Thursday, August 28, 9 am 12 pm: On-going Restoration Work at Randall Preserve
(Olympia) Members of a local cub scout troop have volunteered to help clear around existing plantings and remove non-native invasive plants on this 7-acre gem on Mud Bay owned by Capitol Land Trust. They will be joined by several parents . . . and you? The more hands, the merrier—come join us! To RSVP and get directions, contact Yen at info@capitollandtrust.org or 943-3012.

RECURRING EVENTS
3rd Monday of each month: Birds and Beer (Olympia), 4:30 pm. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm

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, poultry, meats, flowers, veggie starts, crafts. 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
Last Wednesday of each month: Birds and Beer (Shelton), 5:00 pm. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm
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.
3rd Thursday of each month: Birding at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course at JBLM. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm
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
First Saturday of each month: First Saturday Birding and Breakfast. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.

Sundays: Olympia Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 3 pm (700 N Capitol Way; Olympia 98501) http://olympiafarmersmarket.com.
South Sound Estuarium, 10 am – 3 pm

Marine Creature Mondays in August – 11:30 am – 12:45 pm OR 1:00-2:15 pm
(Boston Harbor Marina: 312 73rd Ave NE, Olympia) Join us as Stream Team pairs with local divers for hands-on viewing of some of the wonders of Puget Sound’s marine life. Divers will demonstrate their equipment prior to diving to the bottom of the Sound to collect various marine creatures for up close viewing. Biologists will talk about the different species found, their habitat needs and what is required to keep Puget Sound healthy. Registration is necessary to keep the group size small. This event is popular so please only sign up for one event. To register, go to http://www.streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar and click on the event.

Sound Stewards Plankton Monitoring: Every Thursday until September 25
Join Stream Team and Pacific Shellfish Institute biologists this summer to get up-close-and-personal with some of the smallest organisms in the sea: phytoplankton. Help us collect plankton samples between 2:00 and 2:50 pm at the Port Plaza, and then travel to the LOTT Wet Science Center to view the plankton under a projecting microscope between 3 and 4 pm! Join us for part of the activity or stay for both parts. No experience is needed! (Note: on June 19th we will not be doing the LOTT Wet Science Center part.)

Other lists of volunteer events in Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife: http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/volunteer/events
Washington Department of Natural Resources: http://www.dnr.wa.gov
Washington Department of Parks: http://www.parks.wa.gov/262/Volunteer-Program

Monday, August 25
9:00am – 3pm – Garfield Nature Trail work party
(Olympia) Come support Eagle Scout candidates as they improve trail conditions on Garfield Nature Trail! Scouts Michael Schmidtke and Ben Riley will divide the responsibilities of adding timber steps and railings to the start of the trail off Rogers Street. Volunteers will assist in leveling the trail for step installation, backfilling the steps with gravel, and adding supportive railings. The project will span four days, with each scout leading two work days. Join us for a few hours anytime between 9am and 3pm to lend a hand in this formidable endeavor! Meet at the entrance to Garfield Nature Trail at 620 Rogers St 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 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.
11:30 am and 1 pm — Marine Creature Monday
(Boston Harbor Marina in Olympia) How do species such as barnacles and sea stars contribute to zooplankton in Puget Sound, and who eats them? Join us as Stream Team pairs with local divers for hands-on viewing of some of the wonders of Puget Sound’s marine life. Divers will demonstrate their equipment prior to diving to the bottom of the Sound to collect various marine creatures for up close viewing. Biologists will talk about the different species found, their habitat needs and what is required to keep Puget Sound healthy. All the marine creatures are kept in sea water for the viewing and then released back into Puget Sound. For more information or to register online, visit www.streamteam.info and click on “Register”. Space is limited. Please register for only one session. If you will be bringing additional people with you to a Marine Creature Monday, make sure to register the total number of people as a group. If you need assistance, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Tuesday, August 26
9:00am – 3pm – Garfield Nature Trail work party
(Olympia) Come support Eagle Scout candidates as they improve trail conditions on Garfield Nature Trail! Scouts Michael Schmidtke and Ben Riley will divide the responsibilities of adding timber steps and railings to the start of the trail off Rogers Street. Volunteers will assist in leveling the trail for step installation, backfilling the steps with gravel, and adding supportive railings. The project will span four days, with each scout leading two work days. Join us for a few hours anytime between 9am and 3pm to lend a hand in this formidable endeavor! Meet at the entrance to Garfield Nature Trail at 620 Rogers St 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 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.
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Please join us at Glacial Heritage Preserve to pull broom! We have got a lot small broom plants that have been sneaking back into the landscape, and we need your help pulling them out! Look forward to a fun day with CNLM staff and volunteers! Dress for the weather, and bring along a box lunch, gloves and plenty of water. Directions to Glacial Heritage: take I-5 to exit 95 (the Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west into Littlerock; continue going straight through Littlerock—do not take any turns, and follow the road (128th Ave) until it ends at Mima Road/Waddell Creek Road; turn south (left) on Mima Road and go 2.7 miles; take a left onto a gravel road with sign for Glacial Heritage—there will be a tractor sign shortly before the turn. Please obey the 15 mph speed limit, as there are often dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road through the gate; take the first right, and then stay to the left to get to the house. Because we are only at the house at 9:00 am and at lunch time—and it can be difficult to find us once we are out in the field—volunteers should plan to arrive before 9 am or around lunch time. For more information, contact ssvolunteers@cnlm.org. Sponsored by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
5:30 – 7:30 pm — Creative Baking with Vegetables
(Olympia) Get creative in the kitchen and discover the variety of ways to use your garden produce. To register and for more information, go to http://www.olympiafood.coop/classes.

