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, 11 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: South Sound Estuarium, 11 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
Citizen Science Opportunity: Amphibian Survey Training
Are you someone who likes to get outside and explore the natural world? Do you have an interest in local amphibians? Would you like to help contribute to a real conservation project? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you should join Northwest Trek’s Amphibian Egg Mass Survey Program! Participants will be trained with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife protocols and taught how to identify the egg masses of 8 different amphibian species. Trained volunteers will have access to monitoring tools, including waders, digital cameras, and GPS units to monitor for the presence of egg masses monthly from February to July. Training and a monthly commitment is required to participate in this project. The training will be held: Saturday Feb 7th 9am-noon (required in-class training) and Saturday Mar 7th 10am-Noon (optional field training). Contact Rachael Mueller at Rachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org to learn more or to sign up for this training session.
Nisqually Land Trust Volunteer Site-Steward Workshops
Are wild places important to you? Do you want to help take care of the special places you love? Come to one of Nisqually Land Trust’s Site-Steward workshops and learn about NLT’s protected areas, volunteer stewardship program, best practices, and also meet current stewards. Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. Workshops are scheduled for Saturday, Jan 31, 9:00am – 12:00pm (Yelm Lion’s Club Cabin) and Saturday, Feb 28, 9:00am – 12:00pm (Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge). Please RSVP so we have an idea of how many people will be attending: we have room for 30. To sign up for the Jan 31st workshop, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eab3f13k8db579fc&oseq=&c=&ch=. To sign up for the Feb 28th workshop, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eabb17yo6d45de21&oseq=&c=&ch=. Or contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. Directions will be provided in the registration confirmation email.
Thurston Conservation District Annual Native Plant Sale
Do you want to build a rain garden, create a yard that invites wildlife, reduce your impact on stormwater runoff or simply re-plant a bare area? We have the affordable native plants that you need! Pre-order your beautiful native plants online now through January 30th! Check out our website (www.thurstoncd.com/store) to see our full selection and place your pre-order today! Plant pick up is March 5, 6, and 7.
Monday, January 19 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
9 am – 1 pm — Mud Bay Planting Party with Capitol Land Trust
(Olympia Westside) Help us create a beautiful forested shoreline by joining us as we plant native trees and shrubs at Capitol Land Trust’s Randall Preserve property on Mud Bay. RSVP for more information and directions—and so we know how many people are coming—by going to http://capitollandtrust.org/pages/events.html and clicking on the event.
9:00am-3:00pm — MLK Day of Service with Nisqually Land Trust
(Yelm) Join us for 2015 MLK Day of Service! We’ll be planting along the Nisqually River. Contact Cris to RSVP and for more information. [Volunteer@NisquallyLandTrust.org]
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) What happens when plant nurseries get really good at growing native plants? 5,000 extra Viola aduncua (violets) that need a home! On MLK Day come help these homeless plants find new homes on the prairies. These plants just need a hole, a little love, and excellent planters. How about we drill some holes and y’all come with the rest? 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. Dress for the weather (rain gear and boots recommended), bring a boxed lunch, gloves, and plenty of water. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
10 a.m – noon — Woodland Creek MLK Day Tree Planting
(Woodland Creek Community Park: 6729 Pacific Ave SE; Lacey) Celebrate MLK by spending a few hours with Stream Team serving your community! We will be planting trees and shrubs in Woodland Creek Community Park and doing maintenance on previous plantings. Come help improve our local habitat and community on this national day of service… and enjoy some sweet snacks, hot drinks, and cheerful camaraderie! Tools and glove will be provided. For more information contact Claire Skelly at AmeriCorps@ci.lacey.wa.us or April Roe at roea@co.thurston.wa.us. Please register by going to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.
10 am – 1 pm — West Bay Woods Tree Planting and Ivy Pull on MLK Day of Service!
(West Bay Woods) Come plant native trees and shrubs, spread mulch, and remove ivy with Stream Team as they join with the Olympia Coalition for Ecosystem Preservation and Washington Conservation Corps to restore the forest where local herons have chosen to build their nests. This is our last chance to do restoration work before the nesting season as herons need 7 months of quiet to raise their young. Please dress for the weather. Gloves, tools, and hot beverages will be provided. To register, go to http://www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event, or contact Tamara Lindner at tlindner@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360) 753 – 8159.
