Check out all the awesome local activities and volunteer opportunities occurring through the spring!
Thurston Conservation District Annual Native Plant Sale
Each February, Thurston Conservation District holds a native plant sale event, providing over 25 species of native plants at affordable prices to the public. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and pests, and so require less watering once established, and are more resistant to disease and pests. In addition, native plants offer food and shelter for wildlife, prevent erosion to streams, and add shade and beauty to your yard. Pre-orders are being accepted through January 31st—and it is wise to pre-order because stocks are limited. For more information or to download an order form, go to www.thurstoncd.com/node/134 or call 360-754-3588.
Every Tuesday, 9 am – 3 pm: South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
ContactAudrey Lamb with the Center for Natural Lands Management—South Sound Program, at alamb@cnlm.org. EVENT REVIEW
Every Wednesday, 8-11 am: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Bird Walk
Meet at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Overlook at 8 am, and join Phil Kelley from Black Hills Audubon Society for the entire walk or for as long as you wish.)
January 25
8:30 am – 4:00 pm – Environmental Lobby Day
(Olympia) Join 25 of the state’s leading conservation groups and hundreds of citizen advocates to push for the passage of the Environmental Priorities Coalition’s 2012 legislative package. This legislative session there are three priorities:
1. Preventing attempts to weaken, delay or roll back state environmental laws and programs that are critical for clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.
2. Protecting children’s health from cancer-causing flame retardants and helping to put businesses on the path to using chemicals that won’t harm the environment or the bottom line.
3. Sustaining the success of I-937, our state’s voter-approved clean energy initiative, in bringing investments, jobs, and economic development throughout Washington.
Attendees will receive detailed briefings on the environmental priorities; receive training from top environmental lobbyists on how to lobby; have opportunities to join fellow citizens in meeting with their legislators; and celebrate the unveiling of the Puget Loop Birding Trail with Washington Audubon. The event costs $15 (to cover the cost of snacks and materials)—$10 for students—if you register before January 22, and registration is required. To register or for more information, go to http://pugetsound.org/policy/lobby-day/lEnvironmental-Lobby-Day-2012/#Environmental_Lobby_Day.
7:30 – 8:45 pm – (talk) Flotsametrics and the Floating World
(Olympia Timberland Library) Curtis Ebbesmeyer will discuss his book Flotsametrics and the Floating World: How One Man’s Obsession with Runaway Sneakers and Rubber Ducks Revolutionized Ocean Science. Curtis Ebbesmeyer holds a Ph.D. in oceanography from the University of Washington. Media worldwide have turned to his expertise on ocean currents and floating objects. Each year, Curt presents a booth and talks at beachcomber fairs in Alaska, Florida, and Washington, as well as hosting the radio program Flotsam Hour, in which listeners call in with interesting flotsam (like “Antiques Roadshow” for ocean currents). Copies of the book will be available for purchase. This program takes place after the library closes. EXTRA CREDIT
Friday, January 27
9 am – noon – Thurston Ridge Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800. EVENT REVIEW
6 – 9 pm – South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust Annual Meeting
(South Bay Grange Hall: 3918 Sleater-Kinney Rd. NE; Olympia 98506) The annual meeting of the South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust includes a community potluck dinner, celebration of several grants dedicated to preservation of farmland, updates and a short business meeting. Our speaker will be TJ Johnson, Sustainable South Sound Program Lead – Local Food Systems, who will give a follow-up from the October 2011 South Sound Food Summit with a focus on the action plans related to the topic “Vibrant Farms.” This family-friendly evening is free and open to all. We will pass the hat to cover meeting costs and provide a fun raffle opportunity as well. EXTRA CREDIT
Saturday, January 28
9 am – noon – Thurston Ridge Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800. EVENT REVIEW
9 am – 5 pm – The Green Party of Washington State’s Winter Gathering
(Tumwater Friends Meeting House: 219 B St SW; Tumwater) The theme of the daytime gathering will be “The Economic Crisis–Thriving Through Building Community.” Dick Burkhardt (Seattle) will present “The Limits To Growth”, and other speakers will present various ideas for sustainable living: a state bank; Gross National Happiness instead of GDP; local currency; local food; the Community Rights Ordinance. Hear the ideas, have lunch (potluck, with soup) with the speakers, then delve into a panel discussion of how these ideas interact. Morning topics will be explored in greater detail in the afternoon. Food Security will be presented in the morning, and in the afternoon the topic might come up of how the Community Rights Ordinance might help local organic farmers. Voluntary Simplicity will be presented in the morning, and in the afternoon the question might be how that practice might affect our GDP or, conversely, a Gross National Happiness. Will a local currency be acceptable to a new state bank, and could the state bank actually promote it? Workshop on campaigns for small parties, 3:15 to 4:15; Green Party business meeting, 4:15 to 5:00. Sponsored by the Green Party of Washington State. All are welcome! Registration $20 for the day (sliding scale). Go to gp-wa.us for more details. Contact: Jody Grage, 206-718-1529, or Janet Jordan, 360-232-6165.
