THIS WEEK’S “HEADLINING” EVENT:
Sunday, November 9, 11 am – 4 pm: Suzanne Shafer Memorial Revegetation
See below for details!
RECURRING EVENTS
3rd Monday of each month: Birds and Beer (Olympia), 4:30 pm. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm
Tuesdays: South Sound Prairie 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
Last Wednesday of each month: Birds and Beer (Shelton), 5:00 pm. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm
Thursdays: 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 info.
3rd Thursday of each month: Birding at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course at JBLM. For more info, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm
Fridays: South Sound Prairie work party, 9 am – 3 pm
Saturdays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
South Sound Estuarium, 10 am – 4 pm (309 State Ave NE; Olympia 98501) http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/south-sound-estuarium
First Saturday of each month: First Saturday Birding and Breakfast. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.
Sundays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
South Sound Estuarium, 10 am – 4 pm (309 State Ave NE; Olympia 98501) http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/south-sound-estuarium
Other lists of volunteer events in Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife: http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/volunteer/events
Washington Department of Natural Resources: http://www.dnr.wa.gov
Washington Department of Parks: http://www.parks.wa.gov/262/Volunteer-Program
Welcome Chum Salmon at the Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail!
(off Hwy 101 between Olympia and Shelton) It’s that time of year again: the time when leaves start to turn, kids go back to school, and salmon return to their natal rivers to spawn. We’d like to welcome everyone back to the Trail for another great season of salmon viewing! This year the Trail will be open to the public on weekends through Sunday December 1st, plus 11/11 and 11/29, from 10am to 4pm. For more information and a map, go to http://www.masoncd.org/Kennedy.html.
Monday, November 3
7:00 PM — Resolution to ban the City of Olympia from using neonicotinoid pesticides +
Public hearing on the Final Draft of the Comprehensive Plan
(City Hall, Council Chambers: 601 4th Avenue E; Olympia 98501) For more information, go to https://olympia.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and click on “Agenda”
Tuesday, November 4
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) We will be planting plugs at the Tenalquot Preserve. If you haven’t been out to Tenalquot yet, this is a great opportunity. Tenalquot is a beautiful prairie, and has the potential to become one of the highest quality prairies in the area. There is already a population of Mazama Pocket Gophers and Golden Paintbrush, and in 2012 was declared good habitat for the Taylor’s Checkerspot butterfly. Planting is unscientifically proven to be a fun way to celebrate election day, and how could it not be a great day when Tenalquot literally translates to mean “happy land?” Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. Directions to Tenalquot Prairie: From I-5: Take exit 99 and head east on 93rd Street; when 93rd dead-ends onto Old Hwy 99, turn right and head south; turn left at Waldrick Road and continue until it ends at Military Road; turn left and continue until Military Rd meets Rainier Road (at the blinking red light); turn left onto Rainier Road and continue for about half a mile; look for the “Tenalquot Prairie Work Day” sign, and turn left off of Rainier Road and follow the gravel road to the gate and park. From Hwy 507: Head north on Rainier Road; after you pass through the blinking yellow lights at Military Road, look for the “Tenalquot Prairie Work Day” sign and turn left off of Rainier Road; follow the gravel road to the gate and park. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wed., Nov. 5
6 – 9 p.m. — Chum Salmon Stewards Training, Part 1 (classroom session)
(LOTT Wet Center Board Room: 500 Adams St. NE: Olympia) Every year, Stream Team trains Salmon Steward volunteers to greet people walking along the McLane Creek Nature Trail and answer questions people may have about this wild, native run of colorful chum salmon. The chum return to spawn in early November through early December, once the rains have helped the water levels to rise. If you are interested in being a Salmon Steward at the McLane Creek Nature Trail, Stream Team will be hosting a two-part fact-filled training in November. Part 2 (the field session) of the training will be held on Sat., Nov. 8, from 10 a.m to noon, at the McLane Creek Nature Trail. Both new and returning Stewards welcome! To sign up, go to http://www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar.
