Puget Sound Volunteer Weeks

From clean-ups to planting parties, there are plenty of ways to take action around Puget Sound. Join us to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day by participating in one of the Puget Sound Starts Here Volunteer Week events.

Snohomish-Camano Events

Thursday, April 29 & May 6, 2010, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Brier Goes Green! – Sustainable gardening and low-impact living classes will be held on three nights at the Brier City Hall, 2901 228th St SW, Brier. Classes cover: Natural Yard Care, Child-Friendly Gardens, Sustainable Landscapes, Good Bugs/Bad Bugs, and Composting Yard & Food Wastes. The classes are free.
Location: Brier City Hall, 2901 228th St SW, Brier WA
Contact: Sign up at workshops@snohomishcd.org or call Lois Ruskell, 425-335-5634, ext 108

Thursday, April 29, 9 AM – 4 PM & Saturday, May 15, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Become a Beach Naturalist!, South County – Enjoy spending time on the beach? Want to learn about the organisms that live there? Willing to share what you know? Then join WSU Beach Watchers for a two-day training to learn about Puget Sound intertidal life, and commit to volunteer eight hours over the spring and summer at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park or Kayak Point County Park (Stanwood) to share what you know. All volunteers will work with teams.
Location: 1st day – Mukilteo Rose Hill Center & 2nd day – Mukilteo Lighthouse Park
Sponsored by WSU Beach Watchers, Snohomish County
For more information: Chrys, (425) 357-6020, chrys@cahnrs.wsu.edu

Saturday, May 15th, 9am to 12pm
2010 Jetty Island Marina Clean Up Day! - Volunteers are needed to help the Port of Everett and People For Puget Sound clean up Jetty Island in Everett! We’ll be ripping out invasive weeds and picking up garbage from the beach. Volunteers will be celebrated with a bbq at the Marina following the event at noon. To register sign up at register@pugetsound.org
Location: Jetty Island, Everett
Sponsored by People for Puget Sound
For more information: Keeley, 206-382-7007

Saturday, May 15th, 10 AM – 2 PM
4-H Natural Resources Progressive Nature Walk – This is an educational adventure for naturalist youth and their families! Join Naturalist Extraordinaire Brian Raven for a brown bag lunch and learn about wetlands, native plants, birds, bugs and the landscape around us.
Location: Meet at McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett WA 98208 and head to North Creek County Park.
Sponsored by WSU Snohomish County Extension 4H
For more information: Gabrielle Roesch and Dottie Nelson, 425 357-6011, Gabrielle90@wsu.edu

Monday, May 17th 2010, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm optional tour follows
Mini LID Conference – Come and join us at the fairgrounds and learn about rain gardens, pervious pavements options and other LID solutions. Following the event you can join our group to tour some of the nearby facilities.
Location: Monroe Evergreen Fairground
Sponsored by the Sustainable Development Task Force
For more information: Zsofia Pasztor, 425-210-5541, Pasztor100@gmail.com

Kitsap Events

May 22nd & June 22nd 2010, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Discovery Plany Days – Discovery Play Days return to Clear Creek Trail this April. Children and their parents will join naturalists in our interpretive center for stories, songs, and crafts at 10:00. Then we head outdoors to explore from 11:00 to noon. This spring we have two Saturday programs. Saturday, May 22nd we’ll go on an “I-Spy” scavenger hunt. Our summer programs begin Tuesday, June 22nd. We’ll look for animal signs on the trail, explore the beach, and so much more.
Visit our website for program details and a list of some of our favorite stories: www.clearcreektrail.org.

