UPCOMING EVENTS
NOSC's Community Tour
Five years ago, a coalition of community partners came together to reopen the natural connection between Oak Bay and Kilisut Harbor. What once was a blocked waterway is now a thriving nearshore ecosystem, home again to juvenile salmon, migratory birds, and eelgrass meadows. Join us Thursday, June 26, at Marrowstone Vineyards as we mark the 5-Year Anniversary of the Kilisut Harbor Restoration and the opening of the Kilisut Bridge. The afternoon will include:
A discussion of nearshore restoration and how we identify priority projects
A look at post-project monitoring, ecosystem recovery, and broader impact on the community
A guided on-site walking tour of the restored tidal channel and bridge
Panelist Ralph Riccio will offer fresh oysters from Moonlight Oyster Co. for purchase, while Marrowstone Vineyards will be pouring wine for tasting and sale.
This event is free and open to the public! Come celebrate a landmark achievement in salmon recovery, climate resilience, and collaborative stewardship. RSVP HERE.
Clamming at Fort Flagler 2025
Hosted By Friends of Fort Flagler
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1263605270379
Join us to explore and harvest our local clams at the lower campground of Fort Flagler next to the Beachcomber Café. We will identify local shellfish, discuss the common harvest tools and how to use them, how to read a tide table book and why! Learn how to care for your catch after harvest and a few suggested ways to prepare them.
What should folks bring?
#2 shovel-long handle, tined garden scratcher
Separate small or medium size bucket (each digger must have their own container)
Gloves--rubber garden gloves are best but not required,
Valid shellfish license if over 16 years old. ALL nonresidents must have a license regardless of age.
Presenter Michael Zimmerman was a Washington State Park Ranger for over 40 years. Michael has a lifelong love for parks and the beach and earned his Bachelor of Science in Fisheries. He helped raise two boys and taught them as well as friends, neighbors and thousands of park visitors how to identify, harvest and prepare all types of shellfish--clams, oysters, crab, shrimp and even seaweeds.
Trees: Weavers of the Forest
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1260414586959
Location: 10541 Flagler Road Battery Bankhead Nordland, WA 98358
Come join us at Fort Flagler Historical State Park for a fascinating event all about the incredible world of trees! Learn about how trees are the true weavers of the forest, connecting all living things in a delicate web of life. Discover the many ways trees provide for us, from clean air to shelter for wildlife. This in-person event will be a great opportunity to deepen your appreciation for these majestic giants of nature. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with the forest in a whole new way! If you have questions about accessibility, please email Kelsey at <Kelsey.Lang@parks.wa.gov>
Trees: Weavers of the Forest
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1260430855619
Location: 10541 Flagler Road Battery Bankhead Nordland, WA 98358
Come join us at Fort Flagler Historical State Park for a fascinating event all about the incredible world of trees! Learn about how trees are the true weavers of the forest, connecting all living things in a delicate web of life. Discover the many ways trees provide for us, from clean air to shelter for wildlife. This in-person event will be a great opportunity to deepen your appreciation for these majestic giants of nature. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with the forest in a whole new way! If you have questions about accessibility, please email Kelsey at <Kelsey.Lang@parks.wa.gov>
Hike Fort Flagler
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1147807195219
We'll begin at the parking lot near the park entrance—don’t forget to bring your valid Discover Pass for parking. The trail is primarily flat with a few gentle hills, making it an enjoyable adventure for both new and experienced hikers. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the majestic Cascade Mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as the park is home to a variety of creatures. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes for a comfortable and safe hike. We can’t wait to see you there!
To learn more, visit https://friendsoffortflagler.org/.
Update on the Avian Flu and its affects on Caspian Terns (Online)
Hosted By Friends of Fort Flagler
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1307485717979
The online presentation focuses on the ecological and epidemiological aspects of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among Caspian Terns, Glaucous-winged Gulls (and their hybrids), and harbor seals. This outbreak appeared to spread from Tern colonies on the lower Columbia River to several locations in the Puget Sound Region with the highest mortality rates observed on Rat Island. The outbreak resulted in very high mortality rates for adult and chick Terns on Rats and appeared to have regional flyway-level impacts on Tern populations.
This presentation is intended for individuals interested in becoming a docent or are already a docent and/or Audobon Society members.
To learn more, visit friendsoffortflagler.org.
Native Bee Habitat Walk
Registration: https://eventbrite.com/e/1147829732629
Lower Campground Area , 10541 Flagler Rd, Nordland, WA 98358
Timing is everything for native bees. Observing them during the period in which they construct nests, mate, and provision natal cells can be the most illuminating time to observe them. Kris Ethington, a native bee enthusiast with the Washington Native Bee Society, will lead a tour of some of Fort Flager’s most active bee habitats. With a little luck, she hopes to share them while they exhibit some of these fascinating behaviors, helping to inspire your future observations, in the wild or your backyard.
