UPCOMING EVENTS
Developing a Microplastic Pollution Strategy
The Stormwater Strategic Initiative Lead (SIL) is hosting a workshop series to update the Toxics in Aquatic Life Implementation Strategy. Volunteer your knowledge and experience to build these new strategies! Register and join a mailing list for the full series HERE.
Topic: Interventions and Prevention Strategies
Land-Based Learning Excursions for Families
Join the Jefferson Land Trust for monthly family outings on stewarded properties. Designed for families, each session highlights a key aspect of our region’s natural history, engaging participants in hands-on activities that build knowledge, curiosity, and a lasting relationship with the land. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Varies, register for details
Easter Egg Hunt at Fort Flagler Lower Campground
Join the fun and bring your children aged 2 to 14 to Friends of Fort Flagler’s Easter egg hunt. We’ll meet at the Lower Campground by the bathroom. Children will be grouped into three age groups so the young ones have better odds (no child will come away empty-handed). Please feel free to bring baskets for the egg hunt.
Register HERE.
Location: Fort Flagler State Park, Lower Campground by playground
Earth Day - Beach Clean-up and Invasive Grass Pull
Join the Friends of Fort Flagler to help remove debris and invasive sea grass from our beach. This will help protect our marine life and native species grasses and enhance the health of our park. Your contribution makes a tangible difference! Register HERE.
Location: Fort Flagler State Park, Lower Camp Area
Ask a Master Gardener
Jefferson County Master Gardeners are pleased to work with you on your garden-related questions! For plant problem diagnosis bring a sample that clearly shows the difference between unhealthy and healthy tissue. Pick a fresh plant specimen, put the cut end of the stem in a moist paper towel, and then come to the Ask a Master Gardener workshop. For plant identification bring a sample or picture that includes leaves, branches, stems, a portion of the fruiting or flowering structure (if available), and a picture of the stem or bark. For insect identification bring the insect intact in a small container soon after capture.
Note: Master Gardeners need a fresh specimen to make an accurate identification or assessment of the issue. Learn more or submit a question online here.
Location: Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St, Port Townsend
Discover How Your Backyard Composting Helps Our Parks
Join us for a special virtual presentation with Laura Tucker from Jefferson County Environmental Health, a knowledgeable educator who has led composting classes across the county. Laura will share simple, effective ways that individual composting can make a big difference—not only in your own garden, but throughout our state parks and surrounding natural areas.
Learn how composting reduces landfill waste, cuts harmful greenhouse gases, and builds healthy soil that supports native plants. Healthy soil, in turn, creates stronger habitat for pollinators, birds, insects, and the wildlife that depend on them. Laura will also explain how home composting helps limit invasive species, protects water quality, and reduces the pressure on fragile park ecosystems.
Whether you’re a seasoned composter or just curious about getting started, this session will show how small actions at home contribute to a healthier environment for everyone—including the beaches, forests, and wildlife we all enjoy in our Washington State Parks.
Location: Virtual, register HERE.
Bats of Washington State and Marrowstone Island
Are you curious about the bats of Washington and the species that live at Fort Flagler and on Marrowstone Island? This introductory talk will explore Washington’s native bat species, with a special focus on those most likely to be found in and around Fort Flagler State Park.
Learn where local bats roost and forage, how the park’s forests, open fields, and shoreline support bat habitat, and why bats are such an important part of the island’s ecosystem. We’ll also discuss current conservation challenges facing bats in Washington and what Friends of Fort Flagler members and park visitors can do to help protect these often-misunderstood nocturnal neighbors.
Nick Moore (He/Him) is the Assistant Species Lead in the Wildlife Division at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he supports science-based species conservation and recovery efforts across the state. He works closely with agency staff, partners, and stakeholders to advance effective wildlife management and habitat protection. Nick has an educational background in wildlife biology and natural resource management, which informs his collaborative, data-driven approach to conserving Washington’s native wildlife for current and future generations.
Location: Virtual, register HERE.
Land-Based Learning Excursions for Families
Join the Jefferson Land Trust for monthly family outings on stewarded properties. Designed for families, each session highlights a key aspect of our region’s natural history, engaging participants in hands-on activities that build knowledge, curiosity, and a lasting relationship with the land. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Varies, register for details
Rat Island Docent Program: Training for New and Returning Docents
Join us for the 2026 Rat Island Docent Program Training, open to both new volunteers interested in becoming Rat Island Docents and returning docents looking for a refresher and updates. Rat Island and the adjoining spit are ecologically rich and culturally significant areas within Fort Flagler State Park. This training will prepare docents to engage the public with accurate, science-based information about wildlife, habitat protection, and responsible recreation—while serving as friendly, informed ambassadors on the beach.
