Calendar Archive

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October 2008:

October 18, 2008: Helping Hands Fight Hunger

10am-2pm, Ames Creek Farm, Carnation.  Exchange your labor for donations of fresh produce to local food banks. The program named “Helping Hands”, (formerly Northwest Farming for Humanity) is part of the Cascade Harvest Coalition, which works to create a healthy food and farm system in Washington State. Helping Hands is collaborating this year with Full Circle Farm’s new Experience Farming Project, which gives participants an experience of what life is like on an organic farm, while making a contribution to a more sustainable agricultural food system. Full Circle makes donations after work party events of freshly picked crops to the Hopelink food banks in north and east King County in the participants’ names.

For more information and to register call or e-mail Tim Bernthal, (206) 783-3088, or tbernthal@gowebway.com, or Mark McIntyre, (206) 632-0606 or mark@cascadeharvest.org. More information is available on-line at the Cascade Harvest Coalition website, http://www.cascadeharvest.org at Progams/Helping Hands.

October 18, 2008: MTS Greenway Fall Tree Planting Kick-off

Save the date for Mountains to Sound Greenway FALL TREE PLANTING KICK-OFF at Lake Sammamish State Park

October 11, 2008: Helping Hands Fight Hunger

10am-2pm, Ames Creek Farm, Carnation.  Exchange your labor for donations of fresh produce to local food banks. The program named “Helping Hands”, (formerly Northwest Farming for Humanity) is part of the Cascade Harvest Coalition, which works to create a healthy food and farm system in Washington State. Helping Hands is collaborating this year with Full Circle Farm’s new Experience Farming Project, which gives participants an experience of what life is like on an organic farm, while making a contribution to a more sustainable agricultural food system. Full Circle makes donations after work party events of freshly picked crops to the Hopelink food banks in north and east King County in the participants’ names.

For more information and to register call or e-mail Tim Bernthal, (206) 783-3088, or tbernthal@gowebway.com, or Mark McIntyre, (206) 632-0606 or mark@cascadeharvest.org. More information is available on-line at the Cascade Harvest Coalition website, http://www.cascadeharvest.org at Progams/Helping Hands.

October 10-12, 2008: The Global Treehouse Network Symposium

9-4pm, Treehouse Point, Fall City.  Treehouse Point is hosting the 11th Annual Global Treehouse Network Symposium/ .  There will be treehouse aficionados from all over the world  here in our town.  The Symposium is a structured event with speakers  and mini workshops that will take place over 2 1/2 days.  Cost for the weekend is $500.  For more information please email info@globaltreehousenetwork.com.

October 10, 2008: Kick Off Party for the Global Treehouse Network Symposium

7:30 pm, Masonic Lodge, Fall City.  Come here Nick Vigarino's "slop jar Delta funk" music.  Cover $10.

October 8, 2008: Children's Harvest Class: Slimy Creatures

10-noon, Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  This FREE* 2 hour class introduce children and parents to insects, flowers and the garden. We will sing songs, find colors and shapes, and taste the flowers and plants growing in the garden. These theme-based, hands-on classes are a great way to introduce children to the wonder of garden ecology. Classes are intended for both parent and child, ages 2-5 years. Dress for weather and mess, and have a blast!

*Pre-registration is required for each class by downloading a registration form at: www.seattletilth.org or by calling (206)633-5045 x2. All classes take place at the Pickering Barn and surrounding Demonstration Garden.

October 7, 2008: Fall City Parks Meetings

7-8:30 pm, Fall City Library.  There will be two meetings dealing with Fall City Parks at the library this Tue. The first will be the Fall City Action committee, which is working on getting the Fall City Parks District voted into existence on the February election. That meeting will start at 7:00pm and should be over by 7:30pm. The second meeting will be the Friends of Fall City Parks and will address what is currently going on with KC and the Fall City park. This meeting should start at 7:30pm and last an hour. Everyone is invited to attend.

