Earth Share of Washington

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - Earth Month

• April - all month long - Washington Trails Association - Trail Work Calendar, April 2008 - Washington Trails Association (WTA) is the most active hiking trail restoration and advocacy organization in Washington State. In 2007, volunteers contributed more than 81,000 hours of volunteer service restoring hiking trails. Join that effort and be a part of protecting and maintaining trails around Washington State. This month, WTA hosts more than 20 trail work parties. To find a work party in your neck of the woods, please visit the Washington Trails Association website at www.wta.org and signup today!

• April 4 - "State of the Sound and the San Juans" Presentation by Kathy Fletcher - 6:30 am to 8:30 pm
 - The Whale Museum, Friday Harbor
 - People For Puget Sound executive director Kathy leads a discussion on what needs to be done if we are to bring the Sound back to health. For more information or to sign up, please contact Britta Eschete
 at beschete@pugetsound.org

• April 5 Seward Park - Earth Month 2008 Kick Off! - 
10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Work with EarthCorps, Earth Ministry, the Green Seattle Partnership, and the Friends of Seward Parkas as they continue to restore Seward Park! Home to diverse wildlife and impressive trees, Seward Park is enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, and those who love the outdoors. English ivy is a threat to the great trees that make call Seward Park home. It is a non-native invasive species with no natural predators or pests to keep it under control. The ivy poses a threat to places like Seward Park two ways, by creating "Ivy Deserts" - areas so dominated by ivy that no other vegetation can survive and by adding weight to trees, making the trees more susceptible to toppling over and to disease. By manually ripping ivy out of the park, we are helping to prevent this invasive species from taking hold and spreading. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org

• April 12 - Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve Volunteer Restoration Event - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
 - Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve - In 1995, Quadrant and Taiyo American corporations donated this 116-acre preserve to Cascade Land Conservancy (CLC). King County holds a conservation easement on the property to ensure the permanent protection of the wetlands. The Plateau Golf Course and neighboring homeowners' associations provide financial support for long-term stewardship of the preserve and CLC manages the property, studies the ecological changes and promotes awareness of the value of the wetlands. What to bring: Boots, work clothes, rain gear, and a water bottle. Snacks and drinks provided. For more information or to sign up, contact Stacy Cachules at stacyc@cascadeland.org or call 206-905-6931.

• April 12 & 13 - Seattle Green Festival - Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle. Join People For Puget Sound and the Alliance For Puget Sound Shorelines at THE weekend celebration of the Earth in the Emerald City. Green products and services, over 350 exhibits, see and hear more than 125 speakers on 5 stages. For more information, please contact Amy Hale
 at ahale@pugetsound.org or by calling (206) 382-7007.

• April 18 - Volunteer Event: West Duwamish Greenbelt - 
10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Join EarthCorps and City Year as they continue to restore the largest contiguous greenbelt in Seattle! Volunteers will remove ivy from the ground and installing survival rings around trees, saving them from the ivy's clutches. Volunteers will also be grubbing out invasive blackberry, spreading mulch, and taking care of past restoration sites. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org

• April 19 - 6th Annual Swinomish Earth Enhancement Celebration - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm - Swinomish Community Center, 17275 Reservation Road, LaConner
 - Join the Swinomish Tribal Community, People For Puget Sound, and Skagit County Public Works for a rewarding day of "Earth Day" activities. Come help with community enhancement projects in the morning, such as a beach clean-up, removing scotch broom, and restoration-type projects. After projects are finished, volunteers are invited to round out the morning with a traditional salmon lunch, prepared by members of the Swinomish Tribal Community. The afternoon will be spent viewing educational displays, meeting traditional artists, participating in cultural activities and enjoying music from special guests. For more information, contact Britta Eschete at beschete@pugetsound.org.org
 or by calling (360) 336-1931.

• April 20 - Pioneer Park - Mercer Island Earth Day Event! - 
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Celebrate Earth Day by joining EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park! Pioneer Park is 113 acres of forested habitat, the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals, and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. The restoration goals for this park include planting native conifer trees; removing non-native plants, such as ivy, that prevent native plants from growing; and site maintenance activities. For more information, contact Lina Anne Rose, Project Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 225 or email lina@earthcorps.org lina@earthcorps.org

• April 26 - Annual Washington Coast Cleanup - Join hundreds of volunteers to remove marine debris from Washington's beautiful and ecologically sensitive coastline. For more info and to sign up visit www.coastsavers.org or contact program coordinator David Lindau, 206.220.4279.

• May 3 - Blind Island Work Party - Head to the San Juans for a work party on Blind Island! Volunteers will remove invasive English Ivy and Scotch Broom. Transportation from Orcas provided. To volunteer contact volunteer@wwta.org

Posted in the April 2008 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

• March 1 - Seward Park Volunteer Work Party - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Work with EarthCorps and the Green Seattle Partnership and the Friends of Seward Park as they continue to maintain their restoration sites, plant native tree and remove English ivy from this stand of old growth forest right in the city. Home to diverse wildlife and impressive trees, Seward Park is enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and those who love the outdoors. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org
• March 6 - An "Exploring Puget Sound" presentation by Janna Nichols, Underwater Photographer and SCUBA Instructor - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm - REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle - Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Janna took up recreational diving and underwater photography in 1999. She became a scuba instructor and is actively involved in doing marine life surveys for the REEF organization, as well as participating in a number of other scientific diving projects throughout the Northwest. She shares her love of our Pacific NW critters in classes, workshops and a website using her photos and experiences from her over-600 dives. For more information or to signup, contact KrisTina Hertz at khertz@pugetsound.org
• March 6 - Art Exhibit Opening - The North Cascades: Mountains of Change - Hosted by the National Parks Conservation Association - 313-A First Ave. South, in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square - "The North Cascades: Mountains of Change" features the work of artist Molly Hashimoto. The show will include framed paintings and field journals featuring landscapes, sketches and quotes from Molly's experiences in the North Cascades. The exhibit run from March 6 through May 17. Admission is free.
• March 8 - Volunteer Event: Mowitch Estuary - 9:30 am - 3:30 pm - EarthCorps and Citizens for a Healthy Bay (CHB) team up with volunteers to restore the Mowitch Estuary of Commencement Bay. Today volunteers will focus on maintaining and expanding the goose exclusion fencing to provide some protection to marsh vegetation on the site as it begins to take hold. For more information, contact Jacobus Saperstein, Project Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 210 or email jacobus@earthcorps.org.
• March 15 - Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve Volunteer Restoration Event - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm - In 1995, Quadrant and Taiyo American corporations donated this 116-acre preserve to Cascade Land Conservancy (CLC). King County holds a conservation easement on the property to ensure the permanent protection of the wetlands. The Plateau Golf Course and neighboring homeowners' associations provide financial support for long-term stewardship of the preserve and CLC manages the property, studies the ecological changes and promotes awareness of the value of the wetlands. For more information or to sign up, please contact Stacy Cachules at (206)292-5907, x218 or email volunteer@cascadeland.org.
• March 17 - Taking the Parks by Storm: Community Support for Restoring Washington's Treasures - 6:30 PM- 8:30 PM - Seattle REI Flagship 222 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 - A series of storms battered the Pacific Northwest during the fall and winter of 2006 and 2007, bringing major flooding, hurricane-force winds and heavy snows. Washington's national parks - Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades - were severely impacted. The Northwest Storm Recovery Coalition is sponsoring "Taking the Parks by Storm: Community Support for Restoring Washington's Treasures" on Monday, March 17, 2008, to bring members of Congress and representatives from the three parks together to describe the storms' impacts, the current state of repairs at the parks, and how upcoming visits to the parks may be affected. Also, this event will provide attendees an opportunity to ask questions, visit with representatives from each park to learn about volunteer activities, and to find out how they can be further involved. For more information, please visit their website at: http://nwstormrecoverycoalition.blogspot.com/
• March 27 - Featured Speaker - "Healthy Shellfish Farms, Healthy Puget Sound" - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm - Skagit Valley Food Co-op, 202 S 1st Street, Mount Vernon - Learn about the underwater world of shellfish farming and how shellfish growers are dependant on a healthy Puget Sound for successful shellfish production and harvest. Bill Dewey, Public Affairs Manager for Taylor Shellfish Farms will sharing both local shellfish and "tales of shells" as he weaves a picture of aquaculture here in the Skagit Valley and around Puget Sound. Enjoy some "Skagit Soup" while learning about the connections between aquaculture farming and Puget Sound! Please RSVP so we know how much "Skagit Soup" to prepare! For more information or to sign up, Contact: Britta Eschete at beschete@pugetsound.org.
• March 29 - Ravenna Park Restoration Work Party - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Join EarthCorps and the Green Seattle Partnership and Seattle Parks and Recreation as they work to keep Ravenna Park healthy! Invasive plants like English Ivy threaten to overtake the trees and other native plants in the park. Our projects will include invasive plant removal and preparation of planting sites. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org.