Wednesday, August 27
9 am-noon — Hogum Bay Weed Control with Nisqually Land Trust
(Near Olympia) 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, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
9:30am – 12pm – Yauger Park work party
(Olympia) Join Luke Burns and the garden box owners to spruce up the space around the Yauger community garden! Volunteers will meet at the garden near the end of the parking lot next to Dirt Works. Yauger Park is located at 530 Alta St SW. 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, August 28
9 am 12 pm — On-going Restoration Work at Randall Preserve
(Olympia) Members of a local cub scout troop have volunteered to help us clear around existing plantings and remove non-native invasive plants on this 7-acre gem on Mud Bay owned by Capitol Land Trust. They will be joined by several parents . . . and you? The more hands, the merrier—come join us! To RSVP and get directions, contact Yen at info@capitollandtrust.org or 943-3012.

Friday, August 29
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie work party
(South Thurston County) Please join us at Shotwell’s Landing Nursery and help us harvest native wild flower seeds. It should be a gorgeous sunny afternoon to work among native plants in bloom. This too is a great opportunity to become versed in our invasive weeds and native prairie plant species. If our very sunny summer is getting to you, and you would like to work inside we also have some seed cleaning opportunities inside. 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.
9-11 am – Native Plant Salvage nursery work party
Summer brings a shift in activities for everyone, and for us it means the need for extra love for the native and drought-tolerant plants at our nursery! Our August nursery work parties offer the same camaraderie as our winter salvages, but without all the rain gear! We’ll be tending plants to be sure they’re healthy, and generally sprucing up the nursery. (A little-known secret is that during these summer work parties, plants that need extra love go home with volunteers to enhance their gardens immediately!) To RSVP or get directions, email erica@nativeplantsalvage.org.
9:30am – 12pm – Yauger Park work party
(Olympia) Lend a hand as construction begins on Olympia’s first bike pump track! In preparation for major construction, volunteers will install straw wattles to create a barrier between the future pump track location and sensitive wetland areas. Meet in Yauger Park off the parking lot at 530 Alta St SW. 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.

Wednesday, September 3
9 am-noon — Ohop Valley Weed Control with Nisqually Land Trust
(Near Eatonville) 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, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
9:30am – 12pm – Stevens Field work party
(Olympia) We return to this small ballfield park to help make it a welcoming environment for all to enjoy! Volunteers will paint the front entrance sign and weed surrounding flowerbeds. Stevens Field is located at 300 24th Ave SE. Meet near the front sign at the corner of Washington St and 24th Ave SE. 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.

Friday, September 5
8 pm — Pier Peer
(Olympia) 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! The cost is $10 for 12 and older; children 6-11 that accompany an adult are free. (The event is not appropriate for children under 6.) Pre-register is required: go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/pier-peer. If you find registration is closed, don’t worry — there is a Pier Peer every month ALL YEAR!

Saturday, 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.
10:00am – 1pm – LBA Park work party
(Olympia) The painting continues as Park Stewardship travels further south in eastside Olympia. Lend a hand in refurbishing the entrance sign to LBA Park and weeding around the front flowerbed. LBA Park is located at 3333 Morse-Merryman Rd SE. Meet behind the sign under the event tent in the large parking lot. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy. Youth under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and all youth under 18 years must have a signed Waiver and Medical Alert 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.

Wednesday, September 10
9 am-noon — Mashel River Weed Control with Nisqually Land Trust
(Near Eatonville) 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, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
9:30am – 12pm – Priest Point Park Park work party
(Olympia) As the summer winds down, so does the timeframe for painting projects! Join Park Stewardship as volunteers strive to complete a few last minute work parties before the wet season. Meet at Shelter #1 in Priest Point Park to help paint a sign and benches in the beloved Rose Garden. Priest Point Park is located at 2600 East Bay Dr 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 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.