Saturday, May 1, 2010, 9am-4pm
Weed Warriors Unite! – Join the Noxious Weed Control Program at the Silverdale Community Center and learn about how to control Kitsap County’s worst noxious weeds. We will even be leaving the classroom and will participate in site surveys outside. Help protect Kitsap County against the invasion of noxious weeds
RSVP: noxweed@gmail.com Deadline to RSVP is April 9. Space is limited.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Kitsap Water Festival – Each year 1,000 4th grade students are invited to attend Water Festival at the County Fairgrounds and Event Center for a concentrated, hands-on learning experience in a fun and memorable atmosphere, presented by exhibitors, professionals in environmental and natural resource fields, and entertainers. This watershed educational program showcases the dynamics of water and demonstrates how water and pollutants travel over land and under ground to eventually reach streams, groundwater, and Puget Sound. http://www.kitsapgov.com/sswm/waterfestival.htm

Saturday, May 8th, noon and Saturday, June 26th, 4 p.m.
Dyes Inlet & Clear Creek Beach Seining – Join Paul Dorn, the Suquamish Tribe’s Salmon Recovery Coordinator, and the Clear Creek Task Force near the mouth of Clear Creek at Old Mill Park. On June 26th, families from the Kitsap Regional Library’s “All About Water” summer reading program will join us for this fun, informative and exciting day at the beach. All types of fish will be netted, identified, measured, inventoried and re-leased. Be prepared to get wet! To volunteer to help, email clearcreektrail@yahoo.com. Families who want to participate should sign up with Kitsap Regional Library in Silverdale.

May 8-9, 2010 in Port Gamble
Olympic Outdoor Center, NW Adventure Sports Expo – Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Standup Paddleboarding and other outdoor activities, Demos, classes, races, experts and vendors. Check out the latest equipment, test your skills in a race, check out the Reel Paddling Film Festival world tour and learn from the experts. Beginning to advanced outdoor enthusiasts and all ages welcome. Saturday night: Best of the Best watersports films and silent auction for outdoor equipment—space is limited to 100 people.
To register and learn more, go to www.unleashthebeastnw.com

May 8, 2010, 10 am to noon
Guillemot Cove Wildflower Walk with Wendy McClure – Easy walk. Wendy McClure of the Washington Native Plant Society returns to lead another of her always popular wildflower walks at scenic Guillemot Cove Preserve. The walk will be approximately 4 hours, taking us through the woods to the coast for lunch. On the return we’ll visit the mysterious stump house. Bring your wildflower books (Wendy recommends “Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast” by Pojar and Mackinnon). Limited to 15.
To register email info@greatpeninsula.org

May 15, 2010, 9 am – 10:30 am
Big Tree Tour at Mountaineers Rhododendron Preserve with Jim Trainer – Easy hike. GPC and Kitsap Mountaineers sponsor this 1.5 mile RT hike over narrow up and down terrain. Jim will point out an eagles nest on the way to the largest Douglas fir in Kitsap County. Children are welcome.
To register email info@greatpeninsula.org

May 22, 2010, 9 am – 11 am
Banner Forest Hike - Easy hike. One of several Heritage Parks established by Kitsap County, Banner Forest comprises 635 acres with a network of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and non-motorized biking. At the center of the forest is a 139 acre wetland area protected by the Great Peninsula Conservancy which is currently open for hiking only. Animals that make their home here include black tailed deer, black bear, coyote, cougar, and mountain beaver, as well as many species of birds. This hike will be about 5 – 6 miles through the forest on mostly level terrain. Limited to 15.
To register email info@greatpeninsula.org

Saturdays, May 15 & 22 and June 5 & 19, 11 am—3pm,
Shoreline Cruises with Stillwaters Marine Education Program – departing from Kingston Marina on the “PacMan”. Come discover the shoreline from the water! The health of Puget Sound is at risk and Stillwaters is delving deep into the reason why by taking people out on the water. A four-hour tour with Paul Dorn, fisheries biologist with the Suquamish Tribe, and Betsy Cooper, marine biologist. Learn about the nearshore: the geologic formations, the critters who live there and how it is impacted by humans. Hands on activities will possibly include plankton tows and bottom sampling. Cruise registration will include an optional Overview Foundation Class on either May 13 or June 3 at 7 pm. These tours are open to anyone 12 years old and above, however anyone between the ages of 12 and16 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own lunch, dress for the weather, and wear waterproof shoes. Cost: Suggested donation of $25 each, or $40/couple or parent & child. Register at 360-297-1226 or info@stillwatersenvironmentalcenter.org