Friday, November 7
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) This volunteer day will be at Shotwell’s Landing and will include cleaning seeds and preparing beds for planting. Shotwell’s is one of the best places in the Northwest to learn about different native prairie species and what they look like. Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. Directions to Shotwell’s Landing Nursery (14447 Littlerock Road SW; Rochester 98579): take I-5 to exit 95 (Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west on Maytown Rd SW to the only stop sign in Littlerock (by the elementary school); continue straight for ~100 feet, and turn left onto Littlerock Road; go 1.7 miles south on Littlerock Road—Shotwell’s Nursery will be on your right. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
8 pm — Pier Peer
(Olympia) Join South Sound Estuary Association at Boston Harbor Marina for Pier Peer night-lighting events the first Friday night of each month. Peer below the waters of Puget Sound and discover the lives of mysterious and beautiful creatures. Jellyfish, colorful sea slugs, predatory worms and more visit us at the underwater lights. Learn about the animals of Puget Sound and see them like you never have before! The cost is $10 for 12 and older; children 6-11 that accompany an adult are free. (The event is not appropriate for children under 6.) Pre-register is required: go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/pier-peer. If you find registration is closed, don’t worry — there is a Pier Peer every month ALL YEAR!
8 November, Saturday
10 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) We will be planting at Glacial Heritage Preserve and we will finish planting the Camas quamash beds in preparation for Prairie Appreciation Day. This will be a great day for learning about Camas, planting, and the restoration process. We will be finishing the planting at a future Taylor’s Checkerspot release area. In the spring all this hard work will be rewarded with beautiful flowers and flapping, happy butterflies; however, your work this Saturday will be rewarded with Halloween candy and good company. 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. Shortly after you see a small tractor sign, you will see a brown sign marking Glacial Heritage preserve and a gravel road to the left—turn onto the gravel road and obey the 15 mph speed limit, as there are often dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road through the gate, and then take the first right and follow the road, staying to the left until you get to the house. Park in the small lot by the volunteer office. 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.
11a – 4p – Special Activity at the Estuarium: Marine Mammals of the Puget Sound
(South Sound Estuarium: 309 State Ave. NE, Olympia) Which critters visit us in the South Sound? When? How often? South Sound Estuarium is a marine life discovery center featuring aquariums, interactive activities and interpretive exhibits. Great place to visit for all ages. Parking is free on the weekends!
12-4 — What’s the Buzz about Honeybees?
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Want to know more about the fuzzy, amazing honeybee? Join the Olympia Beekeepers Association from 12-4 pm for fun activities as you interact with local beekeepers. Bees are important to humans in so many ways – they pollinate food and flowering plants and make many products we enjoy like honey and beeswax. Attend a 2 pm presentation to learn about life in a honeybee hive; why we’re so interconnected with bees; why they’re currently in trouble; and the simple things we can do to help protect them. Bee there! Free! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
3 – 5pm — Great Grains!
(Why include cooking classes in a list of environmental events? Because learning to prepare your own food reduces your use of packaging and often energy, and connects you to the food you eat and the planet that provides it!) Learn to prepare grains for maximum nutrition. Jeannine will share traditional methods of sprouting, soaking, and fermenting that support your digestive system. How could the same grain, prepared differently, affect your body so differently? Jeannine knows, and by the end of this class, you will too! Sponsored by the Olympia Food Co-op. For location, to register and learn about other classes, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
7-9 pm — Owls and Woodpeckers: An evening with wildlife photographer & author Paul Bannick
(Coach House at the State Capital Museum: 211 21st Ave SW; Olympia) Join us for an informative presentation full of beautiful photographs of owls and woodpeckers. Paul will have copies of his book The Owl and the Woodpecker and the recently published Woodpeckers of North America: A Naturalist’s Guide. Prior to Paul’s presentation, the Polly Dyer Cascadia Broadband will have an informal meeting and potluck of light appetizers. Join us from 6 to 6:45pm and learn about The Great Old Broads for Wilderness and our local Broadband’s activities. Admission is free, donations are accepted!
Sunday, November 9
11 am – 4 pm – Suzanne Shafer Memorial Revegetation
Join Native Plant Salvage and Capitol Land Trust as we plant a memorial grove at Capitol Land Trust’s Twin Rivers Ranch Preserve near Shelton, in celebration of Suzanne Shafer, a dear community member who died this July. In appreciation of Suzanne’s dedication to protecting and restoring wild places, our organizations will be teaming up to plant a section of riparian buffer in her honor—and a large project it will be! At Suzanne’s memorial, Erica Guttman insisted, “No single tree to honor Suzanne: she requires a forest!” Olympia Federal Savings is providing some financial support for the project; all other donations are welcome. If you want to volunteer for this event or offer a donation, contact Native Plant Salvage at (360) 867-2167 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. Carpooling information from the WSU Extension office in West Olympia will be provided to all who sign up.
