EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Every Tuesday, 9 am – 3 pm: South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
Contact Audrey Lamb with the Center for Natural Lands Management—South Sound Program, at alamb@cnlm.org. EXTRA CREDIT
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.) EXTRA CREDIT
Monday, February 27
1:30 pm – Senate Transportation Committee
(Senate Hearing Rm 1, J.A. Cherberg Building, on the Capitol Campus in Olympia) Public hearings on various bills, including HB 2370 (Including health in the state transportation system policy goals). For more information and links to documents, go to www.leg.wa.gov/senate/committees/tran/Pages/Agendas.aspx?aid=18006
2:00 – 3:00 am – Community Coffee with Thurston County Commissioner Romero
(Olympic Crest Coffee: 4211 Pacific Ave SE; Lacey 98503) Commissioner Sandra Romero represents District 2 (Yelm, Lacey, and Rainier) on the Thurston County Board of Commissioners. Please join her as she hosts this informal coffee hour in Lacey. See the previous listing for details.
3:30 pm – Elma Blackberry removal
We will meet off of Marion Rd in Elma (take the 3rd street exit in Elma—Marion Rd is on the south side of Hwy 12). You will see a large propane tank and a small parking area. Please bring gloves and loppers; we will have a few extra tools and gloves in case you don’t have any. For more information, contact Janel Spaulding at jspauldi@ghc.edu. Sponsored by Grays Harbor Stream Team.
Tuesday, February 28
9 am – 3 pm – South Sound Prairie Restoration Work Party
This week there will be tasks at Glacial Heritage in the morning and at Shotwell’s Landing Nursery in the afternoon. The top priority will be meeting at Glacial Heritage to burn slash piles. There are some good-sized piles of Douglas-fir branches from the storm, and we will burn these piles to create more surface area for native prairie species to grow. In the afternoon, there are some seedbeds that need to be weeded at Shotwell’s. If the weather is bad, we can bring plugs into the building to weed. The Prairie Demonstration Garden could also use some hand-weeding in preparation for the spring. As always, please make sure to bring gloves, lunch, rain gear, and a smile. For more information, contact Audrey Lamb with the Center for Natural Lands Management—South Sound Program, at alamb@cnlm.org. Directions to Glacial Heritage: take I-5 to exit 95 (the Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west through Littlerock to the T-intersection at Mima Road/Waddell Creek; turn south (left) on Mima Road and go 2.7 miles; take a left onto a gravel road with sign for Glacial Heritage—you will see a tractor sign and then the turn. Please obey the 15 mph speed limit, as there are often dogs and small children active nearby. Follow the road through the gate; take the first right, and then stay to the left to get to the house. Directions to Shotwell’s Landing Nursery (14447 Little Rock Road SW; Rochester 98579): take I-5 to exit 95 (Littlerock exit), ~10 miles south of Olympia; go west to the Stop sign in Littlerock by the elementary school (the only stop sign in Littlerock); continue straight for ~100 feet, and turn left onto Littlerock Road; go 1.7 miles south on Littlerock Road—Shotwell’s Nursery will be on your right. EXTRA CREDIT (Students only need to stay for 3 hours, so this event doesn’t necessarily interfere with class.)
7:00 pm – Olympia City Council Meeting
(Council Chambers, Olympia City Hall: 601 4th Ave E; Olympia) The agenda and associated documents are posted online at http://olympiawa.gov/city-government/city-council-and-mayor/agenda.aspx, usually by 3:00 pm Thursday of the preceding week. Evergreen Pointe (aka Evergreen Hills development, near Kaiser Rd NW & 14th Ave NW) Final Plat Approval on Consent Calendar.