9-5 pm – Warm Home Insulating Window Inserts–a work-party series to empower people, build community and reduce energy use.
(Olympia Unitarian Universalist 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. This strategy was developed in Maine and can be viewed at www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=99333. 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. For more information, visit www.HomeEmPOWERment.org. To register, contact Joe Joy at joejoy2@comcast.net. Sponsored by the Olympia Unitarian Church and The Home Empowerment Project.
10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Priest Point Park restoration project
(Priest Point Park: 2600 East Bay Drive NE; Olympia) Join Volunteers in Parks as they work on a restoration project in Priest Point Park. We will be focused on planting native plants in areas previously cleared of invasive plants. Meet at shelter #2. Contact: Sylvana Niehuser (sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8365). EVENT REVIEW
1:00 – 3:00 pm – Hands-on Water Fun
(Tumwater Timberland Library) Learn about streams, groundwater, and salmon through activities and crafts including the Enviroscape game, groundwater model, salmon life cycle beads and marine creature button-making. Bring the whole family for some hands-on fun! Presented by the Tumwater Stream Team and South Sound GREEN. For more information, contact Debbie Smith at dmsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us or 360-754-4148.
Sunday, January 29
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native plant salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
Join WSU’s Native Plant Salvage Project for an exciting plant recovery event! Digging begins at 9:30 am; we will serve a hot vegetarian lunch in the field; and then around 1 pm head to NPSP’s nursery on Olympia’s West Side to pot the plants, until about 3 pm. Volunteers might even find some lovely plants to transplant to their own landscapes! Volunteers are needed for morning and afternoon shifts, or spend the entire day with us. Contact James O’Keeffe at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com for details and directions. EVENT REVIEW
Monday, January 30
1:30 – 8:00 pm – Local Energy Convergence
(Olympia Center: 222 Columbia St NW; Olympia 98502) Meet fellow business owners to learn how they decreased costs and increased their profits through energy efficiency and sustainable practices. Tap local resources to help your business grow–lending institutions, government agencies, utilities, technical assistance, non-profit organizations and more.
1:30 – 4:30 pm – Local Energy for Local Business Workshop. Speakers include: Jessica Jensen, of Jessica Jensen Law–named Thurston Green Business Small Green Business of the year in 2009 and 2010. Jessica is a local leader in sustainable business. She will discuss strategies to reduce energy use, the legalities of participating in community solar projects, and the value of local networking. Jayne Kasynski (Olympia Food Co-op)– The Olympia Food Co-op has built a business and a movement around local food, fair trade, and member cooperation in their operations. Jayne will discuss will the essence of living local, the pursuit of energy efficiency, and sustainability. Renee Ries of Fairchild Record Search, a successful national business based in Tumwater. Fairchild walked the length of the Pathway to Savings with Thurston Energy—from walk through to energy efficiency improvement, to photovoltaic installation—with 3% financing and a federal REAP grant. Hear how you can too!
