priest Point Park Work Party
(Olympia) Help celebrate MLK day with an Ivy pull! Join us on the second in a series of efforts to remove invasive vegetation from the beach trails at Priest Point Park. We will meet in Kitchen Shelter #3. 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 mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer. Priest Point Park is located at 2600 East Bay Drive NE.
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, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8oo9y29429c1763. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at www.nisquallylandtrust.org.
9 am – 1 pm – 5th Annual MLK Day of Service at First Creek
(Tacoma) Go to http://tacoma.cedar.greencitypartnerships.org/event/calendar and click on the event for more information.
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.
1:30 pm – 4 pm – MLK Day Winter Shoreline Clean Up on Commencement Bay
(Tacoma) Go to http://tacoma.cedar.greencitypartnerships.org/event/calendar and click on the event for more information.
Tuesday, January 21
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.
Saturday, January 25
10 am – 1 pm – Olympia Woodland Trail Work Party
(Olympia) Join us at the Olympia Woodland Trail for this fun day of stewardship! Our focus for this work party will be weeding and mulching near the restrooms. 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 mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer. Olympia Woodland Trail is located at 1600 Eastside St SE.
10 am – 1 pm – Amphibians of the Pacific Northwest Workshop
(LOTT WET Science Center, 500 Adams St NE, Olympia) Have you ever wondered what types of frogs are singing? Why are they singing? And why do they only sing at certain times of the year? If you are curious about frogs, toads, salamanders and newts, then join Stream Team with guest speaker Dr. Marc Hayes for a fun, informative workshop on Pacific Northwest amphibians. Dr. Hayes is a herpetological ecologist and senior research scientist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. He has 40 years of experience working with amphibians and reptiles in Arizona, California, Costa Rica, Florida, Mexico, Oregon and Washington. Dr. Hayes will discuss the most common amphibian species found in Thurston County. We will learn about each species’ unique identifying characteristics, their life history stages and habitat requirements. The workshop will also focus on still water breeding species, their habitat needs and egg mass identification characteristics. To register for this workshop, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”. Staff contact: Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us
Sunday, January 26
Winter Twig Identification Workshops
Add a new dimension to your winter outings when you join local plant experts to learn the secrets to identifying local shrubs and trees without their leaves. The Native Plant Salvage Foundation is offering Winter Twig Identification, a 2.5-hour field class held at a West Olympia-area nature trail. Choose either a morning class from 10 am to 12:30 pm, or an afternoon session from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. Advanced registration is required to receive full details and directions. Contact the WSU Extension Native Plant Salvage Project at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or 360-867-2166. You can also register online and see more information at www.nativeplantsalvage.org.
Tuesday, January 28
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, January 29
9:30 am – 12 pm – Margaret McKenny Park Work Party
(Olympia) Come on out to help us re-establish the walking trail in this neighborhood park. The focus of this work party will be to remove sod and spruce up the trails in 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 mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer. Margaret McKenny is located at 3111 21st Ave SE.
Saturday, February 1
9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Nisqually Land Trust 2014 Site-Steward Workshop
Are wild places important to you? Do you want to help take care of the special places you love? This is an opportunity to learn about Nisqually Land Trust’s volunteer stewardship program, best practices, and meet current stewards. If you are already a Site Steward, attend to network, share ideas, organize projects, and get answers to questions about the program! Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. RSVP at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8oqywon9ad59d6c for directions and so we have an idea of how many people will be attending. If you have additional questions, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at www.nisquallylandtrust.org.
10 am – 1 pm – Priest Point Park Work Party
(Olympia) Join us for this fun-filled restoration event. We will team up with members of Stream team to re-plant the new Mission Creek restoration site. Priest Point Park is located at 2600 East Bay Drive NE; meet near the playground. 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 mbaker@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Tuesday, February 4
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, February 5
6 – 9 pm – Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife
(LOTT WET Science Center, 500 Adams St NE, Olympia) Winter is a good time to make a landscaping plan. Learn how to turn your yard into a lovely year-round landscape that attracts birds, butterflies and amphibians, while using less water. Attend this workshop and learn: planting for four-season interest; landscaping for tricky areas like slopes; easy ways to minimize lawns; water-wise ideas for your landscape; how simple landscape changes can save you time and money. Erica Guttman, WSU Native Plant Salvage Project, will teach the class. To register or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”. There will be an optional follow-up class on Thursday, March 6, that will enable participants to receive a free planting-plan consultation!
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
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.
