See Below
RECURRING EVENTS
Thursdays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
Lacey City Council, 7 pm on the 2nd & 4th Thursday (Lacey City Hall: 420 College Street) Go to www.ci.lacey.wa.us/city-government/city-council/city-council-2/city-council-meetings/council-meetings for more information.
Fridays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
Saturdays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
South Sound Estuarium, 10 am – 3 pm (608 Washington St NE; Olympia 98501) http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/south-sound-estuarium
Sundays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
South Sound Estuarium, 10 am – 3 pm
Purple Martin Monitoring Training
(Olympia) From April to early September, Stream Team volunteers monitor Purple Martin activity at 26 nest boxes attached to pilings in East Bay in downtown Olympia, identifying breeding pairs and watching the feeding and fledging of the baby birds. The training will cover bird identification and monitoring basics for recording weekly observations of the nest boxes. No experience is necessary! And you can choose the training date: Wed., April 2; or Mon., April 7. For more information and to register, go to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/monitor/martins.
“Meet Us on the Beach” Program
The Beach Naturalist Program is a hands-on opportunity to work with people who come to our local beaches seeking a personal connection with the water. Beach Naturalists work to create a greater understanding of the South Puget Sound. They learn about the amazing diversity of creatures who live there, and talk with people about how everyday choices can have a positive impact on our water quality. Beach Naturalist volunteers are asked to commit to 18 hours of training followed by a minimum of 5 shifts (3 hours each) on the beach during the months of June, July, and August. For more information, go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/events/beach-naturalist/?utm_source=March+26%2C+2014+Newsletter&utm_campaign=March+2104+newsletter&utm_medium=email, or go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com and click on Events and Programs.
Tuesday, April 1
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Joined us for a day of burning slash piles and/or removing Scotch broom at Tenalquot Prairie. This will be our second to last slash pile burning day of the season! Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. Directions to Tenalquot/Morgan Prairie: Directions 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, then turn left off of Rainier Road; follow the gravel road to the gate and park. Directions from Hwy 507: Head north on Rainier Road; after you pass through the blinking yellow lights at Military Road, look for the “Tenalquot Prairie Work Day” sign and turn left off of Rainier Road; follow the gravel road to the gate and park. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wednesday, April 2
9 am – noon – Help Nisqually Land Trust pull Scotch Broom near Yelm
Join Nisqually Land Trust for work party to benefit wildlife habitat near the Nisqually River! We will be removing Scotch Broom and other invasive plants from a site southeast of Yelm. It is hindering the growth of native riparian vegetation, and is a step forward in the restoration of this critical habitat area! Coffee, water, and some light snacks will be provided; please bring a water bottle and anything else you might need. Work parties are rain or shine. Bring layers, raingear, and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. All minors MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To register and get directions, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e93rxot3766edb0e, or go to www.nisquallylandtrust.org/events.php and click on the event. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106 or at www.nisquallylandtrust.org.
9:30 am – 12 pm – Friendly Grove Park work party!
Spring is here! Help us weed and spruce up this beautiful neighborhood park. We will focus on weeding tree circles. Meet near the covered picnic shelter. Friendly Grove Park is located at 2316 Friendly Grove Rd NE. 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 Lamour with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at clamour@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Friday, April 4
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Join us for a day of weeding plant beds at Shotwell’s Landing Nursery. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn to identify native plants! Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. Directions to Shotwell’s Landing Nursery (14447 Littlerock Road SW; Rochester 98579): take I-5 to exit 95 (Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west on Maytown Rd SW to the only stop sign in Littlerock (by the elementary school); continue straight for ~100 feet, and turn left onto Littlerock Road; go 1.7 miles south on Littlerock Road—Shotwell’s Nursery will be on your right. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration Work Party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St.; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
8pm-10pm – Pier Peer at Boston Harbor
Join South Sound Estuary Association at Boston Harbor Marina for Pier Peer night-lighting events the first Friday night of each month. Peer below the waters of Puget Sound and discover the lives of mysterious and beautiful creatures. Jellyfish, colorful sea slugs, predatory worms and more visit us at the underwater lights. Learn about the animals of Puget Sound and see them like you never have before! Bring your own flashlight (one per person is ideal), wear non-slip shoes and dress for the weather. Children under 5 are not advised. Each child between 6 and 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a life vest for your child if you have one. Cost: $10 for adults and children 12 and older; children 6-11 that accompany an adult are free. Pre-registration is required: go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8s9pkpn78b3ff49.
Saturday, April 5
7:30 am – Birding along McLane Nature Area Trail
(Olympia) Want to get a head start on your weekend? Join the Black Hills Audubon Society for Birding and Breakfast. Bird with us, and then enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant—or if you’re a late riser, just join us for breakfast and we’ll give you the run down on what birds are in the area. Beginning birders are welcome. Share what you know, connect, enjoy. No expert guide. We will meet at 7:30 am at McLane Nature Area Trail (DNR) on Delphi Road (meet at trailhead parking area). We will meet at 9 am for breakfast at Top Food’s Food Court, Shipwreck Café, or group’s choice. For more information, contact Leslie Lynam at 360- 402-9513 or Deb Nickerson at 360-754-5397.
