See Below
RECURRING EVENTS
Tuesdays:
9 am – 3 pm: South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party.
(See specific dates below for details.)
4 – 7 pm: West Olympia Farmers’ Market
(Parking lot of Gloria Dei Church: 1515 Harrison Ave NW—at Harrison & Thomas) Produce, baked goods, eggs, flowers, veggie starts, crafts, tool sharpening and more! Farmers, artisans and producers are from Thurston County, and most work and live on the west side of Olympia. Most produce small-scale, and many only sell to the public through the West Olympia Farmers’ Market.
7 pm: Olympia City Council (Olympia City Council Chambers: 601 4th Ave E)
Go to http://olympia.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx for more information.
7 pm (1st & 3rd Tuesday): Tumwater City Council (Tumwater City Hall: 555 Israel Rd. SW) Go to www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/ccagendasTOC.htm for more information.
Wednesdays:
8-11 am: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Bird Walk (Meet at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Overlook at 8 am, and join Phil Kelley from Black Hills Audubon Society for as long as you wish.)
Thursdays:
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
(700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) Fresh organic produce; Washington-grown fruits & meats; fresh fish, clams & oysters; dried herbs; fresh-cut flowers; breads; desserts; eggs; cheeses; jams & jellies; great food; quality locally grown plants & flowers; lots of fun; art and crafts from local artisans; live entertainment. For more information, go to http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
7 pm (2nd & 4th Thursday): Lacey City Council (Lacey City Hall: 420 College Street) Go to www.ci.lacey.wa.us/city-government/city-council/city-council-2/city-council-meetings/council-meetings for more information.
Fridays
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Saturdays
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Sundays
10 am – 3 pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market
Interested in seeing Chinook or chum salmon?
You can see Chinook salmon from through early September at the 5th Avenue Bridge in downtown Olympia. Volunteer Stream Team Salmon Stewards will be available at the 5th Avenue Bridge to answer your questions from 3-7pm on weekdays and 11am-7pm on weekends.
In mid- September through early October you can see Chinook salmon at Tumwater Falls Park. In early November through early December you can see wild chum salmon spawning at the McLane Creek Nature Trail. Trained Salmon Stewards are frequently on-site to help answer any questions you may have. For maps to the viewing sites, go to: www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/educate/salmon.
Sound Stewards Plankton Monitoring: Thursday, September 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 2:30 pm
(Port Plaza in downtown Olympia) Plankton samples will be collected off the dock and viewed at the LOTT WET Center. For more information, go to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/educate/sound. If you are interested in participating, contact Patricia Pyle at ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us
Volunteers Needed for Nisqually Land Trust Annual Membership Meeting, Sunday, September 15
We need help to set up tables, greet guests, serve dessert, cleanup after, and more. Volunteer for an hour or two and join us for a Chinook salmon barbecue dinner. Volunteers make our Annual Membership Meeting and Salmon Bake a fun event where friends gather for conversation and catch up with Land Trust activities. For a list of volunteer jobs, go to http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1106162622249-328/2013+Salmon+Bake+Volunteer+Opportunities.pdf. To volunteer, email staff@nisquallylandtrust.org, or call Nikki or Connie at 360.489.3400.
Volunteers Needed Saturday, September 28, from 10 am-1 pm
(West Bay Park: 700 West Bay Drive NW in Olympia) Olympia Parks Stewardship program is seeking volunteers to lead small 5-6 person groups for National Public Lands Day. Volunteer crew leads needed for the following projects: 1) Weeding at West Bay Park – remove weeds from planting beds (very straightforward); 2) Trail work on Garfield Nature Trail – add gravel to existing trail and replace wood railings; 3) Restoration work on Garfield Nature Trail – remove invasive English Ivy, replant with native plants, water and mulch plantings; 4) Check-in table/snacks. Those interested in leading need to contact Christie Newman at 360.753.8365 or via email cnewman@ci.olympia.wa.us to receive further details about the project.