4:30 – 8:00 p.m — Local Energy Celebration. Please join us as we celebrate your (and our community’s) success reducing energy usage and saving money! Get more resources to take your energy and money savings to the next level. Meet local groups and business owners that are leading the way with local energy. Enjoy a wide array of treats from local favorite restaurants and caterers. Local classic rock and blues band will play throughout the evening. Bring a friend, and meet new friends as we recognize and celebrate our energy saving efforts. Find everything you need to take the next steps to save energy, save money, reduce waste, buy local, get financing and discounts, and even use renewable energy, through resources from our sponsors and partners. FREE
The celebration is free, but the earlier workshop costs $30. For more information and to RSVP, go to http://localenergynow.org/. EXTRA CREDIT
Tuesday, January 31
6:30 – 8:30 pm – Creating Centers 2010-2040: Changing Demographics and Market Demand in Thurston County Cities and Towns
(Lacey Community Center: 6729 Pacific Ave SE; Lacey 98503) Featuring two presentations: “The Future of Our Housing Market”, and “Commercial Market Potential in Our Urban Centers and Corridors, and South County City/Town Centers”. Sponsored by Sustainable Thurston. EXTRA CREDIT
Thursday, February 2
noon – 1:00 pm – Go Green! From Fossil Fuels to the Future: Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
(SPSCC, Building 26, Room 101) Come see the SPSCC Leaf, an all-electric car! Tom Witt (Professor of Automotive Technology) will discuss hybrid, ultra-low emission, electric and alternative fuel vehicles currently available, and give us a preview of recent developments in green automotive technologies. EXTRA CREDIT
Friday, February 3
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration work party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St. in 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. EVENT REVIEW
Saturday, February 4
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native Plant Salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
NPSP’s volunteers salvage small native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from local areas that are scheduled for clearing due to development. The plants are cared for and later provided to community groups who use them to restore habitat and improve water quality in and around Thurston County. Digging begins at 9:30 am; we will serve a hot vegetarian lunch in the field; and then around 1 pm head to NPSP’s nursery on Olympia’s West Side to pot the plants, until about 3 pm. For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. EVENT REVIEW
2:00 – 4:30 pm – Cooking class: Ethnic Spice Blends
Why include cooking classes in a list of local environmental events? Because one of the best ways to reduce the environmental effects of eating (and to save money) is to learn to cook! Spice up the cold days of winter by discovering the simplicity and versatility of cooking with spice blends. We will make a hearty winter soup and colorful, quick stir-fry using the flavors and aromas of our global neighbors. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (GRuB Farmhouse: 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502—on the westside of Olympia off of Harrison Ave, behind the Handy Pantry)
Sunday, February 5
2:30 – 5:00 pm – Cooking class: Simple Soups
Why include cooking classes in a list of local environmental events? Because one of the best ways to reduce the environmental effects of eating (and to save money) is to learn to cook! Ready to get warm? Since the sunshine is still a few months away, come warm up with some hearty, filling, vegetarian soups. We’ll teach you a few basic recipes that you can divide up and freeze to take for a warm and satisfying lunch or eat right away for a weeknight supper. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (GRuB Farmhouse: 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502—on the westside of Olympia off of Harrison Ave, behind the Handy Pantry)
Wednesday, February 8
7 – 8:30 pm – free presentation: Shoreline Master Planning
(Traditions Café: 300 5th Avenue SW; Olympia) Across Washington, many local governments are in the process of updating their Shoreline Master Programs. Shoreline Master Programs are local policies and regulations designed to manage human use of shorelines. More than 260 Washington towns, cities and counties have marine, lake and stream shorelines that fall under the Shoreline Management Act, passed by voter referendum in 1972. The act requires local governments in Washington State to regularly review and revise their shoreline regulations and policies; however, most jurisdictions have not done a thorough update of their shoreline master programs since the 1970s. In 2003, the state legislature began providing funding and established a mandatory schedule for updating local shoreline programs through 2014. These updates are a unique opportunity to create a positive future for Washington’s shorelines. Find out more about Shoreline Master Programs and where your local jurisdiction is in the process at this talk given by Department of Ecology staff. For more information, contact Patricia Pyle at ppyle@ci.olympia.wa.us or (360) 570-5841. EXTRA CREDIT