Posted in the March 2008 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - February 2008

• February 7 - Toxic-Free Toys Rally & Lobby Day – 10:00am – State House, Olympia, WA – Earth Share organization Washington Toxics Coalition urges you to join doctors, nurses, and concerned families from around the state as they rally at the Capitol for a new law that will eliminate toxic chemicals from children's products. Search www.healthytoys.org to see if your kids toys have toxic chemicals in them and to learn more about the problem of toxic toys at http://watoxics.org/safer-products/saferproducts/. For more information or to sign up, contact Jim Dawson, (206) 632-1545 or email jdawson@watoxics.org.
• February 9 - Glacial Heritage Prairie Restoration Work Party - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm - Don’t let the rainy weather get you down! Come on down to Glacial Heritage Prairie to get your hands dirty and your lungs filled with fresh air. The friendly smiles of volunteers await you while helping The Nature Conservancy restore our rare and beautiful prairies. New faces are always welcome. Volunteers will be focusing on the removal of scotch broom. In addition, inside work will be available. For more information, email Peder Engelstad, Volunteer Coordinator, at pengelstad@tnc.org.
• February 16 - Frink Park Volunteer Work Party - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Join EarthCorps, the World Affairs Council, the Green Seattle Partnership, Friends of Frink Park and the City of Seattle Department of Parks in an effort to protect open spaces from the threat of English ivy, an invasive plant that covers trees and results in a loss of native habitat. Volunteers will be installing "survival rings" around trees covered with ivy as well as performing restoration site maintenance and monitoring on sites in which we have previously worked. Some projects may include planting native trees and shrubs. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org.
• February 20 - Featured Speaker - "Using photography to protect our public lands" - Join the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Washington Trails Association (WTA) for a free evening program with local photographer Shellye Poster. Shellye will explain how photography can be used as an advocacy tool for protecting public lands for future generations and will share tips and techniques on photographing Northwest landscapes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the winning photographs of WTA’s annual photo contest, Northwest Exposure. These photographs are on display through February 29 at NPCA’s Parks Information Center and Gallery. For more information contact Shane Farnor at (206) 903-1444 ×24 or sfarnor@npca.org -- space is limited.
• February 23 - Restoration Work Party at Duwamish Riverbend Hill - Cascade Land Conservancy invites you to a volunteer restoration event on Duwamish Riverbend Hill. The volunteer work party will begin at 10am. Please join volunteers and Cascade Land Conservancy to help in the effort to restore and steward this important property. For more information and to register visit http://www.cascadeland.org/events/2-23-2008/.
• February 23 - Citizen Soundkeeper Training – 9:00am to Noon - Puget Soundkeeper Alliance offices in Ballard: 5309 Shilshole Ave NW - Suite 215 in Seattle - Join Puget Soundkeeper Sue Jorger and Captain Andy for an on-the-water and in-the-classroom training that will teach volunteers how to detect, document and report pollution incidents in our waters. Puget Soundkeeper Alliance can't be everywhere all the time. They need concerned and educated citizens to patrol our waters and shorelines and report pollution violations. To Register: Call Paul at (206) 297-7002 or email volunteer@pugetsoundkeeper.org.
• March 1 - Seward Park Volunteer Work Party - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Work with EarthCorps and the Green Seattle Partnership and the Friends of Seward Park as they continue to maintain their restoration sites, plant native tree and remove English ivy from this stand of old growth forest right in the city. Home to diverse wildlife and impressive trees, Seward Park is enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, and those who love the outdoors. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org

Posted in the February 2008 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - January 2008

• January – all month long – Washington Trails Association – Trail Work Calendar - Washington Trails Association (WTA) is the most active hiking trail restoration and advocacy organization in Washington State. In 2007, volunteers contributed more than 81,000 hours of volunteer service restoring hiking trails. Join that effort and be a part of protecting and maintaining trails around Washington State. This month, WTA hosts more than 20 trail work parties. To find a work party in your neck of the woods, please visit the Washington Trails Association website at www.wta.org and signup today!
• January 10 - Faith, Energy, and the Environment: An Evening with U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee - 7:00pm - Free - St. John United Lutheran Church, 5515 Phinney Avenue N., Seattle

 - Earth Ministry is partnering with the American Jewish Committee to host an evening of faith and energy with U.S. Representative Jay Inslee (D-WA). Rep. Inslee will read selections from his new book, Apollo’s Fire, which focuses on building a clean energy economy as a solution to oil dependence and climate change. Rep. Inslee will be available to sign copies of his book at a reception afterwards. Learn more about green jobs, economic development, and clean energy technologies in a faith context. Climate Solutions, National Wildlife Federation, and Northwest Interfaith Community Outreach (NICO) are also co-sponsors of this event. For more information or to signup, please contact LeeAnne Beres at (206) 632-2426 or email LeeAnne@earthministry.org
• January 20 – MLK Weekend of Service – White Center Heights Park - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Join EarthCorps and King County Parks and Recreation for a day of service at White Center Heights Park. MLK Day of Service participants should expect to learn a brief history of White Center Heights Park and an overview of urban forest restoration. EarthCorps staff will discuss Dr King's legacy, forest structure, native vs. non-native plant species, environmental restoration and safety. They will spend the day working to restore this urban forest to a healthier state. Volunteers will plant native trees, shrubs and ground-cover species as part of the park's first phase of restoration. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org.
• January 21 – MLK Weekend of Service at Cheasty Greenspace - 9:30 am - 2:00 pm - 
Join EarthCorps, the Green Seattle partnership, Service for Peace, University of Washington, Seattle University and Seattle Parks Dept as they continue to restore this 43 acre south end greenspace. Volunteers will be creating "survival rings" around trees that have ivy growing up them. Other work may include planting native trees and shrubs, and restoration maintenance such as weeding, woodchip application and sheet mulching. Following the event volunteers are invited to attend an indoor service appreciation reception. Lunch will be served. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org
• January 23, 2008 - Priorities for a Healthy Washington Lobby Day - United Churches, 110 East 11th Ave., Olympia, WA - Join hundreds of citizen lobbyists from around the state meeting face-to-face with legislators on important environmental issues. This all-day event includes lobbying training, issue briefings on legislative priorities, keynote speakers and a reception in the evening. Like last year, they are offering bus transportation from north and central Puget Sound areas to Lobby Day. This year the Washington Bus Project is excited to co-sponsor Lobby Day by providing a biodiesel fueled bus from Seattle to Olympia. A donation of $10 for the bus riders is requested.
  
  Bus Schedule: Bellingham: 5:45 a.m. (estimated times) Seattle: 7:45 a.m. Mt. Vernon: 6:30 a.m.
 Everett: 7:15 a.m. 

Return Trip: Leave Olympia around 5:30 p.m.
  
  For more information, contact Kerri Cechovic, Washington Environmental Council, kerri@wecprotects.org or 206-622-8103, x212. Registration Fee: $15 pre-pay required.
• January 26 - Restoration Work Party at Duwamish Riverbend Hill - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm - 
In 2001, Cascade Land Conservancy, the City of Tukwila, and a local citizen group formed a partnership to work for the preservation of an undeveloped parcel of land on the Duwamish River. The Duwamish Riverbend Hill property was successfully acquired in March 2004 by the Cascade Land Conservancy and the City of Tukwila. The property will be managed as a public open space preserve devoted to the interpretation of the site’s Native American cultural significance and other aspects of Duwamish River Valley natural and cultural history. The work party will meet at 10:00 am in the pull-off along the north side of the Duwamish River near the intersection of E Marginal Way S and S 115th St. Please bring boots, work clothes, gloves, appropriate layers for the weather, and a water bottle. Snacks, drinks, and tools provided. For more information or to sign up, contact Stacy Cachules at stacyc@cascadeland.org or (206) 905-6931.
• January 26 - Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival - You're invited to the 21st Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival on January 26-27th. Come visit with over 30 environmental and educational groups at Concrete High School. There will be booths, walks, talks, gift opportunities and live wild bird demonstrations. See flocks of eagles feasting on salmon near the Rockport area. For more info and directions, please visit www.skagiteagle.org
• February 2 - Snowshoeing at Mount Rainier National Park - An annual event with the National Parks Conservation Association, this is always a fun and popular way to enjoy one of our favorite parks. Park superintendent Dave Uberuaga will be leading the walk. The park provides free snowshoes or you may bring your own. For those wanting a little more of an outing, participants can join a short independent snowshoe walk in the park following lunch. You WILL need to provide your own snowshoes for this walk. Plan on a full day. For more information or to signup, please contact Shane Farnor at the National Parks Conservation Association -- 206.903.1444 ×24 or email sfarnor@npca.org -- space is limited to 25 people.

Posted in the January 2008 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - December 2007

• December 3 - Pioneer Park Restoration Work Party - 
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Work with EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park! Pioneer Park is 113 acres of forested habitat, the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals, and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. The restoration goals for this park include planting native conifer trees; removing non-native plants, such as ivy, that prevent native plants from growing; and site maintenance activities. For more information, contact Lina Anne Rose, Project Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 225 or email lina@earthcorps.org
• December 6 - Lecture Series: The San Juan Islands: A Neglected Nursery for Puget Sound Salmon - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Ave. N., Seatttle, WA - An "Exploring Puget Sound" presentation by Russel Barsh, Center for the Historical Ecology of the Salish Sea. There’s a growing body of knowledge about how salmon use the marine habitats of the San Juan islands and how that knowledge ties together Coast Salish fishing lore, contemporary scientific research, and habitat conservation issues. Russel Barsh, director of KWAIHAT (Center for the Historical Ecology of the Salish Sea), a nonprofit conservation research laboratory devoted to producing “science for stewardship,” draws the threads of knowledge together. Advance ticket purchase recommended, contact KrisTina Hertz khertz@pugetsound.org or by calling (206) 382-7007.
• December 8 - Golden Gardens Restoration Work Party - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Join EarthCorps, the Green Seattle Partnership, MudUp and the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department as we work to restore the urban forest of 88 acre park. Located in Ballard on Puget Sound, Golden Gardens offers extraordinary views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. This park contains a rugged coastline, sandy beaches, a trail system through the urban forest, a 2.2-acre off-leash dog area as well as a boat launch. The health of Golden Garden’s urban forest is in danger due to non-native invasive plant species such as English ivy, Himalayan blackberry and garlic mustard. Volunteers will remove ivy and other invasive plants that are detrimental to the native habitat. Other possible activities include spreading woodchips and planting native trees to restore the native tree canopy. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org
• December 11-13 - Priorities For a Healthy Washington Community Forum for 2008 Legislative Session - Do you want to make Washington a great place to live, work, and play? Join the Priorities for a Healthy Washington partnership in a conversation with your State Senator and Representatives to learn about and discuss the Priorities for a Healthy Washington for the 2008 Legislative Session, which include 1. Washington Climate Action 2. Local Solutions to Global Warming 3. Evergreen Cities 4. Local Farms- Healthy Kids Plus; Keep Hanford from being designated as a nuclear waste dump. To learn more about this event, please visit www.environmentalpriorities.org or contact Rein Attemann at rattemann@pugetsound.org or by calling 206-382-7007.
• December 15 - Restoration Work Party at Duwamish Riverbend Hill - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm - Duwamish Riverbend Hill - In 2001, Cascade Land Conservancy, the City of Tukwila, and a local citizen group formed a partnership to work for the preservation of an undeveloped parcel of land on the Duwamish River. The Duwamish Riverbend Hill property was successfully acquired in March 2004 by the Cascade Land Conservancy and the City of Tukwila. The property will be managed as a public open space preserve devoted to the interpretation of the site’s Native American cultural significance and other aspects of Duwamish River Valley natural and cultural history. Please bring Boots, work clothes, gloves, appropriate layers for the weather, and a water bottle. Snacks, drinks, and tools provided. For more information or to sign up, contact Stacy Cachules at stacyc@cascadeland.org or (206) 905-6931.
• December 21 - Winter Solstice Moonlight Beachwalk - 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM - Lincoln Park (south parking lot, nearest Fauntleroy Ferry) 8603 Fauntleroy Way SW. Seattle, WA - Familiar shorelines turn surprisingly magical as creatures appear in the night lowtides of winter. You are invited to immerse yourself in the chilly ambiance of a starlight beach while exploring with a local beach guide. After the beachwalk, enjoy sipping hot drinks by the bonfire and share a story or two. Bundle up against the weather and be sure to bring: a flashlight with good batteries, wading boots (you’ll be in ankle deep water), a warm hat & dry gloves. The event is free and family friendly. Refreshments will be served. Call to reserve your spot by contacting Daoud Miller at dmiller@pugetsound.org or by calling 206-382-7007 ×217.