October 4-5, 2008: Issaquah Salmon Days

10-6pm, Historic Downtown Issaquah.  FREE fun for the whole family!  Join the fun this October at the Northwest’s most-loved, award-winning community event!

The salmon are returning to our lakes, streams and our historic, downtown hatchery! The Issaquah Salmon Days Festival is 39 years old and we're celebrating with special fishy attractions: the Grande Parade, Foods of the Whirled, “whirled-class” arts & crafts, whirling live entertainment, whirledly-wild Field of Fun for kids of all ages, and a whirl of sporting attractions.  More info, including schedules at www.salmondays.org.

October 4, 2008: Clean Greens 1st Harvest

10-2pm, Clean Greens Farm, 20121 W. Snoqualmie River Rd NE, Duvuall.  This is one of the great programs recognized in our Urban-Rural Connections Project.  Read about it HERE.  We encourage everyone and anyone with a volunteer spirit to come out and help harvest, even if you don't have gardening or farming experience.  It will be some work, great fun, and it's for a great cause.  Shuttles leave from New Hope Baptist Church (116 -21st Ave. Seattle / cross street is Yesler) at 8:00am.    Visit http://cleangreens.ning.com/ for more info.

Sept 27, 2008: 10th Annual Harvest Celebration Farm Tour

10:00am to 4:00 pm, King County.  FREE!  WSU King County Extension is pleased to announce the 10th Annual Harvest Celebration Farm Tour in King County.Since 1999, this event has provided an opportunity for citizens of King County to experience the vitality of our local agriculture, to learn the importance of supporting farmers, and to realize the value and joy of eating locally grown and prepared food. This year 27 farms are participating—including five new farms to the tour. We encourage people to come by carpool, van or bus or by bicycle! Families welcome!  Contact us or check our website for some ideas for alternative transportation or group trips.

· Meet local farmers—the people who grow your food!

· Taste local food: Farm-fresh produce, samples and chef cooking demonstrations!

· Walk the fields of local farms and pick your own vegetables, flowers and pumpkins!

· Activities galore: live music, corn and bamboo mazes, hay rides, alpaca fiber spinning, cider pressing, butter churning, farm skills demos, composting workshops and so much more!

For more information please CLICK HERE.

September 27, 2008: Living Green Learning Event

10-5pm, 12717 322nd Ave NE, Duvuall.  FREE!  Visit a sustainably built log home and see the many green upgrades that speak to architectural art and energy conservation.  View the grey-water fed bogscape, learn about heating your water with solar and much much more.  For more information please visit www.UniversalAndGreen.com. 

September 27, 2008: National Public Lands Day

Bare Mountain Trail - Snoqualmie Ranger District.  Join thousands of volunteers for a nationwide day of caring, lending a hand to improve and preserve recreation opportunities on our cherished public lands. Events will take place on federal, state, and local lands throughout Washington State and across the country. WTA's trail maintenance efforts range from annual maintenance to new trail construction. Sign up to join HERE.

September 23, 2008: Living with Bears Presentations

Noon, Issaquah Rotary Club, Tibbits Creek Manor, Issaquah - OR - 7pm  Issaquah REI Store next to Safeway on Gilman Blvd.  Issaquah has bears!  Sometimes these residents venture over to Issaquah Highlands and surrounding communities.  Wildlife biologist Julie Hopkins is presenting her popular "Living with Bears" presentation.  Learn about these beautiful and intermitting creatures, how to avoid attracting them and what to do if you encounter one.  Families are welcome to attend.  FREE! 

September 18, October 2, 2008: Issaquah Intelligent Transportation System Feedback

6-8pm, Council Chambers in City Hall South (135 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah.  In November 2004, Issaquah voters approved a $3.63 million bond to pay for the system, which includes upgraded traffic signals (including the ability to remotely access the signals), a Traffic Management Center, 19 new traffic cameras and four variable message signs, among other improvements. The ITS enables the city to monitor and manage traffic conditions in real-time and respond more quickly and efficiently to signal malfunctions and blocking incidents. In addition, along the primary road corridors where Issaquah’s traffic signals were upgraded, the city has seen an average 28 percent improvement to travel times during peak weekday hours.

