Come see Alan share his ideas, images, and humorous stories about hiking in the spring season. With much to share from his work on many of The Mountaineers Books, Alan will bring great ideas for staying active in the outdoors from winter into the spring months.

This program will take place at the Olympia Timberland Library, located at 313 8th Ave SE. Please call 360-352-0595 with any questions.

David Roberts, who writes about environmental issues for Vox, will be giving the keynote, and there'll be some closing remarks from Congressman Denny Heck. There's an agenda and details about the program online.

Coming to the State Theater: Harlequin’s 2018 Season Announcement Party

 Harlequin Productions’ annual fundraiser and season announcement party, ECLECTICA!, will be held on Saturday April 1 (no foolin’) from 5:00-8:00 pm at the State Theater in downtown Olympia. Attendees will start with a catered dinner from Pellegrino’s and there will be a no-host bar. The evening includes Harlequin’s famous wine toss game, live auctioning of a few special items, and the announcement of their Season 2018 lineup of shows. Don’t be surprised if there’s maybe even a little tomfoolery to commemorate the holiday.

Guests will hear from the directors and artistic directors about each of the seven shows that have been chosen for Season 2018. Patrons will also enjoy some of their favorite actors giving readings from each of the shows. A song or two may be possible as well.

    WHO:                Harlequin Productions

     WHAT:             Eclectica!

     WHEN:             Saturday April 1, 2017 from 5:00-8:00 PM

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

     PRICE:             $25 per person

     TICKETS:        Tickets and info available at www.harlequinproductions.org, or by calling 360/786-0151

You may be surprised that Puget Sound is home to twelve shark species. From common sharks like the spiny dogfish, to elusive deep-water sharks like the basking shark, you’ll learn about our toothy, water-bound neighbors through all-day art projects and an engaging 2 pm presentation at the WET Science Center. We hope you swim by! 

Do you know where water goes when it rains? At 1 pm, join educators from the City of Lacey at the WET Center to find out! First, see how cities are changing the way water flows to Puget Sound. Then find out how you can be the solution to water pollution! Use materials like rocks, clay, soil, and moss to build your own miniature rain garden. Finally, enjoy a friendly competition to see whose model soaks up the most water during a simulated heavy rain!

Create ocean-themed art at the WET Center in honor of World Oceans Day. You can draw, paint, sculpt, and more. Perfect for all ages and experience levels.

Are you curious about what happens to the dirty water you send down the drain? At 1 pm, see a presentation on how LOTT cleans up urban wastewater to protect people and Puget Sound. Then take a tour of the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant to see it in action. Tour participants must be ten years or older; please dress for the weather, and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes.

The WET Science Center can sometimes feel crowded, loud, and bright. We are opening the WET Center on a Sunday to kids and adults with a variety of sensory differences with the goal of offering a comfortable and accepting environment. Guests can enjoy tactile activities, crafts, hand fidgets, a book nook, quiet spaces for taking a break, and all of our hands-on exhibits. Also, connect with staff from the Exceptional Families Network at their resource table. Event runs 12-4 pm and is free.

What’s the difference between glacial ice and the ice cubes in your freezer? How do glaciers form? Can life survive in and around these frozen places? Hear about these amazing slow-moving rivers of ice and how they carve and shape our world. Presentation begins at 2 pm. Glacier activities in our classroom all day.

Could you survive in a boiling hot hydrothermal vent or in the vacuum of space? Extremophiles don’t just survive in these extreme places – they thrive in them! From microscopic tardigrades to Pompeii worms, discover some of the strangest, toughest creatures on Earth. After the 2 pm presentation, join us for a special tardigrade microscope lab! Crafts and activities exploring extremophiles offered all day. 

This Mother's Day, show your love for mom with decorations from Mother Nature at the WET Science Center! As May flowers bloom, it's a great time to explore botany with dried plants. A short presentation on plant biology for all ages begins at 2 pm. Plus, we'll make Mother's Day cards with pressed flowers all day!