Posted in the December 2007 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - November 2007

• November 1 - Lecture Series: Puget Sound Shorelines - A Naturally Changing Environment - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm - 
REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle, WA - An "Exploring Puget Sound” presentation by Hugh Shipman, Department of Ecology Coastal Geologist. Puget Sound’s coastline is a fascinating mix of high bluffs and beaches, lagoons and estuaries, small stream mouths and big river deltas. Each of these different ecosystems owes its unique character to geological processes that move sediment from one place to another, usually during storms, floods, and landslides. Geologist Hugh Shipman shows how much of the ecological damage to our shorelines has been an unintended consequence of our desire to control these processes and to maintain a static landscape. Come explore this wide variety of coastal landforms, the geological processes that shape them, and implications for the future of Puget Sound. For more information or to sign up, contact KrisTina Hertz at 
"khertz@pugetsound.org":mailto:khertz@pugetsound.org or by calling 
(206) 382-7007.
• November 3 - Second Annual Green Seattle Day – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm - Seattle's forested parklands need your help. Come out on November 3, 2007 and join over 500 citizens, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to celebrate the 2nd Annual Green Seattle Day. Plant a tree and join the fun at your favorite Seattle park. The main site will be at Interlaken Park, but there are also 16 other sites throughout the city where you can get involved. To find a park near you visit www.greenseattle.org. Individuals and small groups can register with the contacts listed for each site. For general information or to register a group of 15 people or more please send an email to info@greenseattle.org or call 206-905-6920.
  
  Parks Include: Interlaken Park, Frink Park Discovery Park, Colman Park, Leschi Overlook, Lincoln Park, S Portage Bay St, Mark’s Greenbelt, Magnuson Park, Dahl Playfield, Seward Park, NE Queen Anne Greenbelt, Camp Long, Carkeek Park, W Duwamish Greenbelt, Yesler Creek, and Webster Pond
• November 5 - Pioneer Park Restoration Work Party - 
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Work with EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park. Pioneer Park is 113 acres of forested habitat, the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals, and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. The restoration goals for this park include planting native conifer trees, removing non-native plants, such as ivy, that prevent native plants from growing, and site maintenance activities. For more information, contact Lina Anne Rose, Project Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 225 or email "lina@earthcorps.org"
  :mailto:lina@earthcorps.org
• November 7 – Lecture: Elwha River Restoration: Building Momentum for Future Stewardship - 7:00 PM - Seattle REI
 - _Presented by American Rivers and Olympic Park Institute_

 - Those who have explored the Olympic National Park or National Forest, know what brilliant natural wonders they hold. Now imagine one of those wonders--the Elwha River--literally coming back to life. 

The most significant river restoration effort of our time will soon begin on Washington's Elwha River. Two large dams will be dismantled to restore the river's once-legendary salmon runs, and to revive an entire ecosystem from the mountains to the sea. 

Join educational directors from American Rivers and Olympic Park Institute for a multi-media presentation on the restoration effort. Through film, stories and photography, learn about this pivotal restoration project. 

Contact: 206-223-1944.
• November 10 - Dahl Playfield Volunteer Work Party - 
10:00 am to 2:00 pm - Join EarthCorps, Friends of Dahl Playfield, the City of Seattle Dept of Parks & Recreation, the Green Seattle Partnership and King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks as they transform the area formerly known as the “Ravenna Swamp” into a thriving ecosystem. Volunteers will be planting native trees, shrubs, groundcovers and emergent plants. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org.
• November 10 - Diagonal Marsh Habitat Restoration - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm - 
Diagonal Avenue South at E. Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA - 
Join People For Puget Sound and volunteer Sound Stewards at Diagonal and GSA Marshes on the Duwamish River. This former industrial site is now a green oasis providing shelter and food for ospreys, great blue herons, bald eagles and juvenile fish. Volunteers will work together to remove pesky invasive weeds like blackberry and bindweed that threaten to overtake native plants. Put on your (work) gloves and join the fun. For more information or to sign up contact Eliza Ghitis at eghitis@pugetsound.org or by calling (206) 382-7007.
• November 15 - Washington Wilderness Coalition for its Annual Dinner and Silent Auction – 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at St. Demetrios Hall, Seattle, WA - This year’s very special keynote speaker is Daniel J. Evans. As Washington's only three-time Republican Governor, United States Senator and lifelong wilderness champion, Dan Evans had key roles in the creation of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, expansion of the Olympic National Park coastline, passage of the 1984 Washington Wilderness Act protecting more than one million acres of National Forest, and the 1988 Washington Park Wilderness Act protecting more than 90% of Mt. Rainier, Olympic and N. Cascades National Parks as wilderness. He has been a powerful voice supporting bipartisan efforts to protect Washington’s wilderness heritage. Tickets are $75. Table and event sponsorships are also available. For more information or to reserve your tickets, call Lisa at 206.633.1992.
• November 16 - Spokane "Business Partners" Winter Breakfast - 
Introducing Thomas Hammer Eco-Brews:Sustainability has never tasted so good! - Featured speaker: Tom Hammer, Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters - RSVP one week in advance for this complimentary breakfast to Amber at awaldref@landscouncil.org or 838-4912.
• December 1 - Carkeek Park Volunteer Work Party - 
10:00 am to 2:00 pm - Located in Northwest Seattle, Carkeek Park is one of the city's premier natural areas. There are trails for hiking, amazing views of Puget Sound, and meadows for picnics. Carkeek Park is also home to Piper's Creek, an important waterway for spawning salmon. Volunteers will be planting native trees, shrubs and ground cover, removing harmful invasive plant species like English ivy, and performing restoration site maintenance. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org

Posted in the November 2007 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - October 2007

• October - all month long - Washington Trails Association Trail Work Calendar - Washington Trails Association (WTA) is the most active hiking trail restoration and advocacy organization in Washington State. In 2007, volunteers have already contributed more than 71,000 hours of volunteer service restoring hiking trails. Join that effort and be a part of protecting and maintaining trails around Washington State. This month, WTA hosts more than 30 trail work parties. To find a work party in your neck of the woods, please visit the Washington Trails Association website at www.wta.org and signup today!
• October 6 and every Saturday in October - Interlaken Park Volunteer Work Party – 9:30 am to 2:30 pm - Interlaken Park is one of the original "Olmsted" (An early landscape architectural firm responsible for many prominent park designs through out our country, such as Central Park N.Y) designed parks in Seattle. It is a hidden gem that is made up of 51.6 acres of forest habitat. Volunteers will remove invasive plants, rebuild hiking trails, and restore the native forest plant community along the trail corridor. Be sure to bring lunch, rain gear, long-sleeved shirts, and water. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Sean Bulthaup at Volunteers for Outdoor Washington at info@trailvolunteers.org or by calling 206-517-3019.
• October 13 - Duwamish Alive! – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm - Join the teams of enthusiastic volunteers who will roll up their sleeves to help restore the Duwamish River. Duwamish Alive! is a chance for people to reclaim the river by weeding invasive plants, mulching planting area, and picking up trash. Last year's Duwamish alive! Autumn event brought together over 210 volunteers at 6 riverfront sites. Join People for Puget Sound to make this year's event bigger and even better! Sites include: West Duwamish Greenbelt, Herring’s House Park, Gateway Park North, Duwamish Waterway Park, Duwamish Riverbend Hill with more to be added. For more information about the event or to sign up, visit www.pugetsound.org or email eghitis@pugetsound.org.
• October 15 - Pioneer Park Restoration Work Party - 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Work with EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park. at 113 acres the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals, and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. The restoration goals for this park include planting native conifer trees; removing non-native plants, such as ivy, that prevent native plants from growing; and site maintenance activities. For more information, contact Lina Anne Rose, Project Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 225 or email lina@earthcorps.org
• October 18 – Lecture: Puget Sound Stormwater: What's all the shouting about? - 6:00 to 8:00 pm - REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Avenue North, 2nd floor meeting - We know stormwater is one of the biggest issues affecting the health of Puget Sound, but what can be done about it? Two leading practitioners of stormwater management will lead a discussion on sustainable development solutions. Join Washington Foundation for the Environment to learn what is already happening around the region and what more needs to be done to address stormwater problems as we strive to restore the Sound by 2020. Bill Derry of CH2MHill will talk about landscape-level stormwater management. Peg Staeheli, president and co-principal of SvR Design Company, will discuss urban redevelopment techniques to manage stormwater. Come hear what innovative planners and designers can offer to move us beyond traditional source control. For more information and to RSVP, email info@wffe.org
• October 20 - NE Queen Anne Greenbelt Restoration Work Party - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm - Join EarthCorps, the Green Seattle Partnership and the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department as we work to restore NE Queen Anne Greenbelt. The Greenbelt is a combination of two new parks: Trolley Hill Park and MacLean Park. Trolley Hill Park is home to a P-Patch and picnic area while MacLean Park commands a terrific view of the Cascades and Mt. Rainer. These parks are home to beautiful and interesting native plants that are being threatened by non-native, invasive plants such as English ivy. Volunteers will be installing “Survival Rings” around trees covered with ivy, performing restoration site maintenance, and spreading woodchips. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org.
• October 20 – Washington Native Plant Society's Fall Seed, Bulb and Plant Sale - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm - Building 30 - Sandpoint/Magnuson Park – For a complete list of native plants, seeds, and bolbs available, please visit the Washington Native Plant Society’s web site: www.wnps.org. Volunteers are needed to staff the event. For more information or to volunteer contact Jan Hunt at 425-806-0118 or by emailing janmaxwa@comcast.net.
• October 27 - Join CLC for a volunteer restoration event at Maple Creek Ravine – 10:00 am to 1:00pm - Maple Creek Ravine is an approximately 16-acre "Y" shaped tributary of the greater Thorton Creek drainage system. It is vegetated with mature Douglas Fir, Red alder, Western red Cedar, and Big Leaf Maple, as well as other native and introduced species. Maple Creek Ravine is situated in Wedgewood, a densely populated neighborhood in Northeast Seattle. The ravine is an important component of the extensive Thorton Creek wildlife corridor that continues to provide a significant vestige of habitat in an urban area. Volunteers will be removing invasive plants - The health of this beautiful area in Seattle is threatened due to invasive weeds overrunning the area. For more information or to RSVP contact stacyc@cascadeland.org or call (206) 292-5907 ext. 218.

