April 9 (Saturday)

(morning) — Bird Watching Trip on Oakland Bay

Join Capitol Land Trust for a morning birdwatching trip.  Led by local birding expert, Whittier Johnson, we will visit the estuaries and wetlands of the newly conserved Twin Rivers Ranch. We expect to encounter up to 16 species of ducks, plus loons, grebes, alcids, song-birds, raptors, and shorebirds that frequent the property.  Light refreshments, water, and hot tea will be provided.  Please dress for the weather.  Cost is $10 per person.  To reserve a spot, contact Guy Maguire at (360) 943-3012.

10am-noon – Discover the Wonders of Nature at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge; 100 Brown Farm Road NE; Lacey 98516)  In the context of Thomas Berry’s wisdom that Earth is the Primary Educator, children will immerse themselves in the natural world and “discover the wonders of nature at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.”  This program—aimed especially at families and educators—will include a tour of the Education Center, the Nature Explore Area, and information about the Refuge’s environmental education programs. This program will help children develop their inherent capacity to be fully present to the natural world.  FREE.  Co-sponsored by Earth Care Catholics and the Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee.  EXTRA CREDIT

10 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

(Shotwell’s Landing Nursery; 14447 Little Rock Road SW; Rochester 98579)  We have a variety of tasks planned for the day, including sowing native seeds, working in the raised beds, and enhancing the demonstration garden.  There will be a snack potluck at 3pm for all that are interested: please bring something to share!  Directions: take I-5 to exit 95 (the Littlerock exit) ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west to the Stop sign in Littlerock, by the Elementary School (the only stop sign in Littlerock); 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 Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or at asmithers@tnc.org.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

Sunday, April 10

10 am – noon – People for Puget Sound Waterbird Survey

(Titlow Park, Tacoma)  Help People for Puget Sound identify and count waterbirds at Titlow Lagoon and beach.  No experience necessary.  For more information, e-mail Christina Donehower at cdonehower@pugetsound.org. EXTRA CREDIT

1-3 pm – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance

(Olympia)  Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek.  Snacks will be provided.  For more information and to RSVP, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166. EXTRA CREDIT

Monday, April 11

7pm – One Piece of the Pie: Puget Sound’s Backshore Vegetation

(Capitol Museum Coach House, 211 21st Ave SW, Olympia.)  At this meeting of the Washington Native Plant Society, Erica Guttman (WSU Native Plant Salvage Project) will be presenting the results of her research on Puget Sound’s backshore vegetation and what these tiny plants colonizing the upper beaches might tell us about the bigger picture of Puget Sound restoration.  All are welcome. EXTRA CREDIT

April 12 (Tuesday)

6 pm – Dr. Bernard Rollin speaks on Animal Ethics

(The Evergreen State College, Seminar II C1105)  The Evergreen State College will host groundbreaking bioethicist Dr. Bernard Rollin.  Dr. Rollin is Professor of Philosophy, Biomedical Sciences, and Animal Sciences, and the University Bioethicist at Colorado State University.  He taught the first course in the world in veterinary medical ethics, and was a pioneer in reforming animal use in surgery teaching and laboratory exercises in veterinary colleges.  According to Jane Goodall, “Rollin’s voice is an important one in the struggle for animal rights. Rollin brings a philosopher’s voice of reason to the often heated debate about cruelty to animals”.  For more information, go to http://evergreen.edu/news/archive/2011/04/bioethicist.htm. EXTRA CREDIT

7pm – Olympia Science Café: Hubble Science at Two Decades

(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia)  The Hubble Telescope has entered its 21st year of operation.  During that time, its results have launched new fields of study, revolutionized others, and upended many a cherished theory.  Professor Bruce Balick in the Astronomy Department at the University of Washington will take us on a tour of the major Hubble results starting from the discoveries of new planets to views of the cosmos when the Universe was only a toddler beginning to make the first generation of stars (that is, 3% of its current age).  He will give a recap of the refurbishment mission to Hubble in 2009 and end his presentation by giving us a glimpse of Hubble’s successor, the James Webb Space Telescope and its capabilities.