8 am – 12:00 pm OR 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm— Ohop Valley Mini Bio-Blitz
(near Eatonville) This Citizen Science project is being hosted by the Nisqually Stream Stewards in partnership with the Nisqually Land Trust and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. We will be conducting a 6-hour biological assessment of the flora and fauna of the Ohop Valley, on land owned by the Nisqually Land Trust. This assessment will provide a ‘snapshot’ of the species utilizing this part of the valley before the next phase of restoration activities begins this summer. There will be two shifts:
8 am -noon, and noon – 4 pm—choose one or both! (There will be a 1-hour lunch between shifts.) This event is free, and you do not need to have NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in tall grass and in wet environments on uneven surfaces. To sign up and receive more information about this event, contact Don Perry (Nisqually Indian Tribe Outreach and Education Coordinator) at perry.don@nisqually-nsn.gov or at (360) 951-5749, ext 2143.
9am-1pm – McDonald Creek Trash Clean-up and Invasive Species Removal
(Summit Pacific Medical Center: 600 E Main St; Elma – please park in the main parking lot rather than the emergency room lot) We will be picking up trash and removing invasive species on a restoration site along McDonald Creek. This is a great opportunity to see and help maintain this unique stream restoration site. Contact: Jane Atha )Watershed Coordinator/Lead Entity Coordinator, Chehalis Basin Partnership and Grays Harbor/Chehalis Basin Lead Entity) Mobile: 512-297-8743; Email: jatha@centralia.edu.
10 am – 1 pm – Friendly Grove Park work party
Help us weed and spruce up this beautiful neighborhood park. We will focus on weeding tree circles. Meet near the covered picnic shelter. Friendly Grove Park is located at 2316 Friendly Grove Rd NE. 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 Lamour with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at clamour@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
10 am – 1 pm – Mission Creek Nature Park work party
Join the Stewards of Mission Creek in spreading wood chips on the north loop trail, remove invasive ivy, install a small culvert and brush the trail back. Meet at 1500 Fir St NE. For more information about this event contact Tom Badger through NENA at NENAOly@googlegroups.com.
10 am – 12:00 pm – Ecosystem Batiking
(Procession of the Species Arts Studio: 311 Capitol Way) Come celebrate Earth Day with Stream Team by creating your favorite ecosystem through the ancient technique of batik, wax painting on cloth. To register, go to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.
10am – 1pm – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) With spring migration in full swing, the Refuge is all aflutter! Experience the thrill of seeing swallows (four different species) or the wichity wichity of the common yellowthroat! Join experienced birder Eric Slagle for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures—the birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
12 – 3 pm – Create your own Plankton craft project
(South Sound Estuarium: 608 Washington St. NE; Olympia 98501) Learn what plankton is, and make one of your own. Craft supplies will be provided- use art materials and your imagination to make plankton of your own, then take it home with you!
1 pm – 2:30 pm — It’s in Your Nature: Sights and Sounds of Spring
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) During this guided walk, your senses will be filled with bird song, bird sightings, and flowering native plants that are present on the Refuge during Spring. Learn about and enjoy the variety of natural wonders that can be found on a walk around the Twin Barns Loop Trail with naturalist Juni Greenough. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
1 pm – 4 pm – Salmon Hats and Fish on Sticks:
(Procession of the Species Arts Studio: 311 Capitol Way) Come celebrate Earth Day with Stream Team with ages 10 and under to use recycled paper, cut out and color or paint your favorite Pacific salmon (or other animal). Then fasten them onto a hatband, or attach them to a stick, and they will be ready to wear or carry in the Procession of Species! To register, go to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.
Tuesday, April 8
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
6:00 pm – 8 :30 pm – An Evening with John Dodge, “Olympia’s Changing Shoreline”, Volunteer Recognition and Annual Meeting
(Capital Museum Coach House: 211 21st Ave. SE; Olympia) Please join us for the 2014 SSEA annual celebration. The program: celebrate SSEA accomplishments; guest speaker (Olympian columnist John Dodge); volunteer recognition; what’s up with SSEA- plans for 2014; annual meeting/board election; great food (shellfish, salad and dessert), wine and beer! Join us for a fun and joyful evening. It has been quite a year for SSEA and 2014 offers even more excitement and opportunity. Come celebrate with us! To register or RSVP, go to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=xcpwlrdab&oeidk=a07e8wqgappa10bba5a&oseq=a01d3gddyiah0.
