Get involved with your community!
Local Environmental Events and Volunteer Opportunities Listed Below
Interns Needed for a Juvenile Salmon/Fish Community Study in Gray Harbor
The Wild Fish Conservancy is seeking interns to assist in an assessment of habitat use by the fish community in the tidally-influenced areas of the Chehalis River estuary and tributaries. The sampling effort will use fyke trapping and beach seining to capture, identify, measure, and release juvenile fish. Habitat assessments will also be made to identify areas for future habitat restoration projects to aid in salmon recovery. Volunteers need to be in good physical condition (adequate for hauling seine nets and traveling across mud flats), be comfortable working from small boats, and be willing to work in adverse weather conditions. The effort will provide experience in field techniques, fish identification, data collection and habitat assessment. Free group lodging will be provided in Westport, but at present there is no funding for salaries or stipends. Interns do not need to commit to the entire study period, but during summer, preference will be given to those who can commit for longer time periods (weeks/months). If interested, please contact Todd Sandell (todd@wildfishconservancy.org) and provide a contact phone number. Secondary contact: James Fletcher (james@wildfishconservancy.org).
Be a Purple Martin Nest Box Monitor!
Stream Team volunteers help monitor the bird’s nest boxes weekly for nesting activity and fledgling success. Once the Purple Martins have left for the season, volunteers also help clean the nest boxes, readying them once again for occupation in the spring. Monitoring is easy and takes only one hour per week. If you are interested in observing these amazing swallows, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8336 for more information or to sign-up. Training will be provided. Call soon and begin monitoring!
Volunteer with South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA)
Volunteers are needed to help SSEA do community outreach at the following events:
• May 17: SSEA Speaker Series: On-the-Ground Salmon Habitat Restoration
• May 21-22: Lacey Spring Fun Fair
• June 3: SEA Cinema Street Party “Under the Sea”
• June 18: Father’s Day Sea Life Exploration Event
• August 27: Sand in the City
• September 24: Nisqually Watershed Festival
• October 2: Cruising for the Sound
To volunteer, contact Melanie at melanie@sseacenter.org. EXTRA CREDIT
“Storm Stewards” Training!
The Native Plant Salvage Project and Thurston County’s Stormwater Utility and Stream Team Programs are launching a new volunteer-based program to help prevent pollution and flooding problems in local waterways and Puget Sound from stormwater runoff. Starting Thursday, May 26, the new “Storm Stewards” program will begin training volunteers in many aspects of on-site stormwater management—including rain gardens, water-wise plants, sloped biodetention hedgerows, pervious pavements, vegetated roofs, and more. Trained volunteers will use their new expertise to work in teams to provide guidance to homeowners who want to do their part to protect local waterways and Puget Sound. Classes and hands-on field trainings will be held in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate work schedules, and landscaping professionals are also encouraged to take part in the volunteer certification program. To learn more and receive an application packet, email Erica@nativeplantsalvage.org or call 360-867-2164. EXTRA CREDIT
Volunteers needed May 20th in Grays Harbor County
Grays Harbor Stream Team will be supporting Elma High School as they bring students out to Point Grenville to visit the tide pools. Help is needed to support the teachers and students in their work. We need people to help the students stay on task, safe and to support their positive interaction with the environment (no harassing sea stars!) Contact Jessica or Kim for more information at 360-538-4140. EXTRA CREDIT
Volunteers Needed to Staff a Stream Team Table at Local Beaches this Summer!
Do you enjoy talking to people? Do you want to help others learn about Stream Team or what they can do to help protect our streams and Puget Sound? Volunteer to staff a table at one of three local beaches this summer. South Sound Estuary Association is inviting local organizations to share information at Tolmie State Park, Burfoot County Park and Frye Cove County Park as part of their summer Beach Naturalist Program—which runs on Saturdays and Sundays from June through August. Stream Team will supply you with all you will need, such as hand-out materials, a Stream Team shirt (yours to keep), table and chair. This is an excellent way to reach out to our local community to help them learn how they can get involved in protecting and restoring our precious water resources! Please respond by May 19 so that we can reserve our space. For more information, dates and times, please contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or email: finanam@co.thurston.wa.us
Every Tuesday, 9am-3pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Contact: Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or asmithers@tnc.org.
Every Wednesday, 8-10am – Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Bird Walk
Meet at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Overlook at 8am, and join Phil Kelley from Black Hills Audubon Society for the entire walk or for as long as you wish.
Do you have a naturally cared for lawn that you would like to show off?
The City of Olympia is looking for a lawn to show case in the July- August utility bill insert. Do you have healthy grass that is tended to without chemical fertilizers or pesticides? Then give us a call! Photographs of your lawn will be used on the cover and inside, with tips on how to build soil health and use other natural methods for a healthy lawn. Also, share your tips with us for the Olympia Gardens summer utility insert. Call Patricia Pyle at (360)570-5841 or e-mail ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us for more information.
Tuesday, May 17
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
We will meet at Glacial Heritage to help clean up after Prairie Appreciation Day. There will be buckets to go through, signs to take down among other things. Once we get that all done we can start on the fun tasks! As many of you have noticed the flowers are starting to pop up—it is time to think about seed collection and flagging plants we would like to collect later in the season. There is always Scotch broom to be pulled, as well as some large sticks that need to be piled for future burn piles on the north side of the property. As always, bring gloves, lunch, rain gear, and a smile. Directions to Glacial Heritage: take I-5 to exit 95 (Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west through Littlerock to the T-intersection at Mima Road/Waddell Creek; go south (left) on Mima Road 2.7 miles, and take a left onto an unmarked gravel road (shortly after a tractor sign); please adhere to the 15 mph speed limit on this road as there are often dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road through the gate, and take the first right to get to the house. Contact: Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or asmithers@tnc.org.
3-7 pm – Native Plant Salvage Project plant-salvage event
Looking for native perennials for your landscape? Our salvage site in Tumwater continues to be bountiful, and it will be cleared this summer. Join us any time between 3 and 7 pm. We’ll pot plants in the field, so bring your own pots or let us know if you need to borrow some. In addition to digging for your garden, we’ll collect plants for future NPSP projects, too. For more information and to RSVP, contact the WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
7:00-9:00 pm – On-the-Ground Salmon Habitat Restoration from the Headwaters to Puget Sound
(WET Science Center; 500 Adams Street NE, Olympia) South Sound Estuary Association, Sound Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group (SPSSEG) and the WET Science Center join to present this free lecture. Kristin Williamson (Salmon Habitat Restoration Biologist & Project Manager for SPSSEG) and Lance Winecka (SPSSEG Executive Director) will present several on-the-ground salmon restoration projects, including examples from upland rivers and streams down to the marine shoreline.
7 – 9 pm – Rebels By Bus
(MIXX 96 Meeting Room, on the corner of State & Washington in downtown Oly) The cost of gas could be a good reason to give the vacation this summer to your car. The Rebels on-the-bus adventures around the greater Puget Sound area range from simple, low-cost, near-by, one day explorations to more complex two or three day trips around the Olympic Peninsula and beyond – no car needed. Rebels By Bus will share their slow travels with a low carbon footprint, and information on our local trail system and suggestions for great evening and week-end bike trips around the County will also be presented. This is an open-to-the-public program with refreshments. Donations are appreciated.
Wednesday, May 18
6-9 pm – Public Forum on creating a 10th Congressional District
(Senate Hearing Rm 1, John A. Cherberg Bldg; Capitol Campus; Olympia) Washington’s political boundaries must change—where will the new Congressional District be? Two areas under consideration are Olympia and Bellevue. The Washington State Redistricting Commission will hold one of its public hearing here in Olympia—so this is your chance for public comment. The schedule: 6pm—Open house and presentations; 7-9 pm—Public comment period.
6 pm – Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler in Centralia
(Centralia College, Corbet Theatre; 600 Centralia College Blvd., corner of Washington and Walnut St.; Centralia 98531) Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler will be updating her constituents on what’s happening in Congress and will be available to answer questions, listen to concerns and collect ideas to take back to DC.
Thursday, May 19
6:30– 8:45 pm – Rain Garden Workshop
(Olympia) Rain gardens provide natural beauty, food and habitat for wildlife, and they help
improve water quality. A rain garden is a shallow depression that can be shaped and sized to fit your yard and planted with a variety of flowers, shrubs and grasses. Rain gardens act like a native ecosystem by collecting, absorbing and filtering stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, patios and other impervious surfaces that do not allow rainwater to soak in around our homes. Join us for a free, hands-on workshop to learn how to add one of these lovely features to your yard. The workshop will give you all the details you need to design and install a beautiful rain garden that will manage your home’s stormwater drainage while protecting our local water resources. Participants will receive a FREE, full-color rain garden poster and a FREE copy of WSU’s “Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington Homeowners.” Those interested in learning more can join us for a rain garden installation field day in early summer for hands-on learning and practice! Workshops are FREE. Advanced registration is required. For more information, or to register, contact WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
7:00 – 9:00 pm – Audubon Program: Return of Wolves to Washington
(Capitol Museum Coach House; 221 West 21st Avenue; Olympia 98501) Join Black Hills Audubon Society members at their regular meeting. WDFW biologist Gary Wiles will present a program on wolf status in our state and the plan for their management and recovery. The public is welcome. Doors open at 7pm; program begins at 7:30pm.
May 20-21 – Point Defiance BioBlitz!
A BioBlitz is a 24-hour event in which teams of volunteer scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as possible. A BioBlitz gives adults, kids, and teens the opportunity to join biologists in the field and participate in bona fide research expeditions. It’s a fun and exciting way to learn about the biological diversity of local parks and to better understand how to protect them. The Point Defiance BioBlitz begins at 2:00 pm on May 20 and ends at 2:00 pm on May 21. The Blitz will be conducted under the auspices of the Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance, with Metro Parks Tacoma, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and the Tacoma Nature Center. Headquarters (aka “Science Central”) will be located in the Education Building inside the Zoo. If you’d like to take part, contact Craig Standridge at 404-3690
Friday, May 20
9 am – 12 pm – Tacoma Nature Center 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! For more information, call 253-591-6439. VOLUNTEER EVENT
7:00 – 8:30 pm – Visiting Author and Chef: Greg Atkinson
(Olympia Timberland Library) Greg Atkinson, author of Northwest Essentials: Cooking with Ingredients that Define a Region’s Cuisine, will address the importance of local ingredients and how cooking at home connects us to family, friends and the world at large. Atkinson won the James Beard Award and the M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished writing award in 2000. His books include essays and stories as well as recipes to encourage home cooks to take advantage of the wealth of natural ingredients available in the Great Pacific Northwest. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
Saturday, May 21
8am – 10am – Nature from Every Angle; An Introduction to Point of View Photography
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Join i’ina van Lawick in a beginners’ photo-composition class as she introduces you to a creative side of yourself you’ve never met before! Point of view is a style of photography that uses interesting perspectives and camera angles to give the photo viewer a unique experience when looking at your pictures. In this session you will learn how to “see” through the eye of the lens and create interesting images. Please bring your camera, extra batteries and a photo you would like to critique for improvement. 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 (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov.
8am – 10am – Birds of a Feather: It’s Nesting Time!
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Many species of birds nest on the Refuge. Join expert birder Phil Kelley for a bird walk and see how many nesters you can find. 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. Walking trails are beginner level, smooth with no elevation. Wear comfortable shoes. Feel free to bring binoculars or check them out from the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov.
9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Eld Inlet work party with Capitol Land Trust
Capitol Land Trust invites you to join us for a volunteer stewardship event at our conservation property on McLane Point on lower Eld Inlet, Olympia. We will be removing invasive plants, including holly, scotch broom and English ivy. We will provide tools, gloves, water and snacks. Bring sturdy, waterproof shoes, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothes. If you have tools and gloves of your own, we invite you to bring them as well. Students under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver form to participate. To RSVP and get directions, contact Guy Maguire at guym@capitollandtrust.org or 360-943-3012.
Skookum Wulge Ivy Removal work party
(Pierce County) Join Citizens for a Healthy Bay volunteers in an invasive English ivy removal work party at the Skookum Wulge restoration site. For more information, contact: 253-383-2429. VOLUNTEER EVENT
9 am – 4 pm – Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County Plant Sale
(Dirt Works, in Yauger Park on the west side of Olympia) The sale features a wide variety of plants including great plant picks, perennials, shrubs/trees, grasses, native plants, heirloom tomato starts, and herb/vegetable starts. Along with the sale, Dirt Works garden is open to the public the whole day. Education of the community about plants, water-wise gardening, other related organizations and composting are major focuses of the event. Something else to look for is a demonstration on tool sharpening and maintenance. Bring your pruners, loppers or shears and learn as they are sharpened. The sharpening tool will be available for sale, with proceeds going to the Foundation. The Master Composters of Thurston County will be demonstrating yard and worm composting. There will also be bins on site for you to see and purchase from the MGFTC. Composting workshops the day of the sale: Yard Waste 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM; Worm Bin 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
10 am – 1 pm – Volunteer at the Duwamish Hill Preserve in Tukwila
Join volunteers on the 3rd Saturday of every month to help restore this culturally significant park preserve. In 2001, Cascade Land Conservancy, the City of Tukwila, and a local citizen group formed a partnership to work for the preservation of an undeveloped parcel of land on the Duwamish River. The Hill is culturally significant for its association with southern Puget Sound Salish oral tradition and history, as a key location in the stories collectively known as the “Epic of the Winds.” The property will be managed as a public open space preserve devoted to the interpretation of the site’s Native American cultural significance and other aspects of Duwamish River Valley natural and cultural history. Volunteer event activities include invasive weed removal and other restoration projects. Wear boots or comfortable athletic shoes, work clothes, and dress for the weather (rain gear and appropriate layers). Also bring a refillable water bottle. Snacks, drinks, tools and gloves will be provided. If you are under 18 and attending the event without a parent or guardian, come to the event with a signed waiver form (www.cascadeland.org/files/stewardship-files/Youth%20Waiver.updated%2011.22.10.pdf). To register and get directions, go to www.cascadeland.org/events/5-21-join-in-the-restoration-fun-at-duwamish-hill-preserve. For additional information contact, volunteer@cascadeland.org.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm – WSU Lewis County Master Gardeners Plant Clinic
(Chehalis Timberland Library) Bring your problem plants, your questions, and all of your gardening dilemmas to the experts. The Lewis County Master Gardeners will be on hand on the third Saturday of the month through August to help you make your garden successful
Sunday, May 22
8am -12 noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Join birders Ken and Nell Batker, experts who know the ins and outs of birding at Nisqually, for a bird walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the refuges largest treasures—the birds! 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. Walking trails are beginner level, smooth with no elevation. Wear comfortable shoes. Feel free to bring binoculars or check them out from the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov.
1 pm – 3 pm – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance
(Olympia) Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek. Snacks will be provided. Please register bu contacting Native Plant Salvage at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. Youth under the age of 18 must have a Waiver Form signed by a parent or guardian. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, May 26
Storm Stewards Training
(Olympia) The Native Plant Salvage Project and Thurston County’s Stormwater Utility and Stream Team Programs are launching a new volunteer-based program to help prevent pollution and flooding problems in local waterways and Puget Sound from stormwater runoff. For more details, see the entry at top of this list—or email Erica@nativeplantsalvage.org or call 360-867-2164.
6:30 – 8:00 pm – Discussion of The World Without Us
(Montesano Timberland Library) Read The World without Us by Alan Weisman and join others in a conversation about the book. Everyone is welcome to join in. The library is normally closed at this time and is only open for the program. (but you must first read the book!)
Saturday, May 28
9 am – 1 pm – Restoration work party at the William Cannon Trail
Join People For Puget Sound in removing invasive vegetation along this unique stretch of shoreline on Mud Bay, on the west side of Olympia. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring your own lunch, water bottle, and work gloves. We will provide light refreshments and tools and will have some extra gloves to share. No experience is necessary, but children ten and under need adult supervision. Directions: head west from downtown on Harrison/Mud Bay Rd; turn right at Madrona Beach Rd NW; continue 0.4 mi to the Madrona Park and Ride (on your right, at (~520 Madrona Beach Rd NW; Olympia 98502). Park in the Park and Ride lot at the head of the trail, and walk down the trail until you see us. for more information, contact Christina Donehower at 360-754-9177 ext. 183 or 253-380-7987 (cell), or at cdonehower@pugetsound.org.
10am – 12 noon – It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild
(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) From bitterns to butterflies, chickadees to crabapples, the Refuge is home to many types of wildlife. Join naturalist Art Pavey, on this nature walk that is sure to teach you something new about the creatures of the Refuge. Meet at the Visitor Center flag pole. The program is open to the public and free of charge—but there is a $3 entrance fee to the Refuge. Walking trails are beginner level, smooth with no elevation. Wear comfortable shoes. Feel free to bring binoculars or check them out from the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed at the Refuge. For more information, call (360)753-9467 or email jackie_larue@fws.gov.
Wednesday, June 1
7-10pm – An Evening with Vandana Shiva, Van Jones and Bill McKibben
(Seattle Town Hall; 1119 8th Avenue; Seattle 98101) Celebrate the 15th anniversary of YES! Magazine in Seattle on June 1st! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Van, Vandana, and Bill speak about opportunities for deep change and our important role as change makers. A reception will follow with live music, local drinks, and decadent desserts. Tickets are $25, and can be bought at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/170181. If you’d like to volunteer on the day of the event, contact Gretchen at gwolf@yesmagazine.org.
June 3-4
Sea Cinema Film Festival
(Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave SE, Olympia) Celebrate World Oceans Day locally with the Sea Cinema Film Festival. 15 FREE films on marine life and oceans, including Oceans from Disneynature. For more information, go to www.seacinema.org or contact Gabby at 360-754-9177 ext. 162.
Friday, June 3
9 am – 12 pm – Tacoma Nature Center 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! For more information, call 253-591-6439.
1:00 – 4:00 pm – Capitol Land Trust work party
(near the Evergreen State College, Olympia) Capitol Land Trust invites you to join us for a volunteer stewardship event at our conservation property on the Kaiser Property. We will be removing English ivy, and cleaning up and mulching plantings. We will provide tools, gloves, water and snacks. Bring sturdy, waterproof shoes, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothes. If you have tools and gloves of your own, we invite you to bring them as well. Students under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver form to participate. To RSVP and get directions, contact Guy Maguire at guym@capitollandtrust.org or 360-943-3012.
Saturday, June 4
9 am – noon — Point Defiance Trails Day
In order to preserve acreage in beautiful Point Defiance Park and keep the trails safe and accessible, we host an annual clean up day. The more people that are involved, the better the trails are for the community every day of the year. Volunteers are needed to tackle a section of trail. Specific directions and tools are provided that morning to groups that go out with a guide. Focus areas include: litter and garbage throughout the trail system; vegetation pruning to eliminate overgrown brush impeding movement along the trails; tread repair, like adding chips/mulch and/or gravel to areas that are historically muddy or hold water; supporting Point Defiance Park’s Fire Suppression Plan by removing downed limbs and branches from designated areas along the road corridors and trails throughout the park. If you’re interested in taking part, please contact Richard Madison at 752-2596 by June 1st.
9 am – 7 pm – Mother Earth News’ Green Living Fair
(Puyallup Fairgrounds; Puyallup) Hosted by Mother Earth News, the largest and longest-running publication about sustainable lifestyles. Dozens of hands-on workshops will cover renewable energy, small-scale livestock, green building and remodeling, organic gardening, DIY projects, real food, natural health, green transportation and related topics. The Fair also will host a “green-shopping” pavilion, vendor and livestock demonstrations, a seed swap, children’s activities, musical acts, and local and organic food options. The keynote speaker will be Joel Salatin. Tickets are $15 for a one-day pass; $25 for a weekend pass. Children 17 and under are free! Volunteers (10 years-old and up) receive free admission to the Fair. To volunteer, contact Kristi Koehler at Kristi@sevenstarevents.com. For more information, go to http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair/workshop-puyallup.aspx.
10 am – Olympia Historic Shoreline Marking Event
Meet at Sylvester Park, located at the corner of Capital and Legion Ways SE
11 am – Olympia Historic Shoreline Walk
TBD – Sea Cinema Block Party in front of the Capital Theater
The Sea Cinema Block Party is a FREE Family-Friendly block party in celebration World Oceans Day. Includes live music, arts and crafts, hands-on activities, live marine critter touch tank and more! Go to www.seacinema.org for more information.
Sunday, June 5
9 am – 7 pm – Mother Earth News’ Green Living Fair
(Puyallup Fairgrounds; Puyallup) See entry on Saturday, June 4 for details.
Wednesday, June 8
10am – noon – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance
(Olympia) Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek. Snacks will be provided. For more information, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.
Saturday, June 11
9 am – 12noon – Second Saturday at Puget Creek
(Puget Creek, Tacoma) Help the Puget Creek Restoration Society restore one of Tacoma’s natural jewels—Puget Creek/Puget Gulch. We do a variety of activities such as planting native vegetation, eradicating invasive non-native, doing trail work, picking up trash, weeding around planted vegetation, and a whole bunch of other activities. We will provide refreshments, rubber boots, and gloves. Dress for weather conditions and wear clothes you can get dirty. RSVP to the Puget Creek Restoration Society if you want to attend by emailing pugetcreek@yahoo.com or calling (253) 779-8890. Meet at 3505 North Alder Way. Parking is available along Ruston Way and west side of Alder. Walk half of a block on N. Alder Way to the entrance to Puget Park. Look for PCRS banner.