Wednesday, February 29
6:30 – 9 pm – Captain Charles Moore Book Tour: The Great Infection of the Sea
(Olympia Center: 222 Columbia St NW; Olympia 98501) A prominent seafaring environmentalist and researcher shares his shocking discovery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean, and inspires a fundamental rethinking of the Plastic Age and a growing global health crisis. In the summer of 1997, Charles Moore set sail from Honolulu with the sole intention of returning home after competing in a trans-Pacific race. To get to California, he and his crew took a shortcut through the seldom-traversed North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, a vast “oceanic desert” where winds are slack and sailing ships languish. There, Moore realized his catamaran was surrounded by a “plastic soup.” He had stumbled upon the largest garbage dump on the planet – a spiral nebula where plastic outweighed zooplankton, the ocean’s food base, by a factor of six to one. In this presentation, Moore will discuss these observations, what they mean to our planet, and his book, Plastic Ocean. “A call to action as urgent as Rachel Carson’s seminal Silent Spring.” (Note: this event was originally scheduled for January 19th but had to be cancelled due to the winter storm.) EXTRA CREDIT
Beginning Birding Class with the Black Hills Audubon Society
9:00 – 11:00 am on six consecutive Saturday mornings, March 10 – April 14
Where: Education Building at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Olympia
Cost (including two field trips): $85 with the book; $75 without. Some scholarships are available.
This course, taught by Kelly McAllister, will provide an introduction to birding with an emphasis on developing identification skills. Other topics will include a review of birding tools including binoculars and field guides, an introduction to birding terminology, and some discussion of basic bird biology as they relate to identification. The course is designed primarily for beginning birders but should be useful for many mid-level birders as well. The class is comprised of six classes and two field trips. Field trip dates to be determined at the first class. Registration is required by calling Deb Nickerson at 754-5397 or emailing her at debranick@gmail.com. The class is limited to 26 persons.
Friday, March 2
12-1 pm – Rising Tide Seminar: Market substitution of farmed salmon for wild Pacific salmon: Catching cheaters using DNA barcoding
(Centralia College: Room 121 in the New Science Center) Dr. Erica Cline, University of Washington, Tacoma. Seminar starts at noon in NSC 121. A reception follows at 1PM in NSC 309. EXTRA CREDIT
6:30 – 8:30 pm – Black Hills Audubon Society Gull Class
Did you know that our region is one of the most complex areas in the country for studying gulls? We have multiple species, as well as unique hybrids and complicated age variations to study right here in our own back yard. If anyone can make you at least appreciate gulls, it is Matt Pike, gull-afficianado. In addition to this lecture/discussion, there will be a field component on March 11. Registration is required. The cost is $25 (which includes the lecture and field-course), plus gas shared amongst field-course participants. For additional information or to sign up, email Shelley Horn at shelleysmail@me.com.
Saturday, March 3
Career Day at Northwest Trek
(Eatonville) If you are a high school or college student who is interested in a career with animals, you won’t want to miss Career Day at Northwest Trek. Explore a variety of career options for working around animals! Learn about the many exciting opportunities through professional talks and demonstrations. To register, go to www.nwtrek.org/calendar/?id=881. Contact Jessica at jessica.moore@nwtrek.org or call 360-832-7160 for more information. (Please note: you are not registered until you receive a confirmation letter. Please call prior to the event if you do not receive your confirmation letter.) EXTRA CREDIT
8:15 am – 2:30 pm – Black Hills Audubon Society Field Trip: Hood Canal along US 101
We will look at most estuaries between the Skokomish and the Duckabush. The emphasis will be on waterfowl, but we’ll not ignore passerines. Stars among waterfowl will be Harlequin ducks, Brant, and, with luck, Black Scoters and Dippers. You can count on 15 species of ducks. Birders of all levels are welcome! We will car pool, and the limit for the trip is three vehicles and 12 persons. Pre-registration is required by calling Jim at 360-459-3655. For more information, go tohttp://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm. EXTRA CREDIT
9 am – 12 pm – Garfield Gulch Work Party
