RECURRING EVENTS
Tuesdays: South Sound Prairie work party, 9 am – 3 pm
West Olympia Farmers’ Market, 4-7 pm (1515 Harrison Ave NW in the parking lot of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church)
Fresh produce, baked goods, pastured poultry and meats, flowers, veggie starts, crafts and more. Everything is locally grown and produced.
Olympia City Council, 7 pm (Olympia City Council Chambers: 601 4th Ave E)
http://olympia.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Tumwater City Council, 7 pm on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday (Tumwater City Hall: 555 Israel Rd. SW) www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/ccagendasTOC.htm
Wednesdays: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Bird Walk, 8-11 am – Meet at Visitor Center Overlook at 8 am.
Nisqually Land Trust Work Party, 9 am – noon
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: South Sound Prairie work party, 9 am – 3 pm
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
June 2
5-7 pm – South Sound Sierra Group meeting
(Tumwater Library: 7023 New Market Street; Tumwater 98501-6563) Come join us and meet County Commissioner Karen Valenzuela to ask her questions. We also will be joined by Laura Hendricks, who will talk about the herbicide spraying planned for Willapa Bay and Puget Sound.
Tuesday, June 3
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Please join us at Tenalquot Prairie to remove our beloved Scotch broom from the prairie, or to assist in collecting plant seeds. (You do not need prior experience or botanical knowledge to help collect seeds: new volunteers will always be partnered with an experienced seed collector. If you are interested in becoming a seed collection volunteer, please contact Marion Jarisch at marionjarisch@comcast.net or (206)-779-1663.) This is a great opportunity to practice native plant identification in the wild and spot some Purple Martins. 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; look for the “Tenalquot Prairie Work Day” sign, and turn left off of Rainier Road and follow the gravel road to the gate and park. 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, June 4
9 am-noon – Ohop Creek Scotch Broom Pull!
(near Eatonville) Join Nisqually Land Trust for work party to benefit wildlife habitat near the Nisqually River! We will be working in old timberland in the uplands of the beautiful Ohop Valley. There is a large patch of Scotch Broom on an old logging road, and it’s a great step forward in the restoration of this site! 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=a07e9dbwlx3a3315976, or emailvolunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
9:30am – 12 pm – Priest Point Park work party
Join Park Stewardship at this popular Olympia park to continue fighting invasive English Ivy! Volunteers will tackle a small portion of ivy to help alleviate the pressure on native species. 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 (http://sitecore/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich Text Editor/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER Form.pdf) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Priest Point Park is located at 2600 East Bay Dr NE. Follow signs to the work party meeting place located under an unmarked shelter along the northern loop. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going to https://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
Friday, June 6
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Please join us at Shotwell’s Landing Nursery and relieve our prairie plants from the weedy competition. It’s looking like another gorgeous sunny afternoon to work among native plants in bloom. This is a great opportunity to become versed in our native prairie plant species. 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.
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.
9am – 12 pm – National Trails Day stewardship event at Priest Point Park!
Celebrate trails! The Park Stewardship Program is teaming up with Centro (formerly Alpine Experience) to celebrate National Trails Day with a fun and exciting stewardship work party. Come help enhance the beach trail at Priest Point Park! Tools, gloves, and light refreshments will be provided. Meet at Kitchen Shelter #2 off 2600 East Bay Dr NE. Centro is giving cash to the school with the most student volunteers for Earth Day and National Trails Day events. 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 (http://sitecore/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich Text Editor/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER Form.pdf) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Show your school spirit and join our project! To sign up, go to https://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec or contact Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
9 am to noon – National Trails Day at Northwest Trek
(Eatonville) Please join Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Metro Parks Tacoma by pitching in on a Park trail stewardship activity. We will be doing trail maintenance, weeding, and general mulching. All tools and gloves will be provided (but we do not have child-size gloves). Youth are welcome to participate if accompanied by a responsible adult. Please bring snacks and water as needed. Please RSVP to Rachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org by 5pm on Thursday, June 5th so we know how many tools we will need for the day. For more information, contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org.
9 am to Noon—National Trails Day at Woodland Creek Community Park
(Lacey) Come out and celebrate National Trails Day by joining other trail supporters at Woodland Creek Community Park, 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, to spread wood chips on trails in the park, pull weeds and invasive plants, and conduct basic trail maintenance. The City of Lacey Parks & Recreation Department is hosting the trail maintenance work party. All are encouraged to participate! Individuals, families and groups are welcome to join. Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Please register at www.ci.lacey.wa.us/parks-volunteer. For more information, call the Lacey Parks and Recreation Department at 360 491-0857.
