Local Environmental Events/Volunteering through Oct |

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.

3-6 pm – GRub Farm Drop-in Volunteer Session

(GRuB Farm; 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502) Volunteers support the GRuB Farm in weeding, transplanting, seeding and miscellaneous maintenance of the farm. We ask that anyone under 14 be accompanied by an adult. Visit http://www.goodgrub.org/volunteer ahead of time so you can fill out a volunteer interest form that you can bring with you.

6 pm – Budd Inlet Shoreline Walks

Want to know more about the downtown shoreline? Looking for something free to do with out-of-town guests? 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.

Every Thursday, 10 am-3pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market

(700 Capitol Way N; Olympia)

Every Friday, 10 am-3pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market

(700 Capitol Way N; Olympia)

Every Saturday:

9 am – 2 pm – West Olympia Farmers Market (Garfield Elementary bus loop, between the school and adjacent Woodruff Park, on Thomas Street.)

10 am-3pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market (700 Capitol Way N; Olympia)

10 am – Budd Inlet Shoreline Walks (see details on Wednesday, above)

Every Sunday:

10 am-3pm – Olympia Farmers’ Market (700 Capitol Way N; Olympia)

10 am – Budd Inlet Shoreline Walks (see details on Wednesday, above)

1-4 pm – GRub Farm Drop-in Volunteer Session

Nisqually Land Trust is looking for an intern!

Through the AmeriCorps program, the NLT is currently accepting applications for an Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator. To see the AmeriCorps announcement and and to apply, go to https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=41311. Applications are due Sunday, July 24!

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.

Volunteer with South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA)

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

• 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

Need a Stormwater Steward?

The Native Plant Salvage Project and Thurston Co. Stormwater Utility/Stream Team new “Stormwater Stewards” program is currently training volunteers—and in late summer/early fall they will have a practicum period, during which they will provide guidance to residents who want to manage stormwater on-site via rain gardens and other low-impact techniques. If you want to be placed on a list to receive services, contact erica@nativeplantsalvage.org.

New Native Learning Landscape at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

The Native Plant Salvage Project, South Sound GREEN, Nisqually River Education Project, Chehalis Basin Education Consortium, and the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge recently installed a new native learning landscape outside the education center at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Check it out the next time you visit Nisqually NWR!

Tuesday, July 12

9:00 pm – If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front

(Capitol Theater; 206 5th Avenue SE; Olympia 98501) (Capitol Theater; 206 5th Avenue SE; Olympia 98501) With fires blazing into the darkest night, the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) spent years protesting environmental atrocities in the most effective way it knew how: through destruction of property. In the documentary If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front, the origins and the rise and fall of this inflammatory organization is explored through the story of a former member who is now faced with life in prison for the damage he caused in the name of the ELF. Through interviews and archival footage, the history of this secretive group is exposed, uncovering an organization born out of the gradual disregard of the protest movement and its sheer desperation to be heard in a world continually dominated by corporate culture. From well-publicized cases of arson, to the WTO protests in Seattle, If a Tree Falls reveals how the ELF etched themselves into the headlines, but paid the price with their sheer audacity.

Wednesday, July 13

9am-3pm – Youth Fisheries Academy Day Camp

(Woodland Creek Park, in Lacey) Do you know someone aged 11-15 who is interested in fishing, hiking, camping and other outdoor recreation activities—or who wants to take her/his love for the outdoors and make a career out of it? The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is providing this day camp, with activities that include radio telemetry hide and seek, fish dissections, stream sampling and more! To register, contact Lacey Parks & Recreation at 491-0857. For more information, contact Dan Spencer, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: (360) 753-9589, Daniel_Spencer@fws.gov.

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. Because new fees are now in place for DNR trails and parks (including McLane Creek), we’ll have special parking vouchers for volunteers. Please let us know if you plan to attend by emailing nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or calling 360-867-2166.

6:30 pm – If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front

(Capitol Theater; 206 5th Avenue SE; Olympia 98501) See July 12 for description.

7:00 – 8:00 pm – Puget Sound Earthquakes

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center) Speaker: John Vidale, Ph.D.—Director, Pacific Northwest Seismic Network; Washington State Seismologist; University of Washington. The lecture is free, and the Refuge entrance fee is waived for those attending the lecture. Attendance is limited to seats available: seating begins at 6pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to obtain a seat. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

Thursday, July 14

9:000 pm – If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front

(Capitol Theater; 206 5th Avenue SE; Olympia 98501) See July 12 for description.

Friday, July 15

3:30 – 4:00 pm – Meet the Park Ranger

(Priest Point Park) Come out to Priest Point Park and meet Ranger Sylvana. Ask questions and learn what the City’s Park Ranger does. Meeting spot will be near the playground area. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360-753-8365.

