Experience a fantastic Fall adventure with your friends and family! National Wildlife Federation’s Hike & Seek is a brand new, exciting one-day event. A cross between a nature hike and a scavenger hunt, Hike & Seek brings families and friends together for fresh air and fun. It doesn’t matter if you’ve hiked for years or have no experience at all – adventurers of all ages are welcome.
The Seattle event will be held on Saturday, October 16 at 9 am at Seward Park, a 300-acre nature preserve and education center. Seward Park features acres of beautiful old growth forest that is home to eagles' nests, a 2.4 mile bike and walking path, a native plant garden, miles of hiking trails, and more.
Step off from base camp after loads of activities for all ages and hiking tips for participants. Using your map and mission guidebook, we invite you to create your own interactive nature experience. Along the way, kids will learn about trees, water, plants, animals and birds at the fact-filled, interesting, interactive lessons on the great outdoors at Stop & Learn stations staffed by naturalists.
Hike & Seek is just days away! Please help us spread the word by registering at www.hikeandseek.org or sending this information to your friends and families to join the fun in Seattle!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Fall "To Do" list from Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Your family may be making those fall outdoor chore lists as daylight hours shrink, temperatures drop, and the urge grows to "batten down the hatches" in the yard and garden. Here's another "to do" list from your local wildlife family that you may find easier to check off:
• Leave some "dead heads" on your flowering plants to provide seeds for birds and other animals
• If you must rake leaves off grass lawns, just pile them under some shrubs, bushes or other nooks and crannies to provide homes for those insects that birds love to eat; leaves make great mulch to help your plants, too!
• Keep that dead or dying tree right where it is (unless, of course, it's truly a hazard to you), so birds can feast on the insects in the rotting wood or make winter roosts or dens in its cavities
• Give yourself and your mower a rest for at least a portion of your lawn so birds and other animals have a patch of taller grass to hide and forage in
• Save just a little of that dead bramble thicket for birds - it makes great winter cover and they don't need much! Fall is a good time to plant shrubs, so replace invasive, non-native Himalayan blackberry and English ivy with native plants of higher wildlife value like blackcap (native black raspberry) or red raspberry; native currants or gooseberries found in your area; or native roses such as Nootka or baldhip.
• Pile up any brush or rocks you clear around your place to give birds another option for nests and dens
• Take it easy on yourself and let go of the "perfect" garden image; wild animals like less tidy, "fuzzy" places because there's usually more food and shelter there
• Get yourself a comfortable chair, sit back, and congratulate yourself on having made a home for wildlife and a haven of relaxation for yourself!
For more information on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary program, see: http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/backyard/
• Leave some "dead heads" on your flowering plants to provide seeds for birds and other animals
• If you must rake leaves off grass lawns, just pile them under some shrubs, bushes or other nooks and crannies to provide homes for those insects that birds love to eat; leaves make great mulch to help your plants, too!
• Keep that dead or dying tree right where it is (unless, of course, it's truly a hazard to you), so birds can feast on the insects in the rotting wood or make winter roosts or dens in its cavities
• Give yourself and your mower a rest for at least a portion of your lawn so birds and other animals have a patch of taller grass to hide and forage in
• Save just a little of that dead bramble thicket for birds - it makes great winter cover and they don't need much! Fall is a good time to plant shrubs, so replace invasive, non-native Himalayan blackberry and English ivy with native plants of higher wildlife value like blackcap (native black raspberry) or red raspberry; native currants or gooseberries found in your area; or native roses such as Nootka or baldhip.
• Pile up any brush or rocks you clear around your place to give birds another option for nests and dens
• Take it easy on yourself and let go of the "perfect" garden image; wild animals like less tidy, "fuzzy" places because there's usually more food and shelter there
• Get yourself a comfortable chair, sit back, and congratulate yourself on having made a home for wildlife and a haven of relaxation for yourself!
For more information on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary program, see: http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/backyard/
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Save the Date: Duwamish Alive on October 9th!
Duwamish Alive! Restore Our River
October 9th, 2010, 10am-2pm
Join the on-going restoration of the Duwamish River Watershed.
Twice a year the Duwamish Alive Coalition, a partnership of non-profit organizations, government agencies, community groups and local businesses, host a collaborative habitat restoration event within the Duwamish River Watershed. Restoration is on-going throughout the year, but it’s only during Duwamish Alive that our organizations come together to host hundreds of volunteers at multiple sites to make a huge impact. Work sites include a river cleanup by kayak and canoe, shoreline salmon habitat restoration, and native forest revitalization, and no experience is necessary!
The restoration of the Duwamish depends on community, non-profit, government and corporate partners working together to restore the urbanized environment. The Duwamish River Estuary has less than 3% of its original habitat remaining. Our goal is to help revive the watershed such that it can support healthy people, wildlife and thriving businesses, but in order to do so, we need YOU to join us, too. We are looking for school, work, or other organizational groups as well as individuals to volunteer for Duwamish Alive.
See People for Puget Sound's website for more information. See you on October 9th!
October 9th, 2010, 10am-2pm
Join the on-going restoration of the Duwamish River Watershed.
Twice a year the Duwamish Alive Coalition, a partnership of non-profit organizations, government agencies, community groups and local businesses, host a collaborative habitat restoration event within the Duwamish River Watershed. Restoration is on-going throughout the year, but it’s only during Duwamish Alive that our organizations come together to host hundreds of volunteers at multiple sites to make a huge impact. Work sites include a river cleanup by kayak and canoe, shoreline salmon habitat restoration, and native forest revitalization, and no experience is necessary!