(Tacoma) Join us as we host the first major work party at Garfield Gulch this year. This is our annual winter planting project. We have 140 native plants and trees to get in the ground. We will be restoring the area cleared during the last Green Tacoma Day (at the North Park Street trailhead). Wear boots suitable for mud and bring your own gloves if you have them: we work rain or shine. Water and snacks provided. Meet at the entrance to Garfield Gulch—at the north end of Garfield Park on N. Borough Road between North C Street and North D Street. Contact Rob Girvin for more info at 253-383-4588. EXTRA CREDIT
9 am – 12 pm – Upland & Forest Habitat Restoration work party
(Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St; Tacoma) Join us for our regular stewardship activities as we care for the park by removing invasive plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary—experienced habitat stewards will guide you through the projects. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and gardening gear or use what we provide. All ages are welcome, but children need to be supervised at all times by an adult. Work parties occur rain or shine! Call 253-591-6439 for more information. EXTRA CREDIT
10 am – 1 pm – Trillium Park work party
(Olympia) Please come out to Trillium Park and help us plant native plants in an area previously infested with English ivy. We may also provide some trail maintenance. Meet at 900 Governor Stevens Ave. SE. Please be courteous to neighbors when parking and be sure not to block driveways. Carpooling or biking is recommended. For more information, contact Sylvana Niehuser, Park Ranger | Park Stewardship Program, City of Olympia Parks Maintenance, (360) 753-8365. EXTRA CREDIT
5:00 pm – 2012 Black Hills Audubon Society Annual Dinner
(Olympia Center: 222 Columbia Street in downtown Olympia) Join Black Hills Audubon Society chapter members and guests for our annual potluck dinner, auction fundraiser, presentation of awards, and a very special presentation by Daniel and Virginia Poleschook: “Washington’s Not-So-Common Loon”. The Poleschooks, both nature photographers, specialize in capturing images of common loons and other water birds. They also conduct research and perform conservation work on common loons in the Pacific Northwest. Social time and perusal of auction items begins at 5:00 pm; dinner begins at 5:30 pm. We ask you to bring a food dish to share: either a main dish, side dish, salad, dessert or appetizer. In addition, a donation of $10.00 per adult is suggested to defray the cost of the evening. Please reserve your spot for this enjoyable evening. Contact Meagan Thorn at secretary@blackhills-audubon.org with the Subject “BHAS Annual Dinner”—or call her at 360-754-5557—to purchase ticket or donate a quality item for the auction. EXTRA CREDIT
Sunday, March 4
9:30 am – 3:30 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—and for NPSP sponsored projects such as Learning Landscapes and Demonstration Gardens. 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 3:30 pm. (During this time, volunteers can continue to help themselves to hot soup and other snacks as necessary to keep themselves fueled for the work at hand!) For site location and more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. If possible, please print out a liability waiver (athttp://www.injuryresources.com/ckfinder/userfiles/44784/files/NPSP%20Waiver%20of%20Liability%20revised%203-2011.pdf), sign it, and bring it with you to the event. 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)
Monday, March 5
1 pm – public workshop & public hearing on Aquatic Plant & Algae Management General Permit
(Lacey Timberland Library: 500 College Street SE; Lacey)On Feb. 1, 2012, WA State Dept. of Ecology (WDOE) released a draft modification of the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management General Permit. The permit covers the discharge of products used to control aquatic plants and algae in state lakes. The permit also allows treatment of nuisance emergent plants along roadsides and ditch banks. The workshop allows WDOE to explain the modifications, and the hearing allows the public a chance to comment on them. For more information, go tohttp://apps.ecy.wa.gov/pubcalendar/calendar.asp or contact Kathy Hamel at (360) 407-6562 or kham461@ecy.wa.gov.
Tuesday, March 6
4:30 – 4:50 pm – Challenging Times have Arrived for North American Bats: Observations of a Myotis Yumanensisand M. lucifugus Maternity Colony at The Evergreen State College Organic Farmhouse
(The Evergreen State College, Seminar II Building, Room A1105) The public is welcome to attend this Masters in Environmental Science thesis presentation by Noel Ferguson. (To read the thesis, go tohttp://evergreen.edu/mes/thesispresentation.htm.) EXTRA CREDIT
5:30 pm – Thurston County Commissioners Meeting
(Building One, Room 280, Thurston County Courthouse: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia 98502-1045) Public Hearing on proposed amendments to the Thurston County Development Code, Title 20. Details will be available in the Board agenda, which usually is posted online at www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/agenda.htm the weekend before the meeting.