9 am – 2 pm — Pigeon Guillemot Volunteer Training
(LOTT Wet Science Center: 500 Adams St NE, Olympia 98501) Pigeon Guillemots are one of the only seabirds that breed in the South Puget Sound. Help watch for these fascinating small, cliff-dwelling birds on a local beach for one hour a week, June through August. Join us for a free volunteer training to receive all of the information necessary to monitor these birds! For more details or to register contact Anne Mills at millsa@comcast.net or 360-867-1487.
10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Meet the Trees of Washington
(Olympia) This class is for anyone who has ever wondered about the benefits and horticultural uses of native trees and other plants. Participants will learn about a variety of different ecosystems found in Western Washington and the plants and animals that inhabit them. Following a morning in the classroom, we’ll travel by bus for a field trip to a local nature trail to learn to identify native trees, shrubs, ferns, and perennials. To register, go to http://streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.
12:30-2 pm and 2:30-4 pm — Nisqually Land Trust Nature Walk at the Van Eaton Homestead
(Eatonville) Join us for this spring’s first Nature Walk. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the history and important ecological characteristics of the site from the Land Trust’s Executive Director, Joe Kane, and Site Steward Martin McCallum. After the talk, we’ll set out on a moderate one-mile long Nature Walk to the former Van Eaton homestead on the banks of the Mashel River, now the site of important salmon-recovery efforts led by the Land Trust and the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Participants will learn more about restoration of the Mashel and the importance of the Van Eaton property for the future of our threatened salmon. For more information, contact Nikki Dizon at 360.489.3400 or staff@nisquallylandtrust.org. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, email staff@nisquallylandtrust.org.
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.
2:00 pm — Shrink Your Water Footprint
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) How much water do you use? Join us for a fun, engaging presentation about how to calculate and shrink your “water footprint.” A water footprint is the total amount of water you use, including the water you use directly in your home and the water used indirectly to produce the food you eat, the energy you use, and the products you buy. The hidden water use of these processes may surprise you! You’ll leave with a new understanding of your water use and ideas for conserving water at home.For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Sunday, June 8
10 am to 4 pm – Second Sunday at Twin Rivers Ranch volunteer event
(Shelton) With the help of many organizations and volunteers, Capitol Land Trust has preserved this 133-acre gem at the north end of Oakland Bay, removed acres of non-native invasive plants and planted thousands of native plants in their place. (Go to http://www.capitollandtrust.org/pages/conservedland/Twin.html for details.) But we need your help to make sure all these efforts are not undone by vegetation competing with and growing over the plantings. No experience is required. We will provide tools and gloves. And if you stay until the end of the event, you will get a tour of this amazing property! To register and get more information, email info@capitollandtrust.org or call Yen at (360)943-3012.
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.
Tuesday, June 10
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, June 11
9:30am – 12 pm — Burri Park work party
Join Park Stewardship as we remove invasive species! 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 (http://sitecore/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich Text Editor/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER Form.pdf) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going tohttps://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
Thursday, June 12
10 am to 6 pm – Plant Rescue at Kaiser Preserve!
(Olympia west side) If you listen closely, you can hear the strangled cry of our plantings at Capitol Land Trust’s Kaiser Preserve saying, “Help me, help me!” Despite the valiant efforts of our volunteers in May, many of our planted native trees and shrubs are still engulfed by (hiss!) blackberries and reed canary-grass. So—you want to be a hero and help rescue them, or just take some of your frustrations out on blackberry canes and weeds? Join us when you can and for as long as you can as we help preserve and enhance native riparian habitats. No experience is required. We will provide tools and gloves. To register and get more information, email info@capitollandtrust.org or call Yen at (360)943-3012.
Friday, June 13
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.
9:30am – 12 pm – Burri Park work party
Join Park Stewardship as we remove invasive species! 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 (http://sitecore/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich Text Editor/~/media/Files/Parks/Volunteering/WAIVER Form.pdf) or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going tohttps://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
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 Rachael Mueller at Rachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.
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.