7:00 pm – Olympia Science Café: Sustainable Bioenergy Landscapes of the Future
(Orca Books: 509 East 4th Ave; Olympia) Production of sustainable bioenergy to meet the EPA’s 17 billion gallon renewable fuel standard will require significant land use changes across the U.S. While corn grain ethanol is both sustainable and can be grown without displacing food crops, it has negative impacts on the atmosphere because more greenhouse gas emissions are produced compared to fossil fuels. Perennial grasses have been proposed as viable bioenergy crops because of their potential to yield significant biomass on marginal lands without displacing food, and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction by storing carbon in soil. Speaker: Dr. Tara Hudiburg, Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Energy Biosciences Institute, Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Wednesday, April 9
9:30 am – 12 pm – Percival Landing work party
Arts Walk is just around the corner and we need your help in sprucing up Percival Landing! Come help our staff weed and mulch the newly renovated Percival Landing. Meet near the covered pavilion. Percival Landing is located at 405 Columbia St NW. Parking is available in the Olympia Center parking lot for up to 2 hours without a permit. Dress for the weather. 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 Lamour with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at clamour@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
7 pm – Pierce College Oak Woodland Restoration: Learning, teaching, and partnerships
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 South Tyler Street; Tacoma 98405) In an effort to restore a Garry oak woodland ecosystem near Pierce College and Fort Steilacoom Park, educators and multigenerational students have become involved in environmental stewardship. Elysia Mbuja, Assistant Professor at Pierce College, will discuss how the restoration project began 5 years ago, the progression of the project, how strategies have changed, and about the challenges that are yet to be solved. The logistics of partnering with an elementary school will also be discussed. Sponsored by the South Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Open to the public and free of charge. For more information go to www.southsoundchapterwnps.org.
Friday, April 11
9:30 am – 12 pm – Percival Landing work party
Arts Walk is just around the corner and we need your help in sprucing up Percival Landing! Come help our staff weed and mulch the newly renovated Percival Landing. Meet near the covered pavilion. Percival Landing is located at 405 Columbia St NW. Parking is available in the Olympia Center parking lot for up to 2 hours without a permit. Dress for the weather. 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 Lamour with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at clamour@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Saturday, April 12
9 am – 12:00 pm – Woodland Creek Community Park Planting
(Woodland Creek Community Park: 6729 Pacific Ave SE; Lacey 98503) Join Stream Team as we plant trees with the Woodland Trail Greenway Association. Light refreshments and tools will be provided. Stick around after the planting for the WTGA’s annual meeting and BBQ! For more information, please refer to the Woodland Trail Greenway Association website, www.woodlandtrail.org; their facebook page, facebook.com/WoodlandTrailGreenwayAssociation; or call Jack at (360) 789-0944. To register, go to www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.
9 am – 11 am – Madison Scenic Park work party
Join New Bridge Community Church in helping create “life savers” around trees that are filled with invasive ivy at Madison Scenic Park. Meet at New Bridge Community Church located at 812 Central St SE. For more information about this event, please contact: Rhonda Sue Davis (360) 359-8132 or brmajdt@yahoo.com, New Bridge Volunteer Grounds care Coordinator.
9:00 am – Noon – Franklin Park Work Party
(1201 S Puget Ave; Tacoma) Metro Parks Tacoma, the Central Neighborhood Council, and Friends of South 12th Street are joining together to clean up and improve Franklin Park. On the 2nd Saturday of each month we meet at the entrance to Franklin Park for a work party cleaning up the park and removing overgrown brush and invasive species. Tools, snacks, and water will be provided, but please bring your own gloves and a “can do” attitude! Help us clean up, maintain, and transform our park!
9 am – 12 pm – Puget Creek Restoration Society Work Party
(Tacoma) The second Saturday of each month is our monthly restoration activity. We have all the tools, boots, gloves etc.—we just need willing and able volunteers to help out. We do a variety of activities such as planting native vegetation, eradicate invasive non-native, do trail work, pick up trash, weed around planted vegetation and a whole bunch of other activities. We meet down at Puget Creek. RSVP if you want to attend by emailing us at pcrs@pugetcreek.org or calling (253) 779-8890.
9 am – 12 pm – Wapato Hills Clean-up Party
(Tacoma) Join fellow volunteers as work continues to clean-up Wapato Hills Urban Wildlife Habitat. This work party meets on the second Saturday of each month, and is currently removing invasive species and doing general clean-up. For directions, go to http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/wapato-park.
