Get involved with your community!!

A listing of local summer and early fall environmental events:

Garden space available

“There is approximately 1000 feet of garden space here I would like to share and be able to donate to the foodbank or a family in need. Some of it has clay-like soil—good perhaps only for brocolli and cabbage.  I am next to Burfoot park out by Boston Harbor . The property has good well water. Have anyone interested contact me, Dee McDonald, at (360) 754-1979 or at deemcdonaldolympia@yahoo.com.”

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.

Stream Bug Monitoring Training Training – New Training Dates

Monday June 20, 6:00 pm OR Tuesday June 28, 6:00 pm, at McLane Creek Nature Trail

What lives on or below the rocks in a stream?  Why are they important?  Attend this training and learn how “stream bugs” are used to assess the health of local streams.  Each summer Stream Team volunteers help to collect “stream bug” samples from 19 streams throughout Thurston County following a standardized protocol.  At the training you will receive a copy of the sampling schedule and will have a chance to sign up for one or more sampling dates.  Sampling takes approximately 3-5 hours per stream.  Sampling dates vary from weekday day, weekday evening to weekends.  No experience is necessary, but registration is required.  For more information or to register for either training date, contact Ann Marie @ 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or finanam@co.thurston.wa.us.

Nisqually Reach Center Summer Camp

Nisqually Reach Center’s summer camp program provides hands-on activities to introduce campers between the ages of 7 and 14 to fundamental biological & ecological principles in a fun, science-based curriculum.  For more information, go to www.nisquallyestuary.org/nrnc2011summercamp.html.

Budd Inlet Shoreline Walks: Wednesdays at 6 pm; Saturday & Sunday at 10 am

Interested in knowing more about the downtown shoreline?  Looking for something free to do with out of town guests?  Want to spice up an evening or morning walk with some local knowledge?  Take a walk through history and learn about the Budd Inlet and Olympia with Stream Team Sound Stewards.  Take a leisurely walk in downtown Olympia with Stream Team’s Sound Stewards to learn about Budd Inlet, the Deschutes River and Capitol Lake.  Learn about the ecology, geology and wildlife of Budd Inlet.  Also learn some of the story of Olympia:  why Budd Inlet needed to be dredged; why Capital Lake was created; where the original shoreline was; what’s happening now, and what’s in store for the future; and what your role is in helping Budd Inlet.  Walks will be offered from May 28 through September 4 (unless it is pouring rain!).  Walks will include Percival Landing boardwalk and part of Capitol Lake and Heritage Park—about one mile of flat walking terrain.  The guided walk takes about 90 minutes.  Just show up, or call/e-mail to make a reservation.  Meet at Percival Landing next to 4th Avenue Bridge (by Bay View Thriftway)—look for the “Meet Here” sign.  Please do not park in the Bayview Thriftway parking lot; there is plenty of free on-street parking nearby.  Arrive 5-10 minutes early; walks start punctually.  Special accommodations can be made for groups wanting a different time and/or date.  Contact Patricia Pyle for information or reservations at ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-570-5841.

Volunteer with South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA)

Volunteers are needed to help SSEA do community outreach at the following events:

•  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.

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!

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!  For more information, contact Ann Marie at 360-754-3355 ext. 6857 or email: finanam@co.thurston.wa.us

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, June 14

9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party

This week we will be meeting at Glacial Heritage.  There are a variety of tasks to be done. We can start at Glacial by piling the rest of the sticks on the north end, to allow TNC staff to maneuver tractors around the area better for tasks such as boom spraying. There will be a few indoor activities at Glacial focusing on finishing prep for seed collection: taping and putting labels on the seed collection envelopes; and putting together the GPS packets.

When we have finished at Glacial, we will move to Mima Creek to collect tubes. Several years ago trees were planted to create a riparian forest. The trees are doing well and now the tubes that once protected them need to come off. This is pretty easy work, but there are a couple hundred trees so the more hands are better!  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 for 2.7 miles, and take a left onto an unmarked gravel road (you will see a tractor sign, and then the turn). Please adhere to the 15 mph speed limit on this road, as there often are dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road through the gate, and take the first right to get to the house.  Directions to Mima Creek: continue past Glacial Heritage on Mima Road; on your Left you will see signs for Mima Creek and a large barn—turn in at the barn to park.  For more information, contact Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or asmithers@tnc.org.

3-7pm – Final NPSP Plant Salvage Event

One last perennial salvage will be held at a development site on Littlerock Rd. in Tumwater. This will be the last chance to salvage at this site before it is cleared in July.  We have already rescued over a thousand beautiful native plants from the site, and there are still more available!  Registration is required.  To sign up, email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or call 360-867-2166.