Now, the city is asking for the public’s feedback on what should happen next.

While voters approved a $3.63 million bond for the ITS, the City of Issaquah saved $1.89 million by receiving both state and federal grants after the election. The city is now soliciting the public’s opinion on whether the remaining funds should be used to further enhance the ITS, such as adding a traffic flow map and real-time images from the traffic cameras on the city’s Web site.

You can learn more and also take the city's Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) survey HERE.

The city will host open houses to collect the public’s feedback from 6-8 p.m. at Council Chambers in City Hall South (135 E. Sunset Way) on the following dates:

Tuesday, Aug. 26
Thursday, Sept. 4
Thursday, Sept. 18
Thursday, Oct. 2

September 17, 2008: Children's Harvest Class: Ladybug Picnic

10-noon, Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  This FREE* 2 hour class introduce children and parents to insects, flowers and the garden. We will sing songs, find colors and shapes, and taste the flowers and plants growing in the garden. These theme-based, hands-on classes are a great way to introduce children to the wonder of garden ecology. Classes are intended for both parent and child, ages 2-5 years. Dress for weather and mess, and have a blast!

*Pre-registration is required for each class by downloading a registration form at: www.seattletilth.org or by calling (206)633-5045 x2. All classes take place at the Pickering Barn and surrounding Demonstration Garden.

September 17, 2008: Milling & Manufacturing for FSC Markets

1-5pm, Tumwater (near Olympia).  Demand for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood products is quickly growing in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the country. Driven primarily by the residential and commercial green building industry, homeowners, architects and builders are increasingly specifying locally produced and FSC-certified wood products. This afternoon technical session will highlight current and emerging markets for certified wood products and provide an introduction to FSC chain-of-custody (CoC) certification for wood manufacturing businesses. FSC certified business owners will discuss their experiences with chain-of-custody certification and the certified marketplace. Topics include:  FSC chain-of-custody,  Green building programs in WA,  FSC markets: regional, national & interntl., What FSC products are in demand, How to find FSC timber & lumber, Growth trends in FSC markets, FSC certified companies in the Pacific NW,  FSC marketing strategies.  More info. and to register CLICK HERE.

Sept 17 - Nov 5, 2008: Forest Stewardship Coached Planning Class

6:00 to 9:00 pm, Community Center at Mercer View, Mercer Island. Wonderful low-cost ($100) forest management class for people with forested acreage.  Through the class you will develop a Forest Stewardship Plan for your property which can be used for sustainable harvesting, mitigating fire danger and ensuring optimal health and biodiversity of your forest.  A Forest Stewardship Plan is required to enroll in many of the tax benefit programs.  This is the last class to be held in King County in 2008; the class is filling quickly. More details can be found at http://king.wsu.edu/forestry/documents/Fall08FSbrochure.pdf  or by calling Amy at 206-205-3132.

Sept 13, 2008: City of Issaquah Recycling Event

9:00 am-1:00pm, Costco Parking Lot (800 Lake Drive).  City of Issaquah residents ONLY (No commercial or business items accepted).  Bring These Items: Monitors ($10.00 cash each),TV's ($15.00 - $30.00 cash depending on size). Batteries, computers, printers, concrete and brick, clothing and household goods, compact fluorescent bulbs and tubes (no broken bulbs or tubes), scrap wood waste, and scrap metal. (No fees)  No tires or cardboard accepted. Do not bring household hazardous waste. Call 206-296-4692 or visit www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/disposal.