9am – 10:30am — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) The mysteries of nature are reflected in the character, beauty, and interplay of everything that surrounds us. With the soul of an artist, the eye of a photographer, and the heart of a naturalist, i’ina van Lawick will reveal a side of the Refuge you’ve never seen before. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
10 am – 1 pm – Percival Landing work party
Join this work party series focused on sprucing up Percival Landing! Come help our staff weed and mulch the newly renovated Percival Landing. Meet near the covered pavilion. Percival Landing is located at 405 Columbia St NW. Parking is available in The Olympia Center parking lot for up to 2 hours without a permit. Dress for the weather. 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 Lamour with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at clamour@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
1pm – 3:30pm — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Life on the Refuge reaches its maximum intensity during the vital, turbulent spring. Flowers explode and the creatures of the refuge dance to nature’s eternal drum. Experience it all on a guided walk led by naturalist Susan Wineke. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Sunday, April 13
9am – 11am — Birding Basics: Learning to See
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) What subtle cues do experienced birders use to quickly and accurately identify species? Birding is nothing less than the art of seeing, so the techniques used by birders increase awareness of all things natural. Refuge Ranger Michael Schramm will guide you through the estuary’s diverse habitats on an odyssey of avian discovery, all the while teaching the ins and outs of birding. Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center—and remember to bring binoculars! The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
1pm – 2:30pm — The Nisqually and Medicine Creek: Where Nature, Culture and History Converge
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Learn about the events surrounding the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty; explore how the Nisqually people came to the Nisqually delta and how their lives changed with the settlement of Europeans. Lynn Corliss leads you down history’s winding path, where you will discover important things about the people who enjoyed this land before you did. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
April 14
7 pm – Shrubsteppe: the Richest of our Paupers
(Washington State Capitol Museum Coach House: 211 21st Avenue SW; Olympia 98501) Shrubsteppe is a community that once carpeted a majority of the surface of what came to be the state of Washington. So rich in life that it would make a mature redwood forest look like the inside of a burial crypt, it is now reduced to an impoverishment of its former distribution. First described and most studied by our state’s preeminent plant ecologist, Rexford Daubenmire, remnants of it still exist. Little known and widely abused, shrubsteppe needs a makeover in terms of what is known of its botanical and zoological value; it deserves much more respect than it currently enjoys. Dr. Steven Herman fell in love with this landscape, after hearing a lecture by Professor Daubenmire in 1974 and soon thereafter bought 80 acres of it in Southeastern Oregon where he installed the infrastructure for a field station. Now protected from sundry insults for 30 years, it stands out clearly, healthy in a sea of the infirm. As a professor at Evergreen, Steve taught “The Natural History and Conservation of Shrubsteppe,” taking students into the field to study shrubsteppe for weeks at a time. Now a professor Emeritus at Evergreen, he continues to teach summer courses at the college. In this presentation he will tell stories related to his shrubsteppe experiences. But perhaps his highest goal will be to convince you (in part through his beautiful photographs) that this is a landscape of great beauty and natural history interest, worthy of your attention and that of land managers across the American West—a landscape of elegance and poetic beauty. Sponsored by the South Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Open to the public and free of charge. For more information go to www.southsoundchapterwnps.org.
Tuesday, April 15
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Wednesday, April 16
9:30 am – 12 pm – Priest Point Park work party
Come out to Priest Point Park and help us prepare for Earth day! Our focus for the day will be to remove invasive ivy near the beach trail at Priest Point Park. Meet in kitchen shelter #2. Priest Point Park is located at 2600 East Bay Drive NE. 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 Lamour with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at clamour@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Friday, April 18
9:30 am – 12 pm – Priest Point Park work party
Come out to Priest Point Park and help us prepare for Earth day! Our focus for the day will be to remove invasive ivy near the beach trail at Priest Point Park. Meet in kitchen shelter #2. Priest Point Park is located at 2600 East Bay Drive NE. 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 Lamour with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at clamour@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Saturday, April 19
9am – 10:30am — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) The mysteries of nature are reflected in the character, beauty, and interplay of everything that surrounds us. With the soul of an artist, the eye of a photographer, and the heart of a naturalist, i’ina van Lawick will reveal a side of the Refuge you’ve never seen before. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
10 am – 1 pm – Priest Point Park Earth Day Celebration
Be green and join our team! The Parks Stewardship program is teaming up with Centro to celebrate Earth Day with a fun and exciting stewardship work party. Come help plant native trees and vegetation in Priest Point Park! Tools, gloves and light refreshments will be provided. Sign up today for this free event! Alpine Experience is giving cash to the school with the most student volunteers participating in Earth Day and National Trails Day events. Show your school spirit and attend this event! Meet at Kitchen Shelter #2. For more information, call 360.753.8365 or register at https://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec/Home. 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.
12 – 3 pm – Marine Creature Masks craft project
(South Sound Estuarium: 608 Washington St. NE; Olympia 98501) Explore the marine tanks in the Estuarium and create a mask to “see through their eyes”. Pick between the sea star, sea anemone, or crab template to create your very own mask—then use the templates to color and trace whichever sea creature you’d like and cut it out to make a mask to take home!
Sunday, April 20
10am – 11:30am — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) The estuary is radiant with complex natural beauty; home to a multitude of insects, plants, amphibians, birds, and animals, all of them linked inextricably to create a single natural wonder! Learn about the big picture with naturalist Donna Snow. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Tuesday, April 22
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
9:30 am – 12 pm – West Bay Park work party
Join us at West Bay Park for these series of fun work parties! We will focus on weeding the beds and getting this awesome waterfront park ready for spring! Meet near the covered bike shelter. West Bay Park 700 West Bay Dr. 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 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 Lamour with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at clamour@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
Thursday, April 24
6:30 – 8:30 pm – Let It Soak In: Rain Garden Workshop
(LOTT WET Center Board Room: 500 Adams St NE, Olympia) Thinking about adding a rain garden to your landscape? Or wondering what a rain garden is? A rain garden is a great way for you to make a big difference in protecting our local waterways and Puget Sound, while beautifying your yard. Rain gardens are shaped and sized to fit your yard and planted with a variety of flowers, shrubs and ornamental grasses. Rain gardens act like a forest by collecting, absorbing and filtering stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, patios and other areas around our homes that do not allow rainwater to soak back into the ground. Attend this hands-on workshop to learn how to add one of these lovely “stormwater” 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 rain garden poster and a copy of WSU’s Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington. The basic instructional workshop will be followed by an optional session from 8:15 to 9 pm offering assistance creating a rain garden planting plan. The class will be taught by Erica Guttman, who has been a hands-on environmental educator for over 25 years and has been designing, installing, researching, and teaching about rain gardens for over seven years. She has contributed to several rain garden publications and created a 30-minute video, “Building a Rain Garden: Keeping our Pacific Northwest Waters Clean.” She holds an MA in ecological restoration with a focus on the Puget Sound nearshore. To register for this workshop, or for additional information, visit www.streamteam.info, click on Get Involved, select Calendar, and then click on “Register”. (If you live in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater or Thurston County, a rain garden installation on your property could be eligible for a rebate! Go to www.streamteam.info/actions/raingardens for more information, the guidelines and applications.)
