Join us at the Olympia Timberland Library, where Paige Orwin will discuss her new SF/Fantasy novel, The Interminables.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Copies of the book will be available to buy.  Feel free to call 360-352-0595 with any questions.

Savor hand-crafted cocktails with native plant infusions created by Katie Rains and enjoy live music by Daven Tillinghast. $25 tickets include entry, hors d'oeuvres and a drink of your choice. Nonalcoholic drinks available. Event sponsored by The Brotherhood Lounge and many others!

Visit nativeplantsalvage.org to register!

Forests, Farms, Fish & Fun!

August 13, 2016

Save the date for the Capitol Land Trust's 16th Annual Summer Gala & Auction!

August 13, 2016
5 PM to 9 PM
Ralph and Nancy Munro’s Triple Creek Farm in west Olympia

Come celebrate what the conservation of Forests, Farms and Fish does for our community, and what educational opportunities and fun in nature can do for children and adults.  Event proceeds will benefit conservation and outreach programs. A special Fund-a-Need will support the proposed Inspiring Kids Preserve.   Contact capitollandtrust.org to sign up.

SATURDAY June 25th at 3pm: Kris Hermes will talk about his new book, "Crashing the Party: Legacies and Lessons from the RNC 2000." This is a FREE event at Orca Books, 509 4th Ave E.

Over the past fifteen years, people in the United States—and dissidents in particular—have witnessed a steady escalation of the National Security State, including invasive surveillance and infiltration, indiscriminate police violence, and unlawful arrests. These concerted efforts to spy on Americans and undermine meaningful social change are greatly enhanced by the coordination of numerous local, state, and federal agencies often operating at the behest of private corporations. Normally associated with the realities of a post-9/11 world, Crashing the Party shows how these developments were already being set in motion during the Republican National Convention (RNC) protests in 2000. It also documents how, in response, dissidents confronted new forms of political repression by pushing legal boundaries and establishing new models of collective resistance.

My friend and mentor Paul Enns produced this cool video called Paul & Brian Ride the Bus (to get a beer.) It is part of the Drive Less, Go More effort at Panorama to encourage public transit. It is a fun and entertaining show about how we took the bus to Three Magnets Brewery for beer and sandwiches.  There are also good tips on the bus apps and planning trips.

https://vimeo.com/170495070

It’s that time of year – local salmon are finishing up their long, tiring journey and returning to their home streams to spawn. Bring the family in to honor this amazing fish by creating salmon-inspired artwork to take home. You can create fish prints, make a salmon button, stuff a salmon, and more!

Tardigrades (or water bears) are tiny creatures that live just about everywhere: moss, wastewater, hot springs, Antarctic ice, deep-sea trenches, and more. They’re one of the toughest animals on the planet and can survive extreme environments, including the severe cold and radiation of outer space! Hear more shocking facts, see cool photos, and search for tardigrades under the microscope at a 2pm presentation. Water bear crafts all day in the classroom.  

Nature journaling is a fun, family activity and an excellent way for kids to develop an awareness and appreciation of the world around them. Come and decorate your very own nature journal, and then take it outside to explore! Attend a 2pm presentation followed by a native plant walk on our wetland plaza. You’ll learn some easy identification tips for common native plants and how these plants were traditionally used by local native tribes.

Summer is here, and it’s a great time for kite flying. Bring in the family to decorate and assemble your very own “frustrationless flyer” kite – the easiest kite you’ll ever fly!

Come find out about the chemicals in personal care products like lotion, deodorant, shampoo, and hair dye. Join Thurston County Environmental Health to learn more about the health and environmental concerns from these everyday products, how to read labels, helpful websites, and safer alternatives. You’ll get to make an all-natural lip balm to take home! Presentation starts at 2pm and is best for ages 11 and up.