September 13, 2008: Helping Hands Fight Hunger

10am-2pm, Full Circle Farm, Carnation.  Exchange your labor for donations of fresh produce to local food banks. The program named “Helping Hands”, (formerly Northwest Farming for Humanity) is part of the Cascade Harvest Coalition, which works to create a healthy food and farm system in Washington State. Helping Hands is collaborating this year with Full Circle Farm’s new Experience Farming Project, which gives participants an experience of what life is like on an organic farm, while making a contribution to a more sustainable agricultural food system. Full Circle makes donations after work party events of freshly picked crops to the Hopelink food banks in north and east King County in the participants’ names.

For more information and to register call or e-mail Tim Bernthal, (206) 783-3088, or tbernthal@gowebway.com, or Mark McIntyre, (206) 632-0606 or mark@cascadeharvest.org. More information is available on-line at the Cascade Harvest Coalition website, http://www.cascadeharvest.org at Progams/Helping Hands.

September 11, 2008: Living with Bears Presentation

7pm, Blakely Hall, Issaquah Highlands.  Grand Ridge Park/Mitchell Hill Forest  has bears!  Sometimes these residents venture over to Issaquah Highlands and surrounding communities.  Wildlife biologist Julie Hopkins is presenting her popular "Living with Bears" presentation.  Learn about these beautiful and intermitting creatures, how to avoid attracting them and what to do if you encounter one.  Families are welcome to attend.  FREE! 

September 7, 2008: Growing Things Farm Community Workparty

10am-1pm, Growing Things Farm, (23707 NE 100th Street, Carnation.  PCC Farmland Trust and Growing Things Farm invite you to bring friends and family (children age 12 and over) to the farm to help remove morning glory from the fields and property.  This is a great opportunity to visit a PCC Farmland Trust Farm.  Please bring water and gloves.  Contact Melissa Campbell at 206-547-9855 for more information.

September 2, 2008: Webster Nursery getting ready for 2009 planting season

DNR’s Webster Forest Nursery now has its list of seedlings available for 2009 planting posted online HERE.  You can also call nursery customer service at 1-877-890-2626. Orders will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2.

September 2, 2008: Fall City Parks District Meeting

7pm, Fall City Library. We will be talking about where we are in the process of getting a park district on the ballet and what are our next steps. Hope you can make it.

AUGUST 2008

August 22-24, 2008: Household Hazardous Waste Mobile in Snoqualmie/North Bend

10am-5pm, Snoqualmie Elementary School.  FREE for King County Residents.  Bring solvents, batteries (lead acid, button or rechargeable only), oil-based paint, cleaners, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, gasoline, mercury products, fluorescent tubes, propane tanks.  Do not bring: empty containers, computers, tvs, alkaline batteries, explosives, asbestos, appliances, medicines, solid waste, sharps, tires, latex paint.

August 24, 2008: 3s for Trees in the Greenway—Meet the storm!!

12-2 pm, Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah. You are invited to "3's for trees in the Greenway" presented by Carter Subaru and Mountains to Sound Greenway.  This event is to recognize Carter Subaru and the Seattle Storm and their commitment to planting trees in the Mountains to Sound Greenway as part of the Seattle Storm’s Go Green campaign. We will have a variety of food, games, and green activities that you and your favorite Storm player can enjoy together. Seattle Storm forward Sheryl Swoopes, center Ashley Robinson and guard Kristen O'Neill will be on-hand and take part in the festivities.

For additional information, please contact Wendy Tyner at wendy.tyner@mtsgreenway.org or 206.382.5565. Bring your family!

August 15-17, 2008: Household Hazardous Waste Mobile in Sammamish

10am-5pm, Eastlake HS, Sammamish.  FREE for King County Residents.  Bring solvents, batteries (lead acid, button or rechargeable only), oil-based paint, cleaners, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, gasoline, mercury products, fluorescent tubes, propane tanks.  Do not bring: empty containers, computers, tvs, alkaline batteries, explosives, asbestos, appliances, medicines, solid waste, sharps, tires, latex paint.