April 13 (Wednesday)

1-4pm – Capitol Land Trust Stewardship Work Party

(West Olympia, near TESC)  Invasive removal at Harper Property.  Pulling scotch broom and blackberry, cleaning up plantings and re-applying mulch.  Contact Guy Maguire at guym@capitollandtrust.org or 943-3012 for information.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

Thursday, April 14

noon – 1 pm – Island Ecology and Community Participation in Mexico: a case study

(South Puget Sound Community College, Building 23, Room 220)  SPSCC professor and biologist, Lourdes Flores, will discuss her work in Baja California involving local communities in the conservation of marine and coastal resources.  She will focus on a case study that has been the basis for establishing marine protected areas, and for environmental organizations in Mexico to transform local resource users into stewards of their own communities.  EXTRA CREDIT

5:30-8:00 pm – Climate Solutions 12th Annual Olympia Fundraiser

(Wine Cellar Room, Waterstreet Café; 610 Water St. SW, Olympia) Featured speakers: Rich Feldman, PNW Regional Manager, ECOtality North America; Gregg Small, Climate Solutions, Executive Director; and Lisa Smith, Enterprise for Equity.  Come support Climate Solutions and hear Rich Feldman from ECOtality who’ll share the very latest news on their ambitious rollout of Electric Vehicle charging station infrastructure in our region.  RSVP by April 4^th to http://csolympiafundraiser2011.eventbrite.com.

6:30 pm – Paul Stamets on “Solutions from the Underground: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World”

(The Evergreen State College Longhouse)  Paul Stamets—innovator, author, and mushroom expert extraordinaire—will be the featured speaker for this year’s Rachel Carson Forum.  His lecture will speak to the power of mycelium, its inherent network design, and how it affords us many opportunities for helping restore the planet.  Stamets believes that fungal solutions can help solve famine, disease, improve environments and reduce the threat of terrorism.  Join us for an evening lecture, followed by a mushroom and environmental community fair.  Doors open at 6:30 pm.  Tickets are free to all students with a valid ID, and $5 for community members.  Purchase your tickets online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/166034. For more information, please visit http://mesassociation.wordpress.com.  EXTRA CREDIT

Friday, April 15

6-7 pm – 2^nd Annual Environmental Film Festival Opening Night Celebration

(Capitol Theater; 206 5^th Ave SE; Olympia 98501)  Kick off the festival with a delicious organic meal at The Gyro Spot outside the Theater and an opportunity to meet and mingle with representatives from local environmental organizations, including GRuB, SPEECH, NW Ecobuilding Guild, and more!

7 pm – 2^nd Annual Environmental Film Festival: Carbon Nation

(Capitol Theater; 206 5^th Ave SE; Olympia 98501)  Setting out to look at how people are addressing the realities of carbon and its environmental impacts today, director Peter Byck freely roamed the country to examine solutions in the process of being implemented now, from the world’s largest wind farm to a refrigerator recycling plant and more.  Virgin magnate Richard Branson, former CIA Director R. James Woolsey Jr., Earth Day founder Denis Hayes, and others are interviewed for this documentary.  Los Angeles Times critic Gary Goldstein writes that the film offers us “a stirring cross-section of pioneers, researchers and innovators committed to helping the world reduce its carbon footprint.”  The film will be followed by a Q & A with the filmmaker via Skype, plus a live panel discussion with local environmental groups.  Advance tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com—or  shortly before the showing at the box office.  EXTRA CREDIT

11 pm – 2^nd Annual Environmental Film Festival: Silent Running

(Capitol Theater; 206 5^th Ave SE; Olympia 98501)  “Truly a film that was ahead of its time, Silent Running is classic sci-fi that radiates a vital message that still has an impact today.  Set during a disconcerting future, the year is 2008, and the Earth has been transformed into a technological marvel: an efficient moonscape filled with humans inhabiting cities that run over with the most modern of accommodations technology can create.  The only things missing are trees and grass and anything considered a product of nature, which has been deemed primitive and obsolete in such a contemporary time.  But everything green is not lost; it’s just floating high above the Earth in giant glass atriums, being preserved for the time that the planet needs its original inhabitants once again.  Lowell (Bruce Dern) is one of the men in charge of this space expedition.  He loves his trees and the green grass, and he knows that these glorified greenhouses are their last hope.”  Advance tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com—or  shortly before the showing at the box office.