Friday, April 25 – Sunday, April 27
(All day) Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival
(Hoquiam High School ) Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the spring shorebird migration that happens every year along our coast. Join in the many activities offered at the Festival including field trips, lectures and a birding marketplace. Best shorebird viewing at Grays Harbor NWR is Friday from 12:50pm to 4:50pm, Saturday from 1:45pm to 5:45pm, and Sunday from 2:30pm to 6:30pm. For more detailed information about the schedule of events, visit www.shorebirdfestival.com
Friday, April 25
9:30 am – 12 pm – West Bay Park work party
Join us at West Bay Park for these series of fun work parties! We will focus on weeding the beds and getting this awesome waterfront park ready for spring! Meet near the covered bike shelter. West Bay Park 700 West Bay Dr. 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 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 Lamour with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at clamour@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
(evening) – Arts Walk at the Estuarium: Experience the Living Estuary
(South Sound Estuarium: 608 Washington St. NE; Olympia 98501) Come visit the Estuarium Friday evening and Saturday to “Experience the Living Estuary” art work made from recycled materials by local students and proudly displayed at the South Sound Estuarium and Procession of the Species during spring Arts Walk. We could use more volunteers to help with the “Living Estuary” entry: contact Dani Madrone danimadrone@gmail.com.
7:30 pm – John Marzluff on “The Gifts of the Crow”
(Hoquiam High School) Crows are mischievous, playful, social, and passionate. They have brains that are huge for their body size and exhibit an avian kind of eloquence. They mate for life and associate with relatives and neighbors for years. They often live near people and the ongoing connection between humans and crows—a cultural co-evolution—has shaped both species for millions of years The characteristics of crows that allow this symbiotic relationship are language, delinquency, frolic, passion, wrath, risk-taking, and awareness—seven traits that humans find strangely familiar. With his extraordinary research on the intelligence and startling abilities of corvids—crows, ravens, and jays—scientist John Marzluff tells amazing stories of these brilliant birds in Gifts of the Crow, shining a light on their fascinating characteristics and behaviors. Teamed with artist and fellow naturalist Tony Angell, they offer an in-depth look at these complex creatures and our shared behaviors, illustrated with gorgeous line drawings. With its abundance of funny, awe-inspiring, and poignant stories, Gifts of the Crow portrays creatures who are nothing short of amazing. A testament to years of painstaking research, this fully illustrated, riveting talk is a thrilling look at one of nature’s most wondrous creatures. Tickets are $15 and include a dessert reception prior to the lecture. Tickets are available at the door or at www.shorebirdfestival.com.
Saturday, April 26
9am – 11am — Birding Basics: Learning to See
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) What subtle cues do experienced birders use to quickly and accurately identify species? Birding is nothing less than the art of seeing, so the techniques used by birders increase awareness of all things natural. Refuge Ranger Michael Schramm will guide you through the estuary’s diverse habitats on an odyssey of avian discovery, all the while teaching the ins and outs of birding. Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center—and remember to bring binoculars! The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
10:00 am – 1 pm – West Bay Park work party
Join the Park Stewardship team at West Bay Park for part #3 in a series of fun work parties! Help us weed and spruce up this beautiful waterfront park. We will focus on weeding the beds and getting the park ready for spring. Meet near the covered bike shelter. West Bay Park 700 West Bay Dr. 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 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 Lamour with City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation at clamour@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8365, or go to www.olympiawa.gov/parkvolunteer.
10 am – 3 pm – Arts Walk at the Estuarium: Experience the Living Estuary
(South Sound Estuarium: 608 Washington St. NE; Olympia 98501) Come visit the Estuarium Friday evening and Saturday to “Experience the Living Estuary” art work made from recycled materials by local students and proudly displayed at the South Sound Estuarium and Procession of the Species during spring Arts Walk. We could use more volunteers to help with the “Living Estuary” entry: contact Dani Madrone danimadrone@gmail.com.
12-3pm – Shells of the Pacific Northwest
(South Sound Estuarium: 608 Washington St. NE; Olympia 98501) Special Exhibit, with guest Bert Bartleson. Bert created the “Puget Sound Mollusks” exhibit at the Estuarium, and will join us on the 26th.