9 am – 12 pm – Wetland Habitat Restoration work party

(Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary – experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information.

Saturday, July 16

8am – 10am – Birds of a Feather: It’s Nesting Time!

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Many species of birds, from the tiny Rufous Hummingbird to the majestic Bald Eagle nest on the Refuge. Join expert birder Phil Kelley, who knows the ins and outs of birding Nisqually, for a bird walk and see how many nesters you can find. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

9:00 am – 12 noon – Priest Point Park Ivy Clean-up

Help remove invasive English ivy from Priest Point Park, and help restore the health of our native plants and trees. We will meet near the Maintenance Shop in the upper loop area. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360-753-8365.

9 am – 12 noon – Charlotte’s Blueberry Park work party

(Blueberry Park, off of S. 72nd and E. D St, in south Tacoma) Blueberry Park Volunteers hosts third-Saturday-of-the-month work parties from March thru November. Join volunteers in restoring and maintaining this amazing public park full of blueberry bushes! Put in some work now, and enjoy free delicious blueberries this summer.

9 am – 12 noon – McKinley Park Clean-Up Work Party

(McKinley Park; 500 E McKinley Way, Tacoma 98404) Meet at the new playground and restrooms off of McKinley Ave.. Metro Parks will provide all of the necessary tools and equipment. Volunteers need to dress for the weather and have work gloves. Volunteers will be assigned to work in specific areas removing invasive and non-native plants such as English Ivy and blackberry bushes. See you there!

10am – 12 noon – The Photographer’s Eye; The Basics of Outdoor Photography

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Nature photography offers individuals the opportunity to develop their finer naturalist instincts and vision, and the beginner’s eye is often the eye that sees most clearly. With this in mind, experienced refuge photographer John Whitehead offers guidance in technique and composition, with emphasis on learning to utilizing manual settings in order to more completely capture the image you want to capture. Meet at the Visitor Center. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

10 am – 2 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.

12-3 pm — Beach Naturalist Program at Priest Point Park

Come explore low tides with trained beach naturalists. Beach Naturalists can: help you find where beach animals live; teach you how to keep the beach healthy; answer questions about the beach and the animals that live there. Meet us on the beach! For more information, go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/events-programs/beachnaturalistsummerschedule.

Sunday July 17

12:30 – 3:30 pm — Beach Naturalist Program at Burfoot Park & Tolmie State Park

1pm – 2:30pm – The Nisqually and Medicine Creek: Where Nature, Culture and History Converge

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Lynn Corliss leads you down history’s winding path on this historic tour. Learn about the events surrounding the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty; explore how the Nisqually people came to the Nisqually delta and how their lives changed with the settlement of Europeans. This walk will also focus on the significant events that surrounded the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty. Discover important things about the people who enjoyed this land before you did. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

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.

12 pm – 1 pm – Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

(University Place) Take a lunch break and enjoy a guided plant walk at a local urban park to learn how you can use native plants to attract wildlife to your yard. The Adriana Hess Wetland Park was preserved by the Hess Family and given to the city of University Place in 1995, and since then has undergone a transformation from a backyard to an urban wildlife sanctuary. Join us to discover the possibilities and get inspired! Volunteers at Tahoma Audubon Society provide monthly walks on the third Monday of each month. Pick up a free Donna Cooper Pepos Native Plant Trail Guide and come by anytime. Adults and families welcome. FREE

Tuesday, July 19

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

For more information, contact Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824.

6:30 pm — Homeowners’ Association Workshops: Tree Tract & Greenbelt Stewardship

(Olympia City Hall; 601 4th Ave E; Olympia) Does your Homeowners Association (HOA) own a tree tract or greenbelt? A tree tract is a stand of trees that was preserved during construction of your neighborhood. The City of Olympia has required new residential neighborhoods to have tree tracts since 1991. Trees offer incredible environmental and social benefits, but many HOA’s make the mistake of not managing their trees to maximize benefits to the community! Learn how to care for your HOA tree tract! This free workshop—hosted by the City of Olympia—will provide tips and tools for managing tree tracts. Topics will include: determing ownership of a tree tract; the benefits of trees; assessing the health of a tree tract; short- and long-term management; and how to hire professionals. For questions or to register, contact Stacey Ray at sray@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360) 753-8046.