10 am – 3:30 pm – “Meet the Trees of Washington” Field Class
Sponsored by Thurston Co. Stream Team. For more information and to RSVP, contact the WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
9-10pm – Night dockside adventure with marine naturalists in Olympia
(Boston Harbor Marina, Olympia) Fall in love with Puget Sound again, or for the first time! Join People For Puget Sound naturalists out on the docks for a night time adventure. We’ll see the food web in action! We may be joined by giant marine worms, colorful sea slugs, sea stars, larval fish, jelly fish and maybe even the luminescent squid! AND you never know when the harbor seal might swing by for a snack. People For Puget Sound members free; non-member adults, $10. (Children free) This is a family-friendly event but we advise parents not to bring children under 8. All children must by supervised by an adult. Please dress for the weather (and damp docks) and bring your own flashlights. Advance reservations are required, and space is limited. To RSVP, go to http://pugetsound.org/forms/event_rsvp. For more information, contact Gabby Byrne, (360) 754-9177.
Tuesday, June 14
7pm – Olympia Science Café: Hair and the detection of breast cancer.
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Prof. Emeritus D. Lyman, Univ. of Utah.
Saturday, June 18
10 am – 1 pm – Volunteer at the Duwamish Hill Preserve in Tukwila
Join volunteers to help restore this culturally significant park preserve. In 2001, Cascade Land Conservancy, the City of Tukwila, and a local citizen group formed a partnership to work for the preservation of an undeveloped parcel of land on the Duwamish River. The Hill is culturally significant for its association with southern Puget Sound Salish oral tradition and history, as a key location in the stories collectively known as the “Epic of the Winds.” The property will be managed as a public open space preserve devoted to the interpretation of the site’s Native American cultural significance and other aspects of Duwamish River Valley natural and cultural history. Volunteer event activities include invasive weed removal and other restoration projects. Wear boots or comfortable athletic shoes, work clothes, and dress for the weather (rain gear and appropriate layers). Also bring a refillable water bottle. Snacks, drinks, tools and gloves will be provided. If you are under 18 and attending the event without a parent or guardian, come to the event with a signed waiver form (www.cascadeland.org/files/stewardship-files/Youth%20Waiver.updated%2011.22.10.pdf). To register and get directions, go to www.cascadeland.org/events/5-21-join-in-the-restoration-fun-at-duwamish-hill-preserve. For additional information contact, volunteer@cascadeland.org.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm – WSU Lewis County Master Gardeners Plant Clinic
(Chehalis Timberland Library) Bring your problem plants, your questions, and all of your gardening dilemmas to the experts. The Lewis County Master Gardeners will be on hand on the third Saturday of the month through August to help you make your garden successful.
Thursday, June 23
6:30 pm – Community Supported Agriculture
(Thurston County Courthouse, Bldg. 1, Room 280—2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Olympia 98502) Presentation by and discussion with several local CSA farmers regarding the social, economic and environmental benefits of the increasingly popular Community-Supported Agriculture. Speakers will discuss the benefits and how it works. Social period at 6:30 p.m. followed by presentation and disucssion beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 30
4:30-7:30 pm – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance
(Olympia) Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek. Snacks will be provided. For more information, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.
Saturday, July 2
9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Capitol Land Trust work party
(near the Evergreen State College, Olympia) Capitol Land Trust invites you to join us for a volunteer stewardship event at our conservation property on the Kaiser Property. We will be removing invasive plants, and cleaning up and mulching plantings. We will provide tools, gloves, water and snacks. Bring sturdy, waterproof shoes, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothes. If you have tools and gloves of your own, we invite you to bring them as well. Students under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver form to participate. To RSVP and get directions, contact Guy Maguire at guym@capitollandtrust.org or 360-943-3012.
Wednesday, July 13
10 am – noon – McLane Creek Nature Trail Maintenance
(Olympia) Join volunteers from the Native Plant Salvage Project and Stream Team in maintaining the trails around McLane Creek. Snacks will be provided. For more information, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.