Saturday, May 15th, 9 AM- 12PM
Weed Warrior Weed Pull - Join the Weed Warriors as they lead the way in this weeding work party. Bring your enthusiasm and gardening gloves if you have them! The yellow gate on the south side of Anderson Hill Road is the enterance of our meeting spot.
Location: Anderson Landing, 7998 Anderson Hill Road, Silverdale, WA 98383
Sponsored by Kistap County Noxious Weed Program
For more information: Celia Brown, noxweed@gmail.com

Saturday, May 15th, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
WSU/Sea Grant Beach Walk – Learn about the marine life along our shorelines on an exciting beach walk. WSU Extension/Washington Sea Grant Beach Naturalists and Native Plant Advisors will be on site to answer questions.
Location: Kitsap Memorial Park, 202 NE Park Street, Poulsbo
Sponsored by WSU Kitsap County Extension and Sea Grant
For more information: Peg Tillery, 360-337-7224, ptillery@co.kitsap.wa.us

Sunday, May 16th, 1-3:30 PM
Salsbury Point Park Project – Bring your friends and neighbors down to Hood Canal’s shoreline during this very low tide to learn about this Kitsap County park’s history, get your questions anwered about the health of Hood Canal, and get your hands dirty restoring the beach and shoreline vegetation. Please bring gloves and clippers and we’ll provide the sunshine and refreshments!
Location: Salsbury Point County Park, 3160 NW Wheeler Street, Poulsbo
Sponsored by Hood Canal Coordinating Council
For more information: Richard Brocksmith, 360-394-7999, rbrocksmith@hccc.wa.gov

May 16, 2010, 2:00 to 4:00pm
Composting Class – Held at Blueberry Park on Sylvan Way in Bremerton, WSU Kitsap Extension Master Gardener – Class is free.
Contact Robbin Small 360-813-1777

Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 1:00 to 3:00pm
Herbs, Recipes for Culinary and Household Uses – Presented by Dennis DJ Kimbrough at the Eagle’s Nest, Kitsap Fairgrounds.
Sponsored by the Master Gardener Foundation of Kitsap County – Class is free

One Saturday in May, (exact date TBD) 10-noon
Septic Saavy at Stillwaters – This workshop on Septic Systems and Drain Field Planting will be led by Peg Tillery of Kitsap Master Gardeners, and Jodie Holdcroft of Kitsap Public Works. Featured topics include: care of every septic system and planting on septic mounds. Beverages and snacks are included. Cost: $20 donation. Register at 360-297-1226 or info@stillwatersenvironmentalcenter.org

May 22 – Ivy Pull Indianola Water Front Preserve, 9 am – noon
May 22 – GPC/Kingston PUD Trail Maintenance, 10 am – noon
June (dateTBD) – Ivy Pull Appletree Cove Preserve, 10 am – noon
Ivy Out & Trail Maintenance Days – Come join the IVY League and free a tree with the Great Peninsula Conservancy! Prepare the way to replant with native species or brush trail on the Kingston PUD property. Bring gloves, pruners and reusable water bottle.
To volunteer email info@greatpeninsula.org

Saturday, June 12, 2010, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Edible Herbs and Flowers – Join the WSU Kitsap Mater Gardeners at Blueberry Park on Sylvan Way in Bremerton, contact Robbin Small 360-813-1777

Saturday, June 12, 2010
Annual Water Celebration and Low-Tide Beach Walk – Gather at the Kingston Farmers’ Market at the Marina for a day of learning about Puget Sound. Join a marine ecologist to discover the rich nearshore that is as diverse and bountiful as a tropical rain forest. Fun for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear shoes or boots to get muddy & walk on rocks. Cost: $5 suggested donation for beach walk.
Register at 360-297-1226 or info@stillwatersenvironmentalcenter.org.

