Every Tuesday, 9am-3pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Contact: Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or asmithers@tnc.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
Every Wednesday, 8-10am – Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Bird Walk
Phil Kelley from Black Hills Audubon Society leads a weekly bird walk at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at the Visitor Center Overlook at 8am, and join Phil for the entire walk or for as long as you wish.
Beach Naturalist Program
South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA) is expanding its Beach Naturalists Program and will train volunteers to help people learn about and enjoy area beaches this summer. Interested volunteers should visit SSEA’s Beach Naturalists site or contact Leihla at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org for more information.
Thurston Conservation District’s Annual Native Plant Sale
In February the District will hold a native-plant sale, at which they provide conservation-grade plants—including over 35 different native species ranging from trees, shrubs, herbaceous varieties and groundcovers—at affordable prices to the public. Pre-orders are being taken until January 31st, and make it more likely you will get the plant species you want. For more information, go to www.thurstoncd.com/index.php?id=73 or contact Kathleen at 360-754-3588 ext. 114 or at kwhalen@thurstoncd.com
January 23 (Sunday)
10am-12:30pm OR 1-3:30pm – Winter Twig Identification field course
Learn to identify native deciduous trees and shrubs without leaves or flowers, and enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the woods during winter time. Two workshops to choose from: 10 am to 12:30 pm or 1-3:30 p.m. The cost is $10 with the Winter in the Woods guide, $5 without. To register, contact Tristan Woodsmith at www.nativeplantsalvage.org or at 360-867-2166. EXTRA CREDIT
January 24 (Monday)
6:00- 8:00 pm – Public Meeting on Biomass Gasification Research at Evergreen
(Evergreen State College, Seminar II, B1105) The Evergreen State College Sustainability Council will be hosting a public meeting on. We will be discussing our process and timeline for the biomass gasification feasibility study, and we will provide an update on the research. If you want a parking pass for the event, contact Dani Madrone at madroned@evergreen.edu. EXTRA CREDIT
January 25 (Tuesday)
9am – 3pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
We will be focusing on pulling Scot’s broom and continue to burn slash piles (weather permitting). There also may be seeds to clean. Bring warm raingear, gloves, water and a lunch. Let Ashley Smithers (asmithers@tnc.org or 503.451.0824) know if you are coming and what you would like to do, so she can make sure to bring enough supplies. Directions: Take I-5 to exit 95 (the Littlerock exit) about 10 miles south of Olympia. Go west through Littlerock to the T-intersection at the Mima Road/Waddell Creek. Go south (left) on Mima Road 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 are often dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road through the gate and take the first right get to the house. VOLUNTEER EVENT
10:00 am – Hearings on exempting local governments from having to switch to alternative fuel vehicles, and on solar energy
(House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications; House Hearing Rm B, John L. O’Brien Building) Public hearings on: HB 1141 (Exempting local governments from alternative fuel vehicle requirements); HB 1144 (Concerning solar energy investment cost recovery program); HB 1393 (Concerning incentives for solar stirling converters). For more info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/tec/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16293. EXTRA CREDIT
10:00 am – Hearing on allowing development in certain floodplains in Skagit and Whatcom counties
(House Committee on Local Government; House Hearing Rm E, John L. O’Brien Building) Public hearing on HB 1222 (Authorizing limited expansions of urban growth areas into one hundred year floodplains in areas adjacent to a freeway interchange or interstate in Skagit and Whatcom counties). For more info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/lg/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16291. EXTRA CREDIT
10:00 am – Hearings on reducing pollution from wood stoves, and on making children’s products safer
(Senate Committee on Environment, Water & Energy; Senate Hearing Rm 4, J.A. Cherberg Building) Public hearings on: Reducing pollution from wood stoves; SB 5051 (Concerning public notice of proposed settlements of environmental and public health enforcement actions); and SB 5231 – Regarding the safety of certain children’s products. www.leg.wa.gov/senate/committees/ewe/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16346. EXTRA CREDIT
6:30-8:30 pm — Nisqually Watershed Septic System Proposal
(Expo Center at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Rd SE, Lacey) If you live in the Nisqually Watershed, join Thurston County staff for an open house on a proposed septic system operations and maintenance program. Learn more and give feedback. For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehrp/nisqually.html.