Saturday & Sunday, April 16 & 17, 10 am – 4 pm:  2011 South Sound Green Tour

The South Sound Chapter of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild is hosting their 2nd annual Green Tour, featuring a variety of green projects and workshops to help participants easily visualize solutions for their home or business remodel projects.  The tour includes 20 inspiring homes and builsings in the Olympia area, and an ‘EcoExpo’.  Come learn about the latest money-saving, eco-friendly ways to build, landscape, and design your community!   Builders, architects, designers, craftsman with a deep green focus will showcase their sustainable design and construction projects on this free, public tour.  The Tour is free and open to the general public, and will highlight a variety of green building, remodeling and retrofitting techniques, as well as a host of greener lifestyle options, including: the new Passive House standard, demonstrating the value of super energy-efficient construction; how homes and their occupants can approach ‘Net Zero Energy’ use; Built Green®, NW Energy Star for Homes, and LEED for Homes certified projects; how to incorporate energy and water efficiency, improved into air quality and increased comfort into small and large home remodel projects; and how to choose, where to purchase, and how to install or use eco-friendly products available today.  For details, go to www.ecobuilding.org/guild-chapters/olympia/green-tour.

April 16 (Saturday)

9 am – noon – Ohop Ivy Pull with the Nisqually Land Trust

(near Eatonville)  To RSVP and get directions, email staff@nisquallylandtrust.org.  Work Parties are rain or shine, so dress for Washington weather.  RSVPs are required for directions—this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone.  All youths 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  NLT will provides tools, gloves, & some snacks, but you are welcome to bring your own.  For more information, call 360-489-3400.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

9 am – noon – Mission Creek Nature Park work party

(Mission Creek Nature Park; Olympia 98501)  Help re-route and build a section of trail in the North Loop at Mission Creek Nature Park.  We will be moving the existing trail to higher ground and routing the water under the trail.  We will meet at 1701 Ethridge St NE.  For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360-753-8365.

9am – noon – Stormwater Pond Workshop

(Tumwater City Hall, 555 Israel Road SW)   Did you know that maintaining stormwater facilities in your neighborhood is the responsibility of homeowners?  Join us for a free class to learn how to inspect and maintain your community’s facilities.  You’ll get tips on how to pass your Thurston County stormwater facilities inspection, and discover simple steps to keep the facilities working all year long.  Participants will take a short, local field trip to get a first-hand look at nearby stormwater ponds.  Light refreshments will be provided.

Who should come?

• Residents who live in a neighborhood with a stormwater facility (wet pond, dry pond or swales), especially those who reside in Tumwater or unincorporated Thurston County.

• Homeowners associations and property management firms are encouraged to attend.

To register, call 754-3355, ext. 6377 or e-mail maunc@co.thurston.wa.us.  Sponsored by the stormwater utilities of Thurston County and the City of Tumwater.

10 am – 2 pm – Volunteer with Stream Team at the Briggs YMCA’s “Healthy Kids Day”

Stream Team will be hosting a booth at the Briggs YMCA’s “Healthy Kids Day”.  We will be doing fun hands-on activities with the youth and telling them about Stream Team.  The YMCA expects a few hundred kids and parents to attend.  If you would like to help staff the booth for all or part of the time, please contact Ann Marie @ 754-3355 ext. 6857 or finanam@co.thurston.wa.us.  (There also will be one or two Stream Team coordinators staffing the booth along with volunteers.)  EXTRA CREDIT

10 am – noon – FREE Workshop on How to Start a Garden

(Dirt Works Demonstration Garden–inside Yauger Park, in West Olympia)  A WSU Master Gardener will give you information on how easy it is to successfully start a garden.  Learn everything you need to get your garden growing: choosing seeds, what to grow, and when to plant; seed starting—indoors and outdoors; optimizing your garden space; fertilizing; organic slug and insect control; mulching; and crop harvesting.  In addition, free take-home resources will be available.  If you have questions please contact the WSU Master Gardener Clinic at 360-867-2613 or at master@co.thurston.wa.us.

6:30 pm – 2^nd Annual Environmental Film Festival: Into Eternity

(Capitol Theater; 206 5^th Ave SE; Olympia 98501)  A disconnect exists between the brevity of recorded human history on the one hand, which extends back less than 10,000 years, and the dangerous long-term persistence of the hazards of nuclear waste on the other, which lasts for hundreds of thousands of years.  It’s a problem that raises interesting questions about how to effectively manage the safe disposal of such materials in order to protect generations into the unimaginable future.  This documentary, interviews scientists in Finland and Sweden about the thorny issues involved.”  Advance tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com—or  shortly before the showing at the box office.  Also showing Mon, 4/18, at 9 pm; Wed, 4/20, at 9 pm; and Th, 4/21, at 6:30 pm.  EXTRA CREDIT