Thursday, February 9
10 am – 1 pm – Hogum Bay Ivy Pull
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800. EVENT REVIEW
noon – 1 pm – Dr. Patrick Chapman: Fragile Paradise – The Pacific Ecosystem
(SPSCC, Building 26, Room 101) We will watch and then discuss a video on the fragile state of the Pacific ecosystem, overexploitation of resources and efforts to engage in sustainable practices. Patrick Chapman, Ph.D., is Professor of Anthropology. EXTRA CREDIT
Friday, February 10
5:30 – 9:30 pm – Native Plant Salvage Foundation Annual Dinner
Our annual dinner/meeting features a big change this year! GONE is the auction, and in its place we’ll be treated to a presentation by marine ecologist Robin Baird, PhD on “Killer Whales of the Salish Sea.” The event includes a delicious dinner by chef Bill Lepman, all the ice cream/sorbets you can eat from Olympic Mountain, and catching up with old friends while making new ones. For more information, go to www.nativeplantsalvage.org.
Saturday, February 11
9 am – noon – McKenna Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800. EVENT REVIEW
10 am – noon – Create a Backyard Bird Habitat Workshop
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE; Olympia) Join Stream Team and South Sound Green for a free workshop with special guests Wild Birds Unlimited and Eco Woodworks. Wild Birds Unlimited will talk about: local species of birds and their habitats; how we can turn our back yards into a more welcoming habitat; the different adaptations that birds utilize for survival; how and where to install bird nesting boxes and/or provide supplemental feeding; which supplemental foods to avoid and why. Eco Woodworks local custom woodworker, Dave King, will instruct us on building a bird nesting box for your back yard. Bird nesting box kits will be available at no cost, and participants will get hands-on instruction for constructing your bird nesting box kit. Families welcome (limited to one bird nesting box per family). Space is limited to 25, and pre-registration is required. To register, contact Michelle Stevie at mstevie@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8336. EXTRA CREDIT
Sunday, February 12
3:00 – 5:00 pm – Understanding Mushrooms: Basic Cultivation
Traditional mushroom cultivation techniques have long relied on special equipment and precision techniques. Not any longer. Thanks to the work of innovative amateur growers, the process has largely been simplified to the point where most can learn to cultivate at home with minimal investment or contamination risk. In this 2-hour class we will cover the basics of edible mushroom biology and low-tech cultivation. You will learn how mushrooms grow in the wild and how that understanding is important for growing and using them well. We will cover several easy and cheap cultivation methods you can do at home and will provide resources for learning more. Specific methods to be covered include log inoculation, cardboard spawn, cold water (fermentation) pasteurization, hydrogen peroxide “sterilization,” easy liquid cultures, and more. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (GRuB Farmhouse: 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502—on the westside of Olympia off of Harrison Ave, behind the Handy Pantry)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 – ALL EVENT REVIEWS DUE
Thursday, February 16
5:30 – 8:30 pm – Cooking class: Homemade Vegan Soft Cheese
Missing the creaminess and tang that dairy cheeses add to a meal? Soft nut cheeses can fill in some of the gap. Great for spreads, in your favorite pasta dish and even as a filling for blini! Come learn the simple process for making soft vegan cheeses from cashews and macadamia nuts and then learn a few recipes that highlight its deliciousness. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (Fertile Ground Guesthouse: 311 9th Ave SE, Olympia 98501— in downtown Olympia behind the Timberland Regional Library)
6:00 – 9:15 pm – Naturescaping for Water & Wildlife Workshop
(LOTT WET Science Center: 500 Adams St NE; Olympia) Learn about sustainable landscaping techniques that will save you time and money while also attracting birds and butterflies to your garden and protecting water resources. Erica Guttman of WSU’s Native Plant Salvage Project will lead the class. Topics include how to make a landscaping plan; design ideas for outdoor living spaces; managing drainage, slopes and other trouble spots; how to reduce unnecessary lawn; how to create habitat for birds and butterflies; and selecting water-wise plants for all four seasons. The class is free, but advance registration is required as space is limited. For details and registration call 360-867-2166 or email nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. To register, contact Native Plant Salvage Project at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or 360-867-2166. EXTRA CREDIT