6:00 pm – South Sound Fruit Society: Different Grafting Techniques
(The Evergreen State College Organic Farmhouse) From 6 to 7 pm there will be a scion exchange and sale. At 7pm Jerry Kehoe and Jeb Thurow will discuss various methods of grafting. A lot of our members are beginners or have not been successful in the past with grafting techniques. Learn from our mistakes and also learn from two successful grafters (only of fruit trees). Jerry had 100% success last year and Jeb did well too! So come learn and exchange some scion wood. We are hoping to have some of the 20 recommended varieties for Western Washington, and some historical and rare scion wood. Directions: take Hwy 101 to the Evergreen College Exit; take first left onto 17th Ave; right on Simmons Rd; right on Lewis Rd; right at mailbox (2712 Lewis Rd.)—the Farmhouse is up a little hill behind the farm buildings. All are welcome. For more information, go to http://wcfs.org.
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 atwww.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
Wednesday, March 7
9 am – noon – Mashel River Planting
Come help the Nisqually Tribe and the Nisqually Land Trust as we work together to restore our protected lands near Eatonville. We’ll be planting hundreds of native trees and shrubs in order to improve salmon habitat in the Mashel River. Come lend a hand, have a great time, and help better the planet! Contact Don Perry to RSVP as soon as possible: space is limited at the planting site, so we will cut off registration at 8 volunteers. Don Perry, Nisqually Tribe Natural Resources, perry.don@nisqually-nsn.gov or (360) 438-8687 ext 2143. EXTRA CREDIT
7:00 – 9:00 pm – Our Invisible Shoreline: A Video Tour
(LOTT’s WET Science Center: 500 Adams; Olympia 98501) As we walk along the shoreline, we are surrounded by things we can’t see: creatures that are hidden below the surface of the water, beneath rocks, or are too small to see; processes too slow for us to see, or just plain invisible! But each is a key part of our nearshore environment. Join filmmaker John F. Williams for a video tour of the secret watery world lapping, crashing, and swirling on our local beaches. See unusual underwater video clips, provocative photographs, and engage in conversation about some of the key marine shoreline processes that are not a part of our daily experience. Whether you live down on the beach or up in the watershed, you are a stakeholder in the health and beauty of our marine ecosystem, and you are a player in it’s future. FREE! For more information, go to www.sseacenter.org or contact Leihla Scharlau at 360-888-0565. Sponsored by South Sound Estuary Association. 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. EXTRA CREDIT
7-9 pm – Snow Geese of Wrangell Island, Russia
(First Christian Church meeting hall: 701 Franklin Street, in downtown Olympia) These birds, whose flightless young walk an incredible 120 km distance from the breeding grounds to feeding areas, are the same birds that winter in the Skagit Valley area. Wrangel Island, Russia is the most remote Arctic wilderness on the planet. It has twice as many plant species as any other arctic tundra area of similar size; the highest density of polar bear dens in the world; and lots of other wildlife, including the only breeding population of snow geese in Russia. Our speaker, Vasiliy Baranyuk, has studied the island’s wildlife for the past 30 summers, and is an accomplished photographer, with three decades of stunning pictures and videos of the island’s diverse wildlife. Arrive at 7:00 pm to socialize; the program will begin promptly at 7:30. Sponsored by the Black Hills Audubon Society. EXTRA CREDIT
Saturday, March 10
8:00 am – late afternoon – Black Hills Audubon Society Field Trip: Port Susan Bay Preserve
Birders of all levels are welcome! Port Susan Bay Preserve, located near Stanwood, Washington, is owned by The Nature Conservancy and consists of more than 4,000 acres of protected habitat, much of it estaurine. Access to the preserve is limited and advance permission is required. We will take a 2.5-mile walk along a flat dike trail, looking for waterfowl such as ducks, geese, loons, and grebes. Raptors will be common, possibly including Barn Owls, Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles, and various species of hawks. Pre-registration is required: please contact Lonnie Somer at wheelermombi@comcast.net or (360) 239-5148. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm. EXTRA CREDIT
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
9 am – 2 pm – Native Plant Salvage Alliance salvage event at Bonney Lake
(Pierce County) For 1 hour, volunteers are requested to dig plants on behalf of the Puyallup Tribe (for the Grandview Early Learning Center in Tacoma) and Citizens for a Healthy Bay. After that, volunteers are free to dig plant for their own use. Some of the plant species available at this site are: big-leaf maple; vine maple; red alder; cascara; poplars; Douglas-fir; Western redcedar; willows; ocean spray; osoberry/Indian plum; sword, deer, licorice and bracken ferns; wild roses; black-cap raspberry; salmonberry; hardhack spirea; snowberry; vanilla Leaf; fairy bells; Roemer’s fescue; honeysuckles; Solomon’s seal; fringecup; piggy-back plant; trillium; stinging nettles; violets; and shade-loving mosses. If you’re feeling lucky; you can also dig for salal; red and evergreen huckleberries; and grape-hollies (Berberis/Mahoniaspp.). We start promptly at 9:00 by covering details regarding effective digging, which plants are worth your sweat equity, and how to keep your plants alive after you take them with you. Registration is required, by going tohttp://kwiksurveys.com?s=LJKIML_d2f87edc. Directions and further details will be emailed to your after you register. More information also is available at http://www.ssstewardship.org.