7-9 pm – Return of the Nisqually: Restoration and Monitoring
(LOTT Water Education & Technology Center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia) The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the Nisqually Indian Tribe, restored tidal waters to 762 acres of the Refuge by removing 5 miles of dikes in the fall of 2009. Jesse Barham (Refuge Restoration Biologist) will talk about the restoration process and construction, Kelley Turner (USGS Biologist) will speak about the preliminary results of USGS monitoring of the physical and biological responses, and Christopher Ellings (Nisqually Tribe Salmon Research Biologist) will talk about preliminary results of fish ecology monitoring. EXTRA CREDIT
January 26 (Wednesday)
8:00 am – Hearing on bill relating to oil spills
(Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters; Senate Hearing Rm 2, J.A. Cherberg Building) For more info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/senate/committees/nrmw/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16370. EXTRA CREDIT
9am – 1pm – Puget Sound Shoreline Restoration Work Party
People For Puget Sound is holding this restoration work party on private shoreline properties on the Cooper Point peninsula. We will be pulling English ivy and other invasive species, and replanting the cleared areas with native trees, shrubs, and ground covers. E-mail cdonehower@pugetsound.org to RSVP and get directions. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring your own lunch and water bottle; we will provide snacks and beverages. If you have hand tools and work gloves, please bring them as well. If not, we will have tools and gloves to share. No experience is necessary, but children ten and under must have adult supervision. VOLUNTEER EVENT
1:30 pm – Hearings on geothermal energy, failing septic systems, and air pollution.
(Senate Committee on Environment, Water & Energy; Senate Hearing Rm 4, J.A. Cherberg Building) Public hearings on SB 5086 (Regarding the use of geothermal resources for commercial electricity production); SB 5080 (Reducing water pollution by replacing or repairing failing on-site sewage systems or connecting failing on-site sewage systems to a sewerage system); and SB 5118 (Concerning output-based air emission standards.) For more info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/senate/committees/ewe/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16348. EXTRA CREDIT
4:00 pm – Biomass Moratorium Briefing from Agency Representatives
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280) In December, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners enacted a one-year moratorium on new biomass facilities, to give commissioners time to investigate environmental concerns surrounding biomass energy. At today’s meeting, Thurston County Commissioners will hear from the state departments of Commerce, Natural Resources, and Ecology, and from the Olympia Region Clean Air Agency. The briefing is open to the public. For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/biomass/biomass-home.html. EXTRA CREDIT
6:30- 9 pm — Environmental Stewardship, Part 1
(The Urban Onion Ballroom) The Olympia Planning Commission is seeking to engage citizens in deeper conversations to build on previous comments they have received regarding planning for Olympia’s future. This meeting will be focusing on the topic of the environment. Citizens will have an opportunity to learn more about the topic, discuss it with each other, and share their preferences and concerns with the City. Much of the time will be spent working together in small groups, with note-takers capturing the discussions at each table. EXTRA CREDIT
7-9 pm – Permaculture: A Brief Overview
(Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church, 2300 East End St NW, Olympia 98502) This two-hour session will touch on the basic concepts & philosophical underpinning of the movement. Topics include: principles & ethics; energy & water management; waste recycling; use of animals; plants for the Pacific Northwest; sheet mulching & hugelkultur; designing & building a garden; and food forests. A reading list and web resources will also be included. The class is open to all interested individuals. There is a registration fee of $10, and fee waivers are available. For more information, go to www.ouuc.org and click on “Adult Education”—or contact Roger Nielsen at thenielsens2000@yahoo.com. EXTRA CREDIT
January 27 (Thursday)
8:00 am – Hearings on creating a Puget Sound corps within the Washington conservation corps, and broadening child product safety laws.
(House Committee on the Environment, House Hearing Rm C, John L. O’Brien Building) Public hearings on HB 1294 and HB 1319. For more info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/envi/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16316. EXTRA CREDIT
1:30 pm – Hearings on converting forests to housing developments, and on a demonstration project using wood to produce aviation fuel.
(Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters; Senate Hearing Rm 2, J.A. Cherberg Building) Public hearing on SB 5211 (Concerning forest practices applications leading to conversion of land for development purposes) and SB 5273 (Authorizing a forest biomass to aviation fuel demonstration project). For more info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/senate/committees/nrmw/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16371. EXTRA CREDIT
January 28 (Friday)
8:00 am – Hearings on bills reducing phosphorus pollution from fertilizers, and ensuring that environmental concerns are represented at certain legal proceedings.
(Senate Committee on Environment, Water & Energy; Senate Hearing Rm 4, J.A. Cherberg Building) Public hearing on SB 5194 (Limiting the use of fertilizer containing phosphorus) and SB 5339 (Requiring the counsel for the environment to represent and appear for the public and its interest in protecting the quality of the environment in all actions and proceedings involving any gas or electrical company.) For more info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/senate/committees/ewe/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16347. EXTRA CREDIT
8:00 am – Hearings on bills relating to water pollution control, noxious weeds, and licensing farms to sell meat directly to consumers.
(House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources, House Hearing Rm A, John L. O’Brien Building) Public hearing on: HB 1152 (Providing technical assistance to achieve voluntary compliance with water pollution control statutes); HB 1169 (Prohibiting the State Noxious Weed Control Board from adding a plant species to the noxious weed list if the plant is being actively cultivated in Washington as a commercial crop); and HB 1200 (Creating a licensing program allowing WA farmers to sell meat from animals raised on their farms to consumers within the state—without having to go through a major meat processor). For more info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/agnr/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=16331. EXTRA CREDIT
January 29 (Saturday)
10am-1pm – Trillium Park Work Party
(Trillium Park, Olympia 98501) Join us as we remove invasive Yellow archangel, English ivy, and work on trail maintenance at Trillium Park. Meet at 901 Eskridge Blvd SE. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser or at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360-753-8365. VOLUNTEER EVENT
January 30 (Sunday)
5-8 pm – Slow Food Potluck & Book Discussion
This FREE event is sponsored by The Greater Olympia Slow Food Convivium. Bring a dish to share—preferably one made with locally produced, organic foods. There will be a book discussion following the potluck on Shannon Hayes’ book Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture, which champions a renewed focus on home and hearth as a political and ecological act. Space is limited and reservations are necessary. RSVP and get directions by contacting Emily Ray at emilyrayjimlengenfelder@msn.com.
February 1 (Tuesday)
3:30-4:30pm – Biomass Moratorium Briefing to Thurston Board of Health
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280) Open to the public. See Jan 26 listing for more information. EXTRA CREDIT
February 2 (Wednesday)
9am – 1pm – Puget Sound Shoreline Restoration Work Party
People For Puget Sound is holding this restoration work party on private shoreline properties on the Cooper Point peninsula. We will be pulling English ivy and other invasive species, and replanting the cleared areas with native trees, shrubs, and ground covers. E-mail cdonehower@pugetsound.org to RSVP and get directions. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring your own lunch and water bottle; we will provide snacks and beverages. If you have hand tools and work gloves, please bring them as well. If not, we will have tools and gloves to share. No experience is necessary, but children ten and under must have adult supervision. VOLUNTEER EVENT
9-10:30am – Biomass Moratorium Briefing from Evergreen State College
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280) Representatives from Evergreen State College will be briefing and discussing biomass issues with the Commissioners and staff. Open to the public. See Jan 26 listing for more information. EXTRA CREDIT
February 3 (Thursday)
2-4pm – Biomass Moratorium Briefing from Concerned Citizens of Thurston County
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280) Open to the public. See Jan 26 listing for more information. EXTRA CREDIT
6-8 pm – Black Hills Audubon Society Birding Class: Gulls Need Love, Too.
Matt Pike will teach a gull identification basics class geared toward beginning to sort out the treacherous montage of gull species present in western Washington each winter. The class will be followed by a field trip on Sunday, Feb. 6th (location yet to be determined), focusing on applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. Contact Matt at hoodedcrow3b@yahoo.com for more information. Cost: $15.