9 pm – 2^nd Annual Environmental Film Festival: End of the Line

(Capitol Theater; 206 5^th Ave SE; Olympia 98501)  “At the rate we are presently using our ocean resources, many experts believe that by 2050 there will no longer be edible fish available there—bluntly, zero fish in the seas. This documentary takes a hard look at some of the results of overfishing and what it may hold for the future.  Specific issues covered include the imminent extinction of bluefish tuna, in part a result of sushi catching on in the western hemisphere; the effects of an enormous overpopulation of jellyfish; and speculation on what the world would be like without fish.  The film also brings to light some of the grotesque but standard practices of deep-sea fishing.”  Advance tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com—or  shortly before the showing at the box office.  EXTRA CREDIT

Sunday April 17

2:30 pm – 2^nd Annual Environmental Film Festival: Fantastic Mr. Fox + the short, The Krill is Gone

(Capitol Theater; 206 5^th Ave SE; Olympia 98501)  Based on a beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox is the latest incarnation by idiosyncratic director Wes Anderson.  Fuzzy, precocious, and impeccably dressed, Mr. Fox is a former chicken thief who has settled down into the staid life of a journalist and family man, though the wild in him still beckons.  When he spies a chance at one last taste of the hunt, he cannot resist its tempting call.  A fun adventure for adults and children alike.  Nominated for a Golden Globe award.  Advance tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com—or  shortly before the showing at the box office.

5 pm – 2^nd Annual Environmental Film Festival: Earthwork + the short, Grandma’s Bottle Village

(Capitol Theater; 206 5^th Ave SE; Olympia 98501)  Earthwork tells a story based on real-life events.  Kansas-based crop artist Stan Herd traveled to New York in 1994 and talked Donald Trump into letting him create environmental art on a piece of land owned by Trump.  The film details how Herd, using soil, rocks, vegetation—practically anything he can get his hands on and that his crew of homeless New Yorkers can move—creates a complex multi-acre piece near an underground railway tunnel.  A reviewer for Austin360.com calls this film “delightfully quiet and quirky.”  Advance tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com—or  shortly before the showing at the box office.

7:30 pm – 2^nd Annual Environmental Film Festival: SoLa: Louisiana Water Stories

(Capitol Theater; 206 5^th Ave SE; Olympia 98501)  When filmmaker Jon Bowermaster landed in southern Louisiana to make his documentary about the people of the area and their relationships with the water, it was at just about exactly the midpoint between the region’s two recent colossal disasters—after Katrina, but before the BP oil spill.  The film affords us the opportunity to look into exactly what’s at stake in these catastrophic messes, introducing us to the unique individuals dedicated to water resource issues on the Gulf Coast and to the irreplaceable landscapes they are intent on preserving in the face of pollution, erosions, storms, and institutional neglect.  Advance tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com—or  shortly before the showing at the box office.  EXTRA CREDIT

April 18 (Monday)

7-9 pm – Preserving Agriculture in Thurston County

(Thurston County Fairgrounds, Exposition Center; 3054 Carpenter Road; Lacey 98503)  Everyone is invited to this community meeting hosted by Thurston County to learn about Thurston County’s current efforts to develop a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program to preserve working agricultural lands.  A PDR program provides a way for private property owners to realize the development value of their land without having to actually develop it.  Representatives from local Land Trusts will be on hand to discuss the role land trusts can play in working with farmers to promote agriculture in Thurston County.  in addition, information about local state and federal programs and grants to support farmers who want to explore options for preserving their lands for agricultural uses will be available.  There also will be an opportunity for community members to share their ideas.  For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/home/docs/PDR-program-public-meetings-2011_1.pdf. EXTRA CREDIT

8-9pm – South Sound Pier Peer Exploration: night dockside adventure with marine naturalists in Olympia

(Boston Harbor Marina, Olympia)  Fall in love with Puget Sound again, or for the first time!  Join People For Puget Sound naturalists out on the docks for a night time adventure.  We’ll see the food web in action!  We may be joined by giant marine worms, colorful sea slugs, sea stars, larval fish, jelly fish and maybe even the luminescent squid!  AND you never know when the harbor seal might swing by for a snack.  People For Puget Sound members free; non-member adults, $10.  (Children free)  This is a family-friendly event but we advise parents not to bring children under 8.  All children must by supervised by an adult.  Please dress for the weather (and damp docks) and bring your own flashlights.  Advance reservations are required, and space is limited. To RSVP, go to http://pugetsound.org/forms/event_rsvp.  For more information, contact Gabby Byrne, (360) 754-9177.  EXTRA CREDIT