The restoration of the Duwamish depends on community, non-profit, government and corporate partners working together to restore the urbanized environment. The Duwamish River Estuary has less than 3% of its original habitat remaining. Our goal is to help revive the watershed such that it can support healthy people, wildlife and thriving businesses, but in order to do so, we need YOU to join us, too. We are looking for school, work, or other organizational groups as well as individuals to volunteer for Duwamish Alive.
See People for Puget Sound's website for more information. See you on October 9th!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
FREE Fall Savvy Gardener classes!
Plant Now for Summer Wow!
Presented by Peggy Campbell
Discover why fall planting really is the best time to launch a healthy, beautiful garden in concert with nature! Horticulturist Peggy Campbell will share favorite plants for adding color and texture that thrive in NW gardens. Hear Peggy’s easy-care tips on how to create a gorgeous garden in YOUR yard!
Molbak's - September 18
10:00 – 11:30 AM
13625 NE 175th Woodinville
Sky Nursery - September 25
10:00 – 11:30 AM
18528 Aurora Ave N., Shoreline
Fall Planting: Edibles, Lawns and Other Healthy Treats!
Presented by Marianne Binetti
In this lively presentation, Marianne will explain why fall is such an important time of year for the garden, will teach practices you can immediately apply at home, and share how these practices will result in healthy and successful gardens. Her main emphasis will be on food gardening: what can be grown and harvested during the fall and winter, as well as what can be overwintered for harvested in early spring. She will also talk about how to treat the food garden that will not be planted over the winter, about fall lawn renovation, and some favorite plants for fall color.
Furney's Nursery - September 25
10:00 – 11:30 AM
21215 Pacific Hwy S., Des Moines
Swansons - October 2
10:00 – 11:30 AM
9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle
All classes are free; no pre-registration is required but please arrive early as classes do fill. Classes are on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11:30 AM.
Any questions should be directed to Nota Lucas (nota.lucas@seattle.gov or 206.684.5855). Please do not reply to this email.
Happy Gardening!
Presented by Peggy Campbell
Discover why fall planting really is the best time to launch a healthy, beautiful garden in concert with nature! Horticulturist Peggy Campbell will share favorite plants for adding color and texture that thrive in NW gardens. Hear Peggy’s easy-care tips on how to create a gorgeous garden in YOUR yard!
Molbak's - September 18
10:00 – 11:30 AM
13625 NE 175th Woodinville
Sky Nursery - September 25
10:00 – 11:30 AM
18528 Aurora Ave N., Shoreline
Fall Planting: Edibles, Lawns and Other Healthy Treats!
Presented by Marianne Binetti
In this lively presentation, Marianne will explain why fall is such an important time of year for the garden, will teach practices you can immediately apply at home, and share how these practices will result in healthy and successful gardens. Her main emphasis will be on food gardening: what can be grown and harvested during the fall and winter, as well as what can be overwintered for harvested in early spring. She will also talk about how to treat the food garden that will not be planted over the winter, about fall lawn renovation, and some favorite plants for fall color.
Furney's Nursery - September 25
10:00 – 11:30 AM
21215 Pacific Hwy S., Des Moines
Swansons - October 2
10:00 – 11:30 AM
9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle
All classes are free; no pre-registration is required but please arrive early as classes do fill. Classes are on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11:30 AM.
Any questions should be directed to Nota Lucas (nota.lucas@seattle.gov or 206.684.5855). Please do not reply to this email.
Happy Gardening!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Living Downstream: Polluted Runoff Neighborhood Tours from People for Puget Sound
Stormwater, or polluted runoff, is the number one threat to the health of Puget Sound. It flows off our roofs, down our streets, and across our parking lots. Join us for these fascinating tours and learn from the experts what you can do to help address this problem.
Two tours in two different neighborhoods:
High Point Neighborhood
When: September 18, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: High Point Branch Library, 3411 S.W. Raymond St., Seattle
For more information: http://pugetsound.org/connect/events/091810tour/
The September 18th tour begins in the parking lot of the High Point Community Library. Participants will tour the High Point neighborhood and see examples of Low-Impact Development. Participants will learn how polluted runoff affects Longfellow Creek and learn how to take action to clean up our run-off.
Carkeek Park Neighborhood
When: September 26, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Beach at Carkeek Park Environmental Center, 950 NW Carkeek Park Road, Seattle
For more information: http://pugetsound.org/connect/events/092610tour/
From Carkeek Park Environmental Center, we'll follow the flow of water up the urban watershed by car and foot. The tour begins at the beach at Carkeek Park Environmental Center in northwest Seattle. (Instead of turning into the Carkeek Park Environmental learning center, continue on Carkeek Park road to the beach.)
The tour then moves to SEA Street to see how attractive rain gardens can effectively combat runoff pollution. We will then travel back to Carkeek Park to learn how polluted runoff and the recently created SEA Street affects Piper's Creek. Finally, you'll learn how to apply what you've seen and heard to take personal action to clean up our runoff.
Two tours in two different neighborhoods:
High Point Neighborhood
When: September 18, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: High Point Branch Library, 3411 S.W. Raymond St., Seattle
For more information: http://pugetsound.org/connect/events/091810tour/
The September 18th tour begins in the parking lot of the High Point Community Library. Participants will tour the High Point neighborhood and see examples of Low-Impact Development. Participants will learn how polluted runoff affects Longfellow Creek and learn how to take action to clean up our run-off.