10:00 am – public hearing on Interim Prairie and Oak Woodlands Conservation Ordinance
(Building 2 Room 129, County Courthouse Complex: 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW; Olympia 98502) The Board of County Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing on an ordinance establishing interim protections for prairie and Oregon white oak habitats. This has been a very controversial issue: there has been strong organized opposition to the ordinance by property-rights activists, while many environmentally minded citizens have spoken out in favor of the ordinance. The doors open for sign-in at 9 am; the hearing begins at 10 am. For more information, go towww.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/prairieoak/prairieoak_interim.htm. EXTRA CREDIT
10 am – noon – Spurgeon Creek Tree Planting at Circle Creek Farm
Join Stream Team for the first of seven planting events this spring. Your dedication and assistance will help ensure healthier ecosystems, cleaner waterways, and a brighter future for our communities and Puget Sound! Grab your boots, dress for the weather, and get ready to plant some trees! Most plantings are suitable for children, but check with the coordinator to verify the site conditions. If you require special accommodation, please contact Stream Team at least one week before the event. Directions can be found at www.streamteam.info. For more information, contact Stream Team at streamteam@ci.lacey.wa.us.
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)
4:00 pm – film: Bag It + after-film discussion
(Capitol Theater: 206 5th Avenue SE; Olympia 98501) Bag It is an award-winning film that documents an average man’s struggle with the growing threat of plastics in our society. Funny, educational and relevant, this movie encourages us to think about what happens to our plastic products after we have used them. Tickets are $5.50 – $12 (sliding scale) at the box office before the show or at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/225733. EXTRA CREDIT (you must stay for the discussion).
7:30 – 9:00 pm – Pier Peer Tacoma
(Point Defiance Marina: 5912 N. Waterfront Drive; Tacoma) Bring your family for a “Pier Peer” aquatic night-time adventure. Register today for an exploration of hundreds of mysterious marine life forms, including some pretty “alien” looking creatures drawn to underwater lights placed off our docks. See and “touch” creatures brought up from the deep by local divers. Participate in a plankton tow. After this exciting outdoor adventure, we will go inside to warm up, drink hot cocoa and talk about what we saw. This is a family-friendly event, but please bring children no younger than 8 years old, with an adult to supervise each child. Dress for the weather and be prepared for wet docks. Bring your own flashlights—we will provide scoops to catch sea creatures as well as life jackets. All participants must wear a life jacket; we encourage you to bring your own life jacket if you have one. Pre-registration required, and the cost is $6/person. To pre-register, go to www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=1342#alpha2 or call the Tacoma Nature Center at 253-591-6439. EXTRA CREDIT
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)
Tuesday, March 13
7:00 pm – Science Café of Olympia: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Estuary Restoration: The Continuing Evolution of the Nisqually Estuary
(Room 100A, Harned Hall, Saint Martin’s University: 5300 Pacific Avenue SE; Lacey) Estuary habitats within Puget Sound have been heavily impacted by anthropogenic development over the last century. On lands currently managed by the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 1000 acres of salt marsh and tidal channel habitat were diked for agriculture in the early 1900’s, farmed for many decades, and managed as freshwater habitat by the Refuge since the mid-1970’s. The Refuge, working with key partners, Ducks Unlimited and the Nisqually Indian Tribe, restored the connection to Puget Sound on 762 acres of the Nisqually Estuary in the fall of 2009 by completely removing 4.5 miles of the 100 year old Brown Farm Dike and an additional 2 miles of interior levees and roads. Twenty-five acres of tidally influenced forested and scrub-shrub wetland habitat are also being restored within the estuary restoration area. Seven historic tidal slough systems that represented over 21 miles of historic channels pre-dike construction are re-establishing.