4-9 pm – Nisqually Land Trust 25th Anniversary Conservation Dinner & Auction
(Saint Martin’s Worthington Conference Center: 5300 Pacific Avenue SE; Lacey) Join us for our 25th Anniversary Dinner and Auction and support conservation of the Nisqually Watershed. Enjoy a delicious dinner, conversation with friends new and old, and our exciting live and silent auction featuring Native American and Northwest art, relaxing getaways and unique Northwest experiences. Tickets are $75 per person. Please RSVP by April 14: either go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8tynxtj19a41ba5, or contact Nikki Dizon at 360-489-3400. (Mike’s comment: If you want to go, but $75 is not in your budget, NLT may need volunteers to help with set-up and clean up, and volunteers may be able to get in for less or free! Call Nikki to find out.)
Sunday, April 27
1pm – 2:30pm — Our Amazing Plant World
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Spring is the perfect time to experience the Refuge plant life is all its diversity! Join Sally Vogel on a nature walk through the Refuge—all the while learning about plantinsect interactions, adaptations for survival and other interesting facts. You only live once: Stop to smell the flowers! Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Tuesday, April 29
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Friday, May 2
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration Work Party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St.; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
8 pm – 10 pm – Pier Peer at Boston Harbor
Join South Sound Estuary Association at Boston Harbor Marina for Pier Peer night-lighting events the first Friday night of each month. Peer below the waters of Puget Sound and discover the lives of mysterious and beautiful creatures. Jellyfish, colorful sea slugs, predatory worms and more visit us at the underwater lights. Learn about the animals of Puget Sound and see them like you never have before! Bring your own flashlight (one per person is ideal), wear non-slip shoes and dress for the weather. Children under 5 are not advised. Each child between 6 and 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a life vest for your child if you have one. Cost: $10 for adults and children 12 and older; children 6-11 that accompany an adult are free. Pre-registration is required: go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8s9pkum14df3ded.
Saturday, May 3
9am – 11am — Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Many species of bird, from the tiny Rufous Hummingbird to the majestic Bald Eagle, nest on the Refuge. Join experienced birder Phil Kelley for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures—the birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
12 – 3 pm – Snails and Limpets craft project
(South Sound Estuarium: 608 Washington St. NE; Olympia 98501) Slow and majestic, lets learn about the lives of these gastropods and decorate our own “shell home”.
1pm – 2:30pm — It’s in Your Nature: Sights and Sounds of Spring
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) During this guided walk, your senses will be filled with bird song, bird sightings, and flowering native plants that are present on the Refuge during Spring. Learn about and enjoy the variety of natural wonders that can be found on a walk around the Twin Barns Loop Trail with naturalist Juni Greenough. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Saturday, May 10
9:00 am – Noon – Franklin Park Work Party
(1201 S Puget Ave; Tacoma) Metro Parks Tacoma, the Central Neighborhood Council, and Friends of South 12th Street are joining together to clean up and improve Franklin Park. On the 2nd Saturday of each month we meet at the entrance to Franklin Park for a work party cleaning up the park and removing overgrown brush and invasive species. Tools, snacks, and water will be provided, but please bring your own gloves and a “can do” attitude! Help us clean up, maintain, and transform our park!
9 am – 12 pm – Puget Creek Restoration Society Work Party
(Tacoma) The second Saturday of each month is our monthly restoration activity. We have all the tools, boots, gloves etc.—we just need willing and able volunteers to help out. We do a variety of activities such as planting native vegetation, eradicate invasive non-native, do trail work, pick up trash, weed around planted vegetation and a whole bunch of other activities. We meet down at Puget Creek. RSVP if you want to attend by emailing us at pcrs@pugetcreek.org or calling (253) 779-8890.
9 am – 12 pm – Wapato Hills Clean-up Party
(Tacoma) Join fellow volunteers as work continues to clean-up Wapato Hills Urban Wildlife Habitat. This work party meets on the second Saturday of each month, and is currently removing invasive species and doing general clean-up. For directions, go to http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/wapato-park.
10am – 1pm — Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) With spring migration in full swing, the Refuge is all aflutter! Experience the thrill of seeing swallows (four different species) or the wichity wichity of the common yellowthroat! Join experienced birder Eric Slagle for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures—the birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Sunday, May 11
1pm – 2:30pm — Our Amazing Plant World
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Spring is the perfect time to experience the Refuge plant life is all its diversity! Join Sally Vogel on a nature walk through the Refuge—all the while learning about plantinsect interactions, adaptations for survival and other interesting facts. You only live once: Stop to smell the flowers! Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
May 12
7 pm – Conserving Oakland Bay
(Washington State Capitol Museum Coach House: 211 21st Avenue SW; Olympia 98501) From tidal Sitka forests to shellfish to oak savannahs, Oakland Bay’s cultural, economic, and ecological significance reaches far deeper than its depth as the shallowest bay in Puget Sound. Guy Maguire from Capitol Land Trust will give a presentation about the work of the local citizens, including Capitol Land Trust, to conserve and restore the special mix of habitats and agriculture that make Oakland Bay unique. Participants will learn about Twin Rivers Ranch, a 133 acre wildlife preserve and historic farm located at the head of Oakland Bay, the site of major restoration work to restore habitat, as well as Oakland Bay Park, a public park with trails and a historic homestead, permanently protected by Capitol Land Trust. Participants will also learn about some exciting new conservation projects, and learn ways that volunteers and citizens can get involved in the effort to protect and restore this local treasure. Sponsored by the South Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Open to the public and free of charge. For more information go to www.southsoundchapterwnps.org.