Carkeek Park Neighborhood
When: September 26, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Beach at Carkeek Park Environmental Center, 950 NW Carkeek Park Road, Seattle
For more information: http://pugetsound.org/connect/events/092610tour/
From Carkeek Park Environmental Center, we'll follow the flow of water up the urban watershed by car and foot. The tour begins at the beach at Carkeek Park Environmental Center in northwest Seattle. (Instead of turning into the Carkeek Park Environmental learning center, continue on Carkeek Park road to the beach.)
The tour then moves to SEA Street to see how attractive rain gardens can effectively combat runoff pollution. We will then travel back to Carkeek Park to learn how polluted runoff and the recently created SEA Street affects Piper's Creek. Finally, you'll learn how to apply what you've seen and heard to take personal action to clean up our runoff.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Fall Backyard Habitat Class Series at Woodland Park Zoo!
Want to learn how to create habitat for wildlife in your backyard, schoolyard or community garden?
At this series of five classes, you'll learn from experts from Seattle Audubon, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Native Plant Society and Woodland Park Zoo about how to attract birds and other wildlife to your backyard, select and care for native plants, recognize and remove invasive plants species, coexist peacefully with the wildlife you attract, conserve water, manage your backyard without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides, place feeders and bird houses, and get your yard certified as a Backyard Habitat.
Classes are designed to build on each other as a series, but may also be taken separately.
Cost: $25 per person / $100 for the five-part series if you register before 6:00 pm on Tuesday, September 21st.
Introduction to Backyard Habitat: Site Analysis and Design
Tuesday, September 28th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Join Allen Howard, Woodland Park Zoo horticulture staff, to learn the basic principles of creating habitat for wildlife, with a focus on planning, site analysis, and design.
Natural Yard Care in the Fall
Saturday, October 9th from 10 am to 12:00 pm
Join E.J. Hook, Woodland Park Zoo horticulture staff, to learn seasonally appropriate sustainable gardening practices, including composting, mulching and proper fall planting.
Fall Plants and Planting
Saturday, October 9th from 1:00 pm to 3 pm
Join Monica Vander Vieren, Washington Native Plant Society Native Plant Steward, and David Selk, Woodland Park Zoo horticulturist, to discover how different plants in your garden can provide for the basic needs of wildlife. The class includes a plant walk around zoo grounds focusing on aesthetic and size considerations, as well as proper planting techniques.
Attracting Birds to Your Yard
Wednesday, October 27th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Join Neil Zimmerman, Seattle Audubon Outreach Chair and Master Birder, to learn how to attract and care for birds in your yard through plant selection, placement and maintenance of bird feeders and nestboxes, and use of water features.
"Problem" Plants and Animals
Tuesday, November 16th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Join Sasha Shaw, King County Noxious Weed education specialist, and Chris Anderson, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife biologist, to learn how to identify and eradicate problem weeds and coexist peacefully and legally with all wildlife that are attracted to your backyard habitat.
For more information or to register, please see the Backyard Habitat page on the zoo's website.
At this series of five classes, you'll learn from experts from Seattle Audubon, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Native Plant Society and Woodland Park Zoo about how to attract birds and other wildlife to your backyard, select and care for native plants, recognize and remove invasive plants species, coexist peacefully with the wildlife you attract, conserve water, manage your backyard without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides, place feeders and bird houses, and get your yard certified as a Backyard Habitat.
Classes are designed to build on each other as a series, but may also be taken separately.
Cost: $25 per person / $100 for the five-part series if you register before 6:00 pm on Tuesday, September 21st.
Introduction to Backyard Habitat: Site Analysis and Design
Tuesday, September 28th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Join Allen Howard, Woodland Park Zoo horticulture staff, to learn the basic principles of creating habitat for wildlife, with a focus on planning, site analysis, and design.
Natural Yard Care in the Fall
Saturday, October 9th from 10 am to 12:00 pm
Join E.J. Hook, Woodland Park Zoo horticulture staff, to learn seasonally appropriate sustainable gardening practices, including composting, mulching and proper fall planting.
Fall Plants and Planting
Saturday, October 9th from 1:00 pm to 3 pm
Join Monica Vander Vieren, Washington Native Plant Society Native Plant Steward, and David Selk, Woodland Park Zoo horticulturist, to discover how different plants in your garden can provide for the basic needs of wildlife. The class includes a plant walk around zoo grounds focusing on aesthetic and size considerations, as well as proper planting techniques.
Attracting Birds to Your Yard
Wednesday, October 27th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Join Neil Zimmerman, Seattle Audubon Outreach Chair and Master Birder, to learn how to attract and care for birds in your yard through plant selection, placement and maintenance of bird feeders and nestboxes, and use of water features.
"Problem" Plants and Animals
Tuesday, November 16th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Join Sasha Shaw, King County Noxious Weed education specialist, and Chris Anderson, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife biologist, to learn how to identify and eradicate problem weeds and coexist peacefully and legally with all wildlife that are attracted to your backyard habitat.
For more information or to register, please see the Backyard Habitat page on the zoo's website.
Monday, July 26, 2010
July 29th: Duwamish River Boat Tour
Thursday, July 29th from 7:00 to 9:30 pm
$25 per person for people 13 and up, $10 for kids 3-12 years, kids 2 and under are free!
Join Woodland Park Zoo and the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition for a boat tour of the Duwamish River. Make community connections beyond your backyard to the greater Duwamish ecosystem. You'll learn about the cultural and natural history of the river, pollution hotspots and habitat restoration opportunities with the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition. We'll also search for wildlife such as eagles, ospreys, seals and otters.
The boat leaves from the Harbor Island Marina, under the West Seattle bridge. You will receive directions with your confirmation.
To register, download a registration form from the zoo's website: http://www.zoo.org/Page.aspx?pid=545
$25 per person for people 13 and up, $10 for kids 3-12 years, kids 2 and under are free!
Join Woodland Park Zoo and the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition for a boat tour of the Duwamish River. Make community connections beyond your backyard to the greater Duwamish ecosystem. You'll learn about the cultural and natural history of the river, pollution hotspots and habitat restoration opportunities with the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition. We'll also search for wildlife such as eagles, ospreys, seals and otters.
The boat leaves from the Harbor Island Marina, under the West Seattle bridge. You will receive directions with your confirmation.
To register, download a registration form from the zoo's website: http://www.zoo.org/Page.aspx?pid=545
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May 15: Create An Urban Oasis: Naturescaping A Wildlife-Friendly Garden
Date: May 15, 2010
Time: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center
Want to create an urban oasis for your family and our local wildlife? Join Kimberly Leeper of Mariposa Naturescapes and Heather Swift of Cohabitats to learn how to naturescape - design and install a wildlife-friendly, native and edible plant garden. Once installed, naturescapes require less maintenance than many yards and conventional gardens. They also keep invasive species out of our city, and of course, help native wildlife thrive in a healthy habitat. Learn about the principles of naturescaping and come away with ideas about how to transform your own yard. If you have already started planning, bring your any maps, sketches, pictures, and/or existing plant list of your yard. Otherwise, come to learn what the opportunities could be for your yard. Our instructors will present information, answer questions, and facilitate small group time to help you generate ideas for your own naturescape. Bring snacks for breaks.
Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center
950 NW Carkeek Park Road -- go West at NW 110th Street off 3rd Ave NW
$25 per person. Please pre-register by 5/14 at 206-684-0877. Space is limited.
Time: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center
Want to create an urban oasis for your family and our local wildlife? Join Kimberly Leeper of Mariposa Naturescapes and Heather Swift of Cohabitats to learn how to naturescape - design and install a wildlife-friendly, native and edible plant garden. Once installed, naturescapes require less maintenance than many yards and conventional gardens. They also keep invasive species out of our city, and of course, help native wildlife thrive in a healthy habitat. Learn about the principles of naturescaping and come away with ideas about how to transform your own yard. If you have already started planning, bring your any maps, sketches, pictures, and/or existing plant list of your yard. Otherwise, come to learn what the opportunities could be for your yard. Our instructors will present information, answer questions, and facilitate small group time to help you generate ideas for your own naturescape. Bring snacks for breaks.
Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center
950 NW Carkeek Park Road -- go West at NW 110th Street off 3rd Ave NW
$25 per person. Please pre-register by 5/14 at 206-684-0877. Space is limited.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
May 5: Seattle Audubon Master Birder Open House!
Wanna be a Master Birder?
Learn about the natural history of the birds of Washington State, as well as how to identify them by sight and song, in Seattle Audubon’s Master Birder program. Applications for the 2011 program will be accepted in winter of 2010.
Learn about the natural history of the birds of Washington State, as well as how to identify them by sight and song, in Seattle Audubon’s Master Birder program. Applications for the 2011 program will be accepted in winter of 2010.
Join us Wednesday, May 5th at 7 pm at the Center for Urban Horticulture for an informational Open House for the 2011 Master Birder program.
- Meet the primary course instructor, Dr. Dennis Paulson
- Hear an overview on what the program will cover.
- Learn how to best prepare for the program, including birding skill level and knowledge.
- Understand the level of commitment required of program participants, including class attendance, homework assignments, and field trips.
- Learn about a special selection of field trips this summer to help you prepare for the program!
For more information, visit www.seattleaudubon.org
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
April 13th: Butterflies and Bees class at Woodland Park Zoo
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Cost: $20 per person
Join Woodland Park Zoo entomologist Erin Sullivan and horticulturalist David Selk to discover how to attract and care for local butterflies and bees. You’ll learn about the importance of these backyard pollinators as well as the threats they face and what you can do to help, including insect-friendly gardening practices.
To register, download the registration form from the zoo's website.
Cost: $20 per person
Join Woodland Park Zoo entomologist Erin Sullivan and horticulturalist David Selk to discover how to attract and care for local butterflies and bees. You’ll learn about the importance of these backyard pollinators as well as the threats they face and what you can do to help, including insect-friendly gardening practices.
To register, download the registration form from the zoo's website.
April 17: A Day in the Garden: Seattle Tilth in Issaquah!
A Day in the Garden
Satruday, April 17
10 am - 3 pm
Pickering Barn
1730 10th Ave. N.W.
Issaquah, WA. 98027
Spend some time in the garden with Seattle Tilth’s garden educators. Enjoy a guided tour of the garden, get your hands dirty at the volunteer work party, ask your gardening questions to the experts from the Garden Hotline, take a class and participate in the community potluck. Stop by at any point during the day and see what’s going on!
Schedule of Activities
9:30 - 11 am: Garden Class: Container Veggie Gardening*
10 am: Work Party - the theme is “soil building”
11 am: Garden Tour
12 - 1:30 pm: Garden Class: Getting the Most from Small Spaces*
1 pm: Garden Tour
1 pm - 3 pm: Potluck – Bring tasty food to share!
* Indicates classes
For classes, advanced registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.seattletilth.org.
Satruday, April 17
10 am - 3 pm
Pickering Barn
1730 10th Ave. N.W.