7:00 – 8:15 pm – River House: Riding & Cleaning the World’s Arteries
(REI Olympia: 625 Black Lake Blvd. #410; Olympia 98502) Author, athlete, river guide, experiential educator and organic farmer Sarahlee Lawrence presents this month. Sarahlee will speak about her book River House—and how living her dream as guide and advocate, riding and cleaning the arteries of the world, led her back to her dusty beginnings at her family’s ranch in Oregon. Register online at www.rei.com/event/34190/session/42845 or by sending an email to Kathleen Ackley at kathleen@capitollandtrust.org or calling her at (360) 943-3012. EXTRA CREDIT
Saturday, February 18
6:00 – 8:00 pm – Successful Starts
(Olympia Timberland Regional Library: 313 8th Ave SE; Olympia 98501-1307—in downtown Olympia on the corner of 8th and Franklin) In this workshop we will demonstrate how to start seeds in your home to get a head “start” on the season. Taught by a former greenhouse manager, we go over basic planting, lighting, watering, and fertilizer, and how to make a greenhouse small enough for apartment dwellers. Product resource lists will be provided. THIS CLASS IS FREE AND REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED!
Monday, February 20 (Presidents’ Day)
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native Plant Salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
NPSP’s volunteers salvage small native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from local areas that are scheduled for clearing due to development. The plants are cared for and later provided to community groups who use them to restore habitat and improve water quality in and around Thurston County. Digging begins at 9:30 am; we will serve a hot vegetarian lunch in the field; and then around 1 pm head to NPSP’s nursery on Olympia’s West Side to pot the plants, until about 3 pm. For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. EXTRA CREDIT
Tuesday, February 21
6:00 – 8:30 pm – South Sound Estuary Association Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration
(Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church: 2200 East End Street NW; Olympia) SSEA members, beach naturalists, guests and all those interested in the south Puget Sound are invited to our Annual Meeting and Volunteer Celebration. We’ll wrap up the year, honor those volunteers who have contributed exemplary service, and listen to a keynote presentation by Jonathan Kochmer. Jonathan Kochmer is the principal researcher of Earth Economics. The mission of Earth Economics is to apply economic tools and principles to the environmental challenges of the 21st century, and Jonathan will highlight examples of the cost/benefit analyses of specific actions that impact Puget Sound including stormwater, drinking-water protection and wetland protection. For more information, go to http://sseacenter.wordpress.com/events/annual-meeting/ or contact Leihla Scharlau at 888-0565. Please join us for this great event, including refreshments, and bring a guest! EXTRA CREDIT
Thursday, February 23
noon – 1 pm – Lessons Learned Since Earth Day 1970
(SPSCC, Building 26, Room 101) Fred Koontz directs Woodland Park Zoo’s conservation programs in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. He will discuss key concepts learned by conservationists since the first Earth Day, and how these ideas are shaping today’s environmental strategies, including the current wildlife projects that the zoo sponsors. EXTRA CREDIT
Friday, February 24
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native Plant Salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
NPSP’s volunteers salvage small native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from local areas that are scheduled for clearing due to development. The plants are cared for and later provided to community groups who use them to restore habitat and improve water quality in and around Thurston County. Digging begins at 9:30 am; we will serve a hot vegetarian lunch in the field; and then around 1 pm head to NPSP’s nursery on Olympia’s West Side to pot the plants, until about 3 pm. For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. EXTRA CREDIT
Saturday, February 25
9 am – noon – Yelm Shoreline Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800. EXTRA CREDIT
Noon – 2 pm — Annual Native Plant Sale
Pre-orders begin Jan. 1. For details, contact Thurston Conservation District at www.thurstoncd.com or 360-754-3588
1:00 – 4:00 pm – Beginning Backyard Chickens
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have chickens in your backyard? Come and learn all about it: coops and fencing, feeding and tending and gathering your own fresh eggs! Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (GRuB Farmhouse: 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502—on the westside of Olympia off of Harrison Ave, behind the Handy Pantry)
Sunday, March 4
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native Plant Salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