Tuesday, January 20
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Join us at the Wolf Haven Preserve to pull broom and work up an appetite. Directions to Wolf Haven: Take exit 99 off of I-5; go east on 93rd Avenue (left from southbound I-5; right from northbound I-5); follow the road for 1.5 miles, going through 2 four-way stop signs; when the road ends at a “T’ junction, turn right onto Old Highway 99 and follow this road for 3.5 miles; after going through a short railroad tunnel, there will be a Chevron gas station on your right—take the left that is directly across from the Chevron station, onto Offut Lake Road; Wolf Haven is the first right off of Offut Lake Road; after entering Wolf Haven, take the road to the left that leads to the prairie entrance. Dress for the weather (rain gear and boots recommended), bring a boxed lunch, gloves, and plenty of water. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wednesday 21 January
9:00am-12:00pm — Nisqually Land Trust Work Party at Yelm Shoreline
(Yelm) We will be planting along the Nisqually River. Contact Cris to RSVP and for more information at Volunteer@NisquallyLandTrust.org or at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
9:30am – 12pm — Decatur Woods Park volunteer work party
This is the perfect time of year to spruce up this beautiful park. We plan to focus on edging the walking path, weeding the tree circles and pruning back trees and shrubs within the park. Decatur Woods Park is located at 1015 Decatur St SW. 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 participants under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available at http://olympiawa.gov/community/parks/volunteering.aspx) or have a parent’s signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Mike Baker (Program Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
6 – 8pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Broth: Wisdom of the Cauldron
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) All around the world, people have boiled bones to make a nutrient-dense broth. The use of homemade broths has almost disappeared from the American culinary tradition with the introduction of MSG in 1908 and the instant flavor packets of this past century. But in addition to cutting down time in the kitchen, we cut out a healing, regenerative food. In this class, we will dip into the science of bone broth, and then go over a few recipes, complete with samples. Savory, easy to digest, and filled with micro- and macro-nutrients; let bone broth keep you warm this winter! For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
7 pm — Save Antibiotics Campaign Kickoff Meeting
(Olympia Center, Room 101: 222 Columbia St; Olympia) Do you care about having a healthy food system? Or are you concerned about factory farms? We have an opportunity right now to prevent antibiotic resistance. Currently, 80% of antibiotics in the United States are used on factory farms. Livestock producers use these drugs routinely, not to treat sick animals, but for growth promotion and disease prevention, a practice known as sub-therapeutic use. So the next time you or I get sick, antibiotics may not work. We’re asking our City Council members to pass a resolution asking Senator Patty Murray to sign on as a co-sponsor on the Prevention of Antibiotic Resistance Act (PARA). Please join us for this, our kick-off meeting. Find out more about the campaign and what you can do to help. With your support, we can get our elected officials to speak up for the preservation of this valuable medical practice. To RSVP, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Cpf6HMNclrlvOa8ktU265Xd5brfqtllfdMbI82h9p9c/viewform.
Friday, January 23
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. 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.
Sat, January 24
9:00am-12:00pm — Nisqually Land Trust Work Party at Yelm Shoreline
(Yelm) We will be planting trees along the Nisqually River. Contact Cris to RSVP and for more information at Volunteer@NisquallyLandTrust.org or at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
9:00 am – ~noon – Black Hills Audubon Society Field Trip: Woodard Bay
Woodard Bay has been closed all summer and fall for replanting and renovation—a joint project by the Department of Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy to restore Woodard Bay’s oyster beds and health. It is due to open to the public again at the end of December. Join field trip leader Burt Guttman, and be one of the first to see the accomplished refurbishment, as well as the birds of all kinds (and seals) who call Woodard Bay their winter home. Woodard Bay Conservation Area has a small parking lot which requires a Discover Pass. Up the hill to the south is a larger free parking area—simply walk down the hill and over the bridge to meet up with the group.