Friday, June 18, 2010, 10:30am to 12:00 noon
Children’s Gardening Time at Blueberry Park – Join Kitsap WSU Master Gardener’s on Sylvan Way in Bremerton, contact Robbin Small 360-813-1777

Sunday, June 20, 11:30 am—2 pm.
Kayak Shoreline Tour at Stillwaters – Explore Appletree Cove and Estuary from the comfort of a kayak on this guided tour. A Great Father’s Day present! You will be accompanied by Naturalist & Biologist Paul Dorn, and you will get quick training on the kayak if needed. Kayaks provided. Cost: TBD.
Register at 360-297-1226 or info@stillwatersenvironmentalcenter.org.

June 26, 9 am – 10:30 am
Port Gamble Ramble with Jim Trainer - Easy hike. Nearby, but surprisingly unknown to many hiking enthusiasts, is this 4300 acre block of land belonging to Olympic Resource Management and the head waters to several creeks, including Gamble and Dogfish Creeks. Numerous logging roads and trails wind through the property that stretches from just outside Poulsbo to Port Gamble. Jim will lead a 4-5 mile RT walk on undulating terrain, pointing out evidence of the wildlife and the varied habitat they call home. No participant limit. To register email info@greatpeninsula.org
Jefferson Events

Saturday, May 1st, 10 AM
Chimacum Creek Beach Cleanup & Celebration – Come celebrate and help clean up this beach! Bring a garbage bag & gloves or a shovel to help rid the park of Hemlock. Join our locally organized group to monitor and maintain Jefferson County Irondale Beach Park and to keep it a proud heritage of Jefferson County. Location: Irondale Beach County Park, 562 Moore St, Port Hadlock, WA 98339
Sponsored by Friends of Chimicum
For more information: Susie Learned, 360-531-0167, suzanne@seacraftclassics.com

Monday, May 3rd, 1 PM
Oyster Seeding Event- Spend your day volunteering by helping to spread 200 bags of Oyster seed! In addition to providing recreational opportunity each oyster contributes to removing excess nutrients from Puget Sound. The oysters also provide structure that increases species diversity on the tidelands including prey species for salmonids and other fish. Bring your gloves. Location: Chimacum (Irondale) Beach Park
Sponsored by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
For more information: Brady Blake, Brady.Blake@dfw.wa.gov

May 13, 20, 27, & 29
Clam Seeding Events
May 13 @ 1 pm; Wolfe Property State Park, meet at Seven Sisters Road access, parking limited.
May 20 @4:30 pm; Oak Bay County Park, meet at park off Oak Bay Rd. south of Port Hadlock.
May 27 @1 pm; South Indian Island County Park meet at park on Indian Island, use Lagoon Beach access.
May 29 @2 pm; Triton Cove WDFW Tidelands meet at access ¼ mile north of Triton Cove State Park on HWY 101. Parking limited.
The clam seeding events involve spreading by hand 1 million Manila clam seed on selected tidelands at each location. The seed will grow to harvestable size of 1.5 inches in 2 to 3 years and provide additional and continued recreational clam digging opportunity at these popular public beaches.
Sponsored by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
For more information: Brady Blake, Brady.Blake@dfw.wa.gov

May 3, 6, 10, & 13, 6 PM – 9 PM
Boat Engine Workshop – Join us for a four-evening Boat Engine Troubleshooting and Maintenance Workshop in May for commercial fishermen and recreational boaters. Participants will learn how to troubleshoot the fuel, electrical, cooling, exhaust and drive systems of diesel and gas inboards, stern drives and outboards (two-cycle and four-stroke) and receive instruction in proper maintenance techniques to help prevent the most common problems. The fee for this class is $100. Please register in advance. Location: Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, 42 Water Street, Port Hadlock
Sponsored by Washington Sea Grant (WSG), Jefferson County Extension, Jefferson Education Center and the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
For more information: Sarah Fisken, (206) 543-1225