South Sound Estuarium reopens September 14 – volunteers needed
After a very successful 7-week pilot, the South Sound Estuarium, a marine life discovery center closed for 2 weeks for reconfiguration and changes to displays. It will be open September 14 and remain open through December. The center is located at 608 Washington St. NE in Olympia, 1 block south of the Olympia Farmer’s Market. Hours are 10 am -3 pm, Saturday & Sunday. Volunteering at the Estuarium is exciting: always something going on in the tanks. If you are interested in volunteering, print out the volunteer form at http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103315549271-128/Volunteer+Form+6.2013-1.pdf, fill it out, and bring it with you to the Estuarium. Two orientation sessions are scheduled: Thursday, August 29 5:30 – 6:30, and Saturday, August 31, 10- 11 am. For more information, email nate@sseacenter.org. He can also send you the link to sign up for 3 hour shift: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm.
Join Stream Team at the 24th Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival, Saturday, Sept. 28
Volunteers are needed to help staff the Stream Team booth. To volunteer, register online at www.streamteam.info and click on “Calendar”. Staff contact: Ann Marie Pearce at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us
Amphibian Migration Survey Training
Every fall local frogs and other amphibian migrate back into the woods. Certain roadways show high mortality as the amphibians cross them. Learn how to monitor roadways and help provide important data. Date, time and location to be announced. For more info., contact Michelle at 360-753-8336 or mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us
Volunteer with StreamTeam for the Return of the Chinook Salmon Celebration, October 6
(Tumwater Falls Park ) The celebration is held in conjunction with Tumwater’s Cider Sunday event on October 6 from 10 am to 4 pm. Volunteers are needed to help staff the Stream Team booth. To volunteer, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile.
Volunteer to be a Salmon Steward at McLane Creek this fall
There will be a free two-part volunteer training: Weds, Nov 6 (at Thurston County Building 4) and Sat., Nov 9 (at McLane Creek Nature Trail). No prior experience necessary. To register, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile. Contact Ann Marie Pearce for more information at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or email pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us.
Friday, August 30
9:30 am – 12:00 pm – Percival Landing work party
Join Park Stewardship as we work at Percival Landing to keep on top of the weeds. Volunteers will remove invasive species from flower beds along the waterfront and the adjoining pathways. Percival Landing is located at 405 Columbia St NW. Meet off the main parking lot in the large sheltered area. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available online at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
10 a.m – Noon – Hogum Bay Nature Walk
(Hogum Bay near Olympia) Hogum Bay is a precious coastal lagoon important for juvenile salmon and other aquatic life in Puget Sound. The path leads though mature maple and alder forest down to the shoreline along Puget Sound. Moderate, 1 mile round-trip. To register, call Sheila Jackson at 360.489.3400 ext 110, or email her at sjackson@nisquallylandtrust.org. Space is limited and registration is required.
Saturday, August 31
8:30 am – 12 noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or of hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join experienced birder David Richardson for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures: The birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
10:00am – 1:00pm – Friendly Grove Park work party
It’s a perfect time to tackle painting projects in City of Olympia Parks! Lend a hand at Friendly Grove to re-paint picnic tables and entrance signs to bring a fresh look to the park. Friendly Gove Park is located at 2316 Friendly Grove Rd NE. Meet under the covered shelter near the front parking lot. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available online at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Tumwater Falls Riverwalk Tours: Wednesdays at 10:30 am in September
(Tumwater Falls Park: 110 Deschutes Way SW, Tumwater, 98501) Learn about Tumwater’s pioneer era and its brewing history along the Deschutes River during free guided Riverwalk, led by local historian, Carla Wulfsberg. Meet at 10:15 a.m. in front of the Park Office. The Riverwalk Tour is open to the first 15 people who arrive each Wednesday morning. Enter the park at “C” Street and Deschutes Way SW. Riverwalk Tours are presented by the Olympia Tumwater Foundation, a charitable organization that owns and operates Tumwater Falls Park and the Schmidt House.