10am-1pm — Priest Point Park work party
Join us at Priest Point Park for these fun filled Saturday events. Our focus for these fun filled work parties will be the always needed task of invasive species removal including but not limited to English Ivy, Himalayan Black Berry, Holly and much, much more! Priest Point Park is located at 2600 East Bay Dr. NE. Meet in the lower loop at Shelter #2. 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 participants under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available at http://olympiawa.gov/community/parks/volunteering.aspx) or have a parent’s signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Mike Baker (Program Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
10 am – noon — Bee Talk & Bee House Workshop
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE, Olympia) Join Stream Team and special guest speakers Laurie Pyne (President, Olympia Beekeepers Association) and Glen Buschmann for a fun, fact-filled bee talk and bee house building workshop! Laurie Pyne, an avid gardener and bee keeper, is an advocate for honeybee conservation and protection. Laurie will talk about honey bee conservation and how to get started with your own hive. Glen Buschmann has expertise in habitat and housing needs of animals including 20 years of experience with Mason bees. Glen will teach us about our local bees and lead us in building a simple bee house made from a carton and newspaper rolls! To register for this workshop, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register.” For questions, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us
11am – 1pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Sauerkraut 101
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) 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. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
2 – 4:30pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Mood Food
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) Winter can be a time for depressed mood – especially in the Pacific Northwest. A diet with the right nutrients can improve memory, energy, sleep and attitude. In this class we will be cooking several dishes that combine the most powerful “mood foods”. We will also talk about supplementation for the winter months. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
2 pm — Puget “Sounds” & Bee House Building
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Dive underwater with us to explore Puget Sound’s acoustically rich soundscape. Chirp click buzz bubble groan – these are just some of the many noises sea creatures make! Listen to surprising audio, hear about the effects of human sounds, and use your ears to investigate Puget Sound. Presentation and whale song workshop at 2 p.m.! Puget Sound related crafts all day long. Stream Team of Thurston County is also hosting a Bee Talk & Bee House Building Workshop from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. To register for the Bee Workshop, visit www.streamteam.info and click “Register.” For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Sunday, Jan. 25
10 am-12:30 pm or 1-3:30 pm — Winter Twig Identification Field Classes
(West-Olympia) Add a new dimension to your winter outings when you join local plant experts to discover the subtle beauty and learn the secrets to identifying 25 local shrubs and trees without their leaves. Choose either a morning session or an afternoon session on Sunday, January 25. The Native Plant Salvage Foundation is offering these walking workshops that take place on a west Olympia nature trail for $5. Small groups of learners will be matched with knowledgeable instructors to learn the keys to identifying over 25 native plants. The skill is useful for gardeners and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors, even during winter months. Participants receive a free handout and an opportunity to purchase a detailed winter twig identification book. To sign up, go to http://www.nativeplantsalvage.org/events/winter-twig-identification-field-course or call 360-867-2167.
2 – 4pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Make Your Own Milk Kefir
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) Come learn to make your own milk kefir at home using Oly-Cultures’ live-milk kefir grains. You will leave knowing how to make milk kefir, and know the different types of milk to use, as well as many fermenting tips. You will be expert on how to store your kefir. We will discuss cheese making, baking, and other possibilities for using milk kefir. Questions welcome! For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Tuesday, January 27
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wednesday 28 January
9:00am-12:00pm — Nisqually Land Trust Work Party at Yelm Shoreline
(Yelm) We will be planting trees along the Nisqually River. Contact Cris to RSVP and for more information at Volunteer@NisquallyLandTrust.org or at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
9:30am – 12pm — Stevens Field volunteer work party
Spend a fulfilling Wednesday morning at Stevens Field. We plan to spend our time beautifying the park by weeding and mulching the planting beds within the park. Meet at 300 24th 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 participants under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available at http://olympiawa.gov/community/parks/volunteering.aspx) or have a parent’s signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Mike Baker (Program Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
29 January, Thursday
6 – 8pm — Book Discussion – How to Cook a Wolf, by M.F.K. Fisher
M.F.K. Fisher’s guide to living happily even in trying times, which was first published during the Second World War in the days of ration cards. The volume includes more than seventy recipes based on food staples and features sections such as “How to Keep Alive” and “How to Comfort Sorrow”. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Friday, January 30
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. 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, Jan 31
9:00am – 12:00pm — Nisqually Land Trust Volunteer Site-Steward Workshop
(Yelm Lion’s Club Cabin) Are wild places important to you? Do you want to help take care of the special places you love? Come to this workshop and learn about NLT’s protected areas, volunteer stewardship program, best practices, and also meet current stewards. Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. Please RSVP so we have an idea of how many people will be attending: we have room for 30. To sign up, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eab3f13k8db579fc&oseq=&c=&ch=, or contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. Directions will be provided in the registration confirmation email.
9:30 am – 3:30 pm – Salvage Plants with Native Plant Salvage
(Olympia area) Join us at a development site for a morning of salvaging plants! We salvage until about noon, then break for a hot vegetarian lunch. We move to our nursery from about 1-3:30 pm to pot plants. Salvaged plants go to habitat restoration projects, NPSF-sponsored educational projects, and to volunteers who help at the event. Volunteers are welcome for any and all parts of the day! For location and other details, go to http://www.nativeplantsalvage.org/get-involved/serve/native-plant-salvages.
10am-1pm — LBA Park volunteer work party
Join the crew from the Park Stewardship program at this well-loved park. Our goal for this work party is to continue with our effort of spreading wood chips on the walking trail within the park. We will meet at 3333 Morse-Merryman Rd. 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 participants under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available at http://olympiawa.gov/community/parks/volunteering.aspx) or have a parent’s signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Mike Baker (Program Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
2 pm — I Could Do That!