February 5 (Saturday)
7am-(all day) – Black Hills Audubon Society Field Trip: Samish and Skagit Flats
“Western Washington Raptor Central” is the nickname for these delta areas because they host all five falcon species which regularly occur in the state, plus plenty of Bald Eagles, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks, Short-eared Owls, and Northern Harriers (and flocks of Trumpeter and Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, and numerous duck species ). The trip is limited to three vehicles and 12-14 people. Call Scott Morrison at (360) 412-1260 to reserve a place on the trip and indicate whether you can drive. Vehicles must hold a minimum of four people, and we will convoy to the beginning of the field trip in Skagit County. This is a very long day with a lot of driving. Meet at Hawks Prairie Home Depot parking lot near the Cutter’s Point coffee shop at 6:50am for a 7:00am departure.
9am – 1pm – Puget Sound Shoreline Restoration Work Party
People For Puget Sound is holding this restoration work party on private shoreline properties on the Cooper Point peninsula. We will be pulling English ivy and other invasive species, and replanting the cleared areas with native trees, shrubs, and ground covers. E-mail cdonehower@pugetsound.org to RSVP and get directions. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring your own lunch and water bottle; we will provide snacks and beverages. If you have hand tools and work gloves, please bring them as well. If not, we will have tools and gloves to share. No experience is necessary, but children ten and under must have adult supervision. VOLUNTEER EVENT
9am – noon – Wilcox Flats Planting
(near Yelm) Rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Youths 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. The Land Trust will provide tools, gloves, and some snacks. RSVP to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org no later than 24 hours before the event for directions: this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone. For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400. VOLUNTEER EVENT
8pm – 1am – Illuminated Ball: a festive fundraiser for the Procession of the Species
(Eagle’s Hall, 4th & Plum, Olympia 98501) Enjoy a spectacular evening of music, dancing and other delights (including assorted desserts and no-host wine/beer bar) to help raise money for the 2011 Procession of the Species (Saturday April 23). Tickets are available at Traditions Fair Trade (5th & Water St) and Rainy Day Records (5th & Franklin). For more information, go to www.procession.org. To volunteer, leave a message at Earthbound Productions’ voice-mail at 705-2331.
February 7 (Tuesday)
5:30pm – Thurston County public hearing on Biomass Moratorium
(Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 152.) In December, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners enacted a one-year moratorium on new biomass facilities, to give commissioners time to investigate environmental concerns surrounding biomass energy. This hearing before the Thurston County Board of Commissioners is to hear the public’s opinions on the ordinance, to help the commissioners decide whether to extend the moratorium. It is likely to be very well attended (and possibly a bit boisterous), so you probably need to arrive early if you want a seat! For more information, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/biomass/biomass-home.html. EXTRA CREDIT
February 8 (Tuesday)
6-8:30pm – SSEA Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Event
(Squaxin Museum, 150 SE K’WUH-DEEGS-ALTXW, Shelton) Help elect new board members and honor those who contributed above and beyond in volunteer service to the organization. The guest speaker will be Rich Gieger, District Engineer for the Mason Conservation District, who has played a key role in many projects that are helping restore the health of the Skokomish River and Hood Canal. Everyone welcome. See the event invitation here. RSVP to melanie@sseacenter.org or call 360-918-8708.
7pm – The longer day: How rocks can tell us about changes in the Earth’s spin and the Moon’s orbit.
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Prof. Christopher Coughenour, TESC.
February 9 (Wednesday)
7-9pm – (video) Hidden Dangers in Kids Meals: Genetically Engineered Foods
(Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia) Research results, inadequate regulations, and warnings from eminent scientists explain why genetically modified foods are dangerous and should be removed from kids’ meals, and why GMOs threaten your health, the environment and future generations. Video showing will be followed by discussion. Free (donations accepted). Co-sponsored by Earth Care Catholics of Olympia and Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee. For more information, call 459-5825. EXTRA CREDIT
February 10 (Thursday)
noon-1pm — Cherie Fontenot: “Theo Chocolate: Equal Parts Ethical and Delicious”
(SPSCC, Room 26-101) Theo Chocolate’s founding principle is that the finest artisan chocolate in the world can (and should) be produced in an entirely ethical, sustainable fashion. Sustainable growing practices benefit both our fragile environmental ecosystem and all of the people inhabiting our planet. Fair Trade benefits the child who has greater opportunities with adequate nutrition, access to healthcare, and education, and it enables farmers to blend the benefits of modern techniques with artisanal practices, while participating in greater social change through the democratic Fair Trade cooperative organization. Theo Chocolate is at the forefront of a successful new business model that unites strong ethical goals and the highest standards of quality. EXTRA CREDIT
5:30 – 7:30 pm – Stormwater: Are we doing our best to deal with All This Rain?
(Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia) All are welcome to this meeting of the Thurston County League of Women Voters. We will have a discussion, and photos will show how polluted rain runoff can be handled in a more deliberate and creative way to more closely mimic natural systems. EXTRA CREDIT
6:30 pm – Community Supported Agriculture
(Thurston County Courthouse, Bldg. 1, Room 280—2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Olympia 98502) Join the Thurston County League of Women Voters for a presentation by and discussion with several local CSA farmers regarding the social, economic and environmental benefits of Community Supported Agriculture. The speakers will discuss the benefits and how it works. Open to all. Social period is at 6:30pm, followed by presentation and discussion at 7:00 pm. EXTRA CREDIT
February 11 (Friday)
5-9 pm – Native Plant Salvage Project Annual Dinner & Auction
(First United Methodist Church of Olympia) Join us for an evening of fun and fundraising to support the work of the Native Plant Salvage Project and recognize our community partners and volunteers! Reservations are required. RSVP via email to nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com
February 12 (Saturday)
10am – 2pm – Woodard Bay Restoration Work Party
(Woodard Bay NRCA, Olympia) Removing English ivy and installing native plants. For more information, contact Christina Donehower with People for Puget Sound, at 360-754-9177 ext. 183 or at cdonehower@pugetsound.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
10am – 3pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
(Glacial Heritage) We probably will be pulling Scot’s broom, thinning oak seedlings, and burning brush piles. Stay as long as you want—all are welcome! Bring raingear, gloves, water, lunch and a smile. Directions to Glacial Heritage: Take I-5 to exit 95 (the Littlerock exit) about 10 miles south of Olympia. Go west through Littlerock to the T-intersection at the Mima Road/Waddell Creek. Go south (left) on Mima Road 2.7 miles and take a left onto an unmarked gravel road, you will see a tractor sign and then the turn. Please be sure to adhere to the 15 mph speed limit on this road as there are often dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road through the gate. Take the first right get to the house. For more information, contact Ashley Smithers at 503.451.0824 or at asmithers@tnc.org. VOLUNTEER EVENT
February 13 (Sunday)
10:30am – 12:30 pm – Titlow Park Waterbird Survey
(Titlow Park, Tacoma) Help identify and count waterbirds at Titlow Lagoon and beach. No experience necessary. For more information, contact Christina Donehower with People for Puget Sound, at 360-754-9177 ext. 183 or at cdonehower@pugetsound.org.