Sunday, September 1
9 am – 11 am – It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) From bitterns to butterflies, chickadees to crabapples, the Refuge is home to many types of wildlife. Join naturalist Jan Seguin on this nature walk that is sure to teach you something new about the creatures of the Refuge. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
Tuesday, September 3
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
9:30am – 12:00pm – East Bay Overlook work party
Tackle weeds at this beautiful waterside space alongside neighbors and friends from the northeast neighborhood. East Bay Overlook is located along East Bay Drive south of Priest Point Park at 313 East Bay Dr NE. No designated parking is available but street parking is located on the northbound side of East Bay Drive, across from the entrance to the overlook: look for signs indicating the Park Stewardship volunteer event. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available online at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Friday, September 6
9:30am – 12:00pm – LBA Park work party
Park Stewardship will spend the morning painting the front entrance sign, benches ,and picnic tables at LBA Park in southeast Olympia. Join fellow volunteers to bring a fresh look to this highly used sporting ground. LBA Park is located at 3500 Amhurst St SE. Meet under the covered shelter near the playground. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available online at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Saturday, September 7
9 am – noon – Red Salmon Creek NatureMapping Field Trip
The Nisqually Land Trust protects this 25+ acre site near the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. The site is a mosaic of small coastal streams buffered by narrow forest bands and pastures that have been planted with natives in the last 6 years. The site also contains a small area of salt marsh at the southwest edge of the property and an active beaver population. The land trust needs to collect wildlife data at the site, and Northwest Trek has offered to help by organizing citizen-scientists to do the data collection. No previous NatureMapping experience is required, and the event is free. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces. The terrain ranges from uneven meadows and forests to riparian and wetland edges. Some areas require climbing and maneuvering over debris. Rubber boots and walking sticks are advised for portions of the site. To sign up or for more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
10:00am – 1:00pm – Lions Park work party
Join Olympia Parks for more painting at this highly used neighborhood park. Volunteers will paint picnic tables and benches at Lions Park to help shield the pieces against weathering. Lions Park is located at 800 Wilson St SE. Meet under the covered shelter near the small parking lot. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available online at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
10 am – 1 pm – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) Many species of bird, from the tiny Rufous Hummingbird to the majestic Bald Eagle, nest on the Refuge. Join experienced birder Eric Slagle for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures – the birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
10 am – 1 pm – How to Keep a Wave on the Sand: Capturing the Outdoors in Photographs
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) Never again let nature’s beauty escape your lens! In this hands-on workshop with writer and photographer Greg Farley, you will learn to take your camera off the “automatic” settings and then head outside to apply basic and professional outdoor photography techniques. Bring your camera (film, DSLR, or point and shoot), extra batteries and a sense of adventure! Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
9 pm – Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina
(Boston Harbor Marina; Olympia) Join South Sound Estuary Association for a night-lighting event. Peer below the waters of Puget Sound and discover the lives of mysterious and beautiful creatures. Jellyfish, colorful sea slugs, predatory worms and more visit us at the underwater lights. Learn about the animals of Puget Sound and see them like you never have before! Bring a flashlight (one per person is ideal) and dress for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 5 are not advised. Registration is required, and the cost is $10/adult; accompanying child 6 and over are free. To register, go to www.sseacenter.org and click the Pier Peer tab. Event registration will be closed at ten adults for the safety and enjoyment of participants.
Sunday, September 8
1 pm – 2:30 pm – The Nisqually and Medicine Creek: Where Nature, Culture and History Converge
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) Learn about the events surrounding the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty; explore how the Nisqually people came to the Nisqually delta and how their lives changed with the settlement of Europeans. Lynn Corliss leads you down history’s winding path, where you will discover important things about the people who enjoyed this land before you did. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
Tuesday, September 10
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
9:30am – 12:00pm – Garfield Nature Trail work party
The time has come to begin preparations for National Public Lands Day! Join Park Stewardship in preparing Garfield Nature Trail for resurfacing and restoration during the major event. Preparation activities may include placing rock, repairing railings, or adding steps. Garfield Nature Trail is located at 620 Rogers St NW. Meet near the right of the trailhead along Rogers St. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available online at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Friday, September 13
9:30am – 12:00pm – Garfield Nature Trail work party
The time has come to begin preparations for National Public Lands Day! Join Park Stewardship in preparing Garfield Nature Trail for resurfacing and restoration during the major event. Preparation activities may include placing rock, repairing railings, or adding steps. Garfield Nature Trail is located at 620 Rogers St NW. Meet near the right of the trailhead along Rogers St. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available online at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Saturday, September 14
9 am – Noon – Nisqually Land Trust Scotch Broom Pull
(Yelm shoreline) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
10 am – 1 pm – How to Keep a Wave on the Sand: Capturing the Outdoors in Photographs
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) Never again let nature’s beauty escape your lens! In this hands-on workshop with writer and photographer Greg Farley, you will learn to take your camera off the “automatic” settings and then head outside to apply basic and professional outdoor photography techniques. Bring your camera (film, DSLR, or point and shoot), extra batteries and a sense of adventure! Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for entering the Refuge.