Issaquah, WA. 98027
Spend some time in the garden with Seattle Tilth’s garden educators. Enjoy a guided tour of the garden, get your hands dirty at the volunteer work party, ask your gardening questions to the experts from the Garden Hotline, take a class and participate in the community potluck. Stop by at any point during the day and see what’s going on!
Schedule of Activities
9:30 - 11 am: Garden Class: Container Veggie Gardening*
10 am: Work Party - the theme is “soil building”
11 am: Garden Tour
12 - 1:30 pm: Garden Class: Getting the Most from Small Spaces*
1 pm: Garden Tour
1 pm - 3 pm: Potluck – Bring tasty food to share!
* Indicates classes
For classes, advanced registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.seattletilth.org.
Friday, April 2, 2010
New FREE programs at Magnuson Park!
Magnuson Park is becoming more and more of a resource to our community, and to sustainability goals for this region. It's a 350-acre gem that many of its closest neighbors haven't explored, and it's well worth the visit, especially now. This spring marks the debut of a variety of FREE gardening and nature programs for adults and families, and an expansion of existing programs for children. All are sponsored by Magnuson Park Community Center, whose Advisory Council has made a strong commitment to environmental education for the past 5 years.
To kick off these new programs, the Community Center is hosting a giant FREE event called 'Celebrate Urban Nature' on April 10th, which includes a concert by Caspar Babypants (aka Chris Ballew), hands-on, interactive nature booths, LIVE Woodland Park Zoo Raptors, a NOAA exibit, recycled art extravaganza, and much much more. Fun for adults and children! The day begins with a guided Family Wetland Walk at 9:00am and the Community Center celebration is from 10:30am-2pm.
Also beginning in April:
To kick off these new programs, the Community Center is hosting a giant FREE event called 'Celebrate Urban Nature' on April 10th, which includes a concert by Caspar Babypants (aka Chris Ballew), hands-on, interactive nature booths, LIVE Woodland Park Zoo Raptors, a NOAA exibit, recycled art extravaganza, and much much more. Fun for adults and children! The day begins with a guided Family Wetland Walk at 9:00am and the Community Center celebration is from 10:30am-2pm.
Also beginning in April:
- Free monthly guided Wetland Walks, to learn how Magnuson's new wetland project provides stormwater runoff management and habitat for birds, amphibians, and mammals.
- Free spring and fall hands-on classes for adults and families on creating your own bird-friendly garden, and child-friendly gardening features and activities.
- A new field trip program for preschool and primary grades.
Visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson/nature.htm for all the details, call the Community Center at 684-7026, or pick up a Spring NE Parks brochure.
May 8th: Tukwila Backyard Wildlife Festival
What do you get when you mix wildlife habitat advocacy with a fun, FREE, all-day event featuring varieties of entertainment and educational sessions? You get the Backyard Wildlife Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, followed by very popular Certified Backyard Habitat Garden Tour at 3:00pm. And in honor of the 10th year, the City will be dedicating its newest park and certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat – Codiga Park!
Brimming with activities, the Backyard Wildlife Festival inspires people to welcome wildlife into their backyards, gardens, and communities. The arts and crafts marketplace, educational talks, kids area, and the garden tour will return to delight attendees. In addition, the Guided Bird Tour with Rainier Audubon Society’s Carol Shulz is back by popular demand.
For more information, see the Tukwila Backyard Wildlife Festival website.
Brimming with activities, the Backyard Wildlife Festival inspires people to welcome wildlife into their backyards, gardens, and communities. The arts and crafts marketplace, educational talks, kids area, and the garden tour will return to delight attendees. In addition, the Guided Bird Tour with Rainier Audubon Society’s Carol Shulz is back by popular demand.
For more information, see the Tukwila Backyard Wildlife Festival website.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Saturday, March 13: Gardening with Youth P-Patch Summit
Interested in sharing the magic of gardening with youth? Bring your questions, concerns, and knowledge to the Bradner Gardens Park indoor classroom, this Saturday March 13th 9am-12pm!
Discuss and learn about topics such as:
Discuss and learn about topics such as:
- Working with Lettuce Link Giving Gardens
- Garden songs and games
- Planting and transplanting with youth
- Attracting volunteers to your program
- Using your entire p-patch garden as an educational resource
A FREE 2010 Youth Resource Binder will be given out to summit participants upon arrival. Resource Binder includes:
- Advice about gardening with youth in the p-patches
- Planting calendar
- List of plants to grow with youth
- Local resources
- Grant opportunities.
Other hands on youth resources will also be available to look through during the event.
We will be meeting in the indoors Brander Classroom with excursions into the garden. If you are coming to the event please RSVP to Jackie at 733-9982 or Jaclyn.Dagger@Seattle.gov so that she knows how many breakfast refreshments to bring.
Spring Savvy Gardener Classes!
Native Plants: Combining Beauty with Water Conservation
FREE. No pre-registration required
Peggy Campbell will share her favorite native plants that add color and texture, thrive in NW gardens and attract wildlife. Discover how proper soil preparation, mulching, and watering will help your plants grow, save water, and reduce summer maintenance. Three locations and dates:
- Saturday, April 3 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Molbak’s at 13625 NE 175th St, Woodinville (425) 483-5000 - Saturday, April 10 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Swansons Nursery at 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle (206) 782-2543 - Saturday, April 17 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Sky Nursery at 18528 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline (206) 546-4851
Ornamental Edibles – Pretty Tasty!
FREE. Must attend first class and pre-register to attend second class (garden tour)
Part 1: Saturday, April 17 10 – 11:30 at Swansons Nursery, 9701 15th Ave NW (no registration)
Part 2: Saturday, May 1 10 – 11:30 in Lorene Edwards Forkner’s garden (see registration directions below)
Combine beauty and flavor in this year’s plants. Learn how edible plants can be ornamental and the needs they have for best flavor and nutrition. Find out how to employ strategic garden planning, build healthy soil, mulch with the right materials and practice effective watering. You’ll enjoy delicious food while conserving resources, time and money.
This is a two-part class that will take place at Swansons Nursery and in the speaker’s garden. To attend the May 1 class, please pre-register with the Garden Hotline by calling (206-633-0224) or by emailing (help@gardenhotline.org) and attending the classroom session at Swansons. Please provide your address, email and phone number to receive the class confirmation. Attendees of the May 1 class must reside in the Saving Water Partnership service area. Click here to see service area: http://savingwater.org/about_partners.htm. The location of Lorene’s garden will be provided at the Swansons’ class.
April 24th and 25th: Edmonds Community Wildlife Habitat Certification Celebration!
Edmonds, WA will be receiving Community Wildlife Habitat certification from the National Wildlife Federation in April 2010 following almost two years of dedicated work by the Backyard and Community Wildlife Habitat team, the support of almost 161 residents, 5 schools, and 19 common places/parks who had registered their property as Backyard Wildlife Habitats through National Wildlife Federation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
On Saturday, April 24th, 2010 the Community Wildlife Habitat certification celebration will take place at Yost Park located at 9535 Bowdoin Way in conjunction with the City of Edmonds annual Watershed Fun Fair. On Sunday, April 25th, 2010 the certification celebration continues with the grand opening of the Willow Creek Hatchery Wildlife Habitat & Native Plant Demonstration Garden at 95 Pine Street, sponsored by the Pilchuck Audubon. This event will also include tour maps to Edmonds Backyard Habitat Certified Yards.
From 11AM to 4PM on Saturday, April 24th, the Watershed Fun Fair & Habitat Certification Celebration will feature displays, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all residents of Edmonds and other visitors. Participants include the Pilchuck Audubon Society, WSU Beach Watchers, Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force, PAWS Wildlife Center, Bats Northwest, Washington Butterfly Association, Just Frogs/Toads Too and the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
Chris Anderson of the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife will address the crowd, and a cake will be shared amongst the community in celebration of our joint efforts. Local Native Storyteller, Understanding Israel will lead us all in a blessing over the animals after which an all-species parade will begin. Everyone is invited to bring or wear a wildlife related costume, wings, etc. There will be tables set-up throughout the day with craft ideas and materials for making all- species costumes and masks.
National Wildlife Federation’s very own Ranger Rick will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
From 1PM to 3 PM on Sunday, April 25th there will be an open house at the Willow Creek Hatchery Garden at 95 Pine St. and Backyard Wildlife Habitat gardens open for visiting. At each of these gardens, which vary widely in size and focus, the owners are available to discuss gardening and habitat techniques. Maps to these gardens are available for pick-up at the Willow Creek Wildlife Habitat & Native Plant Demonstration Garden, 95 Pine Street on Sunday. This event is sponsored by Pilchuck Audubon.
For more information about the Edmonds Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project, visit our website at www.edmondsbackyardwildlifehabitat.org Make sure to check out our website’s Flickr page of photos from past events.
On Saturday, April 24th, 2010 the Community Wildlife Habitat certification celebration will take place at Yost Park located at 9535 Bowdoin Way in conjunction with the City of Edmonds annual Watershed Fun Fair. On Sunday, April 25th, 2010 the certification celebration continues with the grand opening of the Willow Creek Hatchery Wildlife Habitat & Native Plant Demonstration Garden at 95 Pine Street, sponsored by the Pilchuck Audubon. This event will also include tour maps to Edmonds Backyard Habitat Certified Yards.
From 11AM to 4PM on Saturday, April 24th, the Watershed Fun Fair & Habitat Certification Celebration will feature displays, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all residents of Edmonds and other visitors. Participants include the Pilchuck Audubon Society, WSU Beach Watchers, Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force, PAWS Wildlife Center, Bats Northwest, Washington Butterfly Association, Just Frogs/Toads Too and the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
Chris Anderson of the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife will address the crowd, and a cake will be shared amongst the community in celebration of our joint efforts. Local Native Storyteller, Understanding Israel will lead us all in a blessing over the animals after which an all-species parade will begin. Everyone is invited to bring or wear a wildlife related costume, wings, etc. There will be tables set-up throughout the day with craft ideas and materials for making all- species costumes and masks.
National Wildlife Federation’s very own Ranger Rick will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
From 1PM to 3 PM on Sunday, April 25th there will be an open house at the Willow Creek Hatchery Garden at 95 Pine St. and Backyard Wildlife Habitat gardens open for visiting. At each of these gardens, which vary widely in size and focus, the owners are available to discuss gardening and habitat techniques. Maps to these gardens are available for pick-up at the Willow Creek Wildlife Habitat & Native Plant Demonstration Garden, 95 Pine Street on Sunday. This event is sponsored by Pilchuck Audubon.
For more information about the Edmonds Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project, visit our website at www.edmondsbackyardwildlifehabitat.org Make sure to check out our website’s Flickr page of photos from past events.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Backyard Habitat Workshop at Overlake School in Redmond, WA
Please join experts from Eastside Audubon, National Wildlife Federation, Seattle Audubon, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Native Plant Society and Woodland Park Zoo to learn 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, and get your yard certified as a Backyard Habitat.