Wednesday July 20

7:00 – 8:00 pm – Wildlife Tracking: Adventure and Discovery

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center) Speaker: David Moskowitz—professional wildlife tracker, author, photographer, outdoor educator. The lecture is free, and the Refuge entrance fee is waived for those attending the lecture. Attendance is limited to seats available: seating begins at 6pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to obtain a seat. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

Thursday, July 21

7-8 pm – Capitol Land Trust Land-Steward Training

(Olympia REI) Capitol Land Trust is a locally based conservation organization that has been protecting critical ecosystems and habitats in the South Sound area since 1987. As part of this effort, Capitol Land Trust staff and volunteers monitor over 4,000 acres on 50 conservation properties in Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor Counties—and more volunteer land stewards are needed to continue this work. Being a land steward is a great opportunity to experience and help preserve natural areas that few people get to see. In this FREE training you will learn about monitoring using GPS, photopoints, map and compass, plant and bird identification, and more! For more information, contact Guy Maguire at 360-943-3012 or guym@capitollandtrust.org. RSVP to guym@capitollandtrust.org.

Saturday July 23

10 am – 12 noon— Plant Walk at Oakland Bay Park

(Oakland Bay Park, on East Agate Rd., in Shelton) Led by experienced naturalists, participants will journey on trails through the forest and shoreline in small groups, learning to identify a variety of native plants! No experience is necessary; supplemental handouts will be provided. Cost: Free! For directions and to RSVP, email guym@capitollandtrust.org or call (360) 943-3012.

10am – 1pm – How to Keep a Wave on the Sand; Capturing the Outdoors in Photographs

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Come learn some basic and professional outdoor photography techniques and tips from writer and national photographer Greg Farley. Learn to take your camera off the “automatic” settings and onto the “manual” settings in just a couple of hours. Workshop participants will spend time inside learning camera operations, then head outside to apply what they’ve learned. Never again let nature’s beauty escape your lens! Bring your camera (film, DSLR, or point and shoot), extra batteries and a sense of adventure! Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

10am – 12 noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or of hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join birder Eric Slagle, an expert who knows the ins and outs of birding at Nisqually, for a bird walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the refuge’s largest treasures (the birds!) Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

10 am – 6 pm – Pacific Northwest Mushroom Festival

(Regional Athletic Complex; 8345 Steilacoom Rd SE; Lacey) Celebrate the mushroom with food, music, children’s activities and a variety of non-stop entertainment. Sample mushrooms prepared in virtually ever way possible. Cooking exhibitions with the northwest’s top chefs! Mycology education from local universities. Tour Ostrom’s Mushroom Farms. Browse antiques, arts, crafts and more!

Sunday, July 24

10am – 11:30am – 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 Donna Snow on a nature walk that is sure to teach you something new about the creatures of the Refuge. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

10 am – 6 pm – Pacific Northwest Mushroom Festival

Tuesday, July 26

10am – 11:30am – Nature Detectives: Looking for Clues to Animal Activities

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Did you know that birds, animals and other wildlife leave all kinds of clues around the Refuge? Join Kay Townsend and i’ina van Lawick in a hunt for nests, birdsongs, tracks and other signs of animal activity. This trail walk is for children ages 6-12 with an accompanying adult. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

Wednesday July 27

10 am – 12 noon – People For Puget Sound Plant Survival Monitoring

(William Cannon Trail, Olympia) RSVP to cdonehower@pugetsound.org. Familiarity with common native plants preferred.

7:00 – 8:00 pm – Interconnected Planet and People

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center) Speaker: Spencer Ward, Ph.D.—Marine Ecologist at Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment, Marine Natural Capital Project. The lecture is free, and the Refuge entrance fee is waived for those attending the lecture. Attendance is limited to seats available: seating begins at 6pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to obtain a seat. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

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 the nearshore 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.

7:30 – 8:45 pm – Backpacking Washington with Craig Romano

(Olympia Timberland Library ) Interested in learning about excellent backpacking destinations around the state? From the wild Olympic Peninsula to the sun-kissed Blue Mountains, Craig Romano has lined up 70 trips ranging from 16 to 50 miles to the most outstanding backcountry destinations in Washington. Romano is an award-winning Washington Outdoors Guidebook Author. He has thoroughly hiked the Evergreen State logging over 14,000 miles from Willapa Bay to the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.

Saturday, July 30

9 – 11 am – People For Puget Sound Plant Survival Monitoring

(Titlow Park, Tacoma) RSVP to cdonehower@pugetsound.org. Familiarity with common native plants preferred.