August 9, 2008: Helping Hands Fight Hunger

10am-2pm, Full Circle Farm, Carnation.  Exchange your labor for donations of fresh produce to local food banks. The program named “Helping Hands”, (formerly Northwest Farming for Humanity) is part of the Cascade Harvest Coalition, which works to create a healthy food and farm system in Washington State. Helping Hands is collaborating this year with Full Circle Farm’s new Experience Farming Project, which gives participants an experience of what life is like on an organic farm, while making a contribution to a more sustainable agricultural food system. Full Circle makes donations after work party events of freshly picked crops to the Hopelink food banks in north and east King County in the participants’ names.

For more information and to register call or e-mail Tim Bernthal, (206) 783-3088, or tbernthal@gowebway.com, or Mark McIntyre, (206) 632-0606 or mark@cascadeharvest.org. More information is available on-line at the Cascade Harvest Coalition website, http://www.cascadeharvest.org at Progams/Helping Hands.

August 8-10, 2008: Household Hazardous Waste Mobile in Duvuall/Carnation

10am-5pm, Safeway Parking Lot, Duvuall.  FREE for King County Residents.  Bring solvents, batteries (lead acid, button or rechargeable only), oil-based paint, cleaners, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, gasoline, mercury products, fluorescent tubes, propane tanks.  Do not bring: empty containers, computers, tvs, alkaline batteries, explosives, asbestos, appliances, medicines, solid waste, sharps, tires, latex paint.

August 2-3, 2008: CLEAN GREENS Project Planting Party (Volunteer Event)

9am-Sundown, Cutting Edge Farm, 20121 W. Snoqualmie River Rd NE, Duvuall.  This is one of the great projects recognized in our Urban-Rural Connections Project.  Read about it HERE.  We encourage everyone and anyone with a volunteer spirit to come out and plant, even if you don't have gardening or farming experience - as we will have Planting Instruction sheets for people to follow.  It will be some work, great fun, and it's for a great cause.  Shuttles leave from New Hope Baptist Church (116 -21st Ave. Seattle / cross street is Yesler) at 8:00am. 

August 2, 2008: Eastside Audubon Marymoor Bird Festival

10am-2pm, Marymoor Park in Redmond.  Come celebrate the grand opening of our new Bird Loop Nature Trail. We will have bird and native plant walks, food, entertainment, hands-on activities for children and adults, and informative displays. The opening ceremonies at noon feature a special appearance by King County Executive Ron Sims and Marymoor bird expert Michael Hobbs.  For more info please visit: http://www.elwas.org/chapter_events/eastside-audubon-marymoor-bird-festival-august-2-saturday.

August 1-3, 2008: Household Hazardous Waste Mobile in Issaquah

10am-5pm, Issaquah Highlands Park and Ride, Issaquah.  FREE for King County Residents.  Bring solvents, batteries (lead acid, button or rechargeable only), oil-based paint, cleaners, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, gasoline, mercury products, fluorescent tubes, propane tanks.  Do not bring: empty containers, computers, tvs, alkaline batteries, explosives, asbestos, appliances, medicines, solid waste, sharps, tires, latex paint.

JULY 2008:

July 30, 2008: Summer Children's Harvest Class: Get Dirty

10am-noon, Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  Even our youngest friends enjoy the garden. These FREE* 2 hour classes introduce children and parents to insects, flowers and the garden. We will sing songs, find colors and shapes, and taste the flowers and plants growing in the garden,  Ages 2-5 years. Dress for weather and mess, and have a blast!

*Pre-registration is required for each class by downloading a registration form at: www.seattletilth.org or by calling (206)633-5045 x2.

July 23, 2008: Summer Children's Harvest Class: Fantastic Flowers

10am-noon, Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  Even our youngest friends enjoy the garden. These FREE* 2 hour classes introduce children and parents to insects, flowers and the garden. We will sing songs, find colors and shapes, and taste the flowers and plants growing in the garden,  Ages 2-5 years. Dress for weather and mess, and have a blast!

*Pre-registration is required for each class by downloading a registration form at: www.seattletilth.org or by calling (206)633-5045 x2.