10:00 am – FREE Composting Workshop on Yard Waste
(Closed Loop Park—just inside the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center entrance at 2418 Hogum Bay Road at Hawk’s Prairie). Directions: From downtown Olympia take I-5 North. Take exit 111, the ramp has two lanes. Stay in the left lane and follow it to the traffic light on Marvin Road. Turn left onto Marvin Road; make sure you are in the right lane. Once you go through the light turn right onto Hogum Bay Road (a Mexican restaurant on this corner). Take the second road into the Waste and Recovery Center entrance. Look for a small “Closed Loop Park” sign on the fence at that intersection. Follow the road in and the garden is located on the right, just past the dog park.
Sunday, September 15th
2 – 5 pm – 5th annual South Sound Estuary Association “Cruising for the Sound”
Join us for a three-hour cruise of South Puget Sound filled with fun, good food, music and marine education on board the luxury yacht, My Girl. Delicious shellfish will be provided by Taylor Shellfish Farms. All proceeds benefit SSEA’s mission to “establish and maintain an aquarium and estuary education center that expands environmental knowledge; and fosters public awareness, enjoyment and health of south Puget Sound estuaries through classroom, field and on the water interactive educational opportunities”. The cruise departs from Port Plaza Dock in Olympia and tickets are $65 each for non-members and $50 for members. To register, go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com.
4 – 7:30 pm – Nisqually Land Trust Annual Meeting and Salmon Bake
(Odd Fellows Park: 6500 79th Avenue NE, Olympia) Join us for a Nisqually Chinook salmon barbecue dinner, an update of Land Trust activities, and a celebration of our recent accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. $10 suggested donation per adult. RSVP by September 9th by calling 360.489.3400, emailing staff@nisquallylandtrust.org, or by going to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e7xyp0yw6dfe57d2&llr=jzh7gggab.
Tuesday, September 17
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
9:30am – 11:00am – Watershed Park work party
Don’t put away your paint brushes just yet! The final painting party of the season will be at Watershed Park! Join Park Stewards in painting the front entrance sign to the nature park off Henderson Blvd. Volunteers will meet near the parking lot located at 2500 Henderson Blvd SE. Note that this work party will end at 11:00am rather than the usual weekday time of 12:00pm. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available online at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Wednesday, September 18th
(to be announced) – Nisqually Land Trust work party
To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Saturday, September 21
9 am – noon – Powell Creek NatureMapping Field Trip
(near Yelm) This Nisqually Land Trust property was recently planted to restore natural habitat for wildlife use along the Nisqually River. The land trust needs to collect wildlife data on the site, and Northwest Trek has offered to help by organizing citizen-scientists to do the data collection. No previous NatureMapping experience is required, and the event is free. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces. The terrain ranges from level unpaved roads to uneven meadows and forests. Some areas require climbing and maneuvering over debris. To sign up or for more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
10 am – 2:30 pm – Join Stream Team for a Lower Nisqually Watershed Tour
Join the Stream Team for a deluxe tour of the Lower Nisqually River Watershed. Visit several sites along the mainstem and tributary streams, and learn how local efforts to protect and enhance water resources are contributing to the health of the Nisqually watershed system. Climb aboard a yellow school bus and learn about innovative actions to reduce the impacts of stormwater, improve salmon habitat, and keep our shellfish population viable and healthy. Local experts will be on hand to answer your questions. Participants will have the opportunity to help improve the health and water quality of this area through participation in the Clear Choices for Clean Water program on the day of the tour. The tour is free, but registration is required. Residents of the lower Nisqually watershed area will be given priority seating on the tour. Space is limited, so register early. To register, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile. Staff contact: Chris Maun at 360-754-3355 ext. 6377 or maunc@co.thurston.wa.us.