Posted in the October 2007 Earth Page

Earth Share's Day in the Park - September 29, 2007

Day in the Park is presented by IKEA

When: Saturday, September 29, 2007, 9:30am – 1:30pm

Where: 8 park locations around the greater Seattle Area

• Carkeek Park, Seattle
• Frink Park, Seattle
• Golden Gardens, Seattle
• Grand Ridge Trail, Sammamish
• PAWS Wildlife Center, Lynnwood
• Richmond Beach Strandberg Preserve, Shoreline
• Seahurst Park, Burien
• Seward Park, Seattle

What:
Day in the Park invites volunteers to team up with leading non-profit conservation organizations and community groups for an honest day's work enhancing local parks. Volunteers remove invasive plant species, plant trees & native vegetation, clean up beaches, and rebuild trails. Under the guidance of parks personnel and Earth Share of Washington crew leaders, hundreds of volunteers join together to the values of teamwork and stewardship while having fun and giving back to the community.

Learn more, then register at http://dayinthepark.org/

See you at Day in the Park!

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS: We will send a personalized invitation to your friends, family and/or coworkers on your behalf, inviting them to Day in the Park to join your volunteer team -- http://www.dayinthepark.org/tell_more.html

Posted in the September 2007 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

• September 8 - Golden Gardens Volunteer Work Party - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Join EarthCorps, the Green Seattle Partnership and the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department as they work to restore the urban forest of 88 acre park. The health of Golden Garden’s urban forest is in danger due to non-native invasive plant species such as English ivy, Himalayan blackberry and garlic mustard. Volunteers will remove ivy and other invasive plants that are detrimental to the native habitat. Other possible activities include spreading woodchips and planting native trees to restore the native tree canopy. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org
• September 15 - Me-Kwa-Mooks Park Restoration Work Party - 10:00am to 2:00pm - Me-Kwa-Mooks Park, located along the shoreline of West Seattle, offers gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains. Work with EarthCorps, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Green Seattle Partnership as they work to keep this urban forest happy and healthy. Contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org
• September 15 - Cascade Land Conservancy Trail Maintenance Workshop - 10:00am to 2:00pm
 - Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve, Sammamish - Come learn the technical ins-and-outs of trail maintenance from Bill Brosseau of EarthCorps. Bill will lead a hands-on session on the importance of trail maintenance in natural areas, trail standards, tool care & use, terminology, safety, and reporting. He’ll also cover drainage issues, side-cutting, brushing, blowdown, trail structures, and signage. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided. It is free but outside participants will be asked to commit to attending a volunteer restoration event to apply their new skills to help Cascade Land Conservancy restore the lands and parks of this region. If you have any questions or to RSVP contact kendras@cascadeland.org
• September 17-19 - Discover Brilliant Conference - Discover Brilliant International Conference and Expo, to be held September 17 - 19, 2007 in Seattle, Washington, is the premiere event focused on the sustainable economy. A roster of world class thought leaders and market makers are lining up to shed light on the revolution underway that brings more value with less impact to our buildings, businesses, utilities, communities, and transportation. At Discover Brilliant, you’ll meet the right people, hear the critical insights, see the latest solutions, and find the best opportunities in this emerging space. Join hundreds of other pioneers who are making it happen—business leaders, utility decision-makers, government leaders, policymakers, building industry executives, investors, financiers, academics and industry experts. This is the one event that brings it all together under the same roof—economics, environment and security. If you care about renewables, water, buildings, efficiency, cleantech/greentech, sustainable practices and more, this is the place to be. Visit www.discoverbrilliant.com for more information.
• September 22 - Llandover Woods Restoration Work Party - 10:00am to 2:00pm - Join EarthCorps, the Green Seattle Partnership, and the Friends of Llandover Woods for the day and volunteer to create healthy forests. Llandover Woods is an urban haven located right along the Seattle-Shoreline border. Following its 1/2 mile trail, you can see huge Douglas Fir, giant Big Leaf Maple and forget that the noise of the city is right around the corner. Contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org
• October 1 - Pioneer Park Restoration Work Party - 2:00pm - 5:00pm - Work with EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park. Pioneer Park is 113 acres of forested habitat, the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals, and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. Contact Lina Anne Rose, Project Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 225 or email lina@earthcorps.org

Posted in the September 2007 Earth Page

Earth Share's Day in the Park

Day in the Park is presented by IKEA

When: Saturday, September 29, 2007, 9:30am – 1:30pm

Where: 8 park locations around the greater Seattle Area

• Carkeek Park, Seattle
• Frink Park, Seattle
• Golden Gardens, Seattle
• Grand Ridge Trail, Sammamish
• PAWS Wildlife Center, Lynnwood
• Richmond Beach Strandberg Preserve, Shoreline
• Seahurst Park, Burien
• Seward Park, Seattle

What:
Day in the Park invites volunteers to team up with leading non-profit conservation organizations and community groups for an honest day's work enhancing local parks. Volunteers remove invasive plant species, plant trees & native vegetation, clean up beaches, and rebuild trails. Under the guidance of parks personnel and Earth Share of Washington crew leaders, hundreds of volunteers join together to the values of teamwork and stewardship while having fun and giving back to the community.

Learn more, then register at http://dayinthepark.org/

See you at Day in the Park!

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS: We will send a personalized invitation to your friends, family and/or coworkers on your behalf, inviting them to Day in the Park to join your volunteer team -- http://www.dayinthepark.org/tell_more.html

Posted in the August 2007 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - August 2007

• August – September - Iron Goat Trail - Hiking Trail Restoration Calendar – Every Wednesday and Friday in August and September - Trail construction on the Goat! Meet at the Scenic Trailhead. Work parties begin at 8:45am and end at 4:00pm. (Carpoolers should meet at the Bothell P&R at 7:15am and expect to return by 5:30 or 6:00pm.) For more information or to signup, please contact Volunteers for Outdoor Washington at info@trailvolunteers.org
• August 4 - Restoration Work Party at the Smoke Farm - 9:00 am to 12:00 - Smoke Farm - Join volunteers for a land restoration event at the Smoke Farm property in Snohomish County! The Smoke Farm Property is located on 130 acres of the North Fork of the Stilliguamish River. Restoration of the historic floodplain habitat will provide direct benefits to six species of salmon, including federally listed Chinook, Coho, and Bull Trout as well as Chum, Cutthroat, and Steelhead. Join CLC with their restoration efforts! What to bring: Boots, work clothes, gloves, rain gear, and a water bottle. Snacks and drinks provided. For more information or to signup, contact Stacy Cachules by email at stacyc@cascadeland.org or by calling (206) 292-5907 ext. 218.
• August 11 - Tour de Fat (Cycling) - Volunteers Needed - Fremont - at the corner of N 35th St & Phinney - Grab your bike and slip into your alter-ego because New Belgium's philanthropic cycling circus Tour de Fat is coming back to Seattle! Costumes and decorated bikes reign supreme as the participants come for a casual ride, good music and entertainment, then stay, of course, for the beer. Amid the hoopla, Tour de Fat also raises money for the Bicycle Alliance of Washington and Bike Works. Admission to the Tour de Fat is free. Tell your friends, mark your calendar, and design your costume. For more information please visit the Tour de Fat website: http://www.bicyclealliance.org/rides/index.html#tourdefat
• August 16 - Pioneer Park Restoration Work Party - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Work with EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park, 113 acres of forested habitat, the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals, and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. The restoration goals for this park include planting native conifer trees; removing non-native plants, such as ivy, that prevent native plants from growing; and site maintenance activities. For more information, contact Lina Anne Rose, Project Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 225 or email lina@earthcorps.org
• August 18 - Jetty Island weed away day - 10:00am to 1:00pm - Jetty Island, Everett, WA, Snohomish county - Join the Sound Stewards and cultivate that healthy habitat habit! Jetty Island needs your help to get the nasty invasive weed Scotch Broom out... and maybe some blackberry too! Tools, snacks and water provided. Please bring a snack lunch to enjoy on the beach and your weed ripping, habitat saving attitude! Kids under 12 welcome with adult supervision. For more information or to sign up, contact Keeley O'Connell at koconnell@pugetsound.org
• August 23 - EarthCorps World Night - 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm - World Nights are free gatherings for the EarthCorps community and the general public. They offer a great chance to meet interesting people and learn about how young adults from around the world are making a positive contribution to environments in the Puget Sound area. For more information, please visit the EarthCorps website – http://www.earthcorps.org/
• August 25-26 - RAPSody - Ride Around Puget Sound - Enjoy the scenic back roads of five Washington counties while supporting statewide bicycle advocacy and education on the Ride Around Puget Sound. With 165 miles of rolling hills, doing RAPSody in one day is hard, two days is challenging fun. RAPSody is sponsored by five Puget Sound area bike clubs in support of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington’s statewide advocacy and education. What's Included: Luggage support, overnight campsite and showers, rest stops with food/drink/water, sag support along the route, cue sheets/maps, ride souvenir, ferry fares, lots of music, special treats, and great community involvement and support. Ride Proceeds: All registration proceeds are donated to the Bicycle Alliance of Washington (BAW). This ride can be used as your own fundraiser for a non-profit organization. More information can be found on the registration page. Price: $90. For more information please visit the Bicycle Alliance of Washington website – http://www.bicycleallaiance.org/
• August 25 - Community Coalition for Environmental Justice 6th Annual Conference – "Race, Power, and the Environment: Liberating Our Communities from Toxins" – 9:00am to 5:00pm - South Seattle Community College - Join CCEJ for an educational and exciting day of diverse workshops around indigenous environmental justice issues, food justice, colonization and its global impacts, toxic careers, violence and neighborhood safety, gentrification, redlining, and climate change. Workshops will be drawing speakers from all around the Puget Sound region and will address issues on the urban, rural, and indigenous levels. An additional "Accessing Information on the Web" skills workshop is hosted by the EPA and CCEJ. The true cost of the conference is $100 per person, but to keep the conference accessible for everyone, registration is on a sliding scale of $1-100. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly lunch, day-long childcare, and simultaneous translation in multiple languages will be available with advance notice. For questions regarding the conference, or to register, please contact Mel Carnay, Administrative Coordinator, at 206.720.0285 ex. 4 or melcarnay@ccej.org.
• September 17-19 - Discover Brilliant Conference - Discover Brilliant International Conference and Expo, to be held September 17 - 19, 2007 in Seattle, Washington, is the premiere event focused on the sustainable economy. A roster of world class thought leaders and market makers are lining up to shed light on the revolution underway that brings more value with less impact to our buildings, businesses, utilities, communities, and transportation. At Discover Brilliant, you’ll meet the right people, hear the critical insights, see the latest solutions, and find the best opportunities in this emerging space. Join hundreds of other pioneers who are making it happen—business leaders, utility decision-makers, government leaders, policymakers, building industry executives, investors, financiers, academics and industry experts. This is the one event that brings it all together under the same roof--economics, environment and security. If you care about renewables, water, buildings, efficiency, cleantech/greentech, sustainable practices and more, this is the place to be. Visit www.discoverbrilliant.com for more information.