July 19, 2008: TrailsFest

9am-4pm, Rattlesnake Lake, North Bend.  The great outdoors of is calling! This outdoor extravaganza features clinics on everything from wilderness first aid to hiking with kids to backcountry cooking. Take a guided hike, tie a fly on, or climb a rock wall. Try out a new s’mores recipe, or hang out with packgoats. Say "hi" to the dozens of exhibitors, including Grizzley Bear Outreach Project and several gear companies and outdoor groups.

Been wanting to explore the North Cascades? Attend a clinic with Craig Romano, author of Day Hiking – North Cascades published by Mountaineers Books. Learn how to whip up a tasty backcountry meal in no time from the author of Freezer Bag Cooking. Want to be a responsible hiker with your dog? Check out the clinic on hiking with dogs and trail etiquette. Wanting to try backpacking? Go to Hilleberg the Tentmaker’s clinic on smart packing and learn how to take less, still be comfortable and safe, and have lots more fun! "Living with Bears" talk at 2:00 at the Cedar Watershed Education Center. Admission to all is FREE!

To get to TrailsFest, take I-90 to exit 32, then turn right on 436th Ave SE. Follow this road 2.7 miles to Rattlesnake Lake. For more information on TrailsFest: (206) 625-1367 / www.trailsfest.org.

July 9, 2008: FREE workshop on Removing Knotweed

7-8:30 p.m, Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center, 1711 Boalch Ave, North Bend.  King County working with landowners, agencies to protect river banks from invasive knotweed. Free workshops offered for residents living in affected watersheds. The battle is on to protect some of King County’s highest quality riverside habitat from knotweed, a tough, invasive plant.  With help from state and federal funding, the cooperation and support of many landowners and public land managers the King County Noxious Weed Program is leading a cooperative effort to get control of this fast-spreading invasive weed.  This session will also include control methods for other invasive weeds of concern to Snoqualmie River basin landowners.

July 12, 2008: Green My Ride Eastside.

9am-2pm, Issaquah Farmer's Market, Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  The future of your transportation choices will be on display at the Pickering Barn Farmers Market. Come learn about choices to reduce your carbon footprint. Become less dependent on gasoline, or eliminate your need entirely!

July 12, 2008: Helping Hands Fight Hunger Season Kick-off

10am-2pm, Full Circle Farm, Carnation.  Exchange your labor for donations of fresh produce to local food banks. The program named “Helping Hands”, (formerly Northwest Farming for Humanity) is part of the Cascade Harvest Coalition, which works to create a healthy food and farm system in Washington State. Helping Hands is collaborating this year with Full Circle Farm’s new Experience Farming Project, which gives participants an experience of what life is like on an organic farm, while making a contribution to a more sustainable agricultural food system. Full Circle makes donations after work party events of freshly picked crops to the Hopelink food banks in north and east King County in the participants’ names.

This year’s kick-off event is a half-day work party at Full Circle Farm on Saturday, July 12 from 10 am to 2 pm. Volunteers will be helping with stream restoration work on the farm under the Salmon-Safe Certification program of Stewardship Partners. Salmon-Safe Certification recognizes farm operations that adopt conservation practices that help restore native salmon habitat in Pacific Northwest rivers and streams.

For more information and to register call or e-mail Tim Bernthal, (206) 783-3088, or tbernthal@gowebway.com, or Mark McIntyre, (206) 632-0606 or mark@cascadeharvest.org. More information is available on-line at the Cascade Harvest Coalition website, http://www.cascadeharvest.org at Progams/Helping Hands. 

JUNE 2008:

June 23, 2008: King County Sherriff Q&A Meeting

6pm-8pm, Fall City Fire Station.  The King County Executive, through the King County Office of Management and Budget (OMB) informed all county agencies that in 2009 there will be an estimated $68million shortfall in the County's "Current Expense" fund (also referred to as "CX"). The Current Expense fund -- or CX -- has two primary sources of revenue: property tax (including new construction) and sales tax. CX funds all of King County 's criminal justice system.  If you have any questions regarding the meeting, please contact Elisa Elliott at 206-205-7920 orelisa.elliott@kingcounty.gov.

