See below for tons of awesome opportunities to participate in your community!
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 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
(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.
Chehalis Basin Partnership needs volunteers
The 6th Annual Chehalis Watershed Festival is coming up on Saturday, September 17th from 10am-4pm at Morrison Riverfront Park and Rotary Log Pavilion in Aberdeen. Volunteers are needed to help staff a Chehalis Basin Partnership table, and to help greet festival-goers with the brochure and answer questions. In addition, volunteers are needed to help with school visits on September 14, 15 and 16 to Grays Harbor area schools. We will be doing brief classroom presentations first, then a visit outside. To volunteer or get more details, contact Janel Spaulding at (360) 538-4212 or at jspauldi@ghc.edu.
Volunteer with StreamTeam for the Lacey Community Market Pet Day
Saturday, September 10th. 10am – 4:30pm. Volunteers can sign up for a 2 hour shift helping run our educational kids game about pet waste at the Lacey Community Market. Our booth will include information about how pet waste impacts streams and the environment and steps people can take to protect our water. If you are interested in signing up for a 2 hours shift please contact Laura Hurson at: Lhurson@ci.lacey.wa.us or 360-438-2672.
Volunteer with South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA)
Volunteers are needed to help SSEA do community outreach at the following events:
• September 24: Nisqually Watershed Festival
• October 2: Cruising for the Sound
To volunteer, contact Melanie at melanie@sseacenter.org.
Help out at the Native Plant Salvage Foundation’s Water-wise Plant Sale
Sunday, October 2 at the WSU Extension offices on Mud Bay Rd./Harrison Ave. If you’d like to help out, email Erica at erica@nativeplantsalvage.org.
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.
Thurs Sept 1
6:00 pm – Woodland Trail Greenway Association
(Urban Onion: 116 Legion Way; Olympia. The meeting room is in the back of the main lobby, not in the restaurant itself.) Agenda: update on grants; new CWT Kiosk; plan 2011 Annual meeting; finishing up 2011 work parties; opening celebration for Capitol trailhead. For more information, contact Jack Horton at info@woodlandtrail.org or at 360.789.0944.
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.
10:30-11 am – Cooking Demo: Uncommon Veggies
(Olympia Farmers Market Stage) Set aside 15 – 20 minutes of your Sunday morning market visit to learn about preparing locally grown vegetables that are less commonly eaten. Pick up cooking and nutrition tips and a recipe card. Sponsored by Slow Food Greater Olympia, the Olympia Farmers Market, and Friends of the Olympia Farmers Market.
Tuesday September 6
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)
2-4 pm – Thurston County Commissioners Meeting
(Building 1 County Courthouse; 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW; Olympia 98502) The Thurston County Commissioners meet most Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and welcome public comment at the beginning of each meeting. To see this week’s agenda, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/agenda.htm. One of the current issues facing the Commissioners that has been much disputed is Thurston County’s update of the Critical Areas Ordinance. Thurston County CAO is 17 years old and badly in need of review and change. With only 3% of Thurston County’s prairies remaining, it is imperative that land use as it relates to “critical areas” is examined. Click on the following link to see a Power Point examining the salient issues: www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/Critical_Areas/docs/powerpoints/misconceptions.pdf.
Thursday, September 8
7-9 pm – Black Hills Audubon Program: Galapagos Islands
(First Christian Church; 701 Franklin Street SE; Olympia 98501) Join the members of Black Hills Audubon Society to view photos of the Galapagos Islands. Clydia Cuykendall will share her adventures and encounters with the birds and mammals on land and sea. Gathering begins at 7:00 pm; program starts at 7:30 pm. The public is welcome.
Saturday, September 10
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.
Sunday, September 11
10:30-11 am – Cooking Demo: Uncommon Veggies
(Olympia Farmers Market Stage) Set aside 15 – 20 minutes of your Sunday morning market visit to learn about preparing locally grown vegetables that are less commonly eaten. Pick up cooking and nutrition tips and a recipe card. Sponsored by Slow Food Greater Olympia, the Olympia Farmers Market, and Friends of the Olympia Farmers Market.
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.