9 pm – film: Into Eternity

(Capitol Theater; 206 5^th Ave SE; Olympia 98501)  A disconnect exists between the brevity of recorded human history on the one hand, which extends back less than 10,000 years, and the dangerous long-term persistence of the hazards of nuclear waste on the other, which lasts for hundreds of thousands of years.  It’s a problem that raises interesting questions about how to effectively manage the safe disposal of such materials in order to protect generations into the unimaginable future.  This documentary, interviews scientists in Finland and Sweden about the thorny issues involved.”  Advance tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com—or  shortly before the showing at the box office.  Also showing Wed, 4/20, at 9 pm; and Th, 4/21, at 6:30 pm.  EXTRA CREDIT

Tuesday, April 19

9:30 am – 3 pm – Mima Creek Plant Salvage with the Native Plant Salvage Project

Salvaging begins at 9:30 am at the site.  We’ll dig until lunch, then move to our holding beds off RW Johnson Blvd. to pot up salvaged plants around 1 pm.  For more information and to RSVP, contact the WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. VOLUNTEER EVENT

7-9 pm – (movie) Fresh: New thinking about what we’re eating

(Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church, 2300 East End Street, in west Olympia)  Fresh celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are reinventing our food system.  Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical vision of our food and our planet’s future.  Fresh addresses an ethos that has been sweeping the nation and is a call to action America has been waiting for.  Fresh recaptures our sense of agency and makes us believe that our individual actions in fact do matter.  Throughout the film we encounter the most inspiring people, ideas, and initiatives around the US.  And thus, Fresh showcases real people first and foremost, connecting audiences not with facts and figures or apocalyptic policy analysis, but with personal stories of change.  Join us for a showing of the movie, followed by discussion and refreshments.  Suggested donation: $3.  For more information, call 943-2734.  Co-sponsored by: OUUC Ethical Eating Committee; Earth Care Catholics; Sustainable South Sound; The Alliance for Community Transitions.  EXTRA CREDIT

April 20 (Wednesday)

9am – 1pm – People for Puget Sound Cooper Point Restoration Work Day

Join us to restore this stretch of shoreline on the Cooper Point Peninsula!  Your efforts will help to protect this beautiful native forest from aggressive, invasive weeds.  We will be removing English ivy and other habitat-modifying invasive species and installing native plants.  Bring a lunch and water bottle, and wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather.  If you have hand tools and work gloves, please bring them as well.  Light snacks and beverages will be provided.  This is a free, family-friendly event. (Children 10 and under must have adult supervision.)  For more information and to RSVP, e-mail Christina Donehower at cdonehower@pugetsound.org.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

6:30-8pm – Stormwater Pond Workshop

(Lacey City Hall, 420 College St SE)  Learn how to maintain your neighborhood stormwater pond at this free workshop. Well-maintained ponds help prevent pollution, flooding and erosion.  To register for the workshop, contact Erin Keith at 360-438-2687 or ekeith@ci.lacey.wa.us

9 pm – film: Into Eternity

See description in Monday’s listing.  EXTRA CREDIT

Thursday, April 21

6:30 pm – film: Into Eternity

See description in Monday’s listing.  EXTRA CREDIT

7-9 pm – Audubon Program: Whales in the Pacific Northwest

(Capitol Museum Coach House; 221 West 21st Ave; Olympia 98501)  Local marine research biologist John Calambokidis will present some of the new insights into the status, movements, and behavior of some of the larger whales in the region as well as findings on the impacts of ship strikes and underwater sound.  Program is hosted by the Black Hills Audubon Society;  the public is welcome.  Doors open at 7 PM, program begins at 7:30 PM.  EXTRA CREDIT

April 22 (Friday)

8:30 am – 12:30 pm – Earth Day Scot’s Broom Pull!

(Yelm)  To RSVP and get directions, email staff@nisquallylandtrust.org.  Work Parties are rain or shine, so dress for Washington weather.  RSVPs are required for directions—this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone.  All youths 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  NLT will provides tools, gloves, & some snacks, but you are welcome to bring your own.  For more information, call 360-489-3400.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

9:30pm – Luminary Procession of the Species

(Downtown Olympia) For more information, go to www.procession.org

April 23 (Saturday)

10 am – 1 pm – Priest Point Park Volunteer Work Party

Join City of Olympia Parks and REI on a forest preservation project.  We will remove invasive English Ivy and help preserve the trees in Priest Point Park.  Meet at the Flora Vista entrance at 555 Flora Vista Rd NE.  A shuttle will be available from the main parking lot at Priest Point Park between 9:15am and 9:45am.  Carpooling is highly encouraged.  For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360-753-8365.  VOLUNTEER EVENT

11:30am – 2pm – People for Puget Sound Thank-You Barbeque

(St. Martin’s Abbey lodge in Lacey)  All of the volunteers who have helped with People for Puget Sound’s restoration work along Cooper Point are invited to enjoy a free barbeque lunch and gathering.  St. Martin’s Abbey has organized this event especially for us as a thank you for our stewardship efforts.  For more information and to RSVP, e-mail cdonehower@pugetsound.org.