The project was identified as the top priority to recover Chinook salmon in the Nisqually watershed, and is the largest estuary restoration project to date in the Pacific Northwest. The restoration is intended to fully restore ecosystem processes that will create and maintain high quality habitat. This project adds to 140 acres of tidal habitat restoration and 50-acres of reforestation completed in the last 15 years by the Tribe on the east side of the River.
Extensive monitoring of ecosystem response to the restoration is being conducted in partnership with UG Geological Survey (USGS) and the Nisqually Tribe. The Tribe has been conducting extensive sampling of juvenile salmonid presence and diet throughout the delta, restoration areas, and adjacent nearshore. Various USGS groups are working in partnership with the Refuge and Tribe monitoring geomorphic change, sediment accretion, channel development, nearshore response, invertebrate communities, vegetation colonization, avian use, taking panoramic photo points, and repeat aerial photography. Ongoing monitoring will continue to inform the Refuge about how natural processes are reshaping the site, and the fish and wildlife response to the restoration. Jesse Barham, Restoration Biologist at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, will be presenting. A map and driving directions can be found atwww.stmartin.edu/about/DrivingHere.aspx#Saint_Martins_Universitys_address. Parking is free after 5:00 pm, and Parking Lot M is closest to Harned Hall. Please note that a class is using Room 100A until 6:50 pm, so please remain in the lobby or in the sitting area at the Monks Bean coffee shop until the class is dismissed. (Monks Bean is on the right as you enter Harned Hall and adjacent to Room 100A.)
Saturday, March 17
7:00 am – late afternoon/early evening – Black Hills Audubon Society Field Trip: Grays Harbor County from Hoquiam to Tokeland
Ruth Sullivan, whose first love is shorebirds, will lead a trip to Tokeland, Washington, with choice birding stops along the way, to see migrant shorebirds, loons, various other waterbirds, and more! Limit of ten people. Pre-registration is required by contacting Ruth at (253) 564-7419 or godwit513@comcast.net to reserve a place. For more information, go to http://blackhills-audubon.org/fieldtrips-events.htm.
10:00 am – 3:30 pm – Eco-Stewardship Field Day
Join Native Plant Salvage Project and Capitol Land Trust for an exciting day of ecological stewardship. The event will include: planting native trees and shrubs and removing invasive plants; a Pacific Northwest Ethnobotany Education Station with craft activities; Native American Storytelling for kids (and adults!); native plant identification; water quality testing with South Sound GREEN; and birding site with guides! We hope to motivate volunteers to be proud stewards of the beautiful natural environment we share here in the South Sound. For more information and to register, go towww.eventbrite.com/event/2636340365?ref=ebtn, or contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 ornativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
10 am – noon – Enhancing Wetlands Through Native Plantings Workshop
(Northwest Trek: 11610 Trek Drive East; Eatonville 98328-9502) Join Northwest Trek staff for this two-hour workshop to learn how to enhance your wetlands through native planting and natural landscaping methods. This workshop will begin with a 30-minute indoor lecture and finish with 1-1/2 hours of planting outdoors on Trek property. Workshop materials, gloves, tools and plants will be provided. Please bring water and snacks. This workshop is free—however, class size is limited to 15 participants. Contact Jessica Moore at 360-832-7160 or Jessica.moore@nwtrek.org to reserve your spot today!
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 towww.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 www.eventbrite.com/event/2671928811?ref=ebtn. For more information, contact the Native Plant Salvage Project at 360-867-2166 or nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com.