Tuesday, September 24
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wednesday, September 25
(to be announced) – Nisqually Land Trust work party
To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Saturday, September 28
10:00am – 1:00pm – West Bay Park work party
The Olympia Park Stewardship program is teaming up with REI Olympia to host a volunteer work party in celebration of National Public Lands Day at West Bay Park and Garfield Nature Trail. Join us as we eradicate invasive vegetation, restore the area with native plants, pull weeds and resurface the trail. Fun water recreational activities will follow. Register external link now and receive a free t-shirt at the event! Meet at West Bay Park located at 700 West Bay Drive NW. Parking details to be announced. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert (available online at http://olympiawa.gov/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER%20Form.ashx) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. For more information, contact Christina Newman with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at 360.753.8365 or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
10 am – 4 pm – Nisqually Watershed Festival
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) This year’s festival includes numerous activities, exhibits and main stage presentations including, music, dance and live wildlife shows with fascinating reptiles and birds. The Red Salmon story tent will be back along with the Drain Dare trailer for kids, and “Claudia” the King Salmon. There will be activities and exhibits from many conservationminded agencies and organizations including fish printing, plywood fish painting, a marine organism touch tank, and much more. You should, of course, bring your appetite as the famous Nisqually Salmon Bake will again be available. This event is FREE, except for the food, so come out and celebrate the Nisqually Watershed!
Sunday, September 29
11 am – 4 pm – Native Plant Salvage Foundation’s Annual Water Wise Plant Sale
(4131 Mud Bay Rd. NW, Olympia) Hard-to-find native and water-wise plants, including a special rain garden section. Personal Plant Shoppers will help you select the perfect plants for your garden. For more info., visit www.nativeplantsalvage.org
Tuesday, October 1
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wednesday, October 2
(to be announced) – Nisqually Land Trust work party
To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Thursday, October 3
11 am – 9 pm – Free Vehicle Safety and Leak Inspections
(South Puget Sound Community College Automotive Building, Building 16) Sponsored by the SPSCC Automotive Club.
Tuesday, October 8
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wednesday, October 9
(to be announced) – Nisqually Land Trust work party
To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Saturday, October 12
9 am – noon – Ohop Creek Restoration NatureMapping Field Trip
(near Eatonville) The South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually Land Trust and its partners are working together to restore the creek through the Ohop Valley to its original meandering pathway. Northwest Trek is helping by using citizen-scientists to collect data on wildlife in the project area—which is what today’s event involves. No previous NatureMapping experience is required, and the event is free. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces. To sign up or for more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
10:00 am – FREE Composting Workshop on Putting your worms to bed for the winter
(Dirt Works Garden) Directions: From I-5 take HWY 101 towards Shelton. Get off at Black Lake Blvd. exit and at the bottom of the ramp turn right. Get in the left lane and make a left onto Cooper Point Road. Make a left onto Capital Mall Drive and follow it until you see the Yauger Park and Dirt Works sign on the corner of Alta Street. Turn right onto Alta Street. Follow this road into the park and drive through the parking lot until it ends. The garden entrance is located at the end of the parking lot.
Tuesday, October 15
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wednesday, October 16
(to be announced) – Nisqually Land Trust work party
To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Tuesday, October 22
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wednesday, October 23
(to be announced) – Nisqually Land Trust work party
To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Saturday, October 26
9 am – Noon – Nisqually Land Trust Ohop Halloween Planting
(Eatonville) To volunteer and get further details, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
10 am – Noon – Plant Trees along Woodard Creek
(Woodard Creek at 36th Ave. NE; Olympia) To register, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile.
Tuesday, October 29
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Stay tuned for details) For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Sunday, November 3
1 – 3 pm – Tree Planting at Nature Nurtures Farm
(Delphi Rd, near Olympia’s Westside). To register, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile. For more info., contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us
Thursday, November 7
6 – 9 pm – Naturescaping for Water and Wildlife Workshop
(Tumwater Fire Hall) Are you interested in spending less on your water bill, plus spending less time mowing and maintaining your landscape? Would you like to learn how to create a beautiful landscape that attracts birds, butterflies and other wildlife? You can learn all this and much more at Stream Team and WSU Native Plant Salvage Project’s Naturescaping for Water and Wildlife workshop. To register, go to www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”; select the event, and then click on the Register button near the bottom of the “Event Detail”. Follow the instructions to either log in as an existing volunteer or create a new profile. For more info., call 360-867-2166 or email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
Sunday, November 17
11 am – 1 pm – Chum Salmon and Cider Celebration
(McLane Creek Nature Trail) Enjoy hot cider and snacks while learning from trained Salmon Stewards about the wild spawning chum salmon. For more info., contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or pearcea@co.thurston.wa.us