NPSP’s volunteers salvage small native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from local areas that are scheduled for clearing due to development. The plants are cared for and later provided to community groups who use them to restore habitat and improve water quality in and around Thurston County. Digging begins at 9:30 am; we will serve a hot vegetarian lunch in the field; and then around 1 pm head to NPSP’s nursery on Olympia’s West Side to pot the plants, until about 3 pm. For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. EXTRA CREDIT
2:30 – 5:30 pm – Cooking class: Southern Indian Dal
Why include cooking classes in a list of local environmental events? Because one of the best ways to reduce the environmental effects of eating (and to save money) is to learn to cook! The basic lentil dishes of southern India are nutritious, simple to make, and endlessly variable using the vegetables you have on hand. We’ll explore some economical, vegan dal from Kerala: rasam, a thin soup for drinking, and sambar, which is great on rice. These dishes are full of spices, but not spicy-hot. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (GRuB Farmhouse: 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502—on the westside of Olympia off of Harrison Ave, behind the Handy Pantry)
Tuesday, March 6
7:00 – 8:15 pm – Exploring the North Cascades
(REI Olympia: 625 Black Lake Blvd. #410; Olympia 98502) Photographer and wilderness explorer Jason Hummel will talk about ‘self-propelled exploration of WA wilderness.’ Specifically, he will share with you his amazing photography and wilderness experiences in the North Cascades of Washington. The North Cascades are unique because they are some of the only alpine peaks left in the US that cannot be accessed by helicopter or mechanized vehicles. Register online at www.rei.com/stores/141 or by sending an email to Kathleen Ackley at kathleen@capitollandtrust.org or calling her at (360) 943-3012. EXTRA CREDIT
March 8
6:30 – 9:00 pm – Building a Rain Garden
(Tumwater) You’ll get all the details you need to design and install a beautiful rain garden that will manage your home’s drainage while also protecting our local waterways. Presentation is from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, followed by an optional hands-on workshop from 8:15 to 9 pm. For more information, go to www.nativeplantsalvage.org.
Saturday, March 10
9 am. to noon – Yelm Shoreline Planting
For information and to sign up, email Nisqually Land Trust at www.nisquallylandtrust.org or call (360) 489-3800. EXTRA CREDIT
2:00 – 5:00 pm – Cooking class: Amazing Plantains: a bilingual cooking class
This class is not only a fun exploration into the versatile deliciousness of the simple plantain, but also a Spanish language and Peruvian cultural immersion. If you enjoy cooking and learning Spanish, then it is double the pleasure! The plantain is a close relative of the banana but much more versatile, used in many savory dishes as they are starchy. We will prepare the traditional “tostones” or “patacones” which are fried as well as a baked dish. All instructions will be provided in English and Spanish or Spanish then English. All are welcome regardless of Spanish language proficiency. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (GRuB Farmhouse: 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502—on the westside of Olympia off of Harrison Ave, behind the Handy Pantry)
Sunday, March 11
2:30 – 5:30 pm – Intermediate Backyard Chickens
Have a flock of birds in your backyard? Build on your knowledge of laying hens and the best ways to care for them. Meet other chicken enthusiasts for the ultimate skill share session. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (Fertile Ground Guesthouse: 311 9th Ave SE, Olympia 98501— in downtown Olympia behind the Timberland Regional Library)
MONDAY, MARCH 12 – ALL EXTRA-CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS DUE
Saturday, March 17
9:30 am – 3:00 pm – Native Plant Salvaging with the Native Plant Salvage Project
NPSP’s volunteers salvage small native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from local areas that are scheduled for clearing due to development. The plants are cared for and later provided to community groups who use them to restore habitat and improve water quality in and around Thurston County. Digging begins at 9:30 am; we will serve a hot vegetarian lunch in the field; and then around 1 pm head to NPSP’s nursery on Olympia’s West Side to pot the plants, until about 3 pm. For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
Sunday, March 18
5:30 – 8:30 pm – Cooking class: Cheese Making 101
Learn how to make delicious cheese at home. Cathy is a seasoned cheese maker back again to share her wealth of knowledge on all things cheesy. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (GRuB Farmhouse: 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502—on the westside of Olympia off of Harrison Ave, behind the Handy Pantry)
March 21
7-9 pm – SSEA Discovery Lecture Series at LOTT’s WET Science Center
For more information, contact Leihla at at 360-888-0565 or leihla@sseacenter.org.
