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

Are Noxious Weeds Taking Over Your Backyard?

Noxious 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, 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.

Date and time: Monday, November 12th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $20 ($15 for Woodland Park Zoo staff and volunteers)
Location: Woodland Park Zoo

To register: Download a registration form here or contact Jenny Mears at (206) 615-1027 or jenny.mears@zoo.org

Savvy Gardener Classes and Discounted Plants!

The Saving Water Partnership has partnered with several area nurseries to offer discounts (at least 25% off) on plants that will thrive in different conditions. This plant promotion is designed to help you match the right plants with the conditions you have in your garden (right place). See the Saving Water Partnership Web site for more info.

The Saving Water Partnership is also sponsoring FREE Savvy Gardener Classes this fall from a variety of gardening and horticulture professionals. See the Saving Water Partnership Web site for class topics, locations, dates and times.

Warning about Backyard Bird Feeders

"After reports of sick or dead birds at backyard feeders in Washington, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife has recommended that people temporarily discontinue bird feeding or take extra steps to keep their feeders clean."

Details here:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_WA_Dead_Birds.html

Backyard Habitat Workshop in September

The next Backyard Habitat Workshop will be:

Thursday, September 6th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Monday, September 10th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday, September 15th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

For more information on this three-part workshop, please visit the zoo's Backyard Habitat workshops page or email jenny.mears@zoo.org

April 29th – May 5th: Native Plant Appreciation Week!

Washington Native Plant Society and many other organizations are participating in Native Plant Appreciation Week. Events include native plant garden tours, native plant sales, and talks by notable native plant proponents including Russell Link and Art Kruckeberg. For more information and a list of events, click here.

Backyard Habitat Workshop in April

The first Backyard Habitat Workshop in 2007 will be:

• Monday, April 9, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Monday, April 16, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday, April 22, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information on this three-part workshop, please visit the zoo's Backyard Habitat workshops page or email jenny.mears@zoo.org