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. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

11 am – 2 pm — Beach Naturalist Program at Frye Cove Park

Sunday, July 31

10am – 12 noon – Nature Up Close; Introduction to Macro Nature Photography

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Dew crops on flower petals; the eyes of insects. These details represent the oft overlooked true visual poetry of nature. Join refuge photographer John Whitehead for discussion, demonstration, and practice of up close nature photography. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

11 am – 2pm — Beach Naturalist Program at Burfoot Park & Tolmie State Park

Tuesday August 2

7:00 pm – South Sound Fruit Society monthly meeting

(Evergreen State College Organic Farmhouse; 2712 Lewis Rd; Olympia) If you enjoy growing fruit, berries and nuts—or want to learn about them—we have much to share. All are welcome. We have monthly speakers, field trips, and garden and orchard tours. For more information, email ssfsoly@hotmail.com. Directions: take HWY 101 to the Evergreen College exit; take first left (17th Ave); turn right on Simmons Rd; turn right on Lewis Rd.; turn right at mailbox—the farmhouse is up little hill behind the farm buildings. (1st Tuesday of each month)

Wednesday August 3

7:00 – 8:00 pm – From Field to Studio: Experience Local Birds

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center) Speaker: Bart Rulon—wildlife artist, author, scientific illustrator. The lecture is free, and the Refuge entrance fee is waived for those attending the lecture. Attendance is limited to seats available: seating begins at 6pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to obtain a seat. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

Saturday, August 6

10am – 12 noon – The Photographer’s Eye: The Basics of Outdoor Photography

10 am – 2 pm – Hiking Exploration at Gold Creek

Join Cascade Land Conservancy for a hike at Gold Creek, one of CLC’s conserved lands. Learn about the conservation work happening along I-90, and enjoy the scenery. This is also a chance to learn about becoming a land steward, and get a first hand view of the lands CLC works to conserve. Be prepared for weather, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. To register, go to https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXREPHIL/EventDetail.asp?cguid=6374B924-D0D5-4655-BC98-66623676DF2C&eid=37121&sid=A83F196C%2D338A%2D478B%2D89CE%2D5BDE2D20A135. For more information, contact Emiko Blalock at emikob@cascadeland.org or at 206-905-6912.

Sunday August 7

9:00am – 12 noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or of hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join birder Matt Pike, an expert who knows the ins and outs of birding at Nisqually, for a bird walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the refuge’s largest treasures (the birds!) Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

3-6 pm – 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

Wednesday August 10

7:00 – 8:00 pm – Pacific Feast: Food from Field to Forest

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center) Speaker: Jennifer Hahn—author, Professor, Fairhaven College, Western Washington University. The lecture is free, and the Refuge entrance fee is waived for those attending the lecture. Attendance is limited to seats available: seating begins at 6pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to obtain a seat. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

Saturday August 13

7-9 am – People For Puget Sound Waterbird Survey

(Titlow Park, Tacoma) Identify and count waterbirds at Titlow Lagoon and beach. No experience necessary. For more information and directions, contact Christina Donehower at cdonehower@pugetsound.org.

9:00am – 12 noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk

9 am – 12 pm – Puget Creek restoration work

(Tacoma) Join Puget Creek Restoration Society for their second-Saturday monthly work party. For more information, contact Scott Hansen at pugetcreek@yahoo.com or (253) 779-8890.

10 am – 1 pm – Explore Green Spaces in Tacoma

Join Cascade Land Conservancy for a mid-morning meet-up at one of our Community Gardens / Green Spaces in Tacoma. Learn about the many projects happening in Tacoma and how to help make your city more livable. After the meet and greet, you have the opportunity to choose a bicycle route to tour more sites that are helping make Tacoma green. (Biking is optional. We invite everyone who is interested in learning more about the green spaces in Tacoma to join us!) We will end the event at a lunch spot to debrief. To register, go to https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXREPHIL/EventDetail.asp?cguid=6374B924-D0D5-4655-BC98-66623676DF2C&eid=37123&sid=A7EEAD38%2D9257%2D423E%2DA5D8%2D23FFEE3A544C. For more information, contact Emiko Blalock at emikob@cascadeland.org or at 206-905-6912.

11:30 am – 2:30 pm — Beach Naturalist Program at Priest Point Park

6:30 – 8:30 pm – 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

11:30 am – 2:30 pm — Beach Naturalist Program at Burfoot Park & Tolmie State Park

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).

Wednesday August 17

7:00 – 8:00 pm – Monitoring the Nisqually Delta: What’s Happening!

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center) Speaker: Kelley Turner—Restoration Biologist U.S. Geological Survey Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The lecture is free, and the Refuge entrance fee is waived for those attending the lecture. Attendance is limited to seats available: seating begins at 6pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to obtain a seat. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

Saturday, August 20

9 am – 1 pm – Titlow Lagoon Restoration Work Day

(Titlow Park, Tacoma) Removing invasive vegetation and sheet-mulching to protect native plantings. For more information and directions, contact Christina Donehower at cdonehower@pugetsound.org.