Thursday March 22
6:00 – 9:15 pm – Beyond Landscaping: Marine & Riparian Revegetation
Join us for a free workshop where you’ll get all the details you need to plan & carry out a restoration project on your property. To register, go to http://www.nativeplantsalvage.org/nativeplants/18460-upcoming-events.
Saturday, March 24
4-9 pm — Nisqually Land Trust 20th Annual Auction & Dinner
(Worthington Conference Center in Lacey)
Sunday, March 25
2:30 – 5:00 pm – Cooking class: Keeping Yourself Motivated to Eat Well
Why include cooking classes in a list of local environmental events? Because one of the best ways to reduce the environmental effects of eating (and to save money) is to learn to cook! Late winter and early spring can be tough times to stay motivated eating healthy in the NW. With little local produce available, inspiration can be hard to come by. Come and get ideas for easy side dishes that taste great anytime of the year. We will discuss how adding nuts, healthy fats, and seasonings can transform out-of-season vegetables and fruits into dishes that you are excited to eat. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (GRuB Farmhouse: 2016 Elliott Ave NW; Olympia 98502—on the westside of Olympia off of Harrison Ave, behind the Handy Pantry)
Thursday, March 29
6:00 – 8:00 pm – Cooking class: Exploring Edible Weeds
Why include cooking classes in a list of local environmental events? Because one of the best ways to reduce the environmental effects of eating (and to save money) is to learn to cook! Come join us for a discussion about edible weeds, covering where they grow, how to identify them, what to do with them, and more. Handouts will be provided, and a salad with edible weed components will be available for sampling. Registration is required, and the cost is $5. To register, go to www.olympiafood.coop/classes. (Fertile Ground Guesthouse: 311 9th Ave SE, Olympia 98501— in downtown Olympia behind the Timberland Regional Library)
March 30
6:30-9:00 pm – The Underwater World: Photography from a Master
(The Elks: 1818 4th Ave E. in Olympia—across the street from Ralph’s Thriftway) In the course of a long, illustrious and far-flung career, Ernie Brooks has used his photography to document changes in our environment, in the process becoming a tremendous advocate of our need to witness the effects of those changes. Join us for a night of listening to Ernie recall his career of adventure and exploration—including as a photographer for National Geographic—while he presents a slideshow of his acclaimed underwater images. These magnificent silver photographs embody Ernie’s lifetime pursuit of his art and the end purpose of his journey: to provide inspiration for the preservation of our marine environment. The evening with Ernie has two parts: the slideshow, followed by a smaller, more intimate session allowing for questions and personal exchanges with Ernie over coffee and snacks. Because this is a fundraising event for South Sound Estuary Association, there is a cost: $25 for the slideshow presentation—or $50 for the presentation plus the meet and greet with Ernie Brooks afterwards, and refreshments. (Stay tuned for registration instructions.)
April 19
6:30 – 9:00 pm – Building a Rain Garden
(Olympia) You’ll get all the details you need to design and install a beautiful rain garden that will manage your home’s drainage while also protecting our local waterways. Presentation is from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, followed by an optional hands-on workshop from 8:15 to 9 pm. For more information, go to www.nativeplantsalvage.org.