9:30am – Native Plant Salvage Project Plant Salvage
Salvages begin at the site. Around noon, we serve a hot vegetarian lunch, and then move to our nursery/holding beds to pot the salvaged plants during the afternoon. Some volunteers choose to join us for the afternoon shift only, and we are always grateful for the extra help! To get details and directions, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166. VOLUNTEER EVENT
February 15 (Tuesday)
9am- 4pm — annual Environmental Citizens’ Lobby Day 2011
Contact: Rein Attemann, (206) 382-7007
February 19 (Saturday)
9 am – noon – Planting at Trestle Farm
(Yelm) Work parties are rain or shine, so dress for Washington weather. All youths 16 and under MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. The Land Trust provides tools, gloves, and some snacks at its work parties, but you are welcome to bring your own. RSVPs are required for directions: this ensures that we bring enough tools for everyone. RSVP to staff@nisquallylandtrust.org no later than 24 hours before the event. For more information, contact Candi Ziegert at the Nisqually Land Trust, at (360) 489-3400. VOLUNTEER EVENT
February 21 (Monday)
9:30am – Native Plant Salvage Project Plant Salvage
Salvages begin at the site. Around noon, we serve a hot vegetarian lunch, and then move to our nursery/holding beds to pot the salvaged plants during the afternoon. Some volunteers choose to join us for the afternoon shift only, and we are always grateful for the extra help! To get details and directions, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166. VOLUNTEER EVENT
February 23
6:30- 9pm – Neighborhood Planning, Part 2
(The Urban Onion Ballroom) The Olympia Planning Commission is seeking to engage citizens in deeper conversations that build on comments they have received from the website, various community meetings and interviews. This meeting has been convened to get community input on the topic of neighborhood planning. At the meeting, citizens will have an opportunity to learn more about the topic, discuss it with each other, and share their preferences and concerns with the City. Much of the time will be spent working together in small groups, with notetakers capturing the discussions at each table. EXTRA CREDIT
February 24 (Thursday)
6-9 pm – Naturescaping Workshops with Native Plant Salvage Project
(Tumwater Fire Hall) Are you interested in sustainable landscaping practices that can result in reduced maintenance chores, including watering and mowing? Join us to learn design ideas for creating landscapes that are beautiful year round and feature native and waterwise plants; attract birds, butterflies, amphibians, and beneficial insects; and help protect and conserve our local waterways and groundwater. Learn how to transform your landscape into your home sanctuary, while also saving you time, money and resources. Participants will receive many free handouts to help create more attractive and sustainable landscapes. Free—but space is limited and registration is required. Sponsored by Stream Team.
February 26 (Saturday):
Thurston Conservation District’s Annual Native Plant Sale
Each February the District holds a native plant sale event. They provide conservation-grade plants at affordable prices to the public. The plant sale offers over 35 different native species ranging from trees, shrubs, herbaceous varieties and groundcovers. Pre-orders are being taken until January 31st, and make it more likely you will get the plant species you want. For pre-order forms go to: www.thurstoncd.com/index.php?id=93. For more information, contact Kathleen at 360-754-3588 ext. 114 or kwhalen@thurstoncd.com
10am-1pm – Burri Park Work Party
(Burri Park, Olympia 98502) We will be removing invasive Yellow Archangel and pulling weeds. Meet at 2415 Burbank Ave NW. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser or at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360-753-8365. VOLUNTEER EVENT
March 5 (Saturday)
9:30 am – 3:30 pm – South Sound Steward Training
(People For Puget Sound Olympia office) A free, one-day training course for restoration volunteers covering natural history of Puget Sound, principles of restoration ecology, current projects in the South Sound, an introduction to plant and waterbird identification and survey methods, and invasive vegetation management techniques. E-mail cdonehower@pugetsound.org to register. EXTRA CREDIT
9:30am – Native Plant Salvage Project Plant Salvage
Salvages begin at the site. Around noon, we serve a hot vegetarian lunch, and then move to our nursery/holding beds to pot the salvaged plants during the afternoon. Some volunteers choose to join us for the afternoon shift only, and we are always grateful for the extra help! To get details and directions, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166. VOLUNTEER EVENT
March 8 (Tuesday)
7pm – Olympia Science Café: Tuberculosis in the 21st Century
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Dr. Diana Yu, MD, Health Officer for Thurston and Mason Counties.
March 9 (Wednesday)
7-9pm – (video) Good Food
(Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia) Good Food offers an intimate look at the farmers, ranchers, and businesses that are creating a more sustainable food system in the Pacific Northwest. Video showing will be followed by discussion. Free (donations accepted). Co-sponsored by Earth Care Catholics of Olympia and Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee. For more information, call 459-5825. EXTRA CREDIT
March 12 (Saturday)
9 am – noon – Red Salmon Creek Ivy Pull
For more information, call the Nisqually Land Trust at 360-489-3400. VOLUNTEER EVENT
March 13 (Sunday)
10am – noon – Titlow Park Waterbird Survey
(Titlow Park, Tacoma) Help identify and count waterbirds at Titlow Lagoon and beach. No experience necessary. For more information, contact Christina Donehower with People for Puget Sound, at 360-754-9177 ext. 183 or at cdonehower@pugetsound.org.