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) This youth career exploration workshop will highlight a variety of clean water jobs. Water Quality Analysts, Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, Operators, Environmental Educators, and more! Get glimpses of the kind of work involved in different career paths and some of the skills needed to do the work. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Tuesday, February 3
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wed, February 4
9:30am – 12pm — Grass Lake Nature Park volunteer work party
This is your opportunity to explore a little known trail in this gem of a park. Our plan for the day will be to walk the approximately 1 mile loop trail and trim back brush along the trail as we go. This gentle trail is great for hikers/walkers of most abilities. We will be meeting at 814 Kaiser Rd. NW. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all participants under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available at http://olympiawa.gov/community/parks/volunteering.aspx) or have a parent’s signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Mike Baker (Program Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
Thursday, Feb. 5
4:00-6:00 pm — Winter Water Quality Monitoring Training for Volunteers
Become a certified Water Watcher and assist with a field investigation! Help facilitate water quality monitoring at sites throughout the county, work with students to plant natives and fight invasive species, and/or assist with learning stations at the nearshore marine field investigations. To sign up for a training, contact Annie McElroy at (360) 754-3588 x102 or ssgreen2@thurstoncd.com. South Sound GREEN is a watershed education program of Thurston Conservation District. We work with students to perform water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and nearshore marine environment explorations.
6-9 pm — Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife Workshop, Part 1 (Introduction)
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE,Olympia) Winter is the perfect 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. During this workshop you will learn: Planting for four-season interest; Landscaping for tricky areas including slopes; Easy ways to minimize lawn area; Water-wise ideas for your landscape; How simple landscape changes can save you time and money. (See listing on March 5 for details on the optional Part 2 of this class.) To register for Part 1 or both parts of this workshop, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register.”
Friday, February 6
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. 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, Feb. 7
9:30 – 11 am — Amphibians of the PNW Lecture
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE, Olympia) If you’re curious about frogs, toads, salamanders and newts, then join Stream Team with guest speaker Dr. Marc Hayes from 9:30 to 11 am for a fun, informative workshop on Pacific Northwest amphibians. Learn about common local species, their unique identifying characteristics, life history stages, and habitat requirements. We will address how to identify different life stages of PNW amphibians with an emphasis on egg mass identification. Space is limited. To register, visit www.streamteam.info and click on the event. (Amphibian egg mass survey training will be after the workshop, please register separately—see next listing.)
11:30am – 2pm — Salamanders, Newts & Frogs…Oh My!
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE, Olympia) For those who want to apply their new knowledge out in the field, there will be a field training after the presentation, from 11:30 am- 2 pm, at Hansen Elementary ( 1919 Road Sixty-Five, Olympia). Space is limited for both the talk and the field training. To register, visit www.streamteam.info and click on the event. For questions, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us. WET Center visitors can explore the world of amphibians through arts, crafts, and inspirational media anytime throughout the day.
1 – 3pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Pie Workshop
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) Intimidated by pie? Fear no more. Join Olympia Pie Guild members as they demonstrate and discuss the science and art of making the perfect flaky and tender crust and delicious filling for traditional homemade pie. The instructors will walk you step-by-step through the entire process of pie making and you will leave with the skills and confidence to make your own, and some tasty pie samples. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
8 February, Sunday
2 – 4pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: The Trouble with Truffles
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) Virginia Lange, chocolate devotee and Co-op Staff, will guide you through vegan and dairy truffles, chocolate ganache, and chocolate mousse. Learn about why Fair Trade chocolate is important and so delicious. Leave class with recipes and a big chocolate smile. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Tuesday, February 10
7:00am-8:30 am – Capitol Land Trust’s 11th Annual Conservation Breakfast!
(Marcus Pavilion at Saint Martin’s University: 5300 Pacific Avenue SE; Lacey 98503) This year’s Conservation Breakfast will feature keynote speaker Maia D. Bellon, Director of the Washington State Department of Ecology. We also will be recognizing conservation leaders, landowners, and supporters who have prioritized saving the special places in our communities. Breakfast is free (a donation will be requested during the program). Please invite your colleagues and friends! We also are seeking Table Captains, Volunteers and Event Sponsors: we can’t pull off this important event without the help of our great volunteers and supporters. For more information, go to http://capitollandtrust.org/breakfast or contact Alison Beglin, Event Coordinator, at alison@capitollandtrust.org or 360.943.3012. Timeline: 6:45-7:10 am, registration and breakfast buffet; 7:15-8:30 am, program. RSVP to your table captain or to Alison Beglin.
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Feb. 12 (Thurs.)
7 pm – Black Hills Audubon Society Monthly Program Meeting: “Experience T and T”
(First Christian Church: 701 Franklin Street SE; Olympia 98507) Sit back and be transported to a place far removed from the gray winter days of the Pacific Northwest. Join Sheila McCartan and Tom Schooley as they share their experience visiting and birding in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago off the coast of Venezuela. These tiny islands are home to over 420 species of birds. Learn about the important conservation work and education programs of the Asa Wright Nature Center. Arrive at 7:00 pm to socialize – the program will begin promptly at 7:30 pm.
Friday, February 13
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. 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.
14 February, Saturday
8 am – 12 pm – Citizen Monitoring Opportunity: Forage-Fish Surveys
(Olympia) Come out to another forage-fish survey opportunity! Trained and untrained volunteers are welcome. Carpooling is available! Register online at www.streamteam.info and click on “Register.” For more information contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us.
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Ohop Creek
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
9:30 am – 3:30 pm – Salvage Plants with Native Plant Salvage
(Olympia area) For location and other details, go to http://www.nativeplantsalvage.org/calendar and click on the event.
10 am – 4 pm — Puget Sound We Love You
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Come celebrate Valentine’s Day with fun art projects expressing your love for Puget Sound and all the amazing creatures living in it. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
2 – 4pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Bokashi Composting
Bokashi is Japanese for “fermented organic matter.” Bokashi composting is a safe, quick, convenient way to compost in your kitchen, using specific microorganisms to anaerobically ferment food waste (including meat and dairy). Since the process takes place in a closed system, insects and smell are controlled, making it ideal for urban or business settings. This is a very fast process, with compost usually ready to be integrated into your soil or garden in around two weeks. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
15 February, Sunday
1 – 3pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Pruning Fruit Trees
Have a wayward apple tree that you do not know what to do with? An Italian plum that is totally out of control? Join Zach to get an introduction to successful fruit tree pruning. This class is for beginners and those interested in managing the trees in their lives. Get ready for a long, fruitful relationship with your trees! For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Monday, February 16 (Presidents’ Day)
9am-1pm — Green Cove Creek Wetlands Planting Party
(Olympia Westside, near TESC) Our 1st president allegedly cut down a cherry tree; in honor of his birthday, let’s PLANT some trees! Join Capitol Land Trust at our Kaiser Preserve property near TESC and help us create shady stream & wetland buffers. RSVP for more information and directions (and so we know how many people are coming) by contacting Mike Leigh at mike@capitollandtrust.org or at 360.943.3012.
Tuesday, February 17
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wed, February 18
9:30am – 12pm — Yashiro Japanese Garden volunteer work party
Come out to this hidden beautiful park for these series of work parties. Our goal will be to clean up the park, weed the beds and rake leaves within the park. Yashiro Japanese Garden is located at 1010 Plum Street 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 participants under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available at http://olympiawa.gov/community/parks/volunteering.aspx) or have a parent’s signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Mike Baker (Program Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
February 19
7:00 – 8:30 pm — Results from the Ruckelshaus Center’s Capital Lake Assessment
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia) Chris Page from the Ruckelshaus Center will teach us about their approach to collaborative problem solving, how they applied the process for the Olympia’s Capital Lake assessment and a summary of the results. Free and open to the public.
Friday, February 20
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. 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, Feb. 21
9 am – 5 pm — Lichens Lecture, Field Trip & Bio-Blitz
(Priest Point Park Rose Garden: 2600 East Bay Drive NE, Olympia) Stream Team is teaming up with Northwest Lichenologists for a LichenBio-Blitz. Come play with us for the day to learn about lichens in the Pacific Northwest and their importance, and about the stressors affecting their survival. Special guests Dr. Lalita Calabria and Scot Loring will share their fascination with lichens, the importance of these unique symbiotic organisms and their relationship to the health of our environment. They will join Greg Eide and other members of Northwest Lichenologists to take us on a tour of discovery in our local parks. The day will start with an intro talk on what lichens are, how to collect them for identification, their ecology and lichen conservation. For the separate field portion, we will break into smaller teams led by the experts who will oversee lichen identification and their collection, while providing hands-on education on the specimens that are found. We will then break, and those wishing to continue can join us at The Evergreen State College lab to further our identification skills. The end result will be a species list of the lichens found and identified. Collected specimens may be added to TESC collections to be used as further teaching aids. To register for this workshop or bio-blitz, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”. For questions, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us
10am-1pm — Yashiro Japanese Garden volunteer work party
Come out to this hidden beautiful park for these series of work parties. Our goal will be to clean up the park, weed the beds and rake leaves within the park. Yashiro Japanese Garden is located at 1010 Plum Street 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 participants under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available at http://olympiawa.gov/community/parks/volunteering.aspx) or have a parent’s signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Mike Baker (Program Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
1 – 3pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Crespelle – Italian Crepes
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) Crespelle – Italian crepes are a great addition to your menu. Add slices to soups, or fill with savory leftovers, vegetables and meats of all kinds. Sample variations in class, including dairy/wheat; non-dairy & gluten-free with buckwheat. Tips for making and storing, as well as recipes for dinner and dessert crespelle, are included in class. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
2 pm — Extraterrestrial H2O
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Let’s go to space, the final frontier, and investigate water outside Earth! We’ll learn how astrobiologists use water to search for alien life forms. Then, we’ll see where water comes from on the International Space Station (hint: it’s gross). Finally, we’ll explore brand new scientific findings of Martian and asteroid water. Presentation at 2 p.m. and E.T. crafts all day! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
22 February, Sunday
11am – 1pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Make Your Own Toothpaste
Learn about what is in most conventional toothpastes and how to pick the best one for your health. Then, learn how to make your own inexpensive, natural, and effective toothpaste. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
2 – 4pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Rendering Lard
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) The use of lard has made a comeback and for good reason. Come and learn why and how to render your own. When making your own from high quality, pasture raised pork, you’ll create a delicious, healthfully processed product for any cooking or baking. This class is hands on – please bring a clean tempered glass jar to take your lard home in. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Tuesday, February 24
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
February 25-27: GRuB Institute
For over 15 years, GRuB has been running agriculture-based alternative education, employment, and drop-out prevention programs that engage local teens in land & community-based projects, working to break cycles of hunger and poverty. This 3-day institute is a relationship-rich, hands-on experience offering powerful youth-engagement tools, established program design, strategies for strong partnerships, and a manual detailing GRuB’s Employment Program and GRuB School models. Most importantly, you will walk away with a tangible sense of the culture and environment that makes GRuB’s youth development model successful. The Institute is for: people who work with youth in farm or outdoor-based education seeking to deepen their impact; people who hope to start an organization that does this work and want to learn our successful model; and people who are looking for strategies to build successful school district partnerships. For more information and to register, go to http://goodgrub.org/youth/the-grub-institute. Questions? Contact Sara Finkle at 360-753-5522 or pollination@goodgrub.org.
Wed, Feb 25
9:30am-12pm — LBA Park volunteer work party
Join the crew from the Park Stewardship program at this well-loved park. Our goal for these work parties is to continue with our effort of spreading wood chips on the walking trail within the park. We will meet at 3333 Morse-Merryman Rd. 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 participants under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available at http://olympiawa.gov/community/parks/volunteering.aspx) or have a parent’s signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Mike Baker (Program Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
Thursday, Feb. 26
6 – 8pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Book Discussion – High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America, by Jessica B. Harris
Acclaimed cookbook author Jessica B. Harris has spent much of her life researching the food and foodways of the African Diaspora. High on the Hog is the result, an engaging history of African-American cuisine. From chitlins and ham hocks to fried chicken and vegan soul, Harris celebrates the delicious and restorative foods of the African American experience. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
6-9:15 pm — Beyond Landscaping Part 1: Marine & Riparian Revegetation
(Tumwater Fire Hall) If you live along a stream, lake or Puget Sound, this workshop is for you! Living next to water requires unique landscaping methods and approaches. Attend this workshop to learn how to improve the habitat, stability and beauty of your shoreline. While this workshop is tailored especially for shoreline property owners, it is useful to anyone planning to restore large sections of their property. Topics include managing invasive species, choosing the right plants for revegetation, erosion and waterfowl control, tree care, view maintenance and how to make an affordable action and planting plan. (See listing on March 14 for details on the optional Part 2 of this class.) To register for one or both parts of this workshop, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register.”
Friday, February 27
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. 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, Feb 28
9:00am – 12:00pm — Nisqually Land Trust Volunteer Site-Steward Workshop
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Are wild places important to you? Do you want to help take care of the special places you love? Come to this workshop and learn about NLT’s protected areas, volunteer stewardship program, best practices, and also meet current stewards. Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. Please RSVP so we have an idea of how many people will be attending: we have room for 30. To sign up, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eabb17yo6d45de21&oseq=&c=&ch=, or contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. Directions will be provided in the registration confirmation email.
9:30 am – 3:30 pm – Salvage Plants with Native Plant Salvage
(Olympia area) For location and other details, go to http://www.nativeplantsalvage.org/calendar and click on the event.
10am-1pm — LBA Park volunteer work party
Join the crew from the Park Stewardship program at this well-loved park. Our goal for these work parties is to continue with our effort of spreading wood chips on the walking trail within the park. We will meet at 3333 Morse-Merryman Rd. 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 participants under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available at http://olympiawa.gov/community/parks/volunteering.aspx) or have a parent’s signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Mike Baker (Program Specialist, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
10 am – 4 pm — Game Day
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Get out of the rain and play some games with us. Become the game piece for a giant board game called The Drip Stops Here, and learn how to save water at home. You can also play Oceanopoly, Ocean Bingo, Save the Sound, and more! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
1 March, Sunday
2 – 4pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Composting Toilets!
Just what is a composting toilet? Why should everyone have one? Does it smell? What are the benefits? Composting toilets can use no water, no chemicals; they can be completely natural and organic. The toilet is a mini-ecosystem that separates the liquids and the solids, converting the solids into humus (not hummus, the dip made from chickpeas). Great everywhere, they are especially perfect for boats, RVs, and tiny houses. Join Zach for this fun and inspiring introductory class. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Tuesday, March 3
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Thursday, Mar. 5
6-9 pm — Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife Workshop, Part 2: Landscape Plans
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE,Olympia) In this class participants will receive a planting plan consultation with local landscape design professionals. Bring your draft landscape plan and receive feedback from several local experts who can answer specific questions about your plant choices and placement. Work on and/or revise your plan during this session. Prior participation in the Naturescaping Part 1 (see Feb 5th listing) is required. Limited spots available. Register early! To register for both parts 1 and 2 of this workshop, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register.”
Friday, March 6
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. 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 March, Saturday
10 am – 4 pm — Robotics for Kids Day
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Come experience the amazing world of robots! This is a fantastic introduction to robotics and engineering, and great preparation for participating in local robotics clubs and classes. Between 12 and 4 p.m., staff from the Museum of Flight and student representatives from local robotics clubs will be onsite leading activities. At 2 p.m., attend the Museum of Flight’s “Robot Garage” workshop. No experience necessary. You’ll learn about the history of robotics along with the cutting edge robots currently being developed around the world. You’ll also design your own robot to complete a challenge. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
2 – 4pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Delicious & Nutritious: Inexpensive and Healthy Foods for Families with Young Children
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) If you provide food for youngsters,toddlers to teenagers, this is a cooking class dream come true. Join Erin and get set for success with the picky eaters, eternal snackers, and vegi-phobics you feed on a daily basis. You will leave with recipes for fast and easy healthful snacks and meals that will be gobbled up by the kids without gobbling up your pocketbook. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
evening — Black Hills Audubon Society’s 28th Annual Dinner and Silent Auction
(South Puget Sound Community College Student Union) The dinner is our major social activity of the year, giving members and friends of BHAS a chance to come together to celebrate the chapter’s achievements of the past year. Stay tuned for more details.
Sunday, March 8
9:30 am – 3:30 pm – Salvage Plants with Native Plant Salvage
(Olympia area) For location and other details, go to http://www.nativeplantsalvage.org/calendar and click on the event.
Tuesday, March 10
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Friday, March 13
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. 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, Mar. 14
10 am – 2:30 pm — Beyond Landscaping Part 2: Landscape Plans
(Thurston County Courthouse, Room 152) This optional Part 2 of the class held Feb 26th will allow a limited number of participants to meet with experts to review and discuss their personal revegetation plans. Following the plan review, the class will travel to a field site for a hands-on session on slope-planting techniques. Part 2 will include how to plant fascines and live stakes on a steep slope-site, as well as other practices to minimize impact and maximize stability. Please register separately for this class. To register for one or both parts of this workshop, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register.”
1 – 3pm — Scythe Class, Part 1
Want to mow tall grass and weeds with ease? This elegant peasant tool is an alternative to heavy, loud, polluting machinery so often used to work land. No fuel, no noise, no pollution! Ideal for small-scale farmers and homesteaders, this talk is an introduction to scything. Part 2, with a hands-on workshop, comes with later this year with the warm weather (and tall grass). Bring your questions, everyone welcome. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
2 pm — Septic System Care & Maintenance
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Happy Groundwater Awareness Week! Did you know Thurston County has about 70,000 households served by on-site septic systems? These systems treat sewage and wastewater from rural and city households that aren’t connected to the central sewer system. To work properly, septic systems need regular care and maintenance to protect your family’s health, our community’s drinking water, and our lakes, rivers, streams, and Puget Sound. This class is great for people who live in homes served by a septic system. Learn simple, inexpensive things to keep your system working well now and in the future. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
15 March, Sunday
1 – 3pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Make Your Own Deodorant
Learn how conventional deodorant is made and how to pick the best one for your health. Then, learn how to make your own inexpensive, natural, and effective deodorant. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Tuesday, March 17
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
March 19
7:00 – 8:30 pm — Discovery Speaker Series: Shorebirds of Puget Sound
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) South Sound Estuary Association’s Discovery Speaker Series presents Joe Evenson from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to teach about shorebird populations in Puget Sound—the science used to count shorebirds, the changing trends, and the relationship with forage fish populations. Free and open to the public.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Friday, March 20
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. 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.