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.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
9 am – noon – Ohop Creek Restoration NatureMapping Field Trip
The South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually Land Trust and its partners have joined together to restore the creek through the Ohop Valley to its original meandering pathway. Northwest Trek is helping with the habitat restoration efforts by providing data collection and monitoring of the wildlife in the project area—using citizen-scientists to help collect data. This event is free, and you do not need to have NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in tall grass and in wet environments on uneven surfaces. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
Tuesday, February 18
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, 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 22
10 am – 2 pm – Fascinating World of Lichens!
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE, Olympia) With common names like Fairy Puke and Golden Moon Glow, who wouldn’t be interested in these fascinating organisms? Join Stream Team for our second annual field class with arborist and lichen enthusiast, Micki McNaughton. Lichens are unusual organisms; they are not true plants but a combination of two organisms living symbiotically together, algae and fungus! In this workshop we will learn how these two organisms support each other in a symbiotic relationship to provide for each other’s survival needs. Discover why lichens are ecologically important to the health of our environment, their many uses, and how they are an indicator of air quality. There will be a lecture from 10 am to 12 noon, followed by a field trip to Priest Point Park from 1-2 pm. Micki McNaughton is a Certified Arborist and has a degree in Ecology and Horticulture. She is currently working on an advance degree in Restoration of Natural Systems, as well as working as the Urban Forestry Special Project Coordinator for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. To register for this workshop, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”. Staff contact: Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us.
Tuesday, February 25
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.
Thursday, February 27
6:00-9:15 pm – Beyond Landscaping: Planting to Protect and Restore Shoreline Property
(City of Lacey Jacob Smith House, 4500 Intelco Loop SE, Lacey) If you live along a stream, lake or Puget Sound, this workshop is for you! Living next to water is a special place and requires unique landscaping methods and approaches. Attend this workshop to learn how to improve the habitat, stability and beauty of your shoreline. This workshop is especially tailored for shoreline property owners. Topics include managing invasive species, choosing the right plants for revegetation, erosion and geese control, tree care and view maintenance, and how to make an affordable action and planting plan. Learn from each other: with other shoreline property owners in attendance, the conversation and question and answer may give you landscaping tips and strategies for your property! To register for this workshop and field class, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”. There will be an optional follow-up class on Saturday, March 15, that will enable participants to meet with experts to review and discuss landscape plans for their own properties: see details below.
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.
Thursday, March 6
6 – 9 pm – Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife, Part 2: Landscape Plans
This optional follow-up to the February 5th Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife class will enable participants to receive a free planting-plan consultation! Bring your draft landscape plan and have it reviewed by local experts who can answer specific questions about your landscape and plant choices, and give their expert advice! Work on and/ or revise your plan during this workshop. Prior participation in the February 5th Naturescaping workshop is required. Erica Guttman, WSU Native Plant Salvage Project, will teach the class. To register for this workshop, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”.
Saturday, March 15
10 am – 2:30 pm – Beyond Landscaping, Part 2: Landscape Plans
Participants who develop their own landscape plan for their shoreline property after the February 27th Beyond Landscaping class will have a chance to meet with experts to review and discuss their landscape plan. Following the plan review, the class will travel to a field site for a hands-on session on slope-planting techniques, including how to plant fascines and live stakes on a steep-slope site, as well as other practices to minimize impact and maximize stability! To attend this workshop you must have attended the February 27th Beyond Landscaping class and register separately for this class. To register or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”.
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.
Saturday, March 22
9 am – noon — Powell Pasture NatureMapping Field Trips
(Yelm) The Nisqually Land Trust is seeking wildlife data on this property on the Nisqually River. The Powell Pasture site is in the Yelm area and has been recently planted in efforts to restore the natural habitat for wildlife use along the River. The event is free, and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should dress for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces: the terrain ranges from level unpaved roads to uneven meadows and forests; some areas require climbing and maneuvering over debris. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
April 5
8 am – 5:00 pm—Ohop Creek Restoration NatureMapping Field Trip
The South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually Land Trust and its partners have joined together to restore the creek through the Ohop Valley to its original meandering pathway. Northwest Trek is helping with the habitat restoration efforts by providing data collection and monitoring of the wildlife in the project area—using citizen-scientists to help collect data. Today’s event will be a “mini-bioblitz”, with two 4-hour shifts and a 1-hour lunch in between. This event is free, and you do not need to have NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in tall grass and in wet environments on uneven surfaces. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
Thursday, April 24
6:30 – 8:30 pm – Let It Soak In: Rain Garden Workshop
(LOTT WET Center Board Room: 500 Adams St NE, Olympia) Thinking about adding a rain garden to your landscape? Or wondering what a rain garden is? A rain garden is a great way for you to make a big difference in protecting our local waterways and Puget Sound, while beautifying your yard. Rain gardens are shaped and sized to fit your yard and planted with a variety of flowers, shrubs and ornamental grasses. Rain gardens act like a forest by collecting, absorbing and filtering stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, patios and other areas around our homes that do not allow rainwater to soak back into the ground. Attend this hands-on workshop to learn how to add one of these lovely “stormwater” features to your yard. The workshop will give you all the details you need to design and install a beautiful rain garden that will manage your home’s stormwater drainage while protecting our local water resources. Participants will receive a rain garden poster and a copy of WSU’s Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington. The basic instructional workshop will be followed by an optional session from 8:15 to 9 pm offering assistance creating a rain garden planting plan. The class will be taught by Erica Guttman, who has been a hands-on environmental educator for over 25 years and has been designing, installing, researching, and teaching about rain gardens for over seven years. She has contributed to several rain garden publications and created a 30-minute video, “Building a Rain Garden: Keeping our Pacific Northwest Waters Clean.” She holds an MA in ecological restoration with a focus on the Puget Sound nearshore. To register for this workshop, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”. (If you live in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater or Thurston County, a rain garden installation on your property could be eligible for a rebate! Go to www.streamteam.info/actions/raingardens for more information, the guidelines and applications.)
May 17
9 am – noon — Railway Road NatureMapping Field Trip
The Nisqually Land Trust protects over 190 acres along the whitewater reach of the Nisqually River. This 10+ acre wetland just outside of Yelm is a part of a 150-acre riparian forest mosaic perched between the Centralia power canal and the Nisqually River. This event is designed to obtain wildlife data from the site, and is free and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should dress for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces: the terrain ranges from level unpaved roads to uneven meadows and forests; some areas require climbing and maneuvering over debris. Rubber boots and walking sticks are advised. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
June 14
9 am – noon —Bragett Parcel NatureMapping Field Trip
The Nisqually Tribe protects this 50+ acre site that is a mixture of estuary, river, forest and meadow, adjacent to the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. The diverse habitat creates ideal conditions for a wide variety of wildlife. This event is designed to obtain wildlife data from the site, and is free and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should dress for the weather and for walking in grassy, woody and wetland environments and on uneven surfaces. Rubber boots are advised for portions of the site. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
July 7
9 am – noon — Wilcox Flats NatureMapping and Habitat Restoration Field Trip
The Nisqually Land Trust is looking to gather wildlife data at the Wilcox Flats property, located along the Nisqually River near Roy. This site is vital to salmon recovery efforts along the Nisqually River. The trip will collect baseline data about plants and wildlife in the surrounding habitat, and continue restoration efforts in the meadows and forests along the Nisqually River and side channels. This field trip will consist of data collection, invasive species removal, and weeding and care of new plantings. The event is free, and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
July 12
9 am – noon—Ohop Creek Restoration NatureMapping Field Trip
The South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually Land Trust and its partners have joined together to restore the creek through the Ohop Valley to its original meandering pathway. Northwest Trek is helping with the habitat restoration efforts by providing data collection and monitoring of the wildlife in the project area—using citizen-scientists to help collect data. This event is free, and you do not need to have NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in tall grass and in wet environments on uneven surfaces. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
September 20
9 am – noon — Powell Creek NatureMapping Field Trip
(Yelm) The Nisqually Land Trust is seeking wildlife data on this property on the Nisqually River. The Powell Creek site is in the Yelm area and has been recently planted in efforts to restore the natural habitat for wildlife use along the River. The event is free, and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should dress for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces: the terrain ranges from level unpaved roads to uneven meadows and forests; some areas require climbing and maneuvering over debris. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
September 6
9 am – noon — Red Salmon Creek NatureMapping Field Trip
The Nisqually Land Trust protects this 25+ acre site near the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge that is a mosaic of small coastal streams buffered by narrow forest bands and pastures that have been planted with natives in the last 6 years. The site also contains a small area of salt marsh at the southwest edge of the property, and there is an active beaver population. This event is designed to obtain wildlife data from the site, and is free and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should dress for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces. The terrain ranges from uneven meadows and forests to riparian and wetland edges; some areas require climbing and maneuvering over debris. Rubber boots and walking sticks are advised for portions of the site. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
October 11
9 am – noon—Ohop Creek Restoration NatureMapping Field Trip
The South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually Land Trust and its partners have joined together to restore the creek through the Ohop Valley to its original meandering pathway. Northwest Trek is helping with the habitat restoration efforts by providing data collection and monitoring of the wildlife in the project area—using citizen-scientists to help collect data. This event is free, and you do not need to have NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in tall grass and in wet environments on uneven surfaces. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.