To learn more, visit friendsoffortflagler.org
Orca Celebration
Everyone is invited to a festive, family-friendly afternoon at Finnriver honoring our amazing orcas! At 3 pm, gather outside to make a big orca on the ground, the "Human Orca Mural," organized by Backbone Campaign. Free, wear black! From 4-5 pm, community orca advocates will table and present about our critically-endangered Southern Resident Orcas in the Salish Sea, and how we can help them thrive. From 5-7 pm, enjoy the music of Dana Lyons, noted folksinger and environmental activist ($5 cover, sliding scale, no one turned away). This event is part of Orca Action Month.
Molt Search Training (Green Crabs)
Port Townsend Marine Science Center and partners are holding an upcoming Molt Search trainings for interested crab enthusiasts, and beach walkers! Participation is limited to 25 individuals per session.
Molt Search is a new, app-based program that will enable anyone who walks the shorelines of Puget Sound to identify and report one of Washington state’s most concerning invasive species: European green crab. The emerging invasion by European green crabs (Carcinus maenas) threatens marine resources in Washington. Early detection of small populations gives us the best chance to reduce the spread and impact of this globally damaging invasive species. Washington Sea Grant and Washington State University Extension have teamed up to launch a new volunteer-based early detection program, Molt Search, to complement the existing WSG Crab Team trapping and monitoring network. Molt Search aims to support broader participation in early detection by teaching volunteers what to look for and how to report the presence of European green crab molts along inland shorelines. These molts can serve as an early indicator of the presence of European green crab in an area. Survey results will be collected via the MyCoast app, an existing reporting resource from Washington DNR that collects reports on topics ranging from abandoned ships to storm surges. For more info and to register: https://ptmsc.org/event/molt-search-training-6-1-25/
Riparian Workshop
Do you have property by a creek or river? Would you like to plant native plants to improve riparian habitat, salmon habitat, attract pollinators, and/or improve scenery? If so please join us to tour two recently planted riparian areas along Lotzgesell Creek.
Clallam County Conservation District staff will be present to answer questions about our riparian program, eligibility requirements, and the process of planting riparian habitat. We can also assist in providing information on how to improve fish and wildlife habitat on your property, and how to remove invasive weeds. Registration is required as parking is limited. For more information and to register, click HERE.
Volunteer: Mulching on the Wild and Scenic Dungeness River
Join the North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC) to mulch trees and shrubs planted this winter at the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe's Caldero Side Channel Project. Mulching will help these plants grow into a healthy future forest that will support salmon and other wildlife on the Dungeness River! Refreshments, gloves, and tools will be provided. Learn more and register HERE.
Salish Sea Science Roundtable: Transboundary Threats: European Green Crab in the Salish Sea
Drs. P. Sean McDonald (University of Washington) and Thomas Therriault (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) bring nearly 50 years of combined expertise in the science and management of invasive European green crab (EGC). Their presentation will delve into the challenges posed by EGC in the transboundary waters of the Salish Sea, highlighting ongoing science into the species' detrimental effects on native species and habitats, as well as threats to cultured and wild shellfish resources. Via Zoom - learn more and register here!
Forest Shomer Presentation: Olympic Peninsula Prairies
The Kul Kah Han Native Plant Garden is excited to present a bi-monthly speaker series focusing on the importance of planting native plants in your garden. The speaker for this installment is Forest Shomer, owner of Inside Passage Seeds. All talks will be in the Salmon Shelter – some seating available, but feel free to bring a lawn chair! Rain or shine!
PNW Plant ID and Ecology Walk
Join botanist and geologist Mark Darrach for an inspiring day of exploring and learning about Olympic Peninsula native plants and ecology. For much of the hike we will be walking through a high-quality, intact rare vegetation type of old-growth Pacific Madrone/Douglas Fir forest. Mark will weave in discussion of the geology of the area as well, making for a rich, enjoyable and edifying day!
Register here: https://cedarrootschool.org/shop/p/native-plant-walk-2025
May Chumsortium Meeting
Come join the conversation about all things salmon in eastern Jefferson County. This virtual meeting will take place via Zoom
Spring Bloom Walk at Kah Tai Prairie Preserve
The Olympic Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society is leading a walk to see/identify spring blooms at Kah Tai Prairie Preserve. The walk will start at the prairie kiosk and include a longer route to visit other emerging prairie sites and Hastings Pond riparian habitat. For more information send email.