6-8 pm – League of Women Voters: Capitol Lake
(River’s Edge Restaurant: 4611 Tumwater Valley Dr. SE; Tumwater) Join the League of Women Voters, Thurston County to hear a variety of issues and perspectives on the future of Capital Lake will be discussed. Speakers to be announced. Social period at 6:00 followed by presentation and discussion beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, check the LWVTC calendar at www.lwvthurston.org/calendar.html or contact Allyson Brooks, 866-8375.
Saturday, March 24
9:30 am to 10 pm — Volunteers also are needed to help, from 9:30 am to 10 pm: there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work to do leading up to the big event and through the end of the day. Stay for 1 hour or the whole day—any help will be greatly appreciated! To see what volunteer opportunities are available and to sign up, go tohttps://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=jzh7gggab&oeidk=a07e5js0xwh07acdb33&oseq=a01hzgs3u1iif — or contact Candi Tobin, Nisqually Land Trust, at staff@nisquallylandtrust.org or at 360-489-3400.
4-9 pm – Nisqually Land Trust 20th Annual Auction & Dinner: An evening to protect land, water and wildlife
(St. Martin’s University Worthington Conference Center: 5300 Pacific Ave. SE; Lacey) We’ll begin our evening with hors d’oeuvres and our silent auction, followed by a delicious dinner in the company of your fellow Land Trust supporters. Then we’ll kick the evening into high gear with our spirited live auction featuring exceptional Native American and Pacific Northwest artwork and other unique items donated to help protect the best habitat and scenery in the Nisqually watershed. Reservations are $75. To register, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=jzh7gggab&oeidk=a07e5kd19umeb2517c6&oseq=a01hzgs3u1iif. Early RSVP for this popular event is recommended. Call 360/489-3400 for further information or to make reservations by telephone.
4:30 – 9:00 pm – Farms Forever 2012 Dinner and Art Auction Gala
(Thurston County Fair Grounds Expo Center: 3054 Carpenter Road; Lacey 98503) Spectacular catered dinner of local farm products topped off with a selection of real homemade pies. There will be both a live and silent auction celebrating art in the world of food, farming and gardening. Funds support preservation of farmland through the South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust. Cost – $45 singles, $80 a couple. Tickets go on sale Feb 24 – go tohttp://communityfarmlandtrust.org.
7:30 – 9:00 pm – Pier Peer Tacoma
(Foss Waterway Seaport: 705 Dock Street; Tacoma) Bring your family for a “Pier Peer” aquatic night-time adventure. Register today for an exploration of hundreds of mysterious marine life forms, including some pretty “alien” looking creatures drawn to underwater lights placed off our docks. See and “touch” creatures brought up from the deep by local divers. Participate in a plankton tow. After this exciting outdoor adventure, we will go inside to warm up, drink hot cocoa and talk about what we saw. This is a family-friendly event, but please bring children no younger than 8 years old, with an adult to supervise each child. Dress for the weather and be prepared for wet docks. Bring your own flashlights—we will provide scoops to catch sea creatures as well as life jackets. All participants must wear a life jacket; we encourage you to bring your own life jacket if you have one. Pre-registration required, and the cost is $6/person. To pre-register, go to www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=1342#alpha2 or call the Tacoma Nature Center at 253-591-6439.
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. To register, go tohttps://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=xcpwlrdab&oeidk=a07e5jposbu2ee6b372.
March 31
9 am – noon –Powell Pasture NatureMapping Field Trip
(near Yelm) The Nisqually Land Trust is seeking baseline data on two properties on the Nisqually River. The Powell Pasture site is in the Yelm area and has been recently planted in efforts to restore the natural habitat for wildlife use along the River. This field trip is free for participants, and you do not have to have NatureMapping experience. Participants should come dressed for the weather and for walking in grassy and woody environments and on uneven surfaces. The terrain ranges from level unpaved roads to uneven meadows and forests. Some areas require climbing and manuvering over debris. Please contact Jessica Moore at 360.832.7160 or at Jessica.Moore@nwtrek.org for more information or to