7pm – Olympia Science Café: The Use of Hair in Detecting Breast Cancer

(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia)  Recent studies have shown that subtle changes in the X-ray diffraction pattern of women’s hair can be used for early detection of breast cancer.  X-ray diffraction has also been shown to detect other forms of cancer in both men and women.  Studies using infrared spectroscopy are providing more details on these structural changes in hair and sheds some light on what may be causing them.  Giving us his first hand account of this research will be Dr. Donald Lyman, Professor Emeritus at the University of Utah, where he held joint faculty appointments in the Department of Bioengineering, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Surgery, and the Chemistry Department.

Wednesday, June 15

6:30 pm – Thurston County Planning Commission

(Building 2, Court Room 129 of Superior Court, in the Thurston County Courthouse complex, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW in Olympia )  On the agenda is discussion of the Critical Areas Ordinance “reasonable use” chapter, a work session on the proposed Agritourism Overlay District, and a presentation on natural hazards mitigation planning.  The presentation on Natural Hazards Mitigation Planning is scheduled at 7:00 pm.  Natural hazards include but are not limited to earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and flooding.  The primary function of the plan is to explain the risks posed by natural hazards, and the actions that can create more resilient communities in Thurston County.  Natural hazards are also addressed in the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance.  The meeting is open to all.  For more details, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/planning_commission/planning_comm_currentwork.html

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.

Sunday June 19

10:00 am – Father’s Day Sea Life Exploration

(WET Science Center,  500 Adams Street NE, Olympia, WA)  Bring Dad to the WET Science Center on Father’s Day weekend to see a slideshow of Puget Sound.  Feed some sea water to live barnacles, and watch them eat with their feet!  Then complete your day of fun by making a “decorator crab” hat to take home.  Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org.

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.

Saturday June 25

1-3pm – Selecting Seeds for Success

(Fertile Ground Guesthouse; 311 – 9^th SE, Olympia 98501) Do you want to save seeds from your garden but don’t know all the “rules”?  This class will go over the basics of seed saving, and then will dive right in to the purpose of selecting one plant over another for the production of seed vs. food, and how to grow plants over time that are more suited to your micro-climate.  There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee per class/per person, and pre-registration is required.  You can register online at www.OlympiaFood.coop, or in-person between 11 am and 6 pm at either Olympia Food Co-op store (3111 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia 98501; or 921 Rogers St NW, Olympia 98502).

6:30-8:30pm – Japanese Cooking Basics: Makizushi & Onigiri

(GRuB Farmhouse; 2016 Elliott Ave NW, Olympia 98502)  Learn how to cook sushi rice flavored with enough vinegar to make it tasty, then prepare them for nori rolls (makizushi) with fresh summer vegetables, ume (Japanese plum), and other ingredients. We will also make Onigiri, Japanese rice balls filled with savory goodness. Come learn to make these popular additions to the Japanese obento for your own lunchbox. Yum!  There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee per class/per person, and pre-registration is required.  You can register online at www.OlympiaFood.coop, or in-person between 11 am and 6 pm at either Olympia Food Co-op store (3111 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia 98501; or 921 Rogers St NW, Olympia 98502).

Sunday June 26

3-5pm – Salad Meals: Quick & Easy

(GRuB Farmhouse; 2016 Elliott Ave NW, Olympia 98502)  Many of us are trying to add more vegetables to our diet, and one of the easiest ways you can do this is to have a large salad for lunch or dinner. Salads are tasty and refreshing, and can also be nutrient dense and filling if you know what to put on them. Come and get inspired to use early summer lettuce and other tender greens as a base for satisfying one plate, healthy, easy meals.  There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee per class/per person, and pre-registration is required.  You can register online at www.OlympiaFood.coop, or in-person between 11 am and 6 pm at either Olympia Food Co-op store (3111 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia 98501; or 921 Rogers St NW, Olympia 98502).

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

7-9 am – Titlow Park Waterbird Survey

People For Puget Sound will be leading a waterbird survey at Titlow Park in Tacoma.  No experience is necessary, but we ask that children ten and under have adult supervision.  Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring your own water bottle, binoculars and a field guide, if you have them.  For more information, contact Christina Donehower at 360-754-9177 ext. 183 or 253-380-7987, or at cdonehower@pugetsound.org.

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.

Sunday July 10

4-6pm – Summer Salads

(GRuB Farmhouse; 2016 Elliott Ave NW, Olympia 98502)  We’ll creatively put together all the best that the summer bounty has to offer while celebrating texture & colors.  There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee per class/per person, and pre-registration is required.  You can register online at www.OlympiaFood.coop, or in-person between 11 am and 6 pm at either Olympia Food Co-op store (3111 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia 98501; or 921 Rogers St NW, Olympia 98502).