Who should attend:
Prospective Rat Island Docents
Returning docents
Volunteers interested in wildlife education, stewardship, and public outreach
Space may be limited. Registration is encouraged.
Location: Fort Flagler State Park, WWII Rec Center
Native Bee Habitat Walk
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 Flagler’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.
Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Fort Flagler State Park, Beachcomber Cafe
Developing a Microplastic Pollution Strategy
The Stormwater Strategic Initiative Lead (SIL) is hosting a workshop series to update the Toxics in Aquatic Life Implementation Strategy. Volunteer your knowledge and experience to build these new strategies! Register and join a mailing list for the full series HERE.
Topic: Community Engagement and Understanding Regional Needs
Ask a Master Gardener
Jefferson County Master Gardeners are pleased to work with you on your garden-related questions! For plant problem diagnosis bring a sample that clearly shows the difference between unhealthy and healthy tissue. Pick a fresh plant specimen, put the cut end of the stem in a moist paper towel, and then come to the Ask a Master Gardener workshop. For plant identification bring a sample or picture that includes leaves, branches, stems, a portion of the fruiting or flowering structure (if available), and a picture of the stem or bark. For insect identification bring the insect intact in a small container soon after capture.
Note: Master Gardeners need a fresh specimen to make an accurate identification or assessment of the issue. Learn more or submit a question online here.
Location: Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St, Port Townsend
Explore the Layers of Time: Geology Beach Walk at Fort Flagler
Join us for a fascinating geology talk followed by a beach walk of 2 miles round trip at Fort Flagler State Park, timed perfectly with a minus tide to reveal hidden natural features and ancient stories embedded in the land.
Led by Professor Ralph Dawes and assisted by Carol Serdar and Scott Minor from the Quimper Geological Society (QGS). This walk begins at the lower campground and proceeds to Marrowstone Point and follows the beach trail westward along the base of the bluff. This walk is a unique opportunity to witness Fort Flagler’s geologic wonders up close and to learn how tides, glaciers, and time have sculpted the landscape we see today.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes suitable for uneven, rocky beach terrain, and bring your curiosity for this one-of-a-kind coastal adventure! Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Fort Flagler State Park, WWII Rec Center
Ask a Master Gardener
Jefferson County Master Gardeners are pleased to work with you on your garden-related questions! For plant problem diagnosis bring a sample that clearly shows the difference between unhealthy and healthy tissue. Pick a fresh plant specimen, put the cut end of the stem in a moist paper towel, and then come to the Ask a Master Gardener workshop. For plant identification bring a sample or picture that includes leaves, branches, stems, a portion of the fruiting or flowering structure (if available), and a picture of the stem or bark. For insect identification bring the insect intact in a small container soon after capture.
Note: Master Gardeners need a fresh specimen to make an accurate identification or assessment of the issue. Learn more or submit a question online here.
Location: Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St, Port Townsend
Green Infrastructure Summit of the Salish Sea
Learn about green infrastructure and clean water efforts around the Salish Sea at this 11th Annual Summit! Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
Location: Cascadia College, Bothell
Low-Tech Approaches for Salmon Habitat Restoration
Join the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Salmon Foundation, and WA's Salmon Recovery Office for an expert-led discussion of latest practices and emerging techniques in low-tech restoration. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Virtual, register for link
Conservation Breakfast: Creating Hope Through Action
Join the Jefferson Land Trust's for the 2026 virtual Conservation Breakfast with Terry Tempest Williams, author, conservationist, and activist. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Virtual, register for link
Discover the World of River Otters
Playful, intelligent, and endlessly curious, river otters are among the most captivating residents of Puget Sound. Join us for an engaging program that explores the hidden world of these remarkable mammals — from their family life and denning habits to their hunting strategies, play behaviors, and the ways they communicate with one another.
Our speaker, Sara Penhallegon, will share stories from the field and provide a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when otters face challenges in the wild. Learn how injured, sick, or orphaned otters are cared for and rehabilitated, and how community members can help these incredible animals thrive.
Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Fort Flagler State Park, WWII Rec Center
Floodplains by Design: REET – A Unique Tax Supporting Conservation and Affordable Housing
Learn about how San Juan County has leveraged the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) to fund land conservation and affordable housing. Conversation led by San Juan County Land Bank and the Affordable Housing Coordinator. Join webinar from link HERE.