Saturday, May 8th, 11:30-12:30 PM
Little Quilcene Salmon Trap Check – Participants will observe sampling procedures and operation of a smolt trap on the Little Quilcene River. This will be an introduction for people who may want to volunteer in the future. Location: Little Quilcene River, 482 East Quilcene Road, Quilcene
Sponsored by Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group
For more information: Teresa Sjostrom, 360-275-3575, teresa@hcseg.org

Saturday, May 15th, 10 AM
Beach Walk – Family and kid’s are welcome to attend this beach and forest walk where critters and plant life will be explained by Mike Porter. There may be a few games as well. Wear warm clothes and boots or shoes that can get a little dirty. Meet at the recylcling bins. Then stick around for the 1pm kid’s art workshop to recreate on paper what you saw that morning! Sign up for the Walk and the Art Workshop on the poster on the family bulletin board at the Beach Club and get ready to have a great day. Location: Pt Ludlow Village Store, Village Way, Pt Ludlow
Sponsored by Port Ludlow Hood and WSU Jefferson Co Extension
For more information: Mike Porter, mrporter6@gmail.com

Saturday, May 15th, 1-3 PM
Ludlow Kid’s Art Workshop – The artist’s league will hold a couple hour workshop following the morning’s beach walk. There will be an opportunity to create art from what they have seen that morning. The morning walk is not necessary but will definitely inspire creative work!!! Sign up for the Walk and the Art Workshop on the poster on the family bulletin board at the Beach Club and get ready to have a great day. Location: Pt Ludlow Fire Station, 7650 Oak Bay Road, Port Ludlow
Sponsored by WSU Jefferson County Extension
For more information: Pat Pearson, 360 379 5610 X 204, pearsonp@wsu.edu

Mason Events

Saturday, May 8th, 8-10 AM
Ila’s Foods Road Cleanup Crew at Lake Cushman – Be a part of this group of family members, neighbors, and other interested folks as they cleanup 4.9 miles (an effort that happens 4 times a year). Get a good walk in, meet new people, and do something good for Lake Cushman and the Hood! Meet on top of hill by the gate to staircase road. Must be 18 or older. Don’t miss the Crew!
Location: Lake Cushman Road, (top of hill by staircase gate)
Sponsored by Ila’s Foods
For more information contact: Debbie & John- Kilcup, ilasfoods@aol.com

Saturday, May 8th, 10 AM – 4 PM
Harmony Hill Community Volunteer Day – Help clean up this nonprofits grounds, helping with some Spring cleaning and gardening. This volunteer day includes simple and fun community building activities, plus a free whole foods lunch! Please register in advance.
Location: Harmony Hill, 7362 E State Route 106, Union, WA
Sponsored by Harmony Hill
For more information contact: Jolene Black, (360) 898-2363, jolene@harmonyhill.org

Thursday, May 13th, 5:30-7:30 PM
On-Site Septic System Workshop – This free workshop will help homeowners understand how their septic systems work and how owners can affect the efficiency and longevity of their systems. Participants in the class will learn basic construction concepts, causes of system failure and how to minimize the risk of failure.
Location: Hoodsport Library, 40 Schoolhouse Hill Rd, Hoodsport
Sponsored by: WSU Mason County Extension and the Mason County Health Department
For more information contact Nora Moloney, (360)427-9670 x 686, nmoloney@wsu.edu

Friday May 14th, 6pm – 8:30pm & Saturday, May 15th, 9am – 5pm
Nature Mapping Workshop – The NatureMapping program presents a hands-on two-day workshop designed to build skills in identifying nearshore critters and developing skills for recording observations. Get field experience using maps, identifying wildlife, coding habitats, building a search image, and compiling field notes for sharing information across the state! There is a $45 sign-up fee. Once you are trained you are eligible for volunteering at the May 19th Environmental Explorations event. http://www.hcseg.org/
Location: Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group Office, 600 NE Roessel RD, Belfair, WA 98528
Sponsored by Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group
For more information: Michelle Myers, 360-275-9722, myers@hcseg.org