June 22, 2008: Family Hike: Exploring the west side of Tradition Plateau

1pm, Issaquah Public Library. School age children and their parents are invited to join in month's hike connecting the library and our outdoor environment. The Adventure Trail and Wetlands Trail will lead us to Round Lake. We will gain about 600 feet of elevation and cover about 4 miles. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All participants need appropriate footwear, clothing, and a small pack with water and snack. This series of family hikes and earth friendly resources is being cooperatively sponsored by Issaquah Alps Trails Club, the Friends of the Issaquah Library and the Issaquah Environmental Council. For more information contact Ann Fletcher or David Kappler at 425-392-3571 and www.issaquahalps.org.

June 17th, 2008: Growing Great Tomatoes

7:00pm-8:30 pm, Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  Homegrown tomatoes, peppers and eggplant are some of the best things to come out of a summer garden, but can be tricky to grow. Grow the best by learning season extension techniques, trellising options, pruning tips, and how to fertilize, water and harvest at the peak of perfection. Heirloom tomatoes, best Northwest varieties, and beefsteaks all covered. If you've had trouble growing these veggies in the past, don't miss this class!  Visit the Issaquah RCO webpage for more info.

June 17th, 2008: Timber Stand Improvement

6:30 pm, Auburn-Black Diamond area.  WSU Extension is conducting three evening field tours that will feature projects that have been funded through various cost-share programs. Bring a neighbor, meet agency staff that can explain the ins and outs of cost-share funding, and enjoy an educational evening!  We will tour a family forest that was pre-commercially thinned in 2001, and now growing well on its way to commercial size. Learn about the Landowner Incentive Program, a new opportunity sponsored by the King Conservation District available to help fund projects of this nature and other forest health improvement projects. Directions will be provided upon RSVP. To sign up, email amy.grotta@kingcounty.gov or call 206-205-3132.

June 17th, 2008: Department of Natural Resources Public hearing on proposed new laws regarding recreational use and enforcement on State DNR lands.

6:00pm, King County Library Service Center (Newport Way),  Public Meeting Room (2A/B), Issaquah. The "trails" section creates some concern, as it makes even the smallest act of trail maintenance a criminal misdemeanor if not approved in advance in writing. This is the only hearing in this area. Text of proposed changes to law: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/laws/wsr/2008/10/08-10-059.htm.

June 14-29, 2008: Remlinger Farms Strawberry Festival

10am-4pm, Remlinger Farms, Carnation.  Special guest JP Patches.  Fun for the whole family.  For more info please visit: http://www.remlingerfarms.com/.

June 14th, 2008: Volunteer at Log Cabin Natural Area

9:00 am-1:00 pm, Log Cabin Natural Area, Issaquah.  Bring the family and friends and have fun planting trees and shrubs in restoration projects.  For more information, call Tina Miller at 206-296-2990 or e-mail at tina.miller<@>kingcounty.gov

June 10th, 2008, Fish Habitat Enhancement Tour

6:30 pm, Snoqualmie area.  WSU Extension is conducting three evening field tours that will feature projects that have been funded through various cost-share programs. Bring a neighbor, meet agency staff that can explain the ins and outs of cost-share funding, and enjoy an educational evening!  This tour will feature a culvert replacement project implemented with Family Forest Fish Passage Program (FFFPP) cost-share funds. Think your stream may have a barrier to fish passage? Attend this tour to learn about opportunities to help get it fixed!  Directions will be provided upon RSVP. To sign up, email amy.grotta@kingcounty.gov or call 206-205-3132.

