Evergreen is hosting a series of lectures on thinking about the Anthropocene - the idea that our effects on the planet are changing it so profoundly that we're entering a new geological era. The next one is this Wednesday at 11:00 AM in the Communications Building at Evergreen. (Earlier talks in the series, and other recent talks at the college , are now available on YouTube.)

Stick Your Neck Out to Create Change—Why and How, John Graham

 ”The main reason why important challenges such as climate change don’t get met as they should is not that people lack ideas or ideals. There are plenty of smart people with fine ideals. But becoming an agent of change can be scary and too many people hesitate to put the ideas and ideals they have into action. ” So says John Graham, a Director of the Giraffe Heroes Project, a global NGO that for more than 30 years has been inspiring and training people to stick their necks out to help solve tough public problems, from climate change to inner city violence to crimes against women. He’ll share with you what he’s learned about sticking your own neck out for what you believe in–lessons from the more than 1300 brave activists honored by the Giraffe Heroes Project so far–and from his own lifetime as a risk-taking adventurer, helping people the world over take on the problems that test our times.”

On May 5, Harlequin Productions opens The Language Archive by Julia Cho at the State Theater in downtown Olympia. This inventive and whimsical play looks at the way language may complicate love and the expression of feeling may find its ultimate form in the scent of baking bread. The show runs until May 28. Tickets are available online at harlequinproductions.org, or over the phone at (360)786-0151.

George is a man consumed with preserving and documenting the dying languages of far-flung cultures. He is immersed in words but tongue-tied when his wife, Mary, announces that she is leaving him. Broken hearted, he turns to his current project: researching a dying language as spoken by an aged couple who are the last surviving speakers. Instead he finds them arguing in English over his claim on an airplane's window seat and her cooking. Meanwhile, George's assistant, Emma, has fallen in love with him but cannot find the words to express it in a way that he can hear. The Language Archive explores the way that words may stifle communication and how profound and incomprehensible feelings look for shapes that may not fit an archive.

     WHO:       Harlequin Productions

     WHAT:      The Language Archive, a romantic dramedy by Julia Cho

     WHEN:      May 5-28, 2016; Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sunday matinees at 2:00pm

     WHERE:     The Historic State Theater – 202 4^th Avenue East, Downtown Olympia 98501

     PRICE:        General: $34, Senior/Military: $31, Student/Youth: $20

$15 Rush Tickets available at Box Office 30 minutes prior to curtain

Many folks have been to Priest Point Park.  Here is a new video produced by my wife and I with highlights of the park's history.  It is 10 minutes long and I hope you enjoy watching it.

https://youtu.be/xfCoILemAxg

Event:  Visit Capitol Land Trust’s Springer Lake Preserve!

Date: Saturday, June 25, 2016

Time: 12 PM

Location: Springer Lake Preserve in Tumwater

Springer Lake, protected forever by Capitol Land Trust, is in a private community and this is a rare chance to visit this beautiful lake and see its flora and fauna. Pack a picnic, along with a chair or blanket and inflatable floatation device, and walk ¼ mile to Springer Lake.  Sit along the shores of the lake to enjoy your lunch, and weather permitting, get on your floating device and paddle around the lake to have the opportunity to see a rare bog. 

Registration Required.

https://capitollandtrust.org/visit-springer-lake-preserve/

Come join us at the library for this special theatrical event!  Created for the joy of creation, this all-star local cast lights up the stage with original songs and choreography. Asking the questions "What is the world?"
and, "what is life?" and perhaps "what is my place in it all?" This program will
occur after regular library hours and no other library services will be
provided.  All library programs are free and open to the public.

Join us at the library, where Pacific Northwest author Ned Hayes will join us on his first book tour stop for
the new novel "The Eagle Tree," the story of an Olympia boy obsessed by climate
change, fighting to save an old growth tree. This program will occur after
regular library hours and no other library services will be available.  All library programs are free and open to the public.

Join us at the library for a performance by award-winning saxophonist, Daniel Bennett.  All library programs are free and open to the public.

Interested in sustainable landscaping practices that can result in reduced maintenance chores, including watering and mowing, while also attracting birds and butterflies? Join WSU’s Native Plant Salvage Project for its popular "Naturescaping" workshop on Thursday, May 5 from 6-9:15 p.m. at the Tumwater Fire Hall, 311 Israel Rd. SW, Tumwater. Sponsored by City of Tumwater/Stream Team.

The class is free, but you must register to participate. Go to www.streamteam.info and click on “calendar.” For more information contact WSU Native Plant Salvage Project at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or 360-867-2167.

Hard-to-find specialty native perennial flowers, small shrubs, and rain garden plants will be offered for sale by the Native Plant Salvage Foundation from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 1 at the WSU Extension Office, 5033 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia. The event will feature plants that are drought-tolerant, disease resistant, and sure to attract native birds and butterflies. Buyers may pre-order in advance or shop in person on May 1. Perennial lists and prices can be found at nativeplantsalvage.org. For more information, contact nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com or 360-867-2167.

Local author Jim Lynch will present his new book, a grand saga of a sailing-obsessed family. He is the author of "The Highest Tide," "Border Songs" and "Truth Like the Sun." Books will be available for sale.