This is a four-part workshop:
Monday, March 1, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Monday, March 8, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Monday, March 15, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Overlake School in Redmond, WA
Cost: $75 (or $140 for couples); Scholarships available for members of Sammamish Community Wildlife Habitat Project.
To register: download a registration form from Woodland Park Zoo's website.
This is a four-part workshop:
Monday, March 1, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Monday, March 8, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Monday, March 15, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Overlake School in Redmond, WA
Cost: $75 (or $140 for couples); Scholarships available for members of Sammamish Community Wildlife Habitat Project.
To register: download a registration form from Woodland Park Zoo's website.
FREE Rain Garden workshops!
Please join Stewardship Partners for a hands-on classroom workshop on rain garden design and construction. We have several classes scheduled throughout King County and the Seattle Metro area beginning February 25 in Redmond.
Schedule for Rain Garden Classes in King County:
02/25 Redmond
03/18 Bothell
03/30 Seattle
04/01 Mercer Island
04/20 Lake Forest Park
04/29 Bellevue
05/18 Duvall
Rain gardens work like native forests by capturing and infiltrating stormwater from rooftops, driveways, and other hard surfaces. Rain gardens reduce flooding by absorbing water from impervious surfaces; filter oil, grease and toxic materials before they can pollute streams, lakes and bays; help to recharge the aquifer by increasing the quantity of water that soaks into the ground; provide beneficial wildlife habitat. Workshop participants will receive a rain garden handbook and other useful materials. They will also be invited to participate in several full scale rain garden installation workshops scheduled later in the spring and summer.
Workshops are free and registration is required. Participants will be sent site-assessment instructions in advance to help maximize their learning at the workshops.
Contact Stacey Gianas at Stewardship Partners to register and for more details:
Call (206) 292-9875 or email sg@stewardshippartners.org and visit www.stewardshippartners.org for more rain garden information.
Schedule for Rain Garden Classes in King County:
02/25 Redmond
03/18 Bothell
03/30 Seattle
04/01 Mercer Island
04/20 Lake Forest Park
04/29 Bellevue
05/18 Duvall
Rain gardens work like native forests by capturing and infiltrating stormwater from rooftops, driveways, and other hard surfaces. Rain gardens reduce flooding by absorbing water from impervious surfaces; filter oil, grease and toxic materials before they can pollute streams, lakes and bays; help to recharge the aquifer by increasing the quantity of water that soaks into the ground; provide beneficial wildlife habitat. Workshop participants will receive a rain garden handbook and other useful materials. They will also be invited to participate in several full scale rain garden installation workshops scheduled later in the spring and summer.
Workshops are free and registration is required. Participants will be sent site-assessment instructions in advance to help maximize their learning at the workshops.
Contact Stacey Gianas at Stewardship Partners to register and for more details:
Call (206) 292-9875 or email sg@stewardshippartners.org and visit www.stewardshippartners.org for more rain garden information.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Oregon Rain Garden Guide is here!
Check out the new Oregon Rain Garden Guide: A Step-by-Step Guide to Landscaping for Clean Water and Healthy Streams. This 44-page guide is a joint project of Oregon Sea Grant Extension, Oregon State University and East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District.
The pdf is available here: http://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/sgpubs/onlinepubs/h10001.pdf
The pdf is available here: http://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/sgpubs/onlinepubs/h10001.pdf
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February 20: Screening of "A Chemical Reaction"
The Coalition of Organic Landscape Professionals (COOL) and Seattle Tilth are proud to present the NW Premiere of the documentary film, 'A Chemical Reaction'. Much of the film’s story focuses on Dr. June Irwin, a dermatologist who spurred the first town in Canada to ban lawn and garden chemicals pesticides in 1991. This action set off a chain of high-profile court cases that culminated in the Canadian Supreme Court in 2001, where the town won in a landmark 9-0 decision. Since its release in fall 2009, this film has been inspiring people across Canada and the United States to challenge the status quo on behalf of their children, pets, neighbors, and wildlife. With spring coming closer by the day, along with the annual spike in marketing of pesticide products, it's important for the voices of the citizen-heroes in this film to be included in the mix. The issue of pesticide use is particularly relevant in the Puget Sound region, where chemical fertilizers and pesticides run off into our lakes, rivers, streams, and the sound during each rainfall.
When: Saturday Feb. 20th from 2:00pm- 6:00pm
Where: Lake Washington Technical CollegeWest Building Auditorium, Rm. #40411605 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034-8506
Featuring:
When: Saturday Feb. 20th from 2:00pm- 6:00pm
Where: Lake Washington Technical CollegeWest Building Auditorium, Rm. #40411605 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034-8506
Featuring:
- A special appearance by Paul Tukey, the film's producer and narrator, nationally known
- writer and television host. Mr. Tukey will introduce the film, and host a post-screening Q &
- A session and book signing.
- Free educational resources and garden advice from the staff of The Garden Hotline.
- Door prizes and refreshments.
- Book sales
Tickets: $10.00 in advance from www.BrownPaperTickets.com or $15.00 at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to www.SafeLawns.org Free parking in the south or west parking lots (follow the sandwich board signs)
Campus map and driving directions: www.lwtc.edu/about/maps/campus
For more information: Contact C.O.O.L at info@organiclandscapers.org. or 206-362-8947. To view a movie trailer, visit www.ChemicalReactionMovie.com
Monday, January 25, 2010
February 5th: Naturalist David Mizejewski at Woodland Park Zoo
Join celebrity naturalist David Mizejewski from National Wildlife Federation at a very special zoo event. David is a wildlife and gardening expert who regularly appears on radio and television (Today Show, Martha Stewart, HGTV, Animal Planet). He'll be joined by several animals that live at the zoo while he shares great ideas on creating wildlife-friendly gardens and fun ways of getting kids outdoors.
When: Friday, February 5th at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Zoomazium
Mention when entering the zoo that you're attending this event and your zoo admission will be free!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
19th Annual Native Bareroot Plant Sale
The King Conservation District offers a variety of native trees and shrubs for conservation purposes such as wildlife habitat, windbreaks, hedgerows, reforestation, and stream enhancement. The plants are bareroot stock which means they do not come in pots or burlap bags, but are harvested from the field in winter when the plants are dormant and ready to be replanted. Bareroot plants are hardy, have well-developed roots, are easy to handle, transport, and plant. Click here for more information and an order form.
February 27: Fort Lewis Sustainability Tour
Join Earth Ministry on Saturday, February 27th from 10am-2pm for an exclusive look at the Army’s extensive sustainability practices as implemented at Fort Lewis. Washington State’s largest Army post has set far-reaching sustainability goals and is a model for the rest of the federal government in managing environmental systems. Click here for more information about the event.
Cost is $15/person. Please call with your credit card information to 206-632-2426 or make checks payable to Earth Ministry and mail to 6512 23rd Ave NW, Suite 317, Seattle, WA 98117. The tour is limited to 25 participants and an advance security check is required. Bring your own brown bag lunch and reusable water bottle.
To register for this exclusive tour, please fill out the form below. Additional information will be required closer to the tour date to secure visitors' passes for entry into Fort Lewis. Tour itinerary is subject to change at any time for security reasons.
Cost is $15/person. Please call with your credit card information to 206-632-2426 or make checks payable to Earth Ministry and mail to 6512 23rd Ave NW, Suite 317, Seattle, WA 98117. The tour is limited to 25 participants and an advance security check is required. Bring your own brown bag lunch and reusable water bottle.
To register for this exclusive tour, please fill out the form below. Additional information will be required closer to the tour date to secure visitors' passes for entry into Fort Lewis. Tour itinerary is subject to change at any time for security reasons.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Seattle Tilth 2010 Garden Educator Workshops
Garden Educators Workshop Series
Each part offered once in Spring and again in Fall.
Part 1: Intro to Organic Schoolyard Gardening, March 6 & Sept. 23; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Part 2: The Garden Classroom, March 27 & Sept. 30; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Part 3: Curriculum Working Group, April 17 & Oct. 20; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: Good Shepherd Center; 4649 Sunnyside Ave N., Room 202, Seattle, WA 98103
This three part series will provide educators, parents and community volunteers the essentials for cultivating and maintaining a schoolyard garden. We will explore organic gardening basics, outdoor education techniques and ways to integrate the garden with classroom curriculum. Through a combination of lecture and hands-on activities we teach participants organic gardening, garden design, team building, program development, nutrition, cooking, art in the garden, and more. We highly encourage teams of three or more people from a school or garden project to attend this workshop to strengthen your program.
COST: $120 for all three workshops or $40 per workshop. Advance registration and payment is required.
Registration opens in early February. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please send your contact information to childrensgarden@seattletilth.org
Garden Educators Summer Intensive
July 19-23; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: Good Shepherd Center; 4649 Sunnyside Ave N., Room 202, Seattle, WA 98103
This weeklong intensive allows educators to immerse themselves in the organic garden classroom. Spend a week at the Tilth Gardens at the Good Shepherd Center learning a wide variety of skills and techniques for cultivating and maintaining a schoolyard garden. We highly encourage teams of three or more people from a school or garden project to attend this workshop to strengthen your program.
COST: $200 Early Bird Registration, $225 (after June 28, 2010). Advance registration and payment is required.
Registration opens in early February. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please send your contact information to childrensgarden@seattletilth.org
For more information, see Seattle Tilth's website.
Each part offered once in Spring and again in Fall.
Part 1: Intro to Organic Schoolyard Gardening, March 6 & Sept. 23; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Part 2: The Garden Classroom, March 27 & Sept. 30; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Part 3: Curriculum Working Group, April 17 & Oct. 20; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: Good Shepherd Center; 4649 Sunnyside Ave N., Room 202, Seattle, WA 98103
This three part series will provide educators, parents and community volunteers the essentials for cultivating and maintaining a schoolyard garden. We will explore organic gardening basics, outdoor education techniques and ways to integrate the garden with classroom curriculum. Through a combination of lecture and hands-on activities we teach participants organic gardening, garden design, team building, program development, nutrition, cooking, art in the garden, and more. We highly encourage teams of three or more people from a school or garden project to attend this workshop to strengthen your program.
COST: $120 for all three workshops or $40 per workshop. Advance registration and payment is required.
Registration opens in early February. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please send your contact information to childrensgarden@seattletilth.org
Garden Educators Summer Intensive
July 19-23; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: Good Shepherd Center; 4649 Sunnyside Ave N., Room 202, Seattle, WA 98103
This weeklong intensive allows educators to immerse themselves in the organic garden classroom. Spend a week at the Tilth Gardens at the Good Shepherd Center learning a wide variety of skills and techniques for cultivating and maintaining a schoolyard garden. We highly encourage teams of three or more people from a school or garden project to attend this workshop to strengthen your program.
COST: $200 Early Bird Registration, $225 (after June 28, 2010). Advance registration and payment is required.
Registration opens in early February. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please send your contact information to childrensgarden@seattletilth.org
For more information, see Seattle Tilth's website.
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