4:30pm – Procession of the Species ! ! !

(Downtown Olympia). For more information, go to www.procession.org

Monday, April 25

7-9 pm – Preserving Agriculture in Thurston County

(Swede Hall; 18543 Albany Street SW; Rochester 98579)  Everyone is invited to this community meeting hosted by Thurston County to learn about Thurston County’s current efforts to develop a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program to preserve working agricultural lands.  A PDR program provides a way for private property owners to realize the development value of their land without having to actually develop it.  Representatives from local Land Trusts will be on hand to discuss the role land trusts can play in working with farmers to promote agriculture in Thurston County.  in addition, information about local state and federal programs and grants to support farmers who want to explore options for preserving their lands for agricultural uses will be available.  There also will be an opportunity for community members to share their ideas.  For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/home/docs/PDR-program-public-meetings-2011_1.pdf. EXTRA CREDIT

Tuesday, April 26

7:00 – 9:15 pm – Antonia Juhasz on her book, Black Tide: A Searing Look at the Human Face of BP’s Disastrous Oil Spill

(Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church; 2200 East End St NW; Olympia 98502)  On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded fifty miles off the coast of Louisiana, killing eleven men, and unleashing an 80,000 barrel a day oil gusher. It became the largest oil disaster in American history, and it could happen again.  It is more than a story of ruined beaches, dead wildlife, chemical dispersants, corporate spin, political machinations, and financial fallout.  It is a riveting human drama filled with people whose lives will forever be defined as “before” and “after” the Gulf oil disaster.  Black Tide is the only book to tell this story through the perspective of people on all sides of the catastrophe, from those who lost their lives, loved ones, and livelihoods to those who made the policies that set the devastating event in motion, those who cut the corners that put corporate profits over people and the environment, and those who have committed their lives to ensuring that such an event is never repeated.  Free (donations accepted).  EXTRA CREDIT

April 27 (Wednesday)

9am – 1pm – People for Puget Sound Cooper Point Restoration Work Day

Join us to restore this stretch of shoreline on the Cooper Point Peninsula!  Your efforts will help to protect this beautiful native forest from aggressive, invasive weeds.  We will be removing English ivy and other habitat-modifying invasive species and installing native plants.  Bring a lunch and water bottle, and wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather.  If you have hand tools and work gloves, please bring them as well.  Light snacks and beverages will be provided.  This is a free, family-friendly event. (Children 10 and under must have adult supervision.)  For more information and to RSVP, e-mail Christina Donehower at cdonehower@pugetsound.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT

7-8:30pm – Community Interfaith Celebration of Earth Day 2011 – Celebrating Earth’s Families

(Lincoln School Gym; 213 – 21st Ave SE; Olympia 98501—one block east of Capitol Blvd)  This interfaith celebration will include the SongLight Children’s Choir, The Olympia Peace Choir, The Burren Boys, drumming, flutes, and spoken word from multiple faith traditions.  A collection will be taken to benefit the Nisqually Reach Nature Center and the programs of Interfaith Works.  All are welcome!  Light refreshments will follow the service.  On the bus line for IT #12, 13 and 68.

April 28 (Thursday)

6:30 pm – What’s New at LOTT

(LOTT Headquarters, 500 Adams Street NE in Olympia)  Join the Thurston County League of Women Voters to see LOTT’s new office and learn the latest on what LOTT does to reclaim wastewater, including how demand for this reclaimed water is growing. Social period at 6:30 p.m. followed by presentation and discussion at 7:00 p.m.