11a – 4p – Special Activity at the Estuarium: Marine Mammals of the Puget Sound
(South Sound Estuarium: 309 State Ave. NE, Olympia) Which critters visit us in the South Sound? When? How often? South Sound Estuarium is a marine life discovery center featuring aquariums, interactive activities and interpretive exhibits. Great place to visit for all ages. Parking is free on the weekends!
3 – 5pm — Perfect GF Pie Crust
(Why include cooking classes in a list of environmental events? Because learning to prepare your own food reduces your use of packaging and often energy, and connects you to the food you eat and the planet that provides it!) What is fall without an amazing pumpkin pie? Or an apple pie? Or a pear tart for that matter? Learn to make perfect flaky gluten-free crust that truly satisfies. We will learn both a traditional GF crust as well as a vegan alternative, both amazing. Taste-testing is of course included! Sponsored by the Olympia Food Co-op. For location, to register and learn about other classes, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Monday, November 10
7-9 pm — Rhyme of the Great Navigator: Echoes of Captain Cook in the Journals of Lewis & Clark
(Capitol Museum Coach House: 211 21st Avenue SW; Olympia) In the self-enclosed micro-universe of Lewis and Clark studies, the Corps of Discovery’s greatest moments are seen as unique, one of kind, or otherwise extraordinary. However, when studied in comparison to other expeditions, the experience of Lewis & Clark is seen not as an exception, but a part of continuum of effort and manner of expression. In this talk David Nicandri draws on the ways the voyage and literature of Captain Cook’s three voyages anticipated or prefigured events or explanations of the Lewis & Clark expedition. Sponsored by the South Sound Chapter of theWashington Native Plant Society. Meetings are free and open to the public.
Tuesday, November 11
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.
7 PM – REI/Capitol Land Trust Speaker Series: Wolves in Washington
(Olympia) Missing from Washington State since the 1940’s, wolves just recently began recolonizing back into WA State. With wolves being depicted in our cultural folklore, books, and movies as “The Big Bad Wolf”, what are people’s current perception of wolves? Wolf Haven International, a nonprofit sanctuary for captive-born wolves, located in the small farming community of Tenino, WA will present Wolves in Washington, a fun educational program about wolf behavior, biology and social structure. To RSVP and for more information, go to http://www.rei.com/event/61861/session/101806/11302014.
Wednesday, November 12
9:00am – 12:00pm – Nisqually Land Trust Work Party at South Muck Creek
(Near Eatonville) We’ll be cutting back Himalayan Blackberry. Contact Cris at Volunteer@NisquallyLandTrust.org to RSVP and for more information.
7-9 pm — Life in the Slow Lane: Understanding Slugs and Snails in Gardens and the Wild
(Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 South Tyler Street, Tacoma) In his book, The Secret World of Slugs and Snails: Life in the Very Slow Lane, David George Gordon invites readers to “step into a world that, until now, you’ve only stepped on.” During David’s presentation, he’ll share his insights about West Coast slugs and snails, their curious behaviors, relationships with native plants and fungi, and the many niches they fill in the natural world. He’ll also explain how to forge a meaningful and lasting peace with these slimesters and offer tips for controlling their damage to our flower gardens and vegetable plots. A book signing will follow his talk. Sponsored by the South Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Meetings are free and open to the public.
Friday, November 14
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.
6 – 7:30pm — How to Eat Cheese
(Why include a food class in a list of environmental events? Because learning to prepare your own food reduces your use of packaging and often energy, and connects you to the food you eat and the planet that provides it!) How often have you stood in front of the cheese case and wondered about all the different, enticing cheese, and then settled on the one you know? What exactly makes a cheddar a cheddar, why are some orange, and is mascarpone really even a cheese? Join our own cheese buyer, Ange, in exploring the world of cheese. This cheese journey is for novices, and will provide basics in understanding types of cheese, with helpful tips for enjoying cheese in a variety of settings. Of course, no one will be turned away for having advanced cheese knowledge and snacking is open to all. Sponsored by the Olympia Food Co-op. For location, to register and learn about other classes, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Saturday, November 15
6:00 am until after dinner – Black Hills Audubon Society Field Trip: Kitsap and Jefferson Counties
(From Olympia) Attention hardcore birders: this trip is for you! The first stop will be Gorst; further stops will include Marrowstone Island and Fort Flagler. The day’s emphasis will be to seek waterbirds arriving for the winter. In addition to waterfowl and other birds, this trip offers lovely views of Hood Canal, Admiralty Inlet, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Pre-registration is required. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.