* * * MARCH 17 (THURSDAY): ALL REVIEWS ARE DUE ! ! ! * * *
March 18 (Friday)
8:30 am -12:30 pm – Wilcox Flats Ivy Pull
For more information, call the Nisqually Land Trust at 360-489-3400.
March 20: Native Plant Salvage Project Plant Salvage. Location to be announced. For more information, contact Tristan Woodsmith at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or at 360-867-2166.
March 26 ()
9am- noon – Environmental Stewardship, Part 2
(The Olympia Center) The Olympia Planning Commission is seeking to engage citizens in deeper conversations that build on comments they have received from the website, various community meetings and interviews. This meeting has been convened to get community input on the topic of the environment. At the meeting, citizens will have an opportunity to learn more about the topic, discuss it with each other, and share their preferences and concerns with the City. Much of the time will be spent working together in small groups, with notetakers capturing the discussions at each table.
1:30-2:30 pm – Mushroom Hunting
(Tumwater Timberland Library) Tom Keller of the South Sound Mushroom Club will discuss mushroom hunting in the Pacific Northwest and help you identify the best edibles and the ones to stay away from.
March 31 (Thursday)
6-9 pm – Naturescaping Workshops with Native Plant Salvage Project
(Lacey Community Center) Are you interested in sustainable landscaping practices that can result in reduced maintenance chores, including watering and mowing? Join us to learn design ideas for creating landscapes that are beautiful year round and feature native and waterwise plants; attract birds, butterflies, amphibians, and beneficial insects; and help protect and conserve our local waterways and groundwater. Learn how to transform your landscape into your home sanctuary, while also saving you time, money and resources. Participants will receive many free handouts to help create more attractive and sustainable landscapes. Free—but space is limited and registration is required. Sponsored by Stream Team.
April 2 (Saturday)
4 – 9 pm – 19th Annual Nisqually Land Trust Auction & Dinner Gala
Nisqually Land Trust. 360-489-3400
April 9 (Saturday)
10am-noon – Discover the Wonders of Nature at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
(Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) Aimed especially at families and educators, this program includes a tour of the Education Center, Nature Explore Area, and information about the Refuge’s environmental education programs. Free (donations accepted). Co-sponsored by Earth Care Catholics of Olympia and Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee. For more information, call 459-5825.
April 12 (Tuesday)
7pm – Olympia Science Café: The Hubble Telescope
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Dr. Bruce Balick, Chair, Dept. of Astronomy, UW.
April 16 (Saturday)
9 am – noon – Ohop Ivy Pull
For more information, call the Nisqually Land Trust at 360-489-3400.
April 22 (Friday)
8:30 am – 12:30 pm – Powell Uplands Scotch Broom Pull Earth Day!
For more information, call the Nisqually Land Trust at 360-489-3400.
April 28 (Thursday)
6:30 pm – What’s New at LOTT
(LOTT Headquarters, 500 Adams Street NE in Olympia) Join the Thurston County League of Women Voters to see LOTT’s new office and learn the latest on what LOTT does to reclaim wastewater, including how demand for this reclaimed water is growing. Social period at 6:30 p.m. followed by presentation and discussion at 7:00 p.m.
6:30- 8:45 pm – Rain Garden Workshop
(Tumwater) Learn to manage your stormwater onsite! Learn the details for creating a beautiful landscape feature that protects local waterways while managing drainage on-site. We’ll also have how-to information about other low-impact development techniques. Many free handouts and guidebooks for participants! Plus, we’ll be offering participants a chance to join us for some local rain garden installations this spring and summer for more hands-on learning! Registration is required. (Stay tuned for more details). Sponsored by Stream Team.
May 10 (Tuesday)
7pm – Olympia Science Café: The magnitude 6.5 Puget Sound earthquake of Fall 2011 (that no one will feel)
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Prof. Emeritus Steve Malone and Past Director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, UW
June 14 (Tuesday)
7pm – Olympia Science Café: Hair and the detection of breast cancer.
(Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way S, Olympia) Prof. Emeritus D. Lyman, Univ. of Utah.