Location: Virtual
Ask a Master Gardener
Jefferson County Master Gardeners are pleased to work with you on your garden-related questions! For plant problem diagnosis bring a sample that clearly shows the difference between unhealthy and healthy tissue. Pick a fresh plant specimen, put the cut end of the stem in a moist paper towel, and then come to the Ask a Master Gardener workshop. For plant identification bring a sample or picture that includes leaves, branches, stems, a portion of the fruiting or flowering structure (if available), and a picture of the stem or bark. For insect identification bring the insect intact in a small container soon after capture.
Note: Master Gardeners need a fresh specimen to make an accurate identification or assessment of the issue. Learn more or submit a question online here.
Location: Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St, Port Townsend
Community Forest Training Program
The Trust for Public Land is offering a five-month (November through March, once a month) virtual workshop series around best practices to support the creation and stewardship of community forests. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Virtual, register for link
The Camas Prairie: An Historical and Cultural Perspective
Join Forest Shomer for a talk about the Kah Tai Prairie, a 1.4 acre remnant of prairies that once stretched between the Strait and Port Townsend Bay. No registration required.
Location: Quimper Grange, Port Townsend
Land-Based Learning Excursions for Families
Join the Jefferson Land Trust for monthly family outings on stewarded properties. Designed for families, each session highlights a key aspect of our region’s natural history, engaging participants in hands-on activities that build knowledge, curiosity, and a lasting relationship with the land. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Varies, register for details
Low Tide Night Walk
Join the Port Townsend Marine Science Center for a flash-lit (??) guided walk to see what happens on our beaches after dark. Bring weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, flashlight and/or headlamp. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: North Beach County Park, Port Townsend – register for specifics
Common Garden Pests and their Prevention/Curative Strategies Via Zoom
Garden pests can challenge even the most experienced gardeners, but effective management doesn’t have to come at the expense of our environment. This online presentation explores common garden pests found in the Puget Sound region and highlights prevention and curative strategies that protect plants while keeping waterways clean and healthy. Attendees will learn environmentally responsible approaches that reduce chemical use, safeguard soil and pollinators, and help preserve the health of Puget Sound for generations to come.
Brandon Hudson is a respected agronomist with KIS Organics. He has been an agronomist for nearly four decades of cultivation experience. Over the course of his career, he has worked across a wide range of cultivation systems—from hydroponics to fully organic living soil—ultimately dedicating himself to soil-based, biological growing methods that allow plants to reach their fullest natural expression.
Today, Brandon resides on Marrowstone Island, Washington, where he consults with organic farmers, gardeners, and commercial cultivators throughout the country. At KIS Organics, he provides soil testing, plant diagnostics, and farm-system guidance, drawing on years of hands-on experience including his previous role managing propagation and greenhouse operations at a large commercial hemp farm. Through education, research, and personalized consulting, he continues to help growers transition to regenerative, data-driven practices that improve soil health, crop quality, and long-term sustainability.
Location: Virtual, register HERE.
Lunch and Learn: Collaborative Stormwater Solutions in Action
Join WSDOT, Stewardship Partners, and The Nature Conservancy as they discuss cross-sector collaboration, funding pathways, and on-the ground projects including the Boxes of Rain beneath I-405 and I-90. Optional site visit to see the Rain Boxes. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Bellevue, WA
The Fisher and the Whale: Fisheries Oceanography of Dungeness Crab
Join the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and the Feiro Marine Life Center for the latest in their webinar series.
Learn how Christopher Biggs, Research Scientist at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, integrates climate science and oceanography in his research to project future changes in crab distribution and abundance, while also identifying crucial overlap areas between whale migratory patterns and active fishing grounds. More information and registration HERE.
Location: Virtual register for link
Volunteer Planting at the Dungeness River Nature Center
Join the North Olympic Salmon Coalition to plant trees and shrubs at the Dungeness River Nature Center. Learn more and RSVP HERE.
Location: Directions provided after registration
Count the Carbon in Your Wetland
Join the Pew Charitable Trusts for a Wetland Carbon Network webinar to explore the Pacific Northwest Regional Blue Carbon Calculator. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Virtual, register for link
Working with Nature: Smarter, Safer Pest Management
Jefferson County Master Gardeners are proud to host Jenny Glass at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Let’s face it, pests can make gardening a real challenge. Jenny Glass, plant diagnostician for the WSU-Puyallup Plant and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory, will share practical strategies for resilience: choosing hardy plants, improving soil health, and adapting to changing conditions. In addition, she’ll highlight different gardening practices that help avoid pest problems, and showcase some of the good (and surprisingly interesting) organisms in your yard that are eager to help.
Cost: $15+ tax through eventbrite, or $20 at the door.
Location: Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Port Townsend
Sustainable Spoonfuls: Turning Food Waste into Climate Solutions
This interactive class explores the critical link between diet and climate change to empower people to make conscious dietary choices for health and planet.
Location: Quimper Grange, Port Townsend
Beavers as Partners in Restoration
Learn about the Tulalip Tribe's Beaver Project at this month's Salish Sea Roundtable speaker series. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Virtual, register for link
Volunteer Planting on the Dungeness
Join the North Olympic Salmon Coalition to plant trees and shrubs along the Dungeness River as part of an ongoing riparian forest restoration project. Learn more and RSVP HERE.
Location: Directions provided after registration
Backyard Sanctuaries: Gardening for Birds and Biodiversity
Backyard Sanctuaries: Gardening for Birds and Biodiversity ~ Yard & Garden Lecture Series at Jefferson County Fairgrounds. with Dr. Steve Hampton
Steve is an avid birder, writer, Conservation Chair and Christmas Bird Count Compiler for Rainshadow Bird Alliance, an enrolled citizen of Cherokee Nation, and a former resource economist for the California Department of Fish & Game.
Location: Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Port Townsend
32nd Annual Sound Waters University – Tracing Life through the Salish Sea
Tracing Life through the Salish Sea explores the intricate web of relationships that connect species, habitats, and communities throughout the unique marine ecosystem of the Salish Sea.
Participants are invited to investigate the natural connections that sustain the Salish Sea, while also reflecting on the social and cultural ties that link people to place. Through science, storytelling, and shared discovery, we trace the threads that hold this living system together and convey the power of place as the foundation for our efforts to nourish and sustain this diverse and fragile region.
The Keynote addresses and the elective class presentations focus on:
Salish Sea geography, its interconnected food web, and current challenges and issues,
The braiding of Indigenous knowledge and mainstream science and,
The Salish Sea marine environment and its stewardship.
Learn more and register HERE.
Cost: $70
Location: Coupeville High School on Whidbey Island
Blueprints for Community-Led Blue Carbon
The focus for this Blue Carbon Collaborative meeting is small-scale blue carbon restoration projects focused on key single-species efforts. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Virtual; register for link
Ask a Master Gardener
Jefferson County Master Gardeners are pleased to work with you on your garden-related questions! For plant problem diagnosis bring a sample that clearly shows the difference between unhealthy and healthy tissue. Pick a fresh plant specimen, put the cut end of the stem in a moist paper towel, and then come to the Ask a Master Gardener workshop. For plant identification bring a sample or picture that includes leaves, branches, stems, a portion of the fruiting or flowering structure (if available), and a picture of the stem or bark. For insect identification bring the insect intact in a small container soon after capture.
Note: Master Gardeners need a fresh specimen to make an accurate identification or assessment of the issue. Learn more or submit a question online here.
Location: Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St, Port Townsend
Community Forest Training Program
The Trust for Public Land is offering a five-month (November through March, once a month) virtual workshop series around best practices to support the creation and stewardship of community forests. Learn more and register HERE.
Location: Virtual, register for link
Lisa Taylor: Conserving Water through Contours, Native Plants and Cisterns
Lisa is an educator, consultant, contributing author of the Maritime Northwest Garden Guide, 2nd ed., and Your Farm in the City: An Urban Dweller’s Guide to Growing Food and Raising Animals. Lisa is a Master Composter, a pioneer in Children’s Gardening, and has been teaching people of all ages to garden organically for 30 years.
Purchase tickets and find more information here.
Winter Twig ID Course
Join the North Olympic Salmon Coalition and the North Olympic Land Trust to learn to identify winter twigs! Learn more and register HERE. (And watch for registration for a similar event in Jefferson County in February!)
Location: Lyre Conservation Area, Clallam County
Railroad Bridge Park Planting Party
Join the Dungeness River Nature Center for a native plant planting party at Railroad Bridge Park. Learn more and RSVP HERE.
Location: Railroad Bridge Park, Sequim
Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management
Join a volunteer orientation for emergency preparedness and response efforts. Particular need for volunteers with HAM radio or medical experience, but not limited to those volunteers. Learn more and sign up HERE.
Location: Department of Emergency Management, 81 Elkins Road, Port Hadlock