Tuesday, September 13
7:00 pm – Olympia Science Café: Prevention and Control of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Central Asia
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way South, Olympia) While infrequently encountered in the United States, drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is an entrenched and growing menace in other regions of the world, including the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Requiring the use of more toxic and more expensive drugs over a longer treatment course, drug-resistant TB presents an ominous threat to global population health. In Uzbekistan and its semi-autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, environmental, socio-economic, structural and political forces have coalesced—allowing drug-resistant TB to establish itself as an alarming endemic disease. Over the course of a twelve-month mission serving with the international humanitarian assistance organization Medecins sans Frontieres or MSF (aka Doctors without Borders), Shawn McBrien (currently an epidemiologist with the Washington State Department of Health TB Program) had an amazing opportunity to participate in the frontline battle against drug-resistant TB in Central Asia. He will share his observations and reflections, both personal and professional, from his experiences in Uzbekistan, including the design, value and limitations of international humanitarian assistance, and the common bonds of humanity that can serve to unify us in our collective struggle against diseases that afflict and threaten our global community.
Saturday, September 17
8-10 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.
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.
10 am – Olympia Rain Garden Tour
Tour downtown, east, and west side of Olympia to see the lovely variety of rain gardens your neighbors have constructed to infiltrate stormwater into the ground. Stay all day or tour just one part of town. Also, learn about the City of Olympia’s new rain garden incentive. Free and open to the public. 10:00 am: meet at Olympia Timberland Library(313 8th Ave SE) for brief indoor overview, and tour 2 nearby locations. 12:30 pm: meet at San Francisco Street Bakery (1320 San Francisco St NE) and tour three nearby locations. 2:30 pm: meet at Olympia Food Co-op, West Side (921 Rogers St NW) and tour three nearby locations. For more information or to RSVP (not required) contact Patricia Pyle (360) 570-5841 or ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us
11 am-12 noon – Tune Up Your Bike
(Westside Farmers’ Market; Thomas St NW, next to Garfield School; Olympia) Larry Leveen from Oly Bikes will show you how. Don’t forget to bring your bike! For more details and a list of other re-skilling demonstrations coming up, go to www.oly-wa.us/transitionolympia.
2-6:30 pm – Kiwanis Food Bank Garden Work Party & $5 Challenge Meal
Work-party at the garden (2:00-4:00 pm), followed by a $5 Challenge meal that you help prepare. It’s fine to attend just the work-party or just the meal, or attend both! With your cooking expertise and a seasonal menu, we will prove that a meal prepared with quality local ingredients and cooking methods that enhance the food flavors is a value meal costing just $5 a person. We are asking each family to prepare one of four menu items (beet salad, potato gratin, chicken casserole, or zucchini bread—the recipes are posted at http://slowfoodolympia.org/recipes2011.html), or if you prefer, bring low-cost non-alcoholic drinks, homemade breads or help with set-up, serving and clean-up. Bring your own plates, glasses, silverware and folding chairs. If you are also attending the work-party, bring a change of clothes if you like: we’ll provide access to restrooms so you can wash and change before the meal.
Registration: To honor the $5 meal concept, we need to balance dishes brought to the meal, so we ask you to please register with Kim Murillo (kimhmurillo@yahoo.com), by Sept 12. Let her know which menu item you will bring and share your food preference (vegan, gluten-free). Also tell her if you will also attend the work-party. There is no charge for the dinner – just volunteer to bring one of the selected dishes or help in other ways by emailing Kim. Come help us prove that Slow Food is not only good tasting, good for the environment and good for those who grow our food, but a great food value and even better when we share the meal together.
Sunday, September 18
10:30-11 am – Cooking Demo: Uncommon Veggies
(Olympia Farmers Market Stage) Set aside 15 – 20 minutes of your Sunday morning market visit to learn about preparing locally grown vegetables that are less commonly eaten. Pick up cooking and nutrition tips and a recipe card. Sponsored by Slow Food Greater Olympia, the Olympia Farmers Market, and Friends of the Olympia Farmers Market.