Monday, July 11

11:30 am and 1 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina

(Boston Harbor Marina; 312 – 73rd Avenue NE; Olympia 98506)  For most of us, the undersea world of Puget Sound is “out of sight and out of mind”.  Join Stream Team for an opportunity to see and learn about the bottom-dwelling marine creatures without getting wet!  Diver, Phil Sconce brings marine creatures to the surface, and retired volunteer marine biologists David Jamison and Joe Hiss tell a little about the marine creatures, their habitat needs and what is required to keep Puget Sound clean and healthy. The critters are kept in seawater and gently released back into Puget Sound.  Sign up is necessary to keep the group size small. For reservations or more information, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360)753-8336.  Boston Harbor Marina is privately owned, but the owners graciously allow this activity on their docks.  Be safe: all non-swimmers and children under six must wear a life jacket while on the docks (loaners are available at the marina).  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

Sunday July 17

4-6pm – Pie, Shortcake, Biscuits & Scones — Gluten-free!

(GRuB Farmhouse; 2016 Elliott Ave NW, Olympia 98502)  Summer is all about berries and fruit and what better vehicle than piecrusts and shortcakes to soak up the juice.  Learn the easy techniques to make exquisite pastry and biscuit-y goodness that will have everyone smiling, licking their plates, and asking for more.  This is a Hands-on class; dress ready to bake.  There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee per class/per person, and pre-registration is required.  You can register online at www.OlympiaFood.coop, or in-person between 11 am and 6 pm at either Olympia Food Co-op store (3111 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia 98501; or 921 Rogers St NW, Olympia 98502).

Monday, July 18

11:30 am and 1 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina

(Boston Harbor Marina; 312 – 73rd Avenue NE; Olympia 98506)  For most of us, the undersea world of Puget Sound is “out of sight and out of mind”.  Join Stream Team for an opportunity to see and learn about the bottom-dwelling marine creatures without getting wet!  Diver, Phil Sconce brings marine creatures to the surface, and retired volunteer marine biologists David Jamison and Joe Hiss tell a little about the marine creatures, their habitat needs and what is required to keep Puget Sound clean and healthy. The critters are kept in seawater and gently released back into Puget Sound.  Sign up is necessary to keep the group size small. For reservations or more information, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360)753-8336.  Boston Harbor Marina is privately owned, but the owners graciously allow this activity on their docks.  Be safe: all non-swimmers and children under six must wear a life jacket while on the docks (loaners are available at the marina).  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday July 23

2-5pm – Beginning Cheese making

(GRuB Farmhouse; 2016 Elliott Ave NW, Olympia 98502)  Learn how to make delicious cheese at home.  Cathy is a seasoned cheese maker back again to share her wealth of knowledge on all things cheesy.  There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee per class/per person, and pre-registration is required.  You can register online at www.OlympiaFood.coop, or in-person between 11 am and 6 pm at either Olympia Food Co-op store (3111 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia 98501; or 921 Rogers St NW, Olympia 98502).

Thursday, July 28

5:45 pm – Boston Harbor Beach Seine

(Boston Harbor Marina; 312 – 73rd Avenue NE; Olympia 98506)  The nearshore environment is filled with fish that like the safety and security of shallow waters to rest and feed.  These fish are critical to the marine food web.  Join Squaxin Island Tribe biologist, Scott Steltzner for a beach seine at Boston Harbor.  Meet at Boston Harbor Marina.  The seining location is a short walk away.  Participants will help unroll a seining net in thenearshore area and pull the net to shore to see what was caught.  Scott will identify and talk about the fish and other marine creatures that are found in the net.  To register or for more information, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360)753-8336.

Monday, August 1

11:30 am and 1 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina

(Boston Harbor Marina; 312 – 73rd Avenue NE; Olympia 98506)  For most of us, the undersea world of Puget Sound is “out of sight and out of mind”.  Join Stream Team for an opportunity to see and learn about the bottom-dwelling marine creatures without getting wet!  Diver, Phil Sconce brings marine creatures to the surface, and retired volunteer marine biologists David Jamison and Joe Hiss tell a little about the marine creatures, their habitat needs and what is required to keep Puget Sound clean and healthy. The critters are kept in seawater and gently released back into Puget Sound.  Sign up is necessary to keep the group size small. For reservations or more information, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360)753-8336.  Boston Harbor Marina is privately owned, but the owners graciously allow this activity on their docks.  Be safe: all non-swimmers and children under six must wear a life jacket while on the docks (loaners are available at the marina).  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday August 7

3-6pm – Beginning Canning: Summer Fruit

(GRuB Farmhouse; 2016 Elliott Ave NW, Olympia 98502)  Come learn the basics of putting fruit by. We will take the surpluses of summer and make jewels for the cold dark days of winter. Jams, sauces, and whole fruit will be covered. This class will be featuring local and regional organic produce.  There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee per class/per person, and pre-registration is required.  You can register online at www.OlympiaFood.coop, or in-person between 11 am and 6 pm at either Olympia Food Co-op store (3111 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia 98501; or 921 Rogers St NW, Olympia 98502).