Posted in the August 2007 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

• June 3 - Mercerdale Hillside Restoration Work Party - 1:00pm - 5:00pm - Join EarthCorps, Mercer Island Parks and Recreation and community members in working to save this forested park. Community members have been working steadily since 1998 to restore this local park that is threatened by the spread of invasive plants. These invasive plants, if uncontrolled, cover and kill trees, carpet the forest floor, and prevent the sprouting of tree seedlings. This project is part of a larger effort to restore Mercer Island Parks. This winter the work will focus on planting native trees and continuing stewardship on previously restored areas. Even working for just a few hours contributes greatly, and because you are working in a local park, you can revisit your work for years to come. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org.
• June 4 - Roundtable Discussion - Puget Sound Stormwater - 6:00pm - 8:00pm - REI Seattle, 222 Yale Avenue N., Seattle, WA - The Washington Foundation for the Environment, People For Puget Sound and CH2MHill invite you to a free roundtable discussion on Puget Sound stormwater. Why should you care about stormwater in Puget Sound? And why did 14 scientists write a letter of protest to the Puget Sound Partnership about their stormwater recommendations? Two leading scientists will answer these questions and others in a discussion of the science of stormwater. Questions or to RSVP, please email info@wffe.org.
• June 9 - Volunteer Work Party and Campout on the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie - 9:00am to Jun 10, 2007 3:00pm - Mid-Fork Snoqualmie - The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley is one of East King County’s truly wild places, with old-growth forests, whitewater rivers, and strong native trout runs. Cascade Land Conservancy is working with the Mountains to Sound Greenway, local communities and other partners to remove infestations of invasive weeds from the entire valley before they devastate critical habitat. Volunteers will use hand tools to remove Scot’s broom, Himalayan blackberry, and other non-native aggressive plants from locations downstream of the Middle Fork - Taylor River confluence. Please RSVP to Stacy Cachules at stacyc@cascadeland.org or (206) 292-5907 x. 218.
• June 14 – Lecture/Discussion – Nuclear Power in the Age of Global Warming: New Solution or Same Old Threat? – 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Town Hall, 1119 8th Avenue, Seattle, WA - Join Robert Alvarez, former Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Energy from 1993-99, as he discusses the dangers of the renewed push for nuclear energy expansion -- especially as it relates to the Hanford Nuclear site --that purports to help in the fight against global warming. Presented by the Government Accountability Project and Heart of America Northwest. Downstairs at Town Hall, enter on Seneca Street. Free, no tickets required. Visit www.whistleblower.org or call 206-292-2850 to RSVP or for more information.
• June 16 - Bainbridge Island Low Tide Beachwalk - 10:00am - 3:00pm - Fort Ward State Park - Join People For Puget Sound science director Kirstin Holsman and beach naturalists on a guided beach walk at one of the lowest tides of the year. This is an excellent family opportunity to get outside to learn about the wonders of Puget Sound, about the issues facing the Sound and Bainbridge Island, and about what you can do to help protect and restore the Sound’s health. Please RSVP to ensure that volunteers don’t overcrowd the beach and that the event is enjoyable for all. RSVP to Mike Sato, msato@pugetsound.org.
• June 16 - 9th Annual Skagit Spartina Dig Day - 10:00am - 2:00pm - Turner's Bay, Skagit County, La Conner, WA - Join People for Puget Sound on the beach with your mud boots and shovel for the 9th Annual Skagit Spartina Dig Day and help save the Sound by digging up this invasive plant. Volunteers will learn how to identify Spartina, how to properly remove and dispose of it, and most importantly you'll be contributing to the Sound-wide effort to eradicate it from our shorelines. Snacks, refreshments and great raffle prizes- what could be more fun! For more information, please contact Keeley O'Connell at koconnell@pugetsound.org or by calling 360-336-1931.
• June 23 - NE Queen Anne Greenbelt Restoration Work Party - 10:00am - 2:00pm - Join EarthCorps, the Green Seattle Partnership and the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department as they work to restore NE Queen Anne Greenbelt. The Greenbelt is a combination of two new parks: Trolley Hill Park and MacLean Park. Trolley Hill Park is home to a P-Patch and picnic area while MacLean Park commands a terrific view of the Cascades and Mt. Rainer. These parks are home to beautiful and interesting native plants that are being threatened by non-native, invasive plants such as English ivy. Volunteers will be installing "Survival Rings" around trees covered with ivy, performing restoration site maintenance, and spreading woodchips. For more information, contact Elizabeth "Lizzie" White, Outreach Project Manager at (206) 255-4160, ext. 221 or email elizabeth@earthcorps.org
• June 23 - Forest Owner's Field Day - 9:00am to 4:30pm - near Cle Elum - Whether you own a home in the woods or many acres of forest land, this educational event is for you! Learn “how to” assess the health of your forest and protect your property from threats like wildfires and bark beetles -- and much more! Choose from nearly two-dozen popular topics, including wildlife habitat enhancement, pruning and thinning, reforesting tough sites, wildfire protection, and managing your timber sale. Join the more than 5,000 forest owners who’ve already attended these events across Washington and Idaho. Participants can choose to attend up to six 45-minute programs that will be delivered throughout the day. Registration fee is $20 for one person or $30 for two or more before June 17th; after June 17th fee is $30 for one person and $40 for two or more. A BBQ lunch is available on-site for $7 each to benefit the Ellensburg Future Farmers of America. Learn more at http://www.ncw.wsu.edu/foreststewardship/
• June 30 - Jose Rizal Park Restoration Work Party - 10:00am - 2:00pm - Join EarthCorps, the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Green Seattle Partnership for a day of service at Dr. Jose Rizal Park. Rizal was a Filipino patriot who, during his short life, made lasting contributions to medicine, political and social reform, engineering and a large number of other disciplines. Volunteers will spend the day working to restore this urban forest to a healthier state. Volunteers will be removing English ivy, an invasive plant that climbs and chokes native trees. By making survival rings around the park’s trees, we will be saving them one at a time. Volunteers will also be planting native trees, shrubs and ground cover. This work will make the forest a healthier system, one that will remain for future generations of the community to enjoy. For more information, contact Elizabeth “Lizzie” White, Outreach Project Manager at (206) 255-4160, ext. 221 or email elizabeth@earthcorps.org

Posted in the June 2007 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - May 2007