9:00am – 12:00pm – Nisqually Land Trust Work Party at Yelm Shoreline
We’ll be planting along the Nisqually River. Contact Cris at Volunteer@NisquallyLandTrust.org to RSVP and for more information.
11a – 4p – Special Activity at the Estuarium: Movements of Birds and Salmon
(South Sound Estuarium: 309 State Ave. NE, Olympia) The journeys taken by species that move from place to place. How do they move throughout the Sound? South Sound Estuarium is a marine life discovery center featuring aquariums, interactive activities and interpretive exhibits. Great place to visit for all ages. Parking is free on the weekends!
2-3 pm — Hazards on the Homefront
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Find out about the hazards of common household products to people and the environment. We’ll show you how to read product labels for toxicity levels and proper use, storage, and disposal. Learn about safer alternatives to common hazardous products through a fastpaced bingo game. The presentation is ideal for ages 11 and up. And, two lucky people will win a green cleaning kit! Free! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Sunday, November 16
11a – 4p – Special Activity at the Estuarium: Movements of Birds and Salmon
(South Sound Estuarium: 309 State Ave. NE, Olympia) The journeys taken by species that move from place to place. How do they move throughout the Sound? South Sound Estuarium is a marine life discovery center featuring aquariums, interactive activities and interpretive exhibits. Great place to visit for all ages. Parking is free on the weekends!
Tuesday, November 18
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 19 November
9:00am – 12:00pm – Nisqually Land Trust Work Party: Ohop Valley
(Near Eatonville) We’ll be pulling English Ivy. Contact Cris at Volunteer@NisquallyLandTrust.org to RSVP and for more information.
6:30 – 8:30 pm — Confronting the Climate Crisis
(Olympia Center: 222 Columbia Street NW; Olympia) Join the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation’s group addressing the climate crisis. This year, we are active in four separate campaigns: 1) make Washington State the first state in the nation to divest from fossil fuels; 2) persuade the Port of Olympia to stop importing fracking proppants destined for the Bakken Oil shale industry; 3) start a housing efficiency demonstration project using no obligation public funding and on-bill utility payments; 4) persuade Governor Inslee to declare a moratorium on all fossil fuel infrastructure permits (the entire group). Contact Information: Bourtai or Ted at 352-6327 or climate@olympiafor.org.
Thursday, Nov 20
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm — Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife, part 1
(Tumwater) Join us for an inspiring and highly-informative class taught by Native Plant Salvage’s Erica Guttman, to gain in-depth knowledge and advice for how to create the home landscape you’ve always wanted. A well-designed yard can be a beautiful extension of your house, a place to relax and entertain, a place to play, a place to grow food, and a worthwhile investment. Your yard can also help protect drinking-water supplies, streams, lakes, and Puget Sound, as well as salmon, shellfish, birds, other wildlife, and people that depend on clean water. Enjoy visits from birds and butterflies—and a healthier yard for your family—as you create habitat right outside your windows. This is a great opportunity to learn sustainable landscaping techniques, receive an introduction to many beautiful native and water-wise plants, and take the first step to bringing your home landscaping dreams into fruition. Tonight is the first part of a two-part workshop, and features detailed, hands-on information about how to incorporate beautiful native and other drought-tolerant plants into your landscape to attract amphibians, birds and butterflies while protecting water resources. Participants will learn how to transform their landscape while also saving time, money and resources! Part II of the workship is optional, and will be offered in spring 2015 to a limited number of participants who want to bring their draft plans back for review and feedback from professional landscape designers!
6 – 8pm — Book Discussion – Our Food, Our Right: Recipes for Food Justice
This month we will be reviewing Our Food, Our Right: Recipes for Food Justice (2012) a great overview of the food sovereignty movement. Made up of a variety of stories spanning communities and cultures, there is something for everyone. Snacks and light refreshments provided, and as always, feel free to bring a dish to share inspired by the book if you so desire. Everyone welcome! Sponsored by the Olympia Food Co-op. For location, to register and learn about other classes, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
7 pm — Forage Fish: Why Puget Sound’s Salmon and Birds Depend on Them
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) South Sound Estuary Association’s Discovery Speaker Series presents Dayv Lowry, Research Scientist with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Other experts join him to teach about forage fish, what they are, why they’re so important, and how citizen science can help us learn more about population dynamics. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The 90-minute presentation begins at 7 pm. Free! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Friday, November 21
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 22 November
9:00am – 12:00pm – Nisqually Land Trust Work Party: Mashel River
(Near Eatonville) We’ll be pulling English Ivy. Contact Cris at Volunteer@NisquallyLandTrust.org to RSVP and for more information.