10am – 1pm – How to Keep a Wave on the Sand: Capturing the Outdoors in Photographs

10 am – 2 pm – WSU Lewis County Master Gardeners Plant Clinic

Sunday, August 21

9:00am – 12 noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or of hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join birder Matt Pike, an expert who knows the ins and outs of birding at Nisqually, for a bird walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the refuge’s largest treasures (the birds!) Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

Tuesday, August 23

10am – 11:30am – Nature Detectives: Looking for Clues to Animal Activities

Wednesday August 24

7:00 – 8:00 pm – Understanding Grizzly Bears

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center) Speaker: Sharon Negri—bears ecologist; Co-Director, Grizzly Bear Outreach Project; Insight Wildlife Management. The lecture is free, and the Refuge entrance fee is waived for those attending the lecture. Attendance is limited to seats available: seating begins at 6pm on a first-come basis, and you must be present to obtain a seat. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

Saturday, August 27

8am – 10am – Birds of a Feather: It’s Nesting Time!

10 am – 1 pm — Beach Naturalist Program at Frye Cove Park

10am – 12 noon – It’s in Your Nature: Exploring the Wild

Monday, August 29

10:30 am – 1:30 pm — Beach Naturalist Program at Burfoot Park & Tolmie State Park

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

Saturday, September 3

8:30am – 12 noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or of hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join birder Dave Richardson, an expert who knows the ins and outs of birding at Nisqually, for a bird walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the refuge’s largest treasures (the birds!) Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

Sunday, September 4

9:00am – 12 noon – Birds of a Feather: Take Flight on a Bird Walk

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Experience the thrill of seeing a Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest bird) or of hearing a woodpecker pecking away (up to 20 pecks per second)! Join birder Matt Pike, an expert who knows the ins and outs of birding at Nisqually, for a bird walk full of the sights and sounds of one of the refuge’s largest treasures (the birds!) Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free—although you do need to pay the Refuge entrance fee. For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

Tuesday September 6

7:00 pm – South Sound Fruit Society monthly meeting

Saturday, September 10

10am – 12 noon – Nature Up Close; Introduction to Macro Nature Photography

Sunday, September 11

1pm – 2:30pm – The Nisqually and Medicine Creek: Where Nature, Culture, and History Converge

Saturday, September 17

10am – 1pm – How to Keep a Wave on the Sand; Capturing the Outdoors in Photographs

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.

Saturday, September 24

9:30 am – 5:00 pm – Birding Tour in Grays Harbor

Join Cascade Land Conservancy for an afternoon of birding, and learn more about the estuary conservation work along the Pacific Coast. Please bring your binoculars, sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Space is limited to 15 for this event, please register early or contact Emiko Blalock if you have questions, 206-905-6912. To register, go to https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXREPHIL/EventDetail.asp?cguid=6374B924-D0D5-4655-BC98-66623676DF2C&eid=37210&sid=581D9FC0%2DA67E%2D4859%2D9A64%2DDC33AFAD5327.

10am – 4pm – Nisqually Watershed Festival

(Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge) Tours and guided walks throughout the day, as well as music, live animal presentations, educational exhibits, a marine touch tank and Fin, the Wild Olympic Salmon! Join us in a celebration of the cultural, economic and natural resources of the Nisqually Watershed! For more information, contact the Refuge at (360) 753-9467. Directions: take I-5 exit 114, and follow signs to the Refuge.

October 2

2-5 pm – Cruising for the Sound

Join South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA) for a three-hour educational exploration of South Puget Sound, on board the luxury yacht, My Girl. The program, “Early Encounters on Puget Sound,” will be presented by Les Eldridge, local author and maritime history nut. All proceeds benefit SSEA’s mission to “establish and maintain an interactive interpretive marine center in Olympia. For more information, go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/events-programs/cruising-for-the-sound.

October 8

10:00 am – 12:30 pm – Guided Mushroom Walk

The Maxine G. Morse Nature Conservancy is a special place, currently being restored and taken care of. It has many things to offer, including plant identification and mushrooms! Join Cascade Land Conservancy for a tour of the property, and learn about mushrooms that grow in the Northwest. Please note: this will not be a foraging event—conserved properties are protected and therefore, no mushrooms will be taken from the property. To register, go to https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXREPHIL/EventDetail.asp?cguid=6374B924-D0D5-4655-BC98-66623676DF2C&eid=37211&sid=6938DBB6%2D5750%2D4144%2DAF46%2D0190DF1DF588. For more information, contact Emiko Blalock at emikob@cascadeland.org or at 206-905-6912.

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