Earth Day: Make a Direct Impact
This Earth Day weekend, dedicate your time to meaningful, hands-on activities that directly benefit the environment at Fort Flagler State Park. Participate in two impactful volunteering opportunities:
Invasive Species Pull: Join a community effort to remove invasive plants that threaten our ecosystems.
Beach Clean-Up: Take part in a shoreline cleanup to remove trash and plastic debris from our beautiful beaches.
Specific locations will be provided via email after registration on Eventbrite.
Earth Day Beach Cleanup
The PTMSC annual Earth Day beach cleanup brings volunteers together from far and wide to clean the beaches and roadways in our area. For more information, visit the event listing or contact Mandi Johnson at 360-385-5582 ext115.
Volunteer Open House and Orientation
🌿 Volunteer Open House + Orientation Hosted by the Dungeness Nature Alliance (DNA) Thursday, April 17 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM 📍 Dungeness River Nature Center We’re building something special! The Dungeness Nature Alliance brings together volunteers from the Dungeness River Nature Center and the Dungeness & Protection Island National Wildlife Refuges into one amazing team. Each site still keeps its own unique focus and feel—but now we share training, support, and one coordinator (hi, that’s me!). 🏡 What’s Happening at the Open House + Orientation: ✨ Mingle with fellow volunteers and staff ✨ Visit tables hosted by current volunteers to explore roles ✨ Check out props, photos, and stories from the field ✨ Enjoy light snacks and connection time ✨ Join a short orientation with key info and clear next steps To signup, please email Leshell at Leshell@DungenessRiverCenter.Org
Jefferson WSU Extension Beach Naturalist Training START DATE
The Beach Naturalists training provides Jefferson and Clallam County residents with the opportunity to turn environmental knowledge into action! Through this multi-day training, participants will learn about Salish Sea habitats and species, conservation efforts, and ways to get involved in local marine stewardship. This training is taught by regional experts and includes Zoom classroom sessions and in-person guided beach explorations. Topics include: Salish Sea coastal processes, zonations and tides, seaweeds and seagrasses, intertidal species (anemones, sea stars, clams, crabs, etc.), restoration efforts, Tribal Treaty Rights and natural resource management, and community science opportunities.
This year's training includes 6 live Zoom classes and 5 optional field trip days, held Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 15 through May 15, 2025.
For more information and registration, please see the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-wsu-jefferson-beach-naturalists-training-registration-1274113179819?aff=oddtdtcreator. Contact Katie by email with any questions.
Ancient Tribal Stewardship, Contemporary Relations to the Land
The Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation presents this timely topic sponsored by the JCMGF and WSU Master Gardener Program. Loni Greninger, vice chair of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribal Council, will speak about the relationship between S'Klallam people and the land and how land stewardship has changed over time. Learn examples of land stewardship tools, traditional foods, tribal values, and how those values inspire contemporary land management practices. It is free and open to the public.
For more information, go to the JCMGF website.
Olympic BirdFest
BirdFest offers a major birding event in the wild and untamed Olympic Peninsula, hosted at the new facility of the Dungeness River Nature Center. The North Olympic Peninsula comprises a strip of coastlines and forests between the million-acre Olympic National Park and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The steep rise of the mountains allows birders to sample coastal, riparian, forested and montane habitats in close proximity. The Dungeness River Watershed, for example, drops from 7800 feet to the sea in only 32 miles. The central location of the Dungeness River Nature Center puts all these habitats within reach of birders.
Register here: https://olympicbirdfest.regfox.com/olympic-birdfest-2025
NOLT's Conservation Breakfast
On April 5th at 9am, North Olympic Land Trust will be hosting this year's free Conservation Breakfast at the Field Hall in Port Angeles.
Through stunning photos and stories, we'll receive an introduction to wildlife tracking from David Moskowitz, author of Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Sarah Spaeth, Jefferson Land Trust's Director of Conservation and Strategic Partnerships and a Certified Wildlife Tracker Trainer, will talk about how animal tracking informs conservation work. Together, these two speakers will help us tell the story of animals on our lands. We will also present our Out Standing in the Field Award to the North Olympic History Center for their work in helping us better tell the story of our landscape through a historical lens.
Ocean Nomads: The Albatrosses (Lecture)
Join PTMSC for this Future of Oceans lecture, presented by Peter Harrison, seabird expert, author, artist and conservationist.
Largest of all flying birds with lifespans that match those of humans, the 22 albatross species are the most itinerant of all life forms, capable of flying more than 1,000 miles a day and over 8.5 million miles in their lifetimes. For more information, visit the website.