May 14
7 pm – Birds and Native Plants
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 South Tyler Street; Tacoma 98405) Everyone knows that birds come to feeders full of seeds. There are a lot of seed-eating birds! But birds relate to our native plants in many more ways than that, both positive and negative, and Dennis Paulson will tell you how in an illustrated lecture. Dennis Paulson, recently retired from being Director of the Slater Museum of Natural History, University of Puget Sound, has been a professional biologist and naturalist all of his adult life. He began studying natural history as a boy and is a world expert on dragonflies and shorebirds. He is the author of nine books, including “Shorebirds of North America” and “Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West”, as well as 90 scientific papers on birds and dragonflies. Sponsored by the South Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Open to the public and free of charge. For more information go to www.southsoundchapterwnps.org.
Friday, May 16
9 am – 12 pm – Wetland Habitat Restoration work party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary—experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
May 17
9 am – noon — Railway Road NatureMapping Field Trip
The Nisqually Land Trust protects over 190 acres along the whitewater reach of the Nisqually River. This 10+ acre wetland just outside of Yelm is a part of a 150-acre riparian forest mosaic perched between the Centralia power canal and the Nisqually River. This event is designed to obtain wildlife data from the site, and is free and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should dress for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces: the terrain ranges from level unpaved roads to uneven meadows and forests; some areas require climbing and maneuvering over debris. Rubber boots and walking sticks are advised. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
8:30am – 12noon — Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or of hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join experienced birder David Richardson for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures: The birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Sunday, May 18
1pm – 2:30pm — The Nisqually and Medicine Creek: Where Nature, Culture and History Converge
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Learn about the events surrounding the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty; explore how the Nisqually people came to the Nisqually delta and how their lives changed with the settlement of Europeans. Lynn Corliss leads you down history’s winding path, where you will discover important things about the people who enjoyed this land before you did. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Saturday, May 24
10am – 12 noon — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) From bitterns to butterflies, salmonberries to salmon fish, nature on the Refuge takes many forms. Join naturalists Art Pavey, Jan Kramer, and Cheri Greenwood on this nature walk that is sure to teach you something new about the natural splendor of the Refuge. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Sunday, May 25
10am – 11:30am — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) The estuary is radiant with complex natural beauty; home to a multitude of insects, plants, amphibians, birds, and animals, all of them linked inextricably to create a single natural wonder! Learn about the big picture with naturalist Sonna Snow. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Saturday, May 31
9am – 11am — Birding Basics: Learning to See
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) What subtle cues do experienced birders use to quickly and accurately identify species? Birding is nothing less than the art of seeing, so the techniques used by birders increase awareness of all things natural. Refuge Ranger Michael Schramm will guide you through the estuary’s diverse habitats on an odyssey of avian discovery, all the while teaching the ins and outs of birding. Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center—and remember to bring binoculars! The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Friday, June 6
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration Work Party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St.; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
Saturday, June 7
8:30am – 12noon — Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or of hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join experienced birder David Richardson for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures: The birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
1pm – 2:30pm — It’s in Your Nature: Sights and Sounds of Spring
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) During this guided walk, your senses will be filled with bird song, bird sightings, and flowering native plants that are present on the Refuge during Spring. Learn about and enjoy the variety of natural wonders that can be found on a walk around the Twin Barns Loop Trail with naturalist Juni Greenough. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Sunday, June 8
1pm – 2:30pm — The Nisqually and Medicine Creek: Where Nature, Culture and History Converge
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Learn about the events surrounding the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty; explore how the Nisqually people came to the Nisqually delta and how their lives changed with the settlement of Europeans. Lynn Corliss leads you down history’s winding path, where you will discover important things about the people who enjoyed this land before you did. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Saturday, June 14
9 am – noon —Bragett Parcel NatureMapping Field Trip
The Nisqually Tribe protects this 50+ acre site that is a mixture of estuary, river, forest and meadow, adjacent to the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. The diverse habitat creates ideal conditions for a wide variety of wildlife. This event is designed to obtain wildlife data from the site, and is free and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should dress for the weather and for walking in grassy, woody and wetland environments and on uneven surfaces. Rubber boots are advised for portions of the site. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
9 am – Noon – Franklin Park Work Party
(1201 S Puget Ave; Tacoma) Metro Parks Tacoma, the Central Neighborhood Council, and Friends of South 12th Street are joining together to clean up and improve Franklin Park. On the 2nd Saturday of each month we meet at the entrance to Franklin Park for a work party cleaning up the park and removing overgrown brush and invasive species. Tools, snacks, and water will be provided, but please bring your own gloves and a “can do” attitude! Help us clean up, maintain, and transform our park!
