Register for Environmental Lobby Day (February 15^th)

(Olympia, 8:45 am – 6:00 pm)  Your legislators in Olympia need to hear first-hand that the we care about having clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and a safe environment for ourselves and our children.  If you pre-register by Feb 11^th, the cost is $20 ($10 for students)—which includes breakfast, lunch, materials, appointments and the receptions! After that, you’ll need to register the day of the event at a cost of $25. For more information, see listing below for Feb. 15^th.

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

Meet at the 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.

Beach Naturalist Program

South Sound Estuary Association is training volunteers to help people learn about and enjoy area beaches this summer.  Go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/volunteer/beach-naturalists or contact Leihla at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org for more information.

January 31 (Monday)

1:30 pm – Public hearing before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

(Senate Hearing Rm 2, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearings on SB 5369 (Regarding commercial shellfish enforcement), SB 5264 (Requiring a study of Mazama pocket gophers), and SB 5272 (Providing authority to create a community forest trust).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

6:30 – 8:30 pm – Regional Plan for Sustainable Development Kick-Off Event

(The Evergreen State College Longhouse)  Did you know that Thurston County is one of the fastest growing regions in the state?  Our population is expected to grow by over 170,000 by the year 2040—which is equivalent to the current total population of ALL cities and urban growth boundary areas within Thurston County!  Roger Valdez from Sightline will share current thinking about what makes for a sustainable community and what it takes to change direction—personally and as a society.  This will be an interactive discussion, and serves as the kick-off for the Regional Plan for Sustainable Development—a three-year process whose goals are to: 1) Identify what we need to do to achieve our region’s definition of a sustainable community; 2) Understand why we need to take action; 3) Articulate and support actions that will get this region to the future described.  For additional information, visit  www.trpc.org/grants/awardedtotrpc/Pages/HUDGrant.aspx. If you have questions call 360-956-7575 or email mccormk@TRPC.org.  EXTRA CREDIT

February 1 (Tuesday)

8:00 am – Public hearing before the House Committee on Capital Budget

(House Hearing Rm B, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing on HB 1199 (Requires that the state sell off certain state lands and state forest lands. For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

10:00 am – Public hearing before the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources

(House Hearing Rm C, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearings on 1.HB 1273 (Concerning access to land for hunting and fishing), HB 1453 (Regarding commercial shellfish enforcement), and HB 1196 (Directing state agencies to consider economic development opportunities when making land management decisions).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – Public hearing before the Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

(Senate Hearing Rm 2, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearings on SB 5253 (Concerning landscape conservation and local infrastructure), SB 5265 (Authorizing multijurisdiction flood control zones) and SB 5267 (Providing fairness in government regulation of property).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

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)

8:00 am – Public hearing before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

(Senate Hearing Rm 2, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearings on SB 5438 (Concerning the sale of timber from lands managed by the department of fish and wildlife) and SB 5376 (Regarding the disposal of lands by natural resource agencies). For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  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

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

1:30 pm – Public hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment, Water & Energy

(Senate Hearing Rm 4, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearings on SB 5228 (Regarding the siting of small alternative energy resource facilities); SB 5110 (Concerning carpet recycling); SB 5464 (Creating the clean energy partnership).  SB 5228 will eliminate the moratorium placed on biomass facilities in the county that the county commissioners imposed. For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – Public hearing before the House Committee on Local Government

(House Hearing Rm E, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing on HB 1469 (Concerning landscape conservation and local infrastructure).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – Public hearing before the House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications

(House Hearing Rm B, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing on HB 1639 (Creating the clean energy partnership).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

February 3 (Thursday)

8:00 am – Public hearing before the House Committee on the Environment

(House Hearing Rm C, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing on HB 1198 (Creating a cause of action for persons who are adversely affected by the judicial review of a decision made under the state environmental policy act), HB 1370 (Creating a statewide program for the collection, transportation, and disposal of unwanted medicines) and.HB 1713 (Modifying the exemptions for development under the state environmental policy act).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – Public hearing before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

(Senate Hearing Rm 2, J.A. Cherberg Building)  Public hearing on SB 5300 (Enhancing the use of Washington natural resources in public buildings), SB 5266 (Improving the permitting process at certain natural resources agencies) and SB 5453 (Enhancing the production of Pacific salmon).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

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. 6^th (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 4 (Friday)

8:00 am – Public hearing before the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources

(House Hearing Rm A, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing on HB 1421 (Providing authority to create a community forest trust); HB 1509 (Concerning the forestry riparian easement program); HB 1157 (Regarding the forest practices permitting system); HB 1161 (Regarding the payment of compensation to small forest landowners participating in the forest riparian easement program); and HB 1254 (Regarding the institute of forest resources).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

8:00 am – Public hearing before the (House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications

(House Hearing Rm B, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing on HB 1606 (Concerning minimum renewable fuel content requirements) and HB 1571 (Limiting regulation of electric vehicle battery charging facilities).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

1:30 pm – Public hearing before the House Committee on the Environment

(House Hearing Rm C, John L. O’Brien Building)  Public hearing on HB 1307 (Concerning standards for the use of science to support public policy) and HB 1489 (Limiting the use of fertilizer containing phosphorus).  For info and to confirm date & time, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/calendar.aspx.  EXTRA CREDIT

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)  Our planet is currently experiencing a long-term increase in the length of a day of 20 microseconds per year—meaning each day is, on average, nearly 55 nanoseconds longer than the last.  Even our familiar moon is not static in its orbit around Earth, increasing its average distance from us by 3.8 centimeters per year.  Chris Coughenour, Ph.D. (The Evergreen State College) will discuss how these phenomena are intimately related, why our corner of the solar system is undergoing such changes, and why these changes have not been constant in the distant past.  He will also tell us how, through the geologic record of preserved tidal cycles, this long-standing problem first recognized by Edmund Halley may be solved throughout Earth’s long history.  EXTRA CREDIT

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

noon- 1:30pm – Understanding Makah Whaling Rights & Fishing Treaties from a Makah Perspective

(SPSCC, Room 26-102)  Speakers: Micah McCarty (Makah Tribal Council Chairman) and Russel Svec (Makah Fisheries Manager).  EXTRA CREDIT

5-10 pm – “Warm Home” Insulating Window Inserts

(Olympia Unitarian Church, 2300 West End Ct, Olympia)  Are your windows cold or drafty?  Save energy, cut costs and help the environment while you learn in a fun community setting how to build simple, low-cost interior insulating window inserts.  These double layered windows fit snugly inside the window opening, are easily removable and can be made in custom sizes. They are built with local wood, a double layer of shrink wrap and weatherstripping.  The inserts are perfect for single-pane or aluminum windows.  We provide the tools and materials, you bring measurements and friends—and together we’ll build a set of inserts for your house (and for others) to stay warm and save money this winter.  Thanks to the City of Olympia Housing Program this Work-party Series is FREE to eligible low-income households.  Others pay cost of  materials ($1.50 per sq ft) and a small workshop fee ($30-50 sliding scale).  To register, go to www.homeempowerment.org/home/register or contact Joseph Becker at ionecobuilding@gmail.com.

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)

8:45 am – 4 pm — annual Environmental Citizens’ Lobby Day 2011

Your legislators in Olympia need to hear first-hand that the people of Washington care about having clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and a safe environment for ourselves and our children.  During Environmental Lobby Day, you will: get briefed by experts on the four main environmental priorities for this legislative session; learn the tricks of the trade from top environmental lobbyists; have a chance to meet face-to-face with your legislators; attend an important committee hearing on the Capitol campus; and eat well, with a continental breakfast and catered lunch.  If you pre-register by Feb 11^th, the cost is $20 ($10 for students)—which includes breakfast, lunch, materials, appointments and the receptions! For more information, go to http://environmentalpriorities.org.

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

12-5 pm – “Warm Home” Insulating Window Inserts

(Olympia Unitarian Church, 2300 West End Ct, Olympia)  Are your windows cold or drafty?  Save energy, cut costs and help the environment while you learn in a fun community setting how to build simple, low-cost interior insulating window inserts.  These double layered windows fit snugly inside the window opening, are easily removable and can be made in custom sizes. They are built with local wood, a double layer of shrink wrap and weatherstripping.  The inserts are perfect for single-pane or aluminum windows.  We provide the tools and materials, you bring measurements and friends—and together we’ll build a set of inserts for your house (and for others) to stay warm and save money this winter.  Thanks to the City of Olympia Housing Program this Work-party Series is FREE to eligible low-income households.  Others pay cost of  materials ($1.50 per sq ft) and a small workshop fee ($30-50 sliding scale).  To register, go to www.homeempowerment.org/home/register or contact Joseph Becker at ionecobuilding@gmail.com.

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 31^st, 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 – 19^th 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.