• May – All Month - Hiking Trail Restoration - Washington Trails Association (WTA) is the most active hiking trail restoration and advocacy organization in Washington State. In 2007, volunteers have already contributed more than 7,000 hours of volunteer service restoring hiking trails. Join that effort and be a part of protecting and maintaining trails around Washington State. This month, WTA hosts more than 20 trail work parties. To find a work party in your neck of the woods, please visit the Washington Trails Association website at www.wta.org and signup today!
• May 3 - 2006-2007 Speakers Series - Tales of Fish Sex - 7:00pm - 9:00pm - REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle, WA - Fish are beyond doubt the most uninteresting animals when it comes to sex. Over the last 500 million years or so, fish have evolved the most varied ways of reproducing you can imagine (and several that most of you probably have not contemplated). In this R-rated frolic, the aptly named Dr. Love takes us on a roller coaster ride through the sordid underbelly of piscine reproduction. For more information, contact KrisTina Hertz at (206) 382-7007 or email khertz@pugetsound.org. Tickets are $8 at the door.
• May 5 - Lincoln Park No Ivy Day - 10:00am - 2:00pm - Join EarthCorps, the Green Seattle Partnership and the No Ivy League as they celebrate No Ivy Day in an effort work to make the forests and shoreline of Lincoln Park healthy! The projects will include invasive plant removal, preparing areas for planting native plants, and planting native plants. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org.
• May 12 - Mud Bay Habitat Restoration - 9:00am - 12:00pm - 4937 Mud Bay Rd. NW, Olympia, WA - Join People For Puget Sound, Capitol Land Trust and Sound Stewards at the Randall restoration site on Mud Bay. Volunteers will be working all summer to fight the invasive weeds on this site. The plantings from three years ago are looking great and will be covered in spring leaves and blooms. Put on your (work) gloves and join the fun! For more information, please contact Nicki Johnson at nicki@thurston.com or by calling 206-382-7007 ext. 220.
• May 12 - 5th Annual Lake Union Sweep - 8:15am – 1:00pm - Puget Soundkeeper Alliance is proudly sponsoring the 5th annual Lake Union Sweep, the Soundkeeper's biggest clean up volunteer event of the year. The event, which includes the waters of Portage Bay, will feature a volunteer cleanup effort that combines the resources of over thirty organizations, businesses, and government agencies. The event is made possible by support from local businesses. Last year, over 200 volunteers helped remove more than 1.25 tons of trash from the lake and surrounding shoreline. Notable 'Trophy Trash' included a fiberglass sink, barbeque grill, partially full beer keg, teddy bear, a "mystery" barrel containing unknown liquid (likely lake water), and plenty of styrofoam and plastic. In addition to the cleanup portion of the event, many sponsors and supporting organizations will participate in an Environmental Exhibit where the organizations will showcase their efforts at improving the environment and recreational access in the community. For more information or to sign-up, please visit the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance web site at http://www.pugetsoundkeeper.org/ or call 206-297-7002.
• May 15 - Cascade Land Conservancy's Conservation Awards Breakfast – Save the date for Cascade Land Conservancy's 12th Annual Conservation Awards Breakfast on Tuesday May 15, 2007 from 7:30-9:00am at the Washington State Trade and Convention Center. Cascade Land Conservancy is pleased to announce that Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire will join as their special guest! The 12th Annual Conservation Awards Breakfast will bring together over 1,800 guests - civic, elected, business and environmental leaders to celebrate innovative, regional leadership.
• May 16 - Ride of Silence – 6:30pm - Gas Works Park, Seattle - Join cyclists worldwide to honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. Rides have been planned for Everett, Tacoma, and Seattle. This is NOT a Critical Mass Ride. There are no shirts or items for sale, there's no fee or registration. Each ride is approximately 10-12 miles long, is ridden at a 12 MPH pace, and is Silent. It's not just a club ride. It's a ride for Moms, Dads, brothers & sisters, family & friends, beginning cyclists to the racers, anyone who wishes to honor a fellow cyclist that has been killed or injured by a motorist while out riding and to let them know they MUST Share the Road with bicyclists. For more information, please visit the Ride of Silence website at www.rideofsilence.org.
• May 19 - Jetty Island beach clean-up day - 10:00am - 1:00pm - Jetty Island, Everett, WA - You've heard of spring cleaning... now it's time to help give Jetty Island a spring cleaning of its own! Join them for a day of trail maintenance, weeding, and beach clean-up as we help the Port of Everett and City of Everett Parks Department gear up for Jetty Island Days this summer. For more information, please contact Cara Ianni at cara@stillysnofish.org or by calling 425-252-6686.
• May 19 - Vashon-Maury Island Lowtide Celebration - 11:00am - 4:00pm - Point Robinson Park, Eastern tip of Maury Island, Vashon, WA - Come to beautiful Point Robinson when the tide goes all the way out to minus 3+ feet. Island families are celebrating the shoreline with artists, naturalists, lighthouse keepers, geologists, storytellers, plant experts, scuba divers and many others. They're planning a raft of shoreline activities throughout the day, all free and family friendly! For more information, please contact Daoud Miller at DMiller@pugetsound.org or by calling 206-382-7007.
• May 21 - Pioneer Park Restoration Work Party - 2:00pm - 5:00pm - Work with EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park. Pioneer Park is 113 acres of forested habitat, the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals, and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. The restoration goals for this park include planting native conifer trees; removing non-native plants, such as ivy, that prevent native plants from growing; and site maintenance activities. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 chris@earthcorps.org

Posted in the May 2007 Earth Page

Earth Month 2007

To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, Earth Share organizations will play host to celebrations and volunteer events throughout Washington.

April 21 & 22, Earth Share of Washington and IKEA will host an environmental fair at the IKEA store in Renton, featuring sign-up for volunteer events throughout the spring and summer, interactive educational exhibits, and fun activities for kids and families.

Go outside, get your hands dirty, and sign-up for a volunteer event in your neck of the woods! See a complete list of Earth Month activities below.

Posted in the April 2007 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities – Earth Month 2007

• April - May - Iron Goat Trail - Hiking Trail Restoration Calendar - Trail construction begins on the Goat in April! Where trains once thundered, volunteers are now constructing an historic recreational trail in the Stevens Pass area of the Washington Cascades, sixty miles northeast of Seattle. The trail goes six miles through a lovely forests of ferns, alders and evergreens from Martin Creek to the Wellington town site and trailhead. Volunteers will meet at the Scenic Trailhead. Work parties begin at 8:45am and end at 4:00pm. For more information contact Volunteers for Outdoor Washington at info@trailvolunteers.org or visit the Earth Share website for specific volunteer work party dates – www.esw.org/help
• April 7 - Lincoln Park Beach Treasure Hunt - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA - Kick off People for Puget Sound's 2007 Kids For Puget Sound Art Contest with a Beach Treasure Hunt and low-tide walk! Meet at Lincoln Park Picnic Shelter number 4 (on the beach north of the restrooms). Participants will search for hidden treasure while cleaning up the beach; find a treasure bottle and win a prize. Use beach litter to create entries for the Kids For Puget Sound Art Contest, and finish up with a low-tide walk to meet a few of our critter friends who live in Puget Sound. Space is limited -- For more information, please contact Stephanie Raymond at sraymond@pugetsound.org or by calling 206-382-7007.
• April 7 - Ivy O.U.T. at the Strandberg Preserve - 9:00am to 12:00pm - Richmond Beach Strandberg Preserve - Join volunteers for Cascade Land Conservancy and residents of Shoreline at Richmond Beach Strandberg Preserve for this event to battle invasive plants. All ages welcome, kids are welcome with a supervising adult. This is a wonderful event for youth groups and community service credit is available for educational requirements. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided to participants. Please wear appropriate attire. For more information or to RSVP please contact Stacy Cachules at (206) 292-5907 ext. 218.
• April 14 - "Welcome the Whales Day" Parade and Environmental Resource Fair - 10:00am - 5:00pm - Langley Waterfront, Langley, WA - Join in the celebrations to "Welcome the Whales" and make a costume to wear in the "Procession of Species" Parade at 1PM, participate in educational crafts, presentations and learn from informative displays. This annual free and family friendly welcoming takes place on the Langley Waterfront on Whidbey Island, and is organized by Orca Network. People For Puget Sound will have an information display at the resource fair. For more information, contact Britta Eschete at beschete@pugetsound.org or by calling 360-336-1931.
• April 14 - Green Kirkland Partnership Work Party - 9:00am to 12:00pm - Watershed Park, Kirkland - The City of Kirkland and Cascade Land Conservancy launched the Green Kirkland Partnership in an Kirkland work party effort to tackle the growing invasive species problem and promote community stewardship. Please join citizens of Kirkland and CLC volunteers for a morning work party activity. For more information or to RSVP contact stacyc@cascadeland.org or call (206) 292-5907 ext. 218.
• April 18 - Environmental Health Lecture Series - Sustainable Systems - 5:30pm - 8:00pm - Town Hall, Seattle, WA - People For Puget Sound is a co-sponsor of these 4 lectures. Sustainability has been a "buzz word" for decades now, but people have often found it hard to grasp or utilize in practical ways. What does it mean on the ground to create a sustainable future given the complexity of the systems that influence our lives?
  
  John Robinson, PhD, former director of the Sustainable Development Research Institute and current professor in both the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability and the Department of Geography at the University of British Columbia will discuss how we can effectively apply sustainability theory in "real world" terms. Admission is $15. For more information, contact 
Heather Trim at htrim@pugetsound.org or by calling 206.382.7007 ×215.
• April 21 - Duwamish Alive! Earth Day 2007 - 10:00am - 2:00pm - Join People for Puget Sound as hundreds of volunteers roll up their sleeves to work on eight simultaneous habitat restoration projects along the Duwamish River. Duwamish Alive! is a chance for people to reclaim the river by weeding invasive plants, planting native species, mulching the planting areas, and picking up debris and trash from the riverfront sites. Duwamish Alive! is a coalition of non profit groups and local government agencies joining together to help bring back the river’s health for people, salmon and wildlife. For more information about the day's events, please visit the People for Puget Sound Earth Day 2007 website or contact Eliza Ghitis at eghitis@pugetsound.org or by calling 206-382-7007 ext. 220.
• April 21 - Mima Mounds Restoration Work Party – 10:00am – 3:00pm - Catch some fresh air and stretch your muscles on 625 acres of South Sound prairie at the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, home to rare birds, butterflies, and wildflowers. Join other friendly volunteers to help restore the prairie back to health by removing invasive scotch broom. Bring a lunch and water and The Nature Conservancy provide the rest! For more info, contact Birdie Davenport at Roberta.davenport@wadnr.gov or (360) 586-0719.
• April 21 - Green Tacoma Partnership Earth Day Celebration at Oak Park - As a part of the Green Tacoma Partnership, Cascade Land Conservancy will be joining volunteers in a large Earth Day work party to restore Oak Tree Park in Tacoma. Oak Tree Park is located at S. 76th Street and Pine in Tacoma. For more information please contact stacyc@cascadeland.org.
• April 21-22 – IKEA Earth Day Celebration – 11:00am to 3:00pm both days – IKEA Store in Renton – Earth Share of Washington and IKEA will host an environmental fair in celebration of Earth Day 2007. Ten Earth Share organizations will feature sign-ups for volunteer opportunities throughout the spring and summer, interactive exhibits, and fun activities for kids and families. Join us to learn more about organizations and activities in your neighborhood! For more information, please contact Dave Manelski at dave@esw.org or by calling 206-622-9840.
  
  Participating organizations include: Bicycle Alliance of Washington, Climate Solutions, EarthCorps, National Parks Conservation Association, Nature Consortium, PAWS Wildlife Center, Peregrine Fund, Seattle Tilth, and Washington Native Plant Society.
• April 22 - Skagit County Earth Day Celebration - “Our Living and Growing Earth�? Birthday Party - 2:00pm - 4:30pm - Children's Museum of Skagit County, 419 South 1st Street, Mount Vernon, WA - 
Celebrate “Our Living and Growing Earth Month�? at the Children's Museum of Skagit County and learn about the earth, and our Puget Sound Region’s water, plants, land and air. Enjoy music by local musician, Dave Nellis, crafts and some birthday cake! This special birthday party for the earth is part of the festivities celebrating “Our Living and Growing Earth Month�?, organized by People For Puget Sound and hosted by the Children’s Museum of Skagit County, thanks to a grant from REI. For more information, please contact Britta Eschete at beschete@pugetsound.org or by calling 360-336-1931.
• April 22 - Mercer Island Earth Day Celebration - 1:00pm - 5:00pm - Join EarthCorps, Mercer Island Parks and Recreation and community members as EarthCorps celebrates Earth Day by working to save this Mercer Island Park. Clarke Beach is located on the shores of Lake Washington and it hosts a wide variety of activities such as swimming, hiking and picnicking. The forested area of this park is threatened by the spread of invasive plants such as English ivy. These invasive plants, if uncontrolled, cover and kill trees, carpet the forest floor, and prevent the sprouting of tree seedlings. This project is part of a larger effort to restore Mercer Island Parks. This spring the work will focus on installing survival rings around native trees that are covered in English ivy. Other work may include removing other invasive plants and continuing stewardship on previously restored areas. Even working for just a few hours contributes greatly, and because you are working in a local park, you can revisit your work for years to come. For more information, contact Bill Brosseau at (206) 322-9296, ext. 207 or email bill@earthcorps.org.
• April 29 – May 5 – Native Plant Appreciation Week – Governor Christine Gregoire recently proclaimed April 29 through May 5 as native plant appreciation week in Washington. This week is a celebration of the amazing diversity of Washington's over 3000 native plant species that inhabit deserts, rain forests, high alpine environments, river valleys, and even backyard landscapes. Native plant ecosystems are critical to sustaining our native wildlife and the quality of Washington's environment. Native plant sales, volunteer events, and guided nature walks will take place across the state. To find a native plant event in your neighborhood, please visit the Washington Native Plant Society’s web site, www.wnps.org.
• May 12 - Cascade Land Conservancy's Conservation Awards Breakfast – Save the date for Cascade Land Conservancy's 12th Annual Conservation Awards Breakfast on Tuesday May 15, 2007 from 7:30-9:00am at the Washington State Trade and Convention Center. Cascade Land Conservancy is pleased to announce that Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire will join as their special guest! The 12th Annual Conservation Awards Breakfast will bring together over 1,800 guests - civic, elected, business and environmental leaders to celebrate innovative, regional leadership. Find out more information at www.cascadeland.org

Posted in the April 2007 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - January 2007

• January – all month long - Washington Trails Association Trail Work Calendar - In 2006, Washington Trails Association (WTA) volunteers contributed more than 72,000 hours of volunteer service restoring hiking trails. Join that effort and be a part of protecting and maintaining trails around Washington State. This month, WTA hosts more than 15 trail work parties. To find a work party in your neck of the woods, please visit the Washington Trails Association website at www.wta.org and signup today!
• January 6 - Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership Winter Stewardship Project - Help restore critical riparian habitat by planting native trees and shrubs, monitoring and maintaining restoration sites, and removing invasive species. 9am-12pm at Lacamas Creek in Camas. Visit www.lcrep.org for volunteer information.
• January 6 - Priorities for a Healthy Washington Legislative Workshop - 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM - Seattle Pacific University, Gwinn Room - Attend the annual Priorities for a Healthy Washington Legislative Workshop as the state's leading conservation groups prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Participants will hear from legislators, environmental leaders, and members of the media regarding the community's Priorities for a Healthy Washington. These priorities include legislation to save our Sound, eliminate toxic flame retardants, promote clean air and clean fuels, and invest in Washington’s parks and wildlife. All attendees have a chance to win an amazing black-and-white photo of the first repatriated totem by photographer David Adam Edelstein. Space is limited, so for more info and to register online go to http://www.wecprotects.org/join/legworkshop_reg.cfm or contact Kerri Chehovic, Organizer for Washington Environmental Council, at 206-622-8103 ×212 or "kerri@wecprotects.org:mailto:kerri@wecprotects.org with any questions. And make sure to save the date for Priorities for a Healthy Washington Lobby Day on February 14th in Olympia.
• January 13 - Glacial Heritage Prairie Restoration Work Party - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM - Need some fresh air? Then join the friendly volunteers who help the Nature Conservancy restore remnants of our rare and beautiful prairie landscape and learn about our natural heritage in the process. New faces are always welcome! Volunteers will work to replant rare native plants and pull invasive Scotch broom. Bring a lunch/water and they’ll provide the rest. If you’d like to stay for the potluck feel free to bring a dish to share or simply come enjoy! For more information, email Grace Diehl, Volunteer Coordinator, at gdiehl@tnc.org.
• January 19 - Storming the Sound: A Regional Gathering of Environmental Educators - 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM - Maple Hall, 1st and Commercial Streets, La Conner, WA - Don’t miss the 7th Annual "Storming the Sound" workshop, bringing together K-12 teachers in the private, public and homeschool sectors, environmental resource providers and students interested in an environmental career from the North Sound area. This full-day workshop consists of a mix of facilitated breakout presentations and an agenda created through the “open space�? process. Be a part of the solution for "educating for the environment" and come with ideas, problems, solutions and resources to restore our world! A $5 donation is requested from all participants to cover expenses for the day, lunch included. For information on becoming a sponsoring organization or to sign-up, please contact Britta Eschete at 360-336-1931 or beschete@pugetsound.org
• January 27 - Longfellow Creek Restoration Work Party - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Join EarthCorps, Longfellow Creek Watershed Council, and Seattle Parks and Recreation/Green Seattle Partnership (GSP) as we work to restore habitat along Longfellow Creek! Located in West Seattle, Longfellow Creek is one of only three natural waterways left within Seattle city limits. Salmon stopped using the creek in the 1930s due to pollution and blocked stream passage. The efforts of many community groups and volunteers made the return of the salmon possible in the 1990s. Now they are working to continue the improvement of conditions in the creek. Projects will include the removal of invasive plants, maintenance of restoration sites, and planting of native plants in areas along Longfellow Creek. For more information, contact Elizabeth White, Outreach Project Manager at (206) 255-4160 or email elizabeth@earthcorps.org
• February 1 - 2006-2007 Speaker Series: Sea Otter Reproduction at the Seattle Aquarium - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Ave. N. - Seattle, WA - The Seattle Aquarium was the first facility in the world to successfully breed sea otters and to date is the only aquarium in the United States that has successfully bred northern sea otters. Curator C.J. Casson gives a history of the Aquarium’s sea otter program to demonstrate how the art of animal husbandry can effect the captive propagation of this species. C.J. will discuss mother/pup interactions and the Aquarium's role in sea otter research. To register, contact Lynne Jordan at (206) 382-7007 or email ljordan@pugetsound.org. Single Program - Non-Member $8.00 - People for Puget Sound Member - $6.00.

Posted in the January 2007 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - December 2006

• December 2 - Moonlight Beachwalk & Bonfire at Seahurst Park - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Seahurst Park, Meet in the lower parking lot, Burien, WA - Imagine you're on the shoreline at a lovely low tide. Rocks that are covered all year now lie exposed to view while the sea denizens remain happily cold and wet in the dark. All around you, people waving flashlights are intently studying the amazing sea life as local naturalists help you discover the wonders of your Puget Sound shoreline. Bundle up against the weather and be sure to bring a bright flashlight and wading boots. (You’ll be in ankle-deep water.) Free and family friendly! Stick around awhile and enjoy the bonfire and some stories on the beach. For more information or to sign-up, contact Daoud Miller at DMiller@pugetsound.org or call 206-382-7007.
• December 2 – Interlaken Park Restoration Work Party - Help Volunteers for Outdoor Washington remove invasive plants and make the hiking trails safer and more comfortable for park visitors. Interlaken Park is a beautifully wooded park set in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle. Volunteers will Meet at 19th E. and Galer E. at 9:30 AM and plan on working until 2:30 PM. For more information contact Todd Jennings at todd@trailvolunteers.org or call 206-517-3019.
• December 3 - Mercerdale Hillside Restoration Work Party - 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Join EarthCorps, Mercer Island Parks and Recreation and community members in working to save this forested park. Community members have been working since 1998 to restore this local park that is threatened by the spread of invasive plants. These invasive plants, if uncontrolled, cover and kill trees, carpet the forest floor, and prevent the sprouting of tree seedlings. This project is part of a larger effort to restore Mercer Island Parks. This winter, volunteer work is focused on planting native trees and continuing stewardship on previously restored areas. Even working for just a few hours contributes greatly, and because you are working in a local park, you can revisit your work for years to come. For more information, contact Ashley Adams, Project Manager at (206) 793-4813 or email ashley@earthcorps.org
• December 7 - 2006-2007 Speaker Series: King of Fish and the Environmental History of Puget Sound Rivers - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle, WA - Professor David Montgomery discusses his recent environmental history of salmon, King of Fish: The Thousand-Year Run of Salmon, and his research group’s work into the co-evolution of the Pacific salmon and the topography of the Pacific Northwest and his research on the environmental history of Puget Sound rivers. Admission: $6 People For Puget Sound members, $8 non-members. For more information, contact Lynne Jordan at (206) 382-7007 or email ljordan@pugetsound.org
• December 9 - Glacial Heritage Prairie Restoration Work Party - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM - One of the rarest ecosystems in the country, these open savannas were created by retreating glaciers 15,000 years ago, then were sustained by the fires of Native Americans for thousands of years. Today, conservationists maintain our prairies through active management and restoration. Join the friendly volunteers who help the Nature Conservancy restore remnants of our rare and beautiful prairie landscape and learn about our natural heritage in the process. New faces are always welcome! Volunteers will work to replant native fescue grasses and pull invasive Scotch broom, followed by a potluck and the chance to cut down your own Christmas tree. Bring a lunch/water and they’ll provide the rest. If you’d like to stay for the potluck or Christmas trees, bring a saw and dish to share. Where: Glacial Heritage Preserve. For more information, email Grace Diehl, Volunteer Coordinator, at gdiehl@tnc.org.
• December 11 - Priorities for a Healthy Washington Bellingham Community Forum - 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM - Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham, WA - Learn about the environmental priorities for Legislative Session 2007. Senators and Representatives from the 40th and 42nd district will be participating in a moderated forum to address the 5 priorities and local issues. The invited Senators and Representatives will also address additional questions from the audience. Learn more about Priorities for a Healthy Washington by visiting their website: http://www.environmentalpriorities.org/ or contact Britta Eschete at beschete@pugetsound.org or by calling 360-336-1931.
• December 16 - Hamm Creek Habitat Restoration - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - 10000 W. Marginal Pl S., Seattle, WA - Join People For Puget Sound and the Sound Stewards for another fun-filled habitat restoration event. Volunteers will be working together to remove pesky invasive weeds that threaten to overtake native plants. These events will take place rain or shine, so put on sturdy footwear, protect your legs and arms, and dress for the weather. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water and pack a sack lunch. Tools and gloves provided if you don't have any of your own and no experience is necessary. Children 10 and under must have one-to-one adult supervision. For more information or to sign-up contact Brian Craig at briancraig609@hotmail.com
• January 6 - Priorities for a Healthy Washington Legislative Workshop - 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM - Seattle Pacific University, Gwinn Room - Attend the annual Priorities for a Healthy Washington Legislative Workshop as the state’s leading conservation groups prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Attendees will hear from legislators, environmental leaders, and members of the media regarding the community's Priorities for a Healthy Washington. These priorities include legislation to Save our Sound, eliminate toxic flame retardants, promote clean air and clean fuels, and invest in Washington's parks and wildlife. All attendees have a chance to win an amazing black-and-white photo of the first repatriated totem by photographer David Adam Edelstein. Space is limited, so for more info and to register online go to http://www.wecprotects.org/join/legworkshop_reg.cfm or contact Kerri Chehovic, Organizer for Washington Environmental Council, at 206-622-8103 ×212 or kerri@wecprotects.org with any questions.