Admission is free; donations are welcomed and appreciated.
Time: 3 - 4pm | Location: Wheeler Theater, Fort Worden, Port Townsend
State Climate Policy Network National Call
Want to learn about how climate policy campaigns are developing in states across the country, from Louisiana to Ohio to Florida? Have an exciting climate policy update or development to share with a network of like-minded individuals?
Join us for our monthly State Climate Policy Network national call! This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the different legislation and movements going on across the U.S. State-level climate policy experts will join us to inform the network of what is going on in their states, and what you might be able to do to help.
Register here and spread the word to other climate policy actors who could benefit from cross-state collaboration, and read more about the SCPN here.
Free Screening: Water is Love: Ripples of Regeneration
The Port Townsend library and Jill Allison are excited to announce a special community screening of the award-winning documentary, "Water Is Love: Ripples of Regeneration". The screening is free of charge and open to the public. The film highlights the challenges faced by various communities worldwide in ensuring sustainable water management and showcases inspiring stories of resilience and regeneration. After the film, Jim Stanger from the Northwest Olympic Salmon Coalition will present information about projects supporting local water restoration. If time allows, there will be a question and answer session after his presentation.
Time: 10:30am | Location: PT Library Pink House, 220 Lawrence St., Port Townsend
Co-Existing with Backyard Wildlife
We’re lucky to live in an area rich with wildlife. It’s essential to understand how to coexist with these animals to support a healthy ecosystem. Sara Penhallegon of Central Valley Animal Rescue will talk about our local backyard residents and discover how to keep them safe and healthy while also protecting your property. Register here for this online event.
Time: 5 - 6:30pm | Location: online
DIY Tool Maintenance Clinic
Dust off the dirt, sharpen your shovels, and lubricate your loppers in preparation for the Spring 2025 growing season! Learn to maintain your own tools from seasoned helpers at this hands-on workshop. Wear work clothes and bring gloves. This free event is co-sponsored by Quimper Grange and Food Bank Growers, and is open to the public.
Location: Quimper Grange, 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend
Ediz Hook Planting
Ediz Hook Planting
March 6 (Thursday) from 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Clallam Conservation District, the Clallam Marine Resources Committee, and Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe are teaming up again this year to improve the nearshore habitat on Ediz Hook. Volunteers are needed to help plant 3,500 bareroot native beach plants. Click the button below to learn more about the event or to register.
Thank you volunteers!
Master Gardeners' Yard & Garden Lecture Series
The series is in person this year at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Port Townsend. If you’ve already purchased tickets, we thank you for your support! Ticket sales help support Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation programs.
Richie Steffen is our first speaker on “In Search of Excellence: Great Plant Picks for the Garden.” Few people have a passion for plants or an excitement about gardening greater than Richie Steffen. He is executive director for the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden, overseeing the development of the garden, its programs, and the rare plant collections. The Miller Garden works with expert horticulturalists around the region to select the best garden ornamentals through the Great Plant Picks program greatplantpicks.org.
Each lecture will run from 10 a.m.– noon. The price for the entire six-lecture series is $75; single-event tickets are available for $15. Tickets may be purchased from 2025yardandgarden.eventbrite.com.
The lecture series continues on Saturdays through February 15 with notable gardening and horticultural experts:
January 11: Richie Steffen, “In Search of Excellence: Great Plant Picks for the Garden”
January 18: Mark Turner, “The Beauty of Weeds”
January 25: Sue Goetz, “Edible Garden Landscape Design”
February 1: David Allen, “A Wild Idea: Native Plants for Pollinators, Birds, and Wildlife”
February 8: Karen Wright, “Native Bees of Washington State”
February 15: Clay Antieau, “The Importance of Being Evergreen”
Speaker bios and topic details can be found at jcmgf.org.
Ticket sales help support Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation educational and charitable activities. The talk is co-sponsored by Washington State University’s Jefferson County Extension Service. The series’ presenting sponsors are Scott Rogers, Realtor®, from RE/MAX® First in Port Townsend and Moving Earth LLC in Port Townsend.
Master Gardeners' Yard & Garden Lecture Series
The series is in person this year at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Port Townsend. If you’ve already purchased tickets, we thank you for your support! Ticket sales help support Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation programs.
Richie Steffen is our first speaker on “In Search of Excellence: Great Plant Picks for the Garden.” Few people have a passion for plants or an excitement about gardening greater than Richie Steffen. He is executive director for the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden, overseeing the development of the garden, its programs, and the rare plant collections. The Miller Garden works with expert horticulturalists around the region to select the best garden ornamentals through the Great Plant Picks program greatplantpicks.org.