6:30- 8:45 pm – Rain Garden Workshop

(Tumwater)  Rain gardens provide natural beauty, food and habitat for wildlife, and they help improve water quality. A rain garden is a shallow depression that can be shaped and sized to fit your yard and planted with a variety of flowers, shrubs and grasses. Rain gardens act like a native ecosystem by collecting, absorbing and filtering stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, patios and other impervious surfaces that do not allow rainwater to soak in around our homes.  Join us for a free, hands-on workshop to learn how to add one of these lovely features to your yard. The workshop will give you all the details you need to design and install a beautiful rain garden that will manage your home’s stormwater drainage while protecting our local water resources.  Participants will receive a FREE, full-color rain garden poster and a FREE copy of WSU’s “Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington Homeowners.” Those interested in learning more can join us for a rain garden installation field day in early summer for hands-on learning and practice!  Workshops are FREE. Advanced registration is required. For more information, or to register, contact WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. EXTRA CREDIT

Saturday, April, 30

10am – noon – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance

(Olympia)  Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek.  Snacks will be provided.  For more information and to RSVP, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166. EXTRA CREDIT

Thursday, May 5

6-8pm – Fungal Ecology, Diversity and Identification

(WSU Extension Office, 5033 Harrison Ave. NW; Olympia 98502)  Participants will receive a general overview of fungal biology and the diversity of the fungal kingdom, followed by a brief exploration of the ecological roles of fungi as decomposers, mutualistic symbionts, and pathogens in our forests.  Actual mushroom specimens will be present to help with the identification component of the class.  The workshop will be led by NPSF AmeriCorps member Tristan Woodsmith.  The cost is $5-$10 (sliding scale). Space is limited, so be sure to register early to ensure your spot!  For more information and to RSVP, contact the WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.

May 7 (Saturday)

Black Lake Meadows Bird Walk

(Olympia). Part of the Bird-A-Thon sponsored by Black Hills Audubon Society.  Contact Sheila McCartan at schooleymccartan@comcast.net or 360-951-7251 for more information.

9-11am – People for Puget Sound Waterbird Survey

(Titlow Park, Tacoma)  Help People for Puget Sound identify and count waterbirds at Titlow Lagoon and beach.  No experience necessary.  For more information, e-mail Christina Donehower at cdonehower@pugetsound.org. EXTRA CREDIT

10 am – 4:30 pm – Naturescaping Field Class

(Olympia)  Learn how to turn your yard into a lovely year-round landscape that attracts birds, butterflies and amphibians with beautiful plants that requires little watering and helps protect our water quality. Morning classroom session will be followed by site visits to local gardens. Bus transportation will be provided.  The workshop will cover: water-wise ideas for your landscape; keys to attracting birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and amphibians; easy ways to minimize lawn space; how to solve drainage issues with on-site stormwater management; planting for four-season interest; landscaping for tricky areas like slopes; how simple landscape changes can save you time and money.  Erica Guttman (WSU Native Plant Salvage Project) and Linda Andrews (owner of Patterns in Nature Landscape & Design) will teach the class.  Both instructors bring decades of professional experience in horticulture and botany, plus a passion for protecting water and creating wildlife habitat.  Registration is required, and space is limited. For more information or to register, contact WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. EXTRA CREDIT

May 10 (Tuesday)

7pm – Olympia Science Café: The magnitude 6.5 Puget Sound earthquake of Fall 2011 (that no one will feel)

(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia)  Prof. Emeritus Steve Malone and Past Director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, UW

May 14

9-10pm – South Sound Pier Peer Exploration: night dockside adventure with marine naturalists in Olympia

(Boston Harbor Marina, Olympia)  Fall in love with Puget Sound again, or for the first time!  Join People For Puget Sound naturalists out on the docks for a night time adventure.  We’ll see the food web in action!  We may be joined by giant marine worms, colorful sea slugs, sea stars, larval fish, jelly fish and maybe even the luminescent squid!  AND you never know when the harbor seal might swing by for a snack.  People For Puget Sound members free; non-member adults, $10.  (Children free)  This is a family-friendly event but we advise parents not to bring children under 8.  All children must by supervised by an adult.  Please dress for the weather (and damp docks) and bring your own flashlights.  Advance reservations are required, and space is limited. To RSVP, go to http://pugetsound.org/forms/event_rsvp.  For more information, contact Gabby Byrne, (360) 754-9177.  EXTRA CREDIT

9am-4pm – Master Gardener Foundation’s 19^th Annual Plant Sale

(Dirt Works at Yauger Park, Olympia)  Includes a wide variety of plants (including native and water-wise plants), tool sharpening and composting demo’s.  Contact 360-867-2163 or visit www.mgftc.org for more info.