September 13
9am – 12pm – Priest Point Park work party
(Olympia) Ivy Pulls return to Priest Point Park as we prepare for National Public Lands Day. Volunteers will pull ivy along the beach trail in a final push to restore the critical area. Help ensure that the restoration area is free from all roots and tiny sprigs before planting begins! Join in the effort and meet at Shelter #2 in Priest Point Park at 2600 East Bay Dr 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 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.
2 pm – The Water Energy Connection
(Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Many people know about the importance of saving water and energy, but few know about the direct connection between the two. This engaging presentation highlights this connection and gives you tips for saving water, energy, and money. After the presentation, take a tour of LOTT’s LEED Platinum-certified building. Find out about the building’s sustainable features, including how electricity is produced on-site using methane gas from the wastewater treatment process. For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org. To view the Wet Science Center’s entire calendar of events go to http://www.lottcleanwater.org/pdf/wetSummer.pdf.

Sunday, September 14
9:00 am — Kayak Trip with Capitol Land Trust
(Shelton) Kayakers and canoers: join Capitol Land Trust for an exclusive tour of spectacular marine conservation sites on Oakland Bay! Mid-way through the trip you will stop at Twin Rivers Ranch, where Capitol Land Trust will have beverages available and you can stretch your legs and see more of this beautiful property. Your participation will directly support the work of Capitol Land Trust, sustaining efforts that have already conserved more than 14 miles of southern Puget Sound’s shoreline habitats. For more information and to buy tickets, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/808009.
4:00 – 7:30 pm — Nisqually Land Trust 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Salmon Bake
(Odd Fellows Park: 6500 79th Avenue NE, Olympia) Join us for our Salmon Bake, get an update of Land Trust activities, and come celebrate our 25th Anniversary with us! $15 suggested donation per adult. RSVP by September 9th online at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e9p7t14s374fbd97&c=75ff1ff0-b6ca-11e3-ba37-d4ae52725666, or by calling 360.489.3400 or emailing staff@nisquallylandtrust.org. For more information, go to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event;jsessionid=553FB0FB30B0968176172674AC2B201B.worker_registrant?llr=jzh7gggab&oeidk=a07e9p7t14s374fbd97.

Monday, September 15
2:00-4:00 PM — Capitol Land Trust Conserved Property Open House: Triple Creek Farm
Explore one of southern Puget Sound’s signature shoreline properties and the cornerstone of Capitol Land Trust’s lower Eld Inlet habitat protection plan. Triple Creek Farm (the home of Ralph and Nancy Munro) includes 3.5 miles of shoreline, three streams, forest, working pastureland, and a centuries-old archaeological site. Family friendly! Bring friends and family and arrive anytime between 2 and 6 pm. The event is free; a $10 donation is recommended. To RSVP, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/808024. (RSVPs are appreciated but not required.)

Tuesday, September 16
10am – 1pm — Capitol Land Trust Volunteer Event
(in Olympia, near Evergreen State College) Help prepare areas for future habitat-restoration plantings by removing non-native blackberries and English ivy, then join us for a post-weeding lunch! The event is at Capitol Land Trust’s Kaiser Preserve, which is part of the 109-acre Green Cove Creek wetland complex. To RSVP and get directions and details, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/809379.

Wednesday, September 17
9 am-noon — Yelm Shoreline Weed Control with Nisqually Land Trust
(Yelm) 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, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.
9:30am – 12pm – Priest Point Park work party
(Olympia) Ivy Pulls return to Priest Point Park as we prepare for National Public Lands Day. Volunteers will pull ivy along the beach trail in a final push to restore the critical area. Help ensure that the restoration area is free from all roots and tiny sprigs before planting begins! Join in the effort and meet at Shelter #2 in Priest Point Park at 2600 East Bay Dr 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 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, September 18
5:30 pm — Taylor Shellfish Barge Ride with Capitol Land Trust
(Shelton) Enjoy a private sunset ride and cocktail hour on a Taylor Shellfish Farms oyster barge as it tours Oakland Bay and showcases the water view of conservation sites on the Bay. Guests will be treated to an oyster bar, wine, beer and an unforgettable adventure as we explore spectacular marine habitats conserved by Capitol Land Trust. Jim Lynch (author of The Highest Tide, Borders Songs and Truth Like the Sun) will share a few of the reasons he has been so inspired by southern Puget Sound’s marine waters and shores. For more information and to buy tickets, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/809562.