10 am -4 pm – Frustrationless Flyers
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Spring is here and it’s a great time for kite flying. Bring in the family to decorate and assemble your very own “frustrationless flyer” kite. These are the easiest kites you’ll ever fly. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
11a to 10p – PS I Love You Puget Sound Festival
(The PS I Love You Festival and the Olympia Center) Celebrate Puget Sound at Percival Landing Park through music, film, food and fun for the whole family! Live music, storytelling, interactive educational booths, games, art activities, shellfish tasting, outdoor recreation and more! Evening Sea Cinema at the Olympia Center starting with a family movie, short films, and featuring Return of the River. For more information, go to http://psfestival.com.
June 16-20: Salmon Camp for kids!
Looking for something fun for the kids to do this summer? Check out Salmon Camp! Thurston Conservation District has partnered with the YMCA for the very first time to create a Salmon Adventure for youth 5-12 years old! Come celebrate the world of salmon by entering their world yourself! Look for food in the river, test your skills at making it upstream from the ocean and see if you can find your home stream using your sense of smell. There will be a field trip on the last day of camp to Priest Point Park. We will spend a day making t-shirts, seeing what people are doing for salmon and eating delicious food! Parents are invited to attend on this day! Come join in on the fun! For more info and to sign up, visit the summer camp page atwww.southsoundymca.org.
Tuesday, June 17
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 – 8:30 pm — Stream Bug Monitoring Training
(McLane Creek Nature Trail: 5044 Delphi Rd SW, Olympia 98512) Interested in helping Stream Team gather stream bug samples from local streams this summer? Come to one of our Stream Bug Monitoring Trainings to find out how and why we use stream bugs as indicators of stream health. To register, go to http://www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.
Friday, June 20
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Saturday, 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 atmichael_schramm@fws.gov.
10 am – 4 pm – Food Chains
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Learn about wetlands and make a food chain craft project. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or atambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
1:00 pm – LOTT Treatment Plant Tour
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Find out how LOTT cleans up our urban wastewater at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant, and the steps taken to protect Puget Sound. A slideshow followed by a treatment plant tour begins at 1:00 pm. Tour participants must be 10 years or older and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Tuesday, June 24
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, June 25
9:30am – 12 pm – Woodruff Park work party
Come out to support the community in efforts beautifying Woodruff Park! Weed tree circles and flowerbeds throughout the park, giving a clean, fresh look to this old time Olympia favorite. Woodruff Park is located at 1500 Harrison Ave NW. Street parking available along Thomas and Perry Streets. 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 or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going to https://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
Thursday, June 26
10 am to 5 pm — On-going Restoration at Randall Preserve
(Olympia west side) Join Capitol Land Trust for our Fourth-Thursday volunteer event. This time we will be at the Randall Preserve on Mud Bay, on the west side of Olympia. This beautiful property tucked behind Blue Heron Bakery has been the site of extensive habitat-restoration work: removing derelict buildings, shoreline armoring and non-native invasive plants, and planting numerous native trees and shrubs to create a more natural shoreline. But more work remains to be done, and your help is needed! Competing weeds need to be removed from many of the plantings, and non-native plum treelings need to be removed to make way for native plantings. So lend a hand! Arrive when you can and stay as long as you are able. No experience is required. We will provide tools and gloves. To register and get more information, email info@capitollandtrust.org or call Yen at (360)943-3012.
Friday, June 27
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.
9:00am – 3 pm – Garfield Nature Trail work party
Eagle Scout candidate Michael encourages any and all helping hands to join the effort in completing much needed improvements on Garfield Nature Trail. This two-day project will consist of removing a 12-foot section of the trail, followed by replacement with gabion baskets filled with medium-sized rock, then covered with filter fabric and re-surfacing with gravel. This is sure to be a tremendous effort with joined forces from throughout the community! Volunteers will meet at the Rogers Street trail head of Garfield Nature Trail located at 620 Rogers St NW. Limited street parking is available. NOTE: Trail will be closed to recreational visitors during time of maintenance. 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 or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going to https://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
Saturday, June 28
9:00am – 3 pm – Garfield Nature Trail work party
(Olympia) See description on Friday, June 27.
9:00 am to 2:00 pm — Leap for Frogs! 5k fun run/walk and festival
(Yelm) Come celebrate frogs and other amphibian friends and help raise funds to restore our local amphibian habitat! The fun-run/walk begins at 9:00am, and goes through the community surrounding Yelm Middle School and part of the Yelm-Tenino Trail. Afterwards is the festival, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, featuring a guest speaker from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, children’s Lily Pad Leap, food, and a chance to meet your local frog friendly organizations! There is a registration fee for the run/walk, but the festival is totally free. Get details and register for the fun-run now to take advantage of the early bird special at www.leapforfrogs.eventbrite.com. Visit the Leap for Frogs Facebook page athttp://www.facebook.com/leapforfrogs. All profits go towards local amphibian habitat restoration and to raise amphibian awareness! Interested in volunteering to help with the run? Please contact Sadie Gilliom at
tcdamericorps@thurstoncd.com or 360-754-3588 ext. 105.
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.
2:00 pm — Get Out of My Hair: Toxins in Personal Care
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Find out about the chemicals in personal care products such as lotion, deodorant, shampoo, and hair dye. Join Thurston County Environmental Health to learn more about the health and environmental concerns from these everyday products, how to read labels, helpful websites, and safer alternatives. You’ll get to make an all-natural lip balm to take home, and one lucky person will win a gift basket of non-toxic products! The presentation is best for ages 11 and up. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or at ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org.
Wednesday, July 2
9:30am – 12 pm – Stevens Field work party
(Olympia) Volunteers will join forces at Stevens Field to continue weeding efforts around flower beds and tree circles. Help welcome the baseball and softball season by creating a welcoming environment to this well-used park. Stevens Field is located at 300 24th Ave SE where a small lot is available for parking. Meet at the picnic tables across from the parking 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 or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going tohttps://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
Saturday, July 5
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 Rachael Mueller at Rachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.
10:00am – 1 pm – Lions Park work party
(Olympia) Need a little fresh air and exercise after an eventful Independence Day holiday? Come out to Lions Park for light weeding around tree circles and prominent flower beds! Lions Park is located at 800 Wilson St SE. Volunteers will meet under the covered shelter. 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 or have a parents’ signature on the sign-in roster at the project work site. Please sign up so we know how many people are coming, by going to https://apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec, or contacting Christina Lamour (Park Stewardship Program, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation) at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.
Saturday, 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 Rachael Mueller at Rachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.
Sunday, July 13
10 am to 4 pm: Second Sunday at Twin Rivers Ranch volunteer event
(Shelton) With the help of many organizations and volunteers, Capitol Land Trust has preserved this 133-acre gem at the north end of Oakland Bay, removed acres of non-native invasive plants and planted thousands of native plants in their place. But we need your help to make sure all these efforts are not undone by vegetation competing with and growing over the plantings. No experience is required. We will provide tools and gloves. And if you stay until the end of the event, you will get a tour of this amazing property! To register and get more information, email info@capitollandtrust.org or call Yen at (360)943-3012.
Saturday, July 19
9 am to 12 noon: Tree “Search and Rescue” at Black River Farm
(Littlerock) Capitol Land Trust holds a conservation easement on this 510-acre farm adjacent to Black River and Mima Creek—to preserve it as a working farm, and preserve and enhance riparian habitat. The riparian corridors have been fenced to keep out cattle, and numerous native trees and shrubs were planted along Mima Creek to create a riparian buffer. But now the reed canary-grass has grown up and we can’t find the plants! So please join Capitol Land Trust as we conduct a vegetative “search and rescue” to locate the plants and clear circles around them. We probably will not find D.B. Cooper or Jimmy Hoffa, but we are sure to find lots of native plants just waiting for some help to thrive! No experience is required. We will provide tools and gloves. To register and get more information, email info@capitollandtrust.org or call Yen at (360)943-3012.
Thursday, July 24
10 am to 5 pm: On-going Restoration on the Kaiser Wetland
(Olympia west side) Join Capitol Land Trust for our Fourth-Thursday volunteer event. This time we will be at the Kaiser Preserve near Evergreen State College. We will be giving etiquette lessons to overly-aggressive English ivy and non-native blackberries, and making room for future habitat-restoration plantings. We need your help—especially if you enjoy teaching manners to unruly weeds! Arrive when you can and stay as long as you are able. No experience is required. We will provide tools and gloves. To register and get more information, emailinfo@capitollandtrust.org or call Yen at (360)943-3012.
Friday, August 1
Saturday, August 2
9 am to noon – Habitat restoration & invasive species removal at Northwest Trek
(Eatonville) Join Northwest Trek staff for a morning of native planting, trail work or other stewardship activities to help maintain the park’s native beauty. Please contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org for more information or to sign up.
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 Rachael Mueller at Rachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.
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 Rachael Mueller at Rachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.
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 Rachael Mueller at Rachael.Mueller@nwtrek.org.