Wednesday, May 19th, 9 AM- 2 PM
Environmental Explorations – The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group is hosting a one day, interactive environmental learning day for 7th-12th graders at their new center. Volunteers will help facilitate with nature stations and nature mapping class, though must have gone through a Nature Mapping training. There are two training opportunities: May 8th, 13th, and 18th or May 14th and 15th. Call for details.
Location: Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group Office, 600 NE Roessel RD, Belfair, WA 98528
Sponsored by Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group
For more information: Michelle Myers, 360-275-3575, myers@hcseg.org

Thursday, May 22nd, 9-10 PM
Pier Peer – J. Cookson, the People for Puget Sound volunteer, Union resident and part owner of SmartMeme Studios will take people out onto the dock for this first-time night dockside exploration in Union. Spring has sprung and a whole new crop of marine organisms are expected to join us on the tides at Hood Canal Marina. A variety of jellyfish, marine worms, nudibranchs, and other, stranger things may visit night time adventurers….ever seen a sea angel or a winged sea slug? This is a fun way to get to know Hood Canal in a whole new light! This is a family-friendly event but we advise parents not to bring children under 8. All children must by supervised by an adult. Please dress for the weather (and damp docks) and bring your own flashlights. Sign up online at www.pugetsound.org
Location: Hood Canal (aka Union) Marina, 5101 East State Route 106, Union
Sponsored by People for Puget Sound
For more information: Gabrielle Byrne, (360) 754-9177, gbyrne@pugetsound.org

Saturday, May 22nd, 10 AM – 2 PM
Twanoh State Park Volunteer Day – Help cleanup and beautify Twanoh State Park. Join us as we plant trees, pickup trash on the beach and throughout the park, and install brand new pet waste stations. There will be a free shellfish snack at noon, but bring a lunch and some gardening gloves if you have them! Other snacks along with coffee will be provided. Call and let us know if you plan on making it!
Location: Twanoh State Park, 12190 E Highway 106, Union
Sponsored by Washington State Parks and WSU Mason County Extension
For more information: Nora Moloney, (360)427-9670 ext 686, nmoloney@wsu.edu

Saturday, May 23rd, 10 AM – 2 PM
Belfair State Park Volunteer Day – Help cleanup and beautify Belfair State Park. Join us as we pickup trash on the beach and throughout the park, install brand new pet waste stations, and do some restoration work. Bring your friends, a lunch and some gardening gloves if you have them! Snacks along with coffee will be provided. Call and let us know if you plan on making it!
Location: Belfair State Park, 410 Northeast Beck Road, Belfair
Sponsored by Washington State Parks and WSU Mason County Extension
For more information: Nora Moloney, (360)427-9670 ext 686, nmoloney@wsu.edu

Saturday, May 29th, 10 AM
Crab Larvae Collection Training - This kick-off training will get volunteers ready to participate in an important study, researching the decline of the Dungeness crab. Harvest has fallen from 698,000 pounds in 2005, to just 168,000 pounds in 2008 in Hood Canal. People living near a beach or dock are ideally located to conduct this research (once a week). Team up with other Hood Canal residents to share the effort. Call to register for this informative and exciting training! To get more information on the study go to http://megalops.org/
Location: Hood Canal (aka Union) Marina, 5101 East State Route 106, Union
Sponsored by Hood Canal Coordinating Council and Skokomish Tribe
For more information: Sue Texeira, Hood Canal Coordinating Council, 360-801-0958, stexeira@hccc.wa.gov

Saturday, June 5th, Time: 10-3pm
Hood Canal Dog Fest - Join us for an adventurous day about dogs! The Farm at Water’s Edge officially opens their new dog trails and invites folks down to the farm for a day of fun. Activities include dog agility courses, seminars, games, education booths (proper pet waste management, water quality, etc.), silent auctions, and hot dogs. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend, but you do not need a dog to attend this free event. Hot dogs and lemonade available -proceeds to salmon camps and 4-H groups. Location: Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group Office, 600 NE Roessel RD, Belfair, WA 98528
Sponsored by Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group
For more information: Renee Rose-Scherdnik, 360-275-3575, Renee@hcseg.org