May 15

1-3pm – McLane Creek Maintenance

Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek.  Snacks will be provided!  For more information, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166. EXTRA CREDIT

Tuesday, May 17

3-7pm – Native Plant Salvage Project plant-salvage event

Looking for native perennials for your landscape? Our salvage site in Tumwater continues to be bountiful, and it will be cleared this summer.  Join us any time between 3 and 7 pm.  We’ll pot plants in the field, so bring your own pots or let us know if you need to borrow some. In addition to digging for your garden, we’ll collect plants for future NPSP projects, too.  For more information and to RSVP, contact the WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.

May 19 (Thursday)

6:30- 8:45 pm – Rain Garden Workshop

(Olympia)  Rain gardens provide natural beauty, food and habitat for wildlife, and they help

improve water quality. A rain garden is a shallow depression that can be shaped and sized to fit your yard and planted with a variety of flowers, shrubs and grasses. Rain gardens act like a native ecosystem by collecting, absorbing and filtering stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, patios and other impervious surfaces that do not allow rainwater to soak in around our homes.  Join us for a free, hands-on workshop to learn how to add one of these lovely features to your yard. The workshop will give you all the details you need to design and install a beautiful rain garden that will manage your home’s stormwater drainage while protecting our local water resources.  Participants will receive a FREE, full-color rain garden poster and a FREE copy of WSU’s “Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington Homeowners.” Those interested in learning more can join us for a rain garden installation field day in early summer for hands-on learning and practice!  Workshops are FREE. Advanced registration is required. For more information, or to register, contact WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.  EXTRA CREDIT

Sun. May 22

1 pm – 3 pm – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance

(Olympia)  Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek.  Snacks will be provided.  For more information, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.  EXTRA CREDIT

June 3-4

Sea Cinema Film Festival

(Capitol Theater, 206 5^th Ave SE, Olympia)  Celebrate World Oceans Day locally with the Sea Cinema Film Festival. 15 FREE films on marine life and oceans, including Oceans from Disneynature.  For more information, go to www.seacinema.org or contact Gabby at 360-754-9177 ext. 162.  EXTRA CREDIT

June 4

10 am – Olympia Historic Shoreline Marking Event

Meet at Sylvester Park, located at the corner of Capital and Legion Ways SE

11 am – Olympia Historic Shoreline Walk

TBD – Sea Cinema Block Party in front of the Capital Theater

The Sea Cinema Block Party is a FREE Family-Friendly block party in celebration World Oceans Day. Includes live music, arts and crafts, hands-on activities, live marine critter touch tank and more! Go to www.seacinema.org for more information.

Wednesday, June 8

10am – noon – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance

(Olympia)  Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek.  Snacks will be provided.  For more information, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.  EXTRA CREDIT

June 11

9-10pm – Night dockside adventure with marine naturalists in Olympia

(Boston Harbor Marina, Olympia)  Fall in love with Puget Sound again, or for the first time!  Join People For Puget Sound naturalists out on the docks for a night time adventure.  We’ll see the food web in action!  We may be joined by giant marine worms, colorful sea slugs, sea stars, larval fish, jelly fish and maybe even the luminescent squid!  AND you never know when the harbor seal might swing by for a snack.  People For Puget Sound members free; non-member adults, $10.  (Children free)  This is a family-friendly event but we advise parents not to bring children under 8.  All children must by supervised by an adult.  Please dress for the weather (and damp docks) and bring your own flashlights.  Advance reservations are required, and space is limited. To RSVP, go to http://pugetsound.org/forms/event_rsvp.  For more information, contact Gabby Byrne, (360) 754-9177.  EXTRA CREDIT

10 am – 3:30 pm – “Meet the Trees of Washington” Field Class

Sponsored by Thurston Co. Stream Team.  For more information and to RSVP, contact the WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.  EXTRA CREDIT

June 14 (Tuesday)

7pm – Olympia Science Café: Hair and the detection of breast cancer.

(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia)  Prof. Emeritus D. Lyman, Univ. of Utah.

June 23 (Thursday)

6:30 pm – Community Supported Agriculture

(Thurston County Courthouse, Bldg. 1, Room 280—2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Olympia 98502)  Presentation by and discussion with several local CSA farmers regarding the social, economic and environmental benefits of the increasingly popular Community-Supported Agriculture. Speakers will discuss the benefits and how it works. Social period at 6:30 p.m. followed by presentation and disucssion beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 30

4:30-7:30 pm – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance

(Olympia)  Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek.  Snacks will be provided.  For more information, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.

Wed. July 13

10 am – noon – McLane Creek Maintenance

(Olympia)  Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek.  Snacks will be provided.  For more information, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.