2 pm — Green Chemistry Workshop
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Make your own green cleaner samples and learn about green chemistry! Chemists from Earth Friendly Products will illustrate how to choose the right ingredients to make a safe and sustainable product. The workshop is for ages 8 and up, and begins at 2 pm. Free! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Tuesday, November 25
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 26 November
9:00am – 12:00pm – Nisqually Land Trust Work Party: Red Salmon Creek
(near DuPont) We’ll be pulling English Ivy. Contact Cris at Volunteer@NisquallyLandTrust.org to RSVP and for more information.
Friday, November 28
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.
December 5
8 pm — Pier Peer
(Olympia) Join South Sound Estuary Association at Boston Harbor Marina for Pier Peer night-lighting events the first Friday night of each month. Peer below the waters of Puget Sound and discover the lives of mysterious and beautiful creatures. Jellyfish, colorful sea slugs, predatory worms and more visit us at the underwater lights. Learn about the animals of Puget Sound and see them like you never have before! The cost is $10 for 12 and older; children 6-11 that accompany an adult are free. (The event is not appropriate for children under 6.) Pre-register is required: go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/pier-peer. If you find registration is closed, don’t worry — there is a Pier Peer every month ALL YEAR!
December 6
noon–Green Building Design Workshop for Kids
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Solar panels, green roofs, and rain gardens, oh my! This workshop starts at noon and encourages children and adults to observe, explore, and design together. A slideshow followed by a tour of our LEED certified green building provides the inspiration for a handson design lab. You get to be the engineer and construct your own green building model to bring home! Free! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
December 13
2 pm — Waste-Free Holidays
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) During this season of heightened consumerism, consider starting a new tradition of waste free holiday giving! Create your own, personalized gift certificates and envelopes for a wide variety of memorable experiences or services – the possibilities are endless! Join us for a 2 pm presentation highlighting how consumer products are made and their environmental impacts, especially their water footprint. Knowing the story behind the things we buy, use, and toss can help us make purchasing choices that improve our lives and the lives of others. Free! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
December 20
2 pm — Lunar Wonder
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Join us as we explore our powerful moon! Check out the phases of the moon and its effects on tides, plants, and animals. From werewolves to weather prediction, the moon is a prominent figure in the folklore of many cultures. Beyond stories, science is revealing more and more about the moon’s influence on rhythms here on Earth. Come learn, talk, and create as you explore the moon’s influence in your life. The presentation begins at 2 pm and there will be activities in the classroom all day. Free! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
December 27
2 pm — Down the Drain and Then What?
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Want to know more about how your community’s wastewater gets cleaned and reused? Join us for a 2 pm presentation on wastewater treatment, reclaimed water production and its uses, and what happens to residual chemicals from our medicines, cleaners, and personal care products. Hear more about LOTT’s Reclaimed Water Infiltration Study and how you can get involved! Free! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Monday, January 12
7-9 pm — Cowlitz Tribe Prairie and Huckleberry Restoration Projects
(Capitol Museum Coach House: 211 21st Avenue SW; Olympia) Ecologist Nathan Reynolds will speak about some of the habitat restoration projects that the Cowlitz Tribe is undertaking, both alpine huckleberry meadows and lowland prairie/oak woodland habitats. In particular, he will focus on the ethnoecology of these places, to demonstrate that many habitat types only existed because of the indigenous management regime, and that successful restoration often means a return to techniques approximating indigenous management. Sponsored by the South Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Meetings are free and open to the public.
Wednesday, January 14
7-9 pm — Cook’s Third Voyage and the Evolution of the Northwest Passage
(Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 South Tyler Street, Tacoma) Drawn from Dave Nicandri’s work-in-progress book on Cook’s voyaging in the high latitudes, and the map collection of the Washington State Historical Society, this illustrated lecture shows the progression of European depiction of the Pacific basin from the 16th century forward, emphasizing the pivotal cartographic implications of the great navigator’s third and final voyage in quest of the Northwest Passage and its aftermath. Sponsored by the South Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Meetings are free and open to the public.