21 March, Saturday
11am – 1pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Miso 101
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) Miso is a delicious healing food that is easy to make when you have access to the right starter culture. Join Meghan in this action-packed hands-on miso-making demo and lecture explaining the health benefits of miso fermentation. Miso samples will be provided. You will leave with recipes for making soy miso, other bean misos and recipes for cooking with miso as well. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
1 pm — Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) The Budd Inlet Treatment Plant has been cleaning up our urban wastewater since the early 1950s. Come and learn how we do it, including the extra steps we’ve added along the way to protect Puget Sound. A slideshow followed by a treatment plant tour will begin at 1 p.m. Tour participants must be ten years or older; please dress for the weather, and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
2 – 4pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Edible Weeds
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) Join Kate in exploring the edible weeds growing in our region. Learn to identify, collect, and prepare these pesky plants that ‘get in the way’ of what we choose to grow. Handouts will be provided, including recipes. Weeds grow abundantly in the spring, and samples will be presented as available. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Sunday, March 22
10am-2pm — Green Cove Creek Wetlands Restoration Party
(Olympia Westside, near TESC) Join Capitol Land Trust at our Kaiser Preserve us as we spread mulch and install anti-deer and rodent protectors around recently planted trees and shrubs. RSVP for more information and directions (and so we know how many people are coming) by contacting Mike Leigh at mike@capitollandtrust.org or at 360.943.3012.
1 – 3pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Superfood Fruit & Nut Snack Bites
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) Learn how to make your own delicious energizing snack bites out of raw nuts, dried fruits and other superfoods with a food processor. You will try some tasty treats, see how these morsels are created, learn about their nutrition content and receive some creative recipes, as well as a basic formula to create your own personalized snack bars. Great for on-the-go! Kids love them! For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Tuesday, March 24
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
26 March, Thursday
6 – 8pm — Book Discussion: Eating Animals, by Jonathan Safran Foer
Jonathan Safran Foer spent much of his teenage and college years oscillating between carnivore and vegetarian. He kept returning to two questions: Why do we eat animals? And would we eat them if we knew how they got on our dinner plates? Eating Animals explores the many fictions we use to justify our eating habits-from folklore to pop culture to family traditions and national myth. Marked by Foer’s profound moral ferocity and unvarying generosity, as well as the vibrant style and creativity that made his previous books, Everything is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, huge bestsellers, Eating Animals is a celebration and a reckoning. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
Friday, March 27
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Stay tuned for details. 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.
28 March, Saturday
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Powell Pasture
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
12 – 2pm — Hugelbed Workshop
Hugelbeds (pronounced hoo-gull-beds) are no-dig raised beds with that hold moisture, build fertility, maximize surface volume. They are fantastic for growing fruit, vegetables and herbs in relatively small spaces. Come ready to work and learn by doing in this truly hands-on workshop. Bring your work boots, work gloves, and we will provide copious snacks and beverages. We will install a hugelbed, start to finish. You will gain knowledge and experience, just in time to build your own! For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
2 pm — Sea Changes: Ocean Acidification Lab
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air helps insulate our planet and keep it warm, but there can be too much of a good thing. Our oceans are absorbing a very large amount of CO2 every day and this is changing their chemistry. It’s making them more acidic, a process called ocean acidification. This hands-on chemistry lab gives an introduction to pH, the effects of CO2 on water, and the effects on local shellfish populations. Workshop is appropriate for 5th grade and older, great opportunity for parents and kids to explore science together. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
29 March, Sunday
2 – 4pm — Olympia Food Co-op Class: Super-Easy Super Salads
(Why include a cooking class on a list of environmental events? What better way to become connected with the food we eat and the land in which our food is grown? And this class is cheap!) Want to learn to make a few easy and fabulous salads for healthy eating and entertaining? Come join Erin and learn 5 simple and delicious salad recipes. We will focus on using seasonal produce and will also cover basic vinaigrette preparation and variations. For more information and to register, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.
April 4
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Ohop Creek
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Sunday, April 19
10am-2pm — Celebrate Earth Day at Twin Rivers Ranch Preserve!
(near Shelton) Join Capitol Land Trust for an early celebration of Earth Day as we do critical maintenance of our many riparian buffer plantings. RSVP for more information and directions (and so we know how many people are coming) by contacting Mike Leigh at mike@capitollandtrust.org or at 360.943.3012.
April 25
9 am – noon — Parks Appreciation Day at Northwest Trek
Join Northwest Trek staff for a morning of native planting, trail work or other stewardship activities to help maintain the park’s native beauty. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
May 2
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Wilcox Flats
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
May 16
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Railway Road
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
June 13
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Braget Marsh
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
July 11
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Ohop Creek
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
August 1
9 am – noon — Habitat restoration & invasive species removal at Northwest Trek
Join Northwest Trek staff for a morning of native planting, trail work or other stewardship activities to help maintain the park’s native beauty. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
August 15
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Van Eaton
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
September 5
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Red Salmon Creek
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
September 19
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Powell Creek
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
October 10
9 am – noon — NatureMapping at Ohop Creek
NatureMapping provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to observe, monitor and inventory their local habitats and use the information gathered to effect real change. The data collected can be used by scientists on state and local levels to help make decisions that determine a healthy future for fish and wildlife. NatureMapping Field Trips are free for participants, and you do not need prior NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. For more information, go to https://www.nwtrek.org/classes-fieldwork and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.