June 7th, 2008: Volunteer at Dorre Don Natural Area

9:00 am-1:00 pm, Dorre Don Natural Area along the Cedar River near Maple Valley.  Bring the family and friends and have fun planting trees and shrubs in restoration projects.  For more information, call Tina Miller at 206-296-2990 or e-mail at tina.miller<@>kingcounty.gov

June 4th, 2008: Fall City Parks District Meeting

7:00 pm, Fall City Library.  We will be talking about where we are and where we are going. and Fall City Days.  Volunteers for helping with the Float and the Booth are welcome.  Also we could use some more children to give out candy from the Float during the parade. Hope to see you there!

June 3rd, 2008, Issaquah Environmental Council Meeting

7-9pm,  King County Library Distribution Center (on Newport Way near Target), Issaquah.  We'd like to share some ideas and get your input on the most critical issues now requiring our attention and effort.  We will try to provide you with updates on the City of Issaquah's plans and answer your questions. Of course there will be refreshments and neighbors to meet too.

June 3rd, 2008, Reforestation, Conifer Release, and Site Maintenance Tour

6:30 pm, Enumclaw area.  WSU Extension is conducting three evening field tours that will feature projects that have been funded through various cost-share programs. Bring a neighbor, meet agency staff that can explain the ins and outs of cost-share funding, and enjoy an educational evening!  This tour will feature a stand improvement project implemented in 2008 with Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) cost share funds. An understocked stand was interplanted, competing vegetation was controlled and a young alder stand thinned. NRCS program staff will be on hand to explain the EQIP application process and ranking criteria. Deadline for 2009 EQIP applications is July 15th!  Directions will be provided upon RSVP. To sign up, email amy.grotta@kingcounty.gov or call 206-205-3132.

MAY 2008:

May 31, 2008: Eastside Edible Plant Sale

9am-2pm, Issaquah Farmer's Market, Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  Buy Edible Plants for Your Garden and Kitchen.  This exceptionally popular edible plant sale has expanded to Issaquah compliments of our Resource Conservation Office and Seattle Tilth Eastside! Come to the Pickering Barn Farmers Market to take advantage of easy shopping for a wide range of organic starts and get your garden growing right! Buy organically grown vegetable and herb starts for your garden. All plant varieties are hand-selected by the Tilth experts to perform well in our climate.

May 28, 2008: See what’s planned for Lake Sammamish State Park!

6:30 to 8:30 pm, Issaquah City Hall Eagle Room (police station), Issaquah.  A combined advisory committee meeting and public open house will be held at the Issaquah City Hall Eagle Room (police station). The purpose of this meeting is to answer questions and get your input on schematic design for renovation of Sunset Beach. See the agenda at this link: www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/News.asp?NewsID=907. 

May 28, 2008: Rainer Trail Restoration Event

2:30-5:00pm, Evans St, Issaquah  Join us for more restoration activities on the corridor that would have been paved for the bypass. We’ll work on the extension of the Rainier Trail which winds northeastward from 2nd Avenue to the Sunset Interchange. Park on Evans near the trail gates. Bring gloves and a shovel.   For information, contact Barbara Shelton, bshelton<<@>seanet.com.

May 27, 2008: Hummingbirds 101

7:00pm, King County King.County Library System Service Center, 960 Newport Way NW (behind the Target Store),  Issaquah.  Chris Caviezel will present Hummingbird 101, or how to provide a sanctuary in your yard including food, nesting areas and cover, which humming birds you might see, whether to use feeders or not. Let Chris help you to encourage them to stop at your house. Presented at the Mountaineers FootHills Branch monthly meeting.  Everyone is welcome.

May 24-25, 2008: Washington Wine Highway

11am-5pm, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville.  Taste local foods and regional wines.  Call 425-481-8300 for ticket information.

May 21, 2008: Rainer Trail Restoration Event

2:30-5:00pm, Evans St, Issaquah  Join us for more restoration activities on the corridor that would have been paved for the bypass. We’ll work on the extension of the Rainier Trail which winds northeastward from 2nd Avenue to the Sunset Interchange. Park on Evans near the trail gates. Bring gloves and a shovