RECURRING EVENTS
Tuesdays: South Sound Prairie work party, 9 am – 3 pm
West Olympia Farmers’ Market, 4-7 pm (1515 Harrison Ave NW in the parking lot of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church)
Fresh produce, baked goods, pastured poultry and meats, flowers, veggie starts, crafts and more. Everything is locally grown and produced.
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: South Sound Prairie work party, 9 am – 3 pm
Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
Saturdays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
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 (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
South Sound Estuarium, 10 am – 3 pm
Tuesday, May 20
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Join us at Glacial Heritage Preserve for a day of removing invasive Scotch broom from the prairie. 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. Because we are only at the house at 9:00 am and at lunch time—and it can be difficult to find us once we are out in the field—volunteers should plan to arrive before 9 am or around lunch time. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
12:00 – 1:00 pm — Wolf Recovery
(Montesano Timberland Library ) Find out what happened to the wolf and its habitat and learn what Wolf Haven and other organizations are doing to help wolves recover. Education staff from Wolf Haven International will discuss the recovery plans for the gray wolf, red wolf, and Mexican gray wolf.
Wednesday, May 21
9 am-noon — Yelm Shoreline Tree Protection
(Yelm) Join Nisqually Land Trust for work party to benefit wildlife habitat near the Nisqually River! We will be working at a beautiful site along the Nisqually River removing noxious weeds from healthy riparian forest. It’s another step forward in the restoration of this site. 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 tohttps://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e9av6ceyca0678c8, or emailvolunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
9:30am – 12 pm – Kettle View Park work party
If you haven’t yet visited this new Olympia park, now is your chance! Join Park Stewardship at Kettle View Park for weeding and mulching flower beds and tree circles while enjoying this quiet corner of nature. 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 (http://sitecore/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich Text Editor/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER Form.pdf) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going to https://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship. Meet near the small parking lot located at 1250 Eagle Bend Dr SE.
Thursday, May 22
2 – 8 pm – Kaiser Weed Whackin’ with Capitol Land Trust
(westside Olympia) Can you teach manners to blackberries and ivy? We’re going to try! Join Capitol Land Trust for our very first “Fourth Thursday in Oly” volunteer event as we administer tough-love to these miscreants and open up space for native plants on one of our conserved properties near Evergreen State College. Join us when you can and stay for as long as you are able! We will provide PIZZA, snacks and fresh well-water to keep everyone going! Dress for the weather, wear clothing and shoes that can get a little muddy, and bring a water bottle. If you have favorite gloves or weed-whacking tools, bring them with you; if you do not, we will have extra gloves and tools on hand. Stay for the whole event or drop in and join us for as long as you can! Either way, please let us know you are coming so we can have enough food and tools on-hand, by e-mailing Yen atyenj@capitollandtrust.org or calling her at (360) 943-3012. Directions: the Kaiser property is on Kaiser Rd NW between Evergreen Parkway NW and 14th Ave NW. (2410 Kaiser NW is the nearest physical address.) Get there by going south on Kaiser from Evergreen Parkway about 0.4 miles, or by going north on Kaiser from Mud Bay/Harrison Ave NW about 1.3 miles. Intercity Transit buses #41 and 48 stop nearby—get off at the intersection of Driftwood Road and Evergreen Parkway, and walk south on Kaiser Rd. The site is on the west side of the road: look for Capitol Land Trust signs. If you drive, park carefully: there is no parking at the site and much of Kaiser Road’s shoulder is ditched; however, there are several pull-outs nearby. Kaiser Road is fairly busy, so be carefully walking to the site. Please join us
Friday, May 23
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Come spend the day weeding the plant beds at Shotwell’s Landing Nursery. It’s a beautiful time of year to be there because most of the native plants are in bloom! 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, contactssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
9:30am – 12 pm – Kettle View Park work party
(Olympia) See description for Wednesday, May 21, event.
Saturday, May 24
9 am-noon — Mashel River Ivy Pull
(near Eatonville) Join Nisqually Land Trust for work party to benefit wildlife habitat near the Nisqually River! 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, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
10am – 1 pm — Kettle View Park work party
(Olympia) See description for Wednesday, May 21, event.
10am – 12 noon — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) From bitterns to butterflies, salmonberries to salmon fish, nature on the Refuge takes many forms. Join naturalists Art Pavey, Jan Kramer, and Cheri Greenwood on this nature walk that is sure to teach you something new about the natural splendor of the Refuge. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
3:00 -4:00 pm — Wolf Café
(Tumwater Timberland Library ) What’s on the menu at the wolf café, and how is the wolf adapted for its role as a key predator? Study how the roles of predator/prey species are determined by their adaptations and survival strategy. Learn this and more while examining skulls, antlers, and horns. This program is presented by Wolf Haven International, a nonprofit wolf sanctuary, education, and conservation organization. A question and answer session will follow. This event is part of Summer Reading, a Timberland Regional Library districtwide program.
6:00 – 7:00 pm — The Wolves of Washington
(Tumwater Timberland Library ) After an almost 70 year absence, wolves have returned to Washington. Where are they and how are they making a living? How are they affecting the people who live in Washington? This program is presented by Wolf Haven International.
Sunday, May 25
10am – 11:30am — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) The estuary is radiant with complex natural beauty; home to a multitude of insects, plants, amphibians, birds, and animals, all of them linked inextricably to create a single natural wonder! Learn about the big picture with naturalist Sonna Snow. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
12 – 2pm – class: Sauerkraut 101
(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!) 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 will leave with recipes and instructions so you can confidently create raw fermented sauerkraut in your own kitchen. The class costs $5. For location and to register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Tuesday, May 27
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) 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, May 28
9 am-noon — Ohop Valley Weed Control
(near Eatonville) Join Nisqually Land Trust for work party to benefit wildlife habitat near the Nisqually River! 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, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
9:30am – 12 pm — Evergreen Park work party
Much has happened at this small neighborhood park over the last year! Come out to see the improvements and lend a hand in maintaining the beauty of Evergreen Park during this week of work parties! Volunteers will create and mulch tree circles while also getting a jumpstart early in the season to combat 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 (http://sitecore/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich Text Editor/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER Form.pdf) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going to https://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship. Meet in the grassy field off 1445 Evergreen Park Dr SW.
Friday, May 30
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) 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.
9:30am – 12 pm — Evergreen Park work party
(Olympia) See description for Wednesday, May 28, event.
5:00 – 9:00 pm — Native Plant Salvage 20th Anniversary Annual Dinner
(Abigail Stewart House: 1002 Washington St. SE; Olympia 98501) Come celebrate 20 years of action in the community to protect and restore water resources and habitat! In addition to dinner and an all-you-can-eat Olympic Mountain Ice Cream & Sorbet bar, the event features live music by Vince Brown, a presentation by artist Kathy Gore-Fuss, recognition of volunteers, and a silent auction to raise funds to support education and action projects. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required. See nativeplantsalvage.org for more details, or contact 360-867-2167 ornativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
Saturday, May 31
9am – 11am — Birding Basics: Learning to See
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) What subtle cues do experienced birders use to quickly and accurately identify species? Birding is nothing less than the art of seeing, so the techniques used by birders increase awareness of all things natural. Refuge Ranger Michael Schramm will guide you through the estuary’s diverse habitats on an odyssey of avian discovery, all the while teaching the ins and outs of birding. Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center—and remember to bring binoculars! The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
10am – 1 pm — Evergreen Park work party
(Olympia) See description for Wednesday, May 28, event.
10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife Field Class (moved from May 3)
(First United Methodist Church of Olympia: 1224 Legion Way SE; Olympia 98501) Join us as we learn about sustainable landscaping techniques that will save time and money while attracting birds and butterflies and protecting water resources. Seasoned horticulture experts Linda Andrews, a professional landscape designer, and Erica Guttman of Washington State University will lead the class. Topics include how to make a landscaping plan; design ideas for outdoor living spaces; managing drainage, slopes and other trouble spots; how to reduce unnecessary lawn; how to create habitat for birds and butterflies; and selecting water-wise plants for all four seasons. The morning classroom session will be followed by field visits to local landscapes. Bus transportation will be provided. To register and reserve a spot, go to http://streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm OR 1:00-2:00 pm – Stream Bug Spectacular!
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia 98501) Interested in discovering what creatures reside on the bottom of our streams and rivers around Puget Sound? Join Stream Team for a stream bug spectacular as we examine and identify live macro invertebrates from a local stream! Come ready to learn, play, and observe! To register, go tohttp://streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event, or contact Missy Ayres atmayres@ci.lacey.wa.us or 360-438-2672.
June 2
5-7 pm – South Sound Sierra Group meeting
(Tumwater Library: 7023 New Market Street; Tumwater 98501-6563) Come join us and meet County Commissioner Karen Valenzuela to ask her questions. We also will be joined by Laura Hendricks, who will talk about the herbicide spraying planned for Willapa Bay and Puget Sound.
Tuesday, June 3
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) 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, June 4
9:30am – 12 pm — Priest Point Park work party
Join Park Stewardship at this popular Olympia park to continue fighting invasive English Ivy! Volunteers will tackle a small portion of ivy to help alleviate the pressure on native 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 (http://sitecore/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich Text Editor/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER Form.pdf) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Priest Point Park is located at 2600 East Bay Dr NE. Follow signs to the work party meeting place located under an unmarked shelter along the northern loop. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going tohttps://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
Friday, June 6
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) 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, June 7
8:30am – 12noon — Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or of hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join experienced birder David Richardson for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures: The birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
9 am to noon – National Trails Day at Northwest Trek
(Eatonville) Join Northwest Trek staff for a morning of native planting, trail work or other stewardship activities to help maintain the park’s native beauty. Please contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org for more information or to sign up.
9am – 12 pm — National Trails Day stewardship event at Priest Point Park!
Celebrate trails! The Park Stewardship Program is teaming up with Centro (formerly Alpine Experience) to celebrate National Trails Day with a fun and exciting stewardship work party. Come help enhance the beach trail at Priest Point Park! Tools, gloves, and light refreshments will be provided. Meet at Kitchen Shelter #2 off 2600 East Bay Dr NE. Centro is giving cash to the school with the most student volunteers for Earth Day and National Trails Day events. 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 (http://sitecore/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich Text Editor/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER Form.pdf) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Show your school spirit and join our project! To sign up, go tohttps://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec or contact Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Meet the Trees of Washington
(Olympia) In this fun field class, participants will be introduced to the magnificence of our native trees as well as four South Sound ecosystems. Following a morning in the classroom, we’ll travel by bus for a field trip to a local nature trail to learn to identify native trees, shrubs, ferns, and perennials. To register, go to http://streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.
1pm – 2:30pm — It’s in Your Nature: Sights and Sounds of Spring
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) During this guided walk, your senses will be filled with bird song, bird sightings, and flowering native plants that are present on the Refuge during Spring. Learn about and enjoy the variety of natural wonders that can be found on a walk around the Twin Barns Loop Trail with naturalist Juni Greenough. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him atmichael_schramm@fws.gov.
2:00 pm — Shrink Your Water Footprint
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) How much water do you use? Join us for a fun, engaging presentation about how to calculate and shrink your “water footprint.” A water footprint is the total amount of water you use, including the water you use directly in your home and the water used indirectly to produce the food you eat, the energy you use, and the products you buy. The hidden water use of these processes may surprise you! You’ll leave with a new understanding of your water use and ideas for conserving water at home.For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Sunday, June 8
10 am – 4 pm – Twin Rivers Ranch Spring Cleaning continues!
(Shelton) Join Capitol Land Trust for our first “Second Sunday at Twin Rivers Ranch” volunteer event! Capitol Land Trust has preserved this 133-acre gem at the north end of Oakland Bay. (Go tohttp://www.capitollandtrust.org/pages/conservedland/Twin.html for details.) And with the help of many funding sources and scores of volunteers, we have removed acres of non-native invasive plants and planted thousands of native plants in their place. But conservation requires on-going maintenance, and we need your help to remove competing and over-growing vegetation from around the existing plantings a hand. No experience is necessary. And if you stay until the end of the event, you’ll get a tour of this amazing property! To register and get directions, emailinfo@capitollandtrust.org or call Yen at (360)943-3012. Dress for the weather, wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy, and bring a bag lunch and water. We will provide tools, gloves, snacks and extra water.
1pm – 2:30pm — The Nisqually and Medicine Creek: Where Nature, Culture and History Converge
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Learn about the events surrounding the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty; explore how the Nisqually people came to the Nisqually delta and how their lives changed with the settlement of Europeans. Lynn Corliss leads you down history’s winding path, where you will discover important things about the people who enjoyed this land before you did. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Tuesday, June 10
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) 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, June 11
9:30am – 12 pm — Burri Park work party
Join Park Stewardship as we remove 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 (http://sitecore/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich Text Editor/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER Form.pdf) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going tohttps://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
Friday, June 13
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) 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, 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 Rachael Mueller atRachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.
9 am – Noon – Franklin Park Work Party
(1201 S Puget Ave; Tacoma) Metro Parks Tacoma, the Central Neighborhood Council, and Friends of South 12th Street are joining together to clean up and improve Franklin Park. On the 2nd Saturday of each month we meet at the entrance to Franklin Park for a work party cleaning up the park and removing overgrown brush and invasive species. Tools, snacks, and water will be provided, but please bring your own gloves and a “can do” attitude! Help us clean up, maintain, and transform our park!
9 am – 12 pm – Puget Creek Restoration Society Work Party
(Tacoma) The second Saturday of each month is our monthly restoration activity. We have all the tools, boots, gloves etc.—we just need willing and able volunteers to help out. We do a variety of activities such as planting native vegetation, eradicate invasive non-native, do trail work, pick up trash, weed around planted vegetation and a whole bunch of other activities. We meet down at Puget Creek. RSVP if you want to attend by emailing us at pcrs@pugetcreek.org or calling (253) 779-8890.
9 am – 12 pm – Wapato Hills Clean-up Party
(Tacoma) Join fellow volunteers as work continues to clean-up Wapato Hills Urban Wildlife Habitat. This work party meets on the second Saturday of each month, and is currently removing invasive species and doing general clean-up. For directions, go tohttp://www.metroparkstacoma.org/wapato-park.
10am – 1pm — Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) With spring migration in full swing, the Refuge is all aflutter! Experience the thrill of seeing swallows (four different species) or the wichity wichity of the common yellowthroat! Join experienced birder Eric Slagle for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures—the birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
10 am -4 pm – Frustrationless Flyers and Puget Sound I Love You Festival
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Spring is here and it’s a great time for kite flying. Bring in the family to decorate and assemble your very own “frustrationless flyer” kite. These are the easiest kites you’ll ever fly. Then head over to Percival Landing and the Olympia Center for some fun activities, music, and movies at the Puget Sound I Love You Festival. Visitwww.psfestival.com for more information. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
June 16-20: Salmon Camp for kids!
Looking for something fun for the kids to do this summer? Check out Salmon Camp! Thurston Conservation District has partnered with the YMCA for the very first time to create a Salmon Adventure for youth 5-12 years old! Come celebrate the world of salmon by entering their world yourself! Look for food in the river, test your skills at making it upstream from the ocean and see if you can find your home stream using your sense of smell. There will be a field trip on the last day of camp to Priest Point Park. We will spend a day making t-shirts, seeing what people are doing for salmon and eating delicious food! Parents are invited to attend on this day! Come join in on the fun! For more info and to sign up, visit the summer camp page at www.southsoundymca.org.
Tuesday, June 17
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) 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.
Friday, June 20
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) 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, June 21
10am – 12 noon — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) From bitterns to butterflies, salmonberries to salmon fish, nature on the Refuge takes many forms. Join naturalists Art Pavey, Jan Kramer, and Cheri Greenwood on this nature walk that is sure to teach you something new about the natural splendor of the Refuge. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
10 am – 4 pm – Food Chains
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Learn about wetlands and make a food chain craft project. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or atambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
1:00 pm — LOTT Treatment Plant Tour
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Find out how LOTT cleans up our urban wastewater at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant, and the steps taken to protect Puget Sound. A slideshow followed by a treatment plant tour begins at 1:00 pm. Tour participants must be 10 years or older and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Tuesday, June 24
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) 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, June 25
Capitol Land Trust volunteer event
(westside Olympia) Join Capitol Land Trust for our “Fourth Thursday in Oly” volunteer event. Details coming soon!
Friday, June 27
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) 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, June 28
9:00 am to 2:00 pm — Leap for Frogs! 5k fun run/walk and festival
(Yelm) Come celebrate frogs and other amphibian friends and help raise funds to restore our local amphibian habitat! The fun-run/walk begins at 9:00am, and goes through the community surrounding Yelm Middle School and part of the Yelm-Tenino Trail. Afterwards is the festival, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, featuring a guest speaker from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, children’s Lily Pad Leap, food, and a chance to meet your local frog friendly organizations! There is a registration fee for the run/walk, but the festival is totally free. Get details and register for the fun-run now to take advantage of the early bird special at www.leapforfrogs.eventbrite.com. Visit the Leap for Frogs Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/leapforfrogs. All profits go towards local amphibian habitat restoration and to raise amphibian awareness! Interested in volunteering to help with the run? Please contact Sadie Gilliom at
tcdamericorps@thurstoncd.com or 360-754-3588 ext. 105.
9:30am – 12noon — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Life on the Refuge reaches its maximum intensity during the vital, turbulent spring. Flowers explode and the creatures of the refuge dance to nature’s eternal drum. Experience it all on a guided walk led by naturalist Susan Wineke. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
2:00 pm — Get Out of My Hair: Toxins in Personal Care
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Find out about the chemicals in personal care products such as lotion, deodorant, shampoo, and hair dye. Join Thurston County Environmental Health to learn more about the health and environmental concerns from these everyday products, how to read labels, helpful websites, and safer alternatives. You’ll get to make an all-natural lip balm to take home, and one lucky person will win a gift basket of non-toxic products! The presentation is best for ages 11 and up. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Friday, July 4
Saturday, July 5
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 Rachael Mueller atRachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.
Saturday, 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 Rachael Mueller atRachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.
Sunday, July 13
10 am – 4 pm – Twin Rivers Ranch Weeding Extravaganza
(Shelton) Join Capitol Land Trust for our “Second Sunday at Twin Rivers Ranch” volunteer event! Capitol Land Trust has preserved this 133-acre gem at the north end of Oakland Bay. (Go tohttp://www.capitollandtrust.org/pages/conservedland/Twin.html for details.) And with the help of many funding sources and scores of volunteers, we have removed acres of non-native invasive plants and planted thousands of native plants in their place. But conservation requires on-going maintenance, and we need your help to remove competing and over-growing vegetation from around the existing plantings a hand. No experience is necessary. And if you stay until the end of the event, you’ll get a tour of this amazing property! To register and get directions, emailinfo@capitollandtrust.org or call Yen at (360)943-3012. Dress for the weather, wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy, and bring a bag lunch and water. We will provide tools, gloves, snacks and extra water.
Friday, July 18
Friday, August 1
Saturday, August 2
9 am to noon – Habitat restoration & invasive species removal at Northwest Trek
(Eatonville) Join Northwest Trek staff for a morning of native planting, trail work or other stewardship activities to help maintain the park’s native beauty. Please contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org for more information or to sign up.
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 Rachael Mueller at Rachael.Mueller@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 Rachael Mueller at Rachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.
Saturday, 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 Rachael Mueller atRachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.