9 am – 12 pm – Puget Creek Restoration Society Work Party
(Tacoma) The second Saturday of each month is our monthly restoration activity. We have all the tools, boots, gloves etc.—we just need willing and able volunteers to help out. We do a variety of activities such as planting native vegetation, eradicate invasive non-native, do trail work, pick up trash, weed around planted vegetation and a whole bunch of other activities. We meet down at Puget Creek. RSVP if you want to attend by emailing us at pcrs@pugetcreek.org or calling (253) 779-8890.
9 am – 12 pm – Wapato Hills Clean-up Party
(Tacoma) Join fellow volunteers as work continues to clean-up Wapato Hills Urban Wildlife Habitat. This work party meets on the second Saturday of each month, and is currently removing invasive species and doing general clean-up. For directions, go to http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/wapato-park.
10am – 1pm — Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) With spring migration in full swing, the Refuge is all aflutter! Experience the thrill of seeing swallows (four different species) or the wichity wichity of the common yellowthroat! Join experienced birder Eric Slagle for a guided walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the Refuge’s largest treasures—the birds! Meet at the landing overlooking the pond at the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Friday, June 20
9 am – 12 pm – Wetland Habitat Restoration work party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary—experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
Saturday, June 21
10am – 12 noon — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) From bitterns to butterflies, salmonberries to salmon fish, nature on the Refuge takes many forms. Join naturalists Art Pavey, Jan Kramer, and Cheri Greenwood on this nature walk that is sure to teach you something new about the natural splendor of the Refuge. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Saturday, June 28
9:30am – 12noon — It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Life on the Refuge reaches its maximum intensity during the vital, turbulent spring. Flowers explode and the creatures of the refuge dance to nature’s eternal drum. Experience it all on a guided walk led by naturalist Susan Wineke. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is open to the public and free of charge, but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call Michael Schramm at (360) 753-9467 or email him at michael_schramm@fws.gov.
Friday, July 4
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration Work Party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St.; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
July 7
9 am – noon — Wilcox Flats NatureMapping and Habitat Restoration Field Trip
The Nisqually Land Trust is looking to gather wildlife data at the Wilcox Flats property, located along the Nisqually River near Roy. This site is vital to salmon recovery efforts along the Nisqually River. The trip will collect baseline data about plants and wildlife in the surrounding habitat, and continue restoration efforts in the meadows and forests along the Nisqually River and side channels. This field trip will consist of data collection, invasive species removal, and weeding and care of new plantings. The event is free, and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
July 12
9 am – noon—Ohop Creek Restoration NatureMapping Field Trip
The South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually Land Trust and its partners have joined together to restore the creek through the Ohop Valley to its original meandering pathway. Northwest Trek is helping with the habitat restoration efforts by providing data collection and monitoring of the wildlife in the project area—using citizen-scientists to help collect data. This event is free, and you do not need to have NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in tall grass and in wet environments on uneven surfaces. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
Friday, July 18
9 am – 12 pm – Wetland Habitat Restoration work party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary—experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
Friday, August 1
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration Work Party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St.; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
Friday, August 15
9 am – 12 pm – Wetland Habitat Restoration work party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary—experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
Friday September 5
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration Work Party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St.; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
September 6
9 am – noon — Red Salmon Creek NatureMapping Field Trip
The Nisqually Land Trust protects this 25+ acre site near the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge that is a mosaic of small coastal streams buffered by narrow forest bands and pastures that have been planted with natives in the last 6 years. The site also contains a small area of salt marsh at the southwest edge of the property, and there is an active beaver population. This event is designed to obtain wildlife data from the site, and is free and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should dress for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces. The terrain ranges from uneven meadows and forests to riparian and wetland edges; some areas require climbing and maneuvering over debris. Rubber boots and walking sticks are advised for portions of the site. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
Saturday, September 19
9 am – 12 pm – Wetland Habitat Restoration work party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary—experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
September 20
9 am – noon — Powell Creek NatureMapping Field Trip
(Yelm) The Nisqually Land Trust is seeking wildlife data on this property on the Nisqually River. The Powell Creek site is in the Yelm area and has been recently planted in efforts to restore the natural habitat for wildlife use along the River. The event is free, and does not require previous NatureMapping experience. Participants should dress for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces: the terrain ranges from level unpaved roads to uneven meadows and forests; some areas require climbing and maneuvering over debris. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
Friday, October 3rd
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration Work Party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St.; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
Saturday, October 11
9 am – noon—Ohop Creek Restoration NatureMapping Field Trip
The South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nisqually Land Trust and its partners have joined together to restore the creek through the Ohop Valley to its original meandering pathway. Northwest Trek is helping with the habitat restoration efforts by providing data collection and monitoring of the wildlife in the project area—using citizen-scientists to help collect data. This event is free, and you do not need to have NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in tall grass and in wet environments on uneven surfaces. To sign up or get more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
Green Tacoma Day
Stay tuned for details.
Friday, November 7
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration Work Party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St.; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
Friday, November 21
9 am – 12 pm – Wetland Habitat Restoration work party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary—experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
Friday, December 5
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration Work Party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St.; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
Friday, December 19
9 am – 12 pm – Wetland Habitat Restoration work party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary—experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.