Noon – 4 pm – Henderson Inlet Watershed Tour
Join Stream Team as we take a closer look at a local watershed that flows through the heart of Lacey yet also supports a thriving shellfish farm. See how local efforts to protect and enhance water quality are paying dividends in both the Woodland and Woodard Creek sub-watersheds. Climb aboard a deluxe tour bus and visit several sites to learn about local efforts to reduce stormwater impacts, improve salmon habitat and keep shellfish harvesting viable and healthy. Local experts will be on hand to share their expertise and answer your questions. The tour will culminate with a delicious shellfish tasting at the Henderson Inlet Community Shellfish Farm! The tour is free, but registration is required—and this popular tour fills up fast!. For more details, or to register for this free tour, please contact Laura Hurson at streamteam@ci.lacey.wa.us or 360-438-2672.
Thursday, September 22
12 noon – Books on a Sustainable Food System
(Lacey Library; 500 College St SE; Lacey 98503) Kim Murillo, Lynn Wilkinson, and Halli Winstead will review several books related to a locally sustainable food system for all. Snacks will be provided by the Olympia Food Coop. Sponsored by Slow Food Greater Olympia and the Coop.
Saturday, September 24
Moving Planet Day
Olympia Climate Action is joining with Transition Olympia, the local Green Party and folks around the earth to call attention to the effect of transportation on climate on Moving Planet Day. Join us as we leave our cars at home and gather downtown – by bicycle, by foot, by bus, by skateboard—and move one step closer to becoming a car-free city. Added to the goal of reducing our carbon footprint will be an opportunity to support local businesses which provide family-supporting jobs and pump dollars back into the community. Picnicking in Sylvester Park from 5 pm onward will provide a chance to visit with friends while listening to local bands. Contact http://www.moving-planet.org/map or janetjordan@email.com for more information.
9am-2pm – Mushroom Foray in Capitol Forest
We will meet at 9:00 am at the Mud Bay Park & Ride on Madrona Beach Road. Carpools will be formed as desired, caravan into Capital Forest to look for mushrooms. Tom Keller, president of the South Sound Mushroom Club, will explain what to look for and how to identify the more common mushrooms, as well as those to avoid. Dress for the weather and outdoors; bring rain gear if needed. Afterwards, we will gather at a home for a mushroom potluck lunch. Bring a dish to share (including mushrooms in the dish is optional). The cost is $15. Registration: to reserve your space at this event your check must be received by Sept 21. Send your e-mail address and make checks payable to Greater Olympia Slow Food, and send to: Liz Douglas; 2725 Hibiscus Ct SE; Olympia, WA 98513. No spots will be saved until a check is received. For questions; email Liz Douglas at eadouglas@comcast.net.
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.
10 am – 3 pm – Woodard Bay Work Party and Guided Trail Walk
For more information, contact Christina Donehower at cdonehower@pugetsound.org.
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.
Sunday, September 25
10:30-11 am – Cooking Demo: Uncommon Veggies
(Olympia Farmers Market Stage) Set aside 15 – 20 minutes of your Sunday morning market visit to learn about preparing locally grown vegetables that are less commonly eaten. Pick up cooking and nutrition tips and a recipe card. Sponsored by Slow Food Greater Olympia, the Olympia Farmers Market, and Friends of the Olympia Farmers Market.
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.
October 14th & 15th: Coming to the Table – A Community Food Summit
October 14th will feature a giant community pot-luck on the streets of downtown Olympia, and environmental and agricultural expo, and a presentation by Mark Winnie – author of Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart Cookin’ Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture and Closing the Food Gap – at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
October 15th will be a ‘roll up your sleeves’ conference at the Thurston County Fairgrounds where we will learn about our current local food system, clarify our vision for the future, and start building the roadmap to get us from today to tomorrow.
The food summit will be the capstone of a series of events throughout the fall and summer that is called Focus on Food. Events leading up to the summit will include tours of local farms and gardens, events and programs at local Timberland Regional Libraries, discussion groups, and other opportunities to learn about the food system, our local food economy, and options for a more sustainable food future. To register, go to http://cometothetablefoodsummit.eventbrite.com. Email Halli Winstead at hallilw@gmail.com if you have questions!