Posted in the December 2006 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

• November 2 - 2006-2007 Speaker Series: Commercial Shellfish Culture with Bill Dewey - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Ave. N, Seattle, WA - Washington State is the largest producer of farmed shellfish in the United States. Taylor Shellfish Company of Shelton is one of the country’s largest producers of farmed shellfish. Public affairs manager Bill Dewey presents an overview of commercial culture of oysters, Manila clams, mussels and geoduck clams. Bill discusses the relationship between shellfish and clean water and the role shellfish themselves play in the marine ecosystem. $6 People For Puget Sound members, $8 non-members. For more information Contact Lynne Jordan at (206) 382-7007 or email ljordan@pugetsound.org
• November 3-4 - Washington State Trails Conference - Trails for Future Generations - Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, Yakima, Washington - Make an investment in the future of Washington’s trails. At the bi-annual Washington State Trails Conference, advocates, planners, users, funders, builders, and volunteers come together to learn about trail issues and discuss real solutions to the problems trails face. The Washington State Trails Conference is open to everyone with a zeal for trails and the opportunities they afford. For a detailed look at the conference program, download the brochure at www.wta.org/wstc. For more information about the conference contact Elizabeth Lunney of the Washington Trails Association (206) 965-8555 or elizabeth@wta.org
• November 4 - Lincoln Park Restoration Work Party - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - This West Seattle landmark is one of the city's largest and most popular parks. Its 135 acres feature ballfields, playgrounds, trails, shoreline, and forest. Invasive species like English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry are choking out native vegetation and are bringing early deaths to Lincoln's trees. Join EarthCorps and the Green Seattle Partnership as they work to make the forests and shoreline of Lincoln Park healthy. Projects will include invasive plant removal, preparing areas for planting native plants, and planting native plants. For more information, contact Elizabeth White, Outreach Project Manager at (206) 255-4160, ext. 221 or email elizabeth@earthcorps.org
• November 5 - Backyard Habitat Workshop - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle - Creating backyard habitat is one thing you can do to help counteract the effects of habitat fragmentation, invasive species, pollution and an increasing disconnect with nature. Participants will meet plant and animal experts, and get hands-on experience that will show you how to attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife to your backyard, select and care for native plants, conserve water, and maintain your backyard without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides. The registration fee of $55 (or $100 per couple) includes the cost of workshop materials and snacks. Reduced Fee of $35 for staff and volunteers of Woodland Park Zoo, National Wildlife Federation, Seattle Audubon and Washington Native Plant Society. Space is limited, so please register early. For more information or for an application, please contact: Jenny Mears, Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th Street, Seattle, WA 98103, jenny.mears@zoo.org
• November 5 - Safe Cosmetics Forum - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM - N. Bellevue Community Center, 4068 148th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA - Learn about ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products including lotions, deodorants, hair gels, and cosmetics - their cumulative effects on our health and environment, and what consumers can do to protect themselves, their families and the environment. An average consumer uses as many as 25 different cosmetic and personal care products containing more than 200 different chemicals each day. Yet almost 90% of the 10,000+ chemicals used in our personal care products have never been evaluated for safety. Some ingredients have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer and reproductive problems, and are also causing problems for marine life in Puget Sound. RSVP's requested to Margaret Shield, Toxic Free Legacy Coalition, 206-632-1545 *123 or email mshield@toxicfreelegacy.org
• November 11 - Frink Park Restoration Work Party - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Join EarthCorps, Friends of Frink Park and the Seattle Parks & Recreation in an effort to protect open spaces from the threat of invasive English ivy. Volunteers will be installing "survival rings" around trees covered with ivy as well as performing restoration site maintenance and monitoring on sites where they have previously worked. For more information, contact Elizabeth White, Outreach Project Manager at (206) 255-4160 or email elizabeth@earthcorps.org
• November 18 - Mee-Kwa-Mooks Park Restoration Work Party - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Mee-Kwa-Mooks Park, located along the shoreline of West Seattle, offers gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains. Meaning shaped like a bear's head, Mee-Kwa-Mooks was the original name of the West Seattle peninsula. Volunteer with EarthCorps, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Green Seattle Partnership as they work to keep this urban forest happy and healthy! You can be part of the action by removing damaging invasive plant species, planting native plants, and taking care of past forest restoration sites. For more information, contact Elizabeth White, Outreach Project Manager, at (206) 255-4160 or email 'elizabeth@earthcorps.org":mailto:elizabeth@earthcorps.org
• November 20 - Pioneer Park Restoration Work Party - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Work with EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park. Pioneer Park is 113 acres of forested habitat, the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. The restoration goals for this park include planting native conifer trees, removing non-native plants, such as ivy that prevent native plants from growing, and site maintenance activities. For more information, contact Ashley Adams, Project Manager at (206) 793-4813 or email ashley@earthcorps.org
• November 21 - Volunteer Work Party at Eco Encore's Office in SoDo Seattle - 5:00 to 9:00 PM - Eco Encore is receiving more donations of reusable media than ever before, and they rely heavily on volunteers for getting these donations catalogued for sale in their online store. On the third Tuesday of every month, Eco Encore orders pizza, cranks up a little music, and leaves the office open until 9:00 PM for anyone who would like to come and help out. Want to put a few hours of your time toward this great cause? RSVP to Jessie Alan, Director, at jessie@ecoencore.org or 206-297-6995.

Posted in the November 2006 Earth Page

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

• October 5 - 2006-2007 Speaker Series: All Wet, and Happy That Way with Jeff Renner - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Ave, N, Seattle, WA - King 5 News weatherman Jeff Renner will share what he sees as some of the changes in Northwest weather and the changes in weather forecasting technology over the last 15 years. Also an avid SCUBA diver, Jeff will combine his presentation with some examples of his underwater photography and be your tour guide to some of his favorite parts of Puget Sound. He is the author of Northwest Marine Weather, Northwest Mountain Weather and Lightning Strikes: Surviving Thunderstorms. Admission: $6 People For Puget Sound members, $8 non-members, $40 season pass (8 programs) for People For Puget Sound members, $55 season pass non-members. To register, Contact Lynne Jordan at (206) 382-7007 or email ljordan@pugetsound.org.
• October 7 - Longfellow Creek Restoration Work Party - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Join EarthCorps, Longfellow Creek Watershed Council, and Seattle Parks and Recreation/Green Seattle Partnership (GSP) as they work to restore habitat along Longfellow Creek! Located in West Seattle, Longfellow Creek is one of only three natural waterways left within Seattle city limits. Salmon stopped using the creek in the 1930s due to pollution and blocked stream passage. The efforts of many community groups and volunteers made the return of the salmon possible in the 1990s. Now they are working to improve conditions in the creek. Projects will include the removal of invasive plants, maintenance of restoration sites, and planting of native plants in areas along Longfellow Creek. For more information, contact Elizabeth White, Outreach Project Manager at (206) 255-4160, ext. 221 or email elizabeth@earthcorps.org.
• October 11 – Volunteer at the Washington Toxics Coalition Auction for Action - 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Seattle WA - The Washington Toxics Coalition is seeking volunteers for their 25th Anniversary Auction for Action. They would like to invite you to be a part of this year’s event by volunteering for the many available positions, including entry greeter; coat check; registration; data entry; silent auction assistants; live auction assistants such as spotter, floater, runner, and item handler; and check out. The reception and silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner program and live auction begin at 7:30 p.m. Please visit the Washington Toxics Coalition website to sign up for a shift – http://www.watoxics.org/
• October 14 - Duwamish Alive! Habitat Restoration - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Duwamish River - Come join People for Puget Sound as hundreds of volunteers roll up their sleeves to work on six simultaneous habitat restoration projects along the Duwamish River. Duwamish Alive! is a chance for people to reclaim the river by weeding invasive plants, planting native species, mulching the planting areas, and picking up debris and trash from the riverfront sites.
  
  Schedule of Events: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Volunteer at any of the six sites along the Duwamish River; pull weeds, mulch planting areas, plant native vegetation, and pick up debris and trash in the restoration areas. To learn more about the event or sign up, please contact Eliza Ghitis at eghitis@pugetsound.org or by calling 206-382-7007 ext. 220.
• October 16 - Pioneer Park Restoration Work Party - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Work with EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park! Pioneer Park is 113 acres of forested habitat, the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals, and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. The restoration goals for this park include planting native conifer trees; removing non-native plants, such as ivy, that prevent native plants from growing; and site maintenance activities. For more information, contact Ashley Adams, Project Manager at (206) 793-4813 or email ashley@earthcorps.org.
• October 25 - Lecture: "Our Outdoor Sporting Tradition" – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Centerplace, Mirabeau Point Park (Room 108) 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane - Join John Roskelley, National Wildlife Federation, and Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition for an evening of adventure stories abroad, and reflections on this place we call home. They'll have a candid discussion about the current state of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake River systems, and how you can help assure their survival for future generations of anglers. He event is free! Everyone present will receive a free ticket for a drawing to win a St. Croix fly fishing rod.
  
  Keynote speaker John Roskelley is considered one of the world's top Himalayan climbers and adventurers. A Spokane native, he started climbing at the age of 16, and he reached the summit of four 8,000-meter peaks, including Everest and K2. John has written three adventure books and many articles for national magazines. His photography has appeared on the cover of National Geographic. Please RSVP to Joelle Robinson at robinsonj@nwf.org or by calling 206.285.8707 × 105.
• October 28 - Llandover Woods Open Space Stewardship - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Join E