January 27th: Gardeners and Global Warming: Impacts and Solutions

Join National Wildlife Federation and Woodland Park Zoo for a special event about gardening and its important role as a solution to global warming. Attention about this worldwide issue is growing, and it’s time for gardeners to take action.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday, January, 27, 2009
Time: Lecture: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Become a Trainer: 8:00 – 9:00 pm (optional)
Location: Education Center Classroom 2, Woodland Park Zoo
Cost: Free!

RSVP HERE: http://online.nwf.org/jan27gardenersguide

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
• Hear from experts about the impacts of global warming on the environment.
• Real solutions for how gardening can protect plants and animals.
• Network with other like-minded gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
• Tips to strengthen and beautify your community.
• “Become a Trainer” session after the lecture.

Take the next step in your commitment to gardening.
Stick around for the “Become a Trainer” session after the lecture and learn how to give the Gardening and Global Warming presentation. Educate the members of your community about this growing threat to plants and wildlife.

This lecture is based on National Wildlife Federation’s Gardener’s Guide to Global Warming report. Download it today at www.nwf.org/gardenersguide

December 13th Native Plant Salvage

Bonus Native Plant Salvage for YOU! You do not need to register for this event.

Come dig up native trees and shrubs from this site scheduled for development. At this salvage, you keep whatever plants you dig. That’s right. Now is a better time than ever to shrink that lawn and install wonderful Northwest flora to benefit local wildlife and water quality.

Time: Show up anytime between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2008. We will salvage on site until about 2:00. Many salvagers can fill their vehicle in as little as an hour.

Please download and fill out a liability waiver in advance: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/waiver.htm

These salvages are loads of fun. Here are some things to know.

Upon arriving at the site, immediately check in with staff to hand in your liability waiver, and learn salvage area boundaries. If you are unsure if you can salvage in an area, ask before you dig!

Do not go to the site any other time. It is trespassing.

Salvage containers: Plastic grocery sacks, buckets, pots and buckets all work. If the plants will be going in the ground the same day, the plants can be wrapped in a tarp. Bring your own shovel. A flat spade or pointed shovel will work. Loppers or pruners help with plants on runners. If you would like a snag, bring a bow saw. No chainsaws allowed.

Dress for weather and be prepared to get dirty. Bring your own refreshments if needed.

Need help? Look for volunteers in orange vests to help you identify plants.

Directions to site
From I-405, I-5 or Hwy 520: Drive Eastbound 520 through Redmond and continue north onto Avondale Road. Turn right (east) onto Novelty Hill Road. Turn right (south) on to Eastridge DR. NE. Watch for signs directing you to the site. This event is at the same location as the Dec 6th salvage.

The following event is addition to the December 6th volunteer Native Plant Salvage. Hopefully you can make both events.

The Dec. 6th salvage information is available at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/stewardship/volunteer/plant-salvage-program.aspx

Snohomish Conservation District Plant Sale

Message from the Snohomish Conservation District:
The 2009 "Conservation Plant Sale" kicks off on December 1st, when pre-orders begin. The 2009 brochure and order form are now on our website at: http://www.snohomishcd.org/plant-sale.

New this year on the website is a fill-able order form that can be filled out on-line and printed, then mailed or faxed to our office. This helps us because the orders will be legible and it helps you because it does the math! When you print you name on page 2, it will add your name to page 1 for us.

There is also an excel file on the website that can be filled out, saved on your computer, and then emailed to: treesaleorders@snohomishcd.org.

Please note that neither of these order forms link to our inventory of plants, and that you still need to wait to receive your white confirmation before mailing a check in. We do not
accept credit or debit cards. Checks, cash and money orders only, please.

Dec 6th: Help Salvage Native Plants!

Join other volunteers digging up trees and shrubs from this site scheduled for development. In the afternoon, we’ll be potting up the salvaged plants so they can recuperate before going to King County habitat restoration sites. Once replanted, these native plants will help reduce erosion, shade streams and provide habitat. Special thanks to Murray Franklyn LLC for providing the salvage site.

As always, volunteers that dig for our program for at least a couple hours in the morning are welcome to stay after and dig additional plants to take home. Volunteers that help pot up plants in the afternoon will also be able to take some “thank you” plants home.

When: Saturday, December 6, 2008

Time: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. salvage at site,
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. potting at Holding Facility

Where: Redmond Ridge near Redmond

Directions to salvage site: From I-405, I-5 or Hwy 520, drive Eastbound 520 through Redmond and continue north onto Avondale Road. Turn right (east) onto Novelty Hill Road. Turn right (south) onto Eastridge Dr. NE. Watch for signs directing you to the site.

Not a morning person? Volunteers also needed at our Native Plant Holding Facility from 12:30 until 4:00 to help pot up the salvaged plants.

Directions to the Native Plant Holding Facility (12:30 - 4:00)
From I-5 or I -405, take I-90 east to Highland Drive exit (exit 18) in Issaquah. Stay left on the off ramp to continue onto Highland Dr. Drive through several lights. Turn right onto Issaquah–Fall City Road. Just past Endeavor Elementary School, stay straight onto Duthie Hill Road. The holding facility is in Duthie Hill Park (on the right) 27101 Duthie Hill Road.

Notes:
A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers under 16 years old. Dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. We’ll provide gloves, tools and light refreshments.

Please call Greg Rabourn at 206-296-1923 or email greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov if you plan to participate. Your response helps us provide enough tools and refreshments.

December 9th: GARDENERS AND GLOBAL WARMING: Impacts and Solutions

Join National Wildlife Federation and Woodland Park Zoo for a special event about gardening and its important role as a solution to global warming. Attention about this worldwide issue is growing, and it’s time for gardeners to take action.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday, December 9th, 2008
Time: Lecture: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Become a Trainer: 8:00 – 9:00 pm (optional)
Location: ARC, Woodland Park Zoo (map provided when you RSVP)
Cost: Free!
RSVP: http://online.nwf.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=102161
Questions: sullivanc@nwf.org or call 206-285-8707 x 108

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
• Hear from experts about the impacts of global warming on the environment.
• Real solutions for how gardening can protect plants and animals.
• Network with other like-minded gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
• Tips to strengthen and beautify your community.
• “Become a Trainer” session after the lecture.

Take the next step in your commitment to gardening.
Stick around for the “Become a Trainer” session after the lecture and learn how to give the Gardening and Global Warming presentation. Educate the members of your community about this growing threat to plants and wildlife.

This lecture is based on National Wildlife Federation’s Gardener’s Guide to Global Warming report. Download it today at www.nwf.org/gardenersguide

Native Plant Salvage and Last Naturescaping Workshop announced

Help Salvage Native Plants!
Dig in with other volunteers digging up trees and shrubs from this site scheduled for clearing. In the afternoon, we’ll be potting up the salvaged plants so they can recuperate before going to King County habitat restoration sites. Once replanted, these native plants will help reduce erosion, shade streams and provide habitat. Volunteers also needed at our Native Plant Holding Facility from 12:30 until 4:00 to help pot up the salvaged plants.

When: Saturday, November 1, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. salvage at site
12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. potting at Holding Facility
Where: Maple Valley

As always, volunteers that dig for us for at least a couple hours in the morning are welcome to stay after and dig additional plants to take home. Volunteers that help pot up plants in the afternoon will be able to take some plants home also.

More info including directions: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/stewardship/volunteer/plant-salvage-program.aspx

FREE Naturescaping Workshop and Native Plant Salvage
Learn how to create a wildlife friendly landscape using native plants in your own backyard. Native plants require less maintenance and water than non-native ornamentals and local wildlife love a native landscape. You will also learn many helpful tips on controlling the weeds that may threaten your project.

November 12, 2008
Rock Creek Elementary
25700 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Road SE (Highway 169)
Maple Valley, WA 98038
7:00PM-9:00PM

BIG Bonus: Participants at the workshop are welcome to travel to a site scheduled for development to dig up native plants for their personal habitat and landscaping projects.

The native plant salvage for naturescaping participants will be on Saturday, November 15th, 9am until 1pm. Directions to the salvage provided at the workshop. If you have previously attended one of our Naturescaping workshops, you are welcome to just attend the salvage. You do not need to retake the workshop. Simply email me your name and the approximate date you attended the workshop. I will email you directions to the site before November 15th.

More info:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/stewardship/volunteer/plant-salvage-program.aspx

Space is limited so reserve your spot now!
To register, contact Greg Rabourn at 206-296-1923 or greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov

WDFW Living with Wildlife forums

Learn all about the lives and behaviors of urban wildlife: what to do when you encounter wildlife and how you can help wildlife and humans coexist peacefully.

• Wednesday, October 15th: Bitter Lake Community Center Annex
• Tuesday, October 21st: Camp Long
• Wednesday, October 29th: Meadowbrook Community Center

7:00 pm - 7: 45 pm: Russell Link, author of Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest and Living with Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest speaks on peaceful urban coexistence with common urban species and a general ‘how-to’ make your property and your behavior wildlife-responsible.

7:45 - 8:30 pm: representatives from Seattle Parks and Recreation, Woodland Park Zoo, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Progressive Animal Welfare Society, Seattle Audubon, the National Wildlife Federation and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network are available to provide materials and answer questions.

For more information, please call 206-684-7415

FREE: Savvy Gardener Fall Classes

Dazzling Dry Shade Combinations
Saturday, September 13 10 – 11:30 am
Swanson’s Nursery, 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle
Taught by Peggy Campbell

Discover plants that grow in dry shade under trees, eaves, and in areas you are tired of watering. Peggy Campbell will show some of her favorites to brighten shady spots. In this 90 minute class, you’ll gather simple solutions for bare areas, lawn alternatives, and seasonal color. And you will learn easy steps to help these plants thrive.


Fall Plant Palettes for a Drought Tolerant Garden
Saturday, September 27 10 am – noon or 1 – 3 pm
Shoreline (directions will be sent to registered students)
Taught by Stacie Crooks, Crooks Garden Design

Experience Stacie Crooks’ colorful garden and learn first hand how to transform a resource-intensive lawn into tapestries of drought tolerant plantings. Using plants that lend color and structure year round, Stacie has created a garden that not only gets national attention for its beauty, but also fits her busy schedule. Look for photos of Stacie's garden in the October issue of Fine Gardening.

Pre-registration required. Attendees must reside in the Saving Water Partnership service area. Click here to see service area: http://savingwater.org/about_partners.htm. Please note that this class is for gardeners who have a basic knowledge of plant types and their names. Since we have a small class size, please register if you have not seen Stacie's garden before.

Register via the Garden Hotline by calling (206) 633-0224 or emailing help@gardenhotline.org. Please provide your address, email and phone number to receive the class location and confirmation.

Fall Backyard Habitat Workshop!

Join Woodland Park Zoo, National Wildlife Federation, Seattle Audubon Society and Washington Native Plant Society for this informative workshop on creating a backyard wildlife habitat. Meet experts and get hands-on experience that will show you how to attract birds and other wildlife to your backyard, select and care for native plants, recognize and remove invasive plants species, conserve water, manage your backyard without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides, place feeders and bird houses, get your yard, schoolground or community garden certified as a Backyard Habitat.

This is a four-part workshop:

• Monday, September 22, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Monday, September 29, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Monday, October 6, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $75 (or $140 for couples); $50 for Phinney Neighborhood Association members

To register, see the zoo's website: http://www.zoo.org/educate/adult/workshops.html
For more information , please contact us at 206.548.2424 or jenny.mears@zoo.org.

10% off native plants at Pipers Creek Nursery!

Go Natives! specializing in native plants for the Puget Sound is now located at Pipers Creek Nursery and will have more natives for your garden. Now available on their website, a downloadable coupon good for 10% off your entire order of plants and trees!

Record the Ribbit! Saturday, May 3rd

Leap into spring with your family and friends by celebrating FrogWatch 2008: Record the Ribbit on Saturday, May 3rd. This one-day event is easy, free and a perfect way for people of all ages to learn about the frogs and toads that live in our region. To participate, just visit www.nwf.org/ribbit, to learn about amphibians in our region by listening to their calls and viewing photos of local species. Then head outside on a nature walk – ideally, right around dusk when frogs are most likely to be calling. When you’re finished, come back to the Record the Ribbit website to share your sightings online.

Record the Ribbit is a special event of FrogWatch USA, the popular citizen-science amphibian monitoring program managed by the National Wildlife Federation in partnership with the United States Geological Survey. By participating in this long-term amphibian study, you have the opportunity to be directly involved in gathering information that can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to help stop the decline of these important species.

Native Plant Appreciation Week: April 27th - May 3rd

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. The Washington Native Plant Society provides a website highlighting events scheduled for the week and links to other participating organizations’ websites.

Northwest Natural Yard Days: April 15 to May 15

Northwest Natural Yard Days (NNYD) is a partnership of local government agencies, cities and local water providers. The goal of this popular program is to encourage residents of King County and surrounding areas to practice natural yard care. This is done through discounts on natural yard care product sales in the spring each year. For more information, see King County's Northwest Natural Yard Days website.

Backyard Habitat workshop and two Evening Classes at Woodland Park Zoo

Backyard Habitat Workshop
Four-part Workshop:
Monday, April 7, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Monday, April 14, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Monday, April 21, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Would you like to attract wildlife to your backyard? Please join Woodland Park Zoo, National Wildlife Federation, Seattle Audubon Society and Washington Native Plant Society for a workshop on creating a backyard wildlife habitat. A "backyard habitat" can be a small space, schoolyard or community garden.

YOU can make a difference for Wildlife - Habitat Begins at Home!
Cost: $55 (or $100 per couple); $35 for Phinney Neighborhood Association members

Water Features for Wildlife
Evening class: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $20
Clean, fresh water is a crucial part of any habitat. Join Woodland Park Zoo and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff in learning about the variety of ways you can provide water for urban wildlife in your own backyard. You'll see examples of different types of water features, such as ponds, birdbaths and fountains. You'll also learn about the natural history of local amphibians and how to provide habitat for these sensitive animals.

Are Weeds Taking Over Your Backyard?
Evening class: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Cost: $20
Weeds are tough invaders that can quickly dominate your backyard. These non-native, invasive plants crowd out native plants that provide habitat for wildlife and some of them can harm you and your children and even your pets. All noxious weeds are hard to control and will only get worse if you leave them alone. Join Woodland Park Zoo and King County's Noxious Weed Control Program to learn more about the threats noxious weeds pose, as well as how to identify and eradicate some of our area's worst noxious weeds.

To register for the workshop or classes: download application form from Woodland Park Zoo's website: http://www.zoo.org/educate/adult/workshops.html

Questions? Call or email Jenny Mears at 206-548-2557 or jenny.mears@zoo.org

Living with Wildlife: Open House

Thursday, Feb. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

In light of the recent developments at Discovery Park regarding coyote encounters with humans, several state and local agencies have joined together to bring you helpful information designed to reduce conflicts with urban wildlife. Partners at the Open House include: Seattle Parks and Recreation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Animal Shelter. These agencies will be able to:

• answer questions about coyotes, including addressing your concerns
• discuss how to peacefully co-exist with many types of urban wildlife
• instruct you on how to humanely provide care for feral cats
• show you how to make your backyard a wildlife friendly environment and much more

Light snacks will be provided. Please join us! Catharine Blaine K-8, 2550 34th Ave. W