Friday, September 19
7:00 pm — Capitol Land Trust’s 14th Annual Summer Gala
(Hands On Children’s Museum: Olympia) Join us for our premier fundraising event of the year, to benefit Capitol Land Trust’s mission to conserve southwest Washington’s essential natural areas and working lands. Featuring local band Climate Change, beer from Three Magnets Brewing Company, fabulous food from Taylor Shellfish and Chef Xinh Dwelley, and wine! Come prepared for a raffle featuring artwork donated by local artists and to enjoy the museum exhibits. You must be 21+ to attend the Summer Gala. Tickets include food and drink tickets. To get tickets, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/706806.

Saturday, 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.
9am – 3pm – Watershed Park work party
(Olympia) Eagle Scout candidate, Noah Anderson, will lead trail restoration efforts at Watershed Park. Improvements will focus on diverting water from the trail and creating a safer, cleaner passage for park visitors. Meet at the side entrance to Watershed Park at 2308 McCormick Ct SE. Limited street parking is available. Join us anytime between 9am and 3pm to lend a hand in support of this Eagle Scout project! 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.
10 am – 1 pm — Nisqually Land Trust Nature Walk: Ohop Creek
(Near Eatonville) For more information, email staff@nisquallylandtrust.org or call 360-489-3400.
Soil Safari: The World of Decomposers
(Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) Put on your lab coat, grab a magnifying glass, and examine some F.B.I. up close. No, not the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We’re talking about nature’s hardest workers – fungus, bacteria, and insects! During this soil lab, you’ll learn all about the fascinating world of decomposers. Come see how many soil critters you can identify. The presentation starts at 2 pm, and the bug lab runs all day (10 am – 4 pm). For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org. To view the Wet Science Center’s entire calendar of events go to http://www.lottcleanwater.org/pdf/wetSummer.pdf.

Wednesday, September 24
9 am-noon — Ohop Valley Weed Control with Nisqually Land Trust
(Near Eatonville) 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, email volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org. For more information, contact Cris Peck (AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator, Nisqually Land Trust) at 360-489-3400 ext. 106.

September 27
10am – 1pm – Priest Point Park – National Public Lands Day Stewardship Event!
(Olympia) The Park Stewardship Program, along with REI, is hosting a fun and exciting stewardship work party for National Public Lands Day that the whole family will love! Come help revive Priest Point Park by continuing restoration efforts along the beach trail including planting of native species and resurfacing the trail with gravel! Tools, gloves and light refreshments will be provided. Register today for a chance to win sweet swag from REI! Meet at Shelter #2 in Priest Point Park located at 2600 East Bay Dr 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 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.
10 am – 4 pm – Salmon Saturday
(Wet Science Center: 500 Adams Street NE; Olympia) It’s that time of year. Local salmon are finishing up their long, tiring journey and returning to their home streams to spawn. Bring the family in to honor these amazing fish by creating salmon inspired artwork to take home. You can create fish prints, make a salmon button, stuff a salmon, and play our salmon life-cycle game! For more information, contact Amber Smith at (360) 528-5742 or ambersmith@lottcleanwater.org. To view the Wet Science Center’s entire calendar of events go to http://www.lottcleanwater.org/pdf/wetSummer.pdf.

September 28
2-5 pm – South Sound Estuary Association Fundraiser “Cruising for the Sound”
(Olympia) This is our 6th annual “Cruising for the Sound”. Join us this year for a fun afternoon cruise, with marine education and good food. See the South Puget Sound from the water! Enjoy a wonderful day! Support SSEA onboard a large luxury yacht, My Girl. No host bar. Adult-only event. Plan to join us for this outstanding yearly event! Cost: $ 65 non-members/$50 members. Space limited (90). Proceeds of our annual fundraiser support SSEA’s marine education programs. To register, go to http://http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/events-and-programs6thannual-cruise/.

Friday, October 3
9:30am – 12pm – Yauger Park work party
(Olympia) Work continues at Yauger Park in preparation for the opening of a new bike pump track! This week, volunteer efforts will focus on installing a split rail fence between the recreation zone and sensitive wetland areas. Join volunteers and local recreation groups in this important effort. Meet near the parking lot of Yauger Park off 530 Alta St SW. 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 Mike Baker or Jennifer Gessley at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.

Saturday, October 4
10am – 1pm – Yauger Park work party
(Olympia) Work continues at Yauger Park in preparation for the opening of a new bike pump track! This week, volunteer efforts will focus on installing a split rail fence between the recreation zone and sensitive wetland areas. Join volunteers and local recreation groups in this important effort. Meet near the parking lot of Yauger Park off 530 Alta St SW. 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 Mike Baker or Jennifer Gessley at 360.753.8365 or at olympiawa.gov/parkstewardship.

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.