Monday, August 8

11:30 am and 1 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina

(Boston Harbor Marina; 312 – 73rd Avenue NE; Olympia 98506)  For most of us, the undersea world of Puget Sound is “out of sight and out of mind”.  Join Stream Team for an opportunity to see and learn about the bottom-dwelling marine creatures without getting wet!  Diver, Phil Sconce brings marine creatures to the surface, and retired volunteer marine biologists David Jamison and Joe Hiss tell a little about the marine creatures, their habitat needs and what is required to keep Puget Sound clean and healthy. The critters are kept in seawater and gently released back into Puget Sound.  Sign up is necessary to keep the group size small. For reservations or more information, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360)753-8336.  Boston Harbor Marina is privately owned, but the owners graciously allow this activity on their docks.  Be safe: all non-swimmers and children under six must wear a life jacket while on the docks (loaners are available at the marina).  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday August 13

6:30-8:30pm – Japanese Cooking Basics: Makizushi & Onigiri

(GRuB Farmhouse; 2016 Elliott Ave NW, Olympia 98502)  Learn how to cook sushi rice flavored with enough vinegar to make it tasty, then prepare them for nori rolls (makizushi) with fresh summer vegetables, ume (Japanese plum), and other ingredients. We will also make Onigiri, Japanese rice balls filled with savory goodness. Come learn to make these popular additions to the Japanese obento for your own lunchbox. Yum!  There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee per class/per person, and pre-registration is required.  You can register online at www.OlympiaFood.coop, or in-person between 11 am and 6 pm at either Olympia Food Co-op store (3111 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia 98501; or 921 Rogers St NW, Olympia 98502).

Sunday August 14

4-6pm – Making Balanced Meals

(GRuB Farmhouse; 2016 Elliott Ave NW, Olympia 98502)  Come learn how to make balanced meals to keep your blood sugar stable, energy up and excess weight off. We’ll focus on balancing healthy fats, proteins, starches and vegetables to optimize nutrition at every sitting.  There is a $5 non-refundable registration fee per class/per person, and pre-registration is required.  You can register online at www.OlympiaFood.coop, or in-person between 11 am and 6 pm at either Olympia Food Co-op store (3111 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia 98501; or 921 Rogers St NW, Olympia 98502).

Monday, August 22

11:30 am and 1 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina

(Boston Harbor Marina; 312 – 73rd Avenue NE; Olympia 98506)  For most of us, the undersea world of Puget Sound is “out of sight and out of mind”.  Join Stream Team for an opportunity to see and learn about the bottom-dwelling marine creatures without getting wet!  Diver, Phil Sconce brings marine creatures to the surface, and retired volunteer marine biologists David Jamison and Joe Hiss tell a little about the marine creatures, their habitat needs and what is required to keep Puget Sound clean and healthy. The critters are kept in seawater and gently released back into Puget Sound.  Sign up is necessary to keep the group size small. For reservations or more information, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360)753-8336.  Boston Harbor Marina is privately owned, but the owners graciously allow this activity on their docks.  Be safe: all non-swimmers and children under six must wear a life jacket while on the docks (loaners are available at the marina).  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Monday, August 29

11:30 am and 1 pm – Marine Creature Monday at Boston Harbor Marina

(Boston Harbor Marina; 312 – 73rd Avenue NE; Olympia 98506)  For most of us, the undersea world of Puget Sound is “out of sight and out of mind”.  Join Stream Team for an opportunity to see and learn about the bottom-dwelling marine creatures without getting wet!  Diver, Phil Sconce brings marine creatures to the surface, and retired volunteer marine biologists David Jamison and Joe Hiss tell a little about the marine creatures, their habitat needs and what is required to keep Puget Sound clean and healthy. The critters are kept in seawater and gently released back into Puget Sound.  Sign up is necessary to keep the group size small. For reservations or more information, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360)753-8336.  Boston Harbor Marina is privately owned, but the owners graciously allow this activity on their docks.  Be safe: all non-swimmers and children under six must wear a life jacket while on the docks (loaners are available at the marina).  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, September 18

Noon – 4 pm – Henderson Inlet Watershed Tour

Join Stream Team to learn more about Woodland Creek and the Henderson Inlet Watershed.  The tour will begin at Lacey City Hall and feature stops at a variety of interesting features that make up this highly varied watershed.  The tour is free, but registration is required.  More information on this tour will be posted on www.streamteam.info as this event is more fully developed. To register, contact Chris Maun at maunc@co.thurston.wa.us or 360-754-3355 ext.6377.