Each lecture will run from 10 a.m.– noon. The price for the entire six-lecture series is $75; single-event tickets are available for $15. Tickets may be purchased from 2025yardandgarden.eventbrite.com.
The lecture series continues on Saturdays through February 15 with notable gardening and horticultural experts:
January 11: Richie Steffen, “In Search of Excellence: Great Plant Picks for the Garden”
January 18: Mark Turner, “The Beauty of Weeds”
January 25: Sue Goetz, “Edible Garden Landscape Design”
February 1: David Allen, “A Wild Idea: Native Plants for Pollinators, Birds, and Wildlife”
February 8: Karen Wright, “Native Bees of Washington State”
February 15: Clay Antieau, “The Importance of Being Evergreen”
Speaker bios and topic details can be found at jcmgf.org.
Ticket sales help support Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation educational and charitable activities. The talk is co-sponsored by Washington State University’s Jefferson County Extension Service. The series’ presenting sponsors are Scott Rogers, Realtor®, from RE/MAX® First in Port Townsend and Moving Earth LLC in Port Townsend.
Winter Twig Identification Course
Winter Twig Identification Course
January 23rd and February 6th
Come learn how to identify winter twigs in both Clallam and Jefferson counties. We will meet from 1-3pm at the Lyre Conservation Area in January and Illahee Preserve in February.
Master Gardeners' Yard & Garden Lecture Series
The series is in person this year at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Port Townsend. If you’ve already purchased tickets, we thank you for your support! Ticket sales help support Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation programs.
Richie Steffen is our first speaker on “In Search of Excellence: Great Plant Picks for the Garden.” Few people have a passion for plants or an excitement about gardening greater than Richie Steffen. He is executive director for the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden, overseeing the development of the garden, its programs, and the rare plant collections. The Miller Garden works with expert horticulturalists around the region to select the best garden ornamentals through the Great Plant Picks program greatplantpicks.org.
Each lecture will run from 10 a.m.– noon. The price for the entire six-lecture series is $75; single-event tickets are available for $15. Tickets may be purchased from 2025yardandgarden.eventbrite.com.
The lecture series continues on Saturdays through February 15 with notable gardening and horticultural experts:
January 11: Richie Steffen, “In Search of Excellence: Great Plant Picks for the Garden”
January 18: Mark Turner, “The Beauty of Weeds”
January 25: Sue Goetz, “Edible Garden Landscape Design”
February 1: David Allen, “A Wild Idea: Native Plants for Pollinators, Birds, and Wildlife”
February 8: Karen Wright, “Native Bees of Washington State”
February 15: Clay Antieau, “The Importance of Being Evergreen”
Speaker bios and topic details can be found at jcmgf.org.
Ticket sales help support Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation educational and charitable activities. The talk is co-sponsored by Washington State University’s Jefferson County Extension Service. The series’ presenting sponsors are Scott Rogers, Realtor®, from RE/MAX® First in Port Townsend and Moving Earth LLC in Port Townsend.
Volunteer Planting – Serenity Lane
Join NOSC on January 25th to plant trees and shrubs along the Dungeness River!
An aerial image of the Dungeness River, taken in 2020. Photo by John Gussman.
As part of an ongoing riparian forest restoration project, we will be returning to the Dungeness River to plant trees and shrubs at the Serenity Lane Riparian Restoration Project. In previous years, this site underwent a massive invasive species removal effort. We aim to fill in the remaining portion of the project with native plants. This diverse future forest will grow to shade the salmon stream, control erosion, and provide habitat for the birds, insects, amphibians, and mammals that also call the Dungeness ecosystem home.
Planting Details:
Saturday, January 25th
10am – 2pm
Please arrive by 10am for site orientation. We’ll take a break for lunch around noon. A site tour will take place at about 1:30pm.
Please bring lunch, water, and layers/footwear you need to be comfortable in our winter weather!
Directions will be provided in RSVP confirmation email.
Riverbank lupine growing along the Dungeness River. Photo by John Gussman.
About the Project:
In 2015, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe purchased and removed several homes at danger of washing into the Dungeness River. The Salmon Coalition joined the Dungeness River Riparian Project in a massive community effort to remove invasive species and replace them with native plants, including seeding the area with riverbank lupine. In recent years, Serenity Lane has been the site of several NOSC student plantings. It is time to return to the site to fill in remaining areas with native trees and shrubs, ensuring invasive vegetation remains at bay.
RSVP Here: Volunteer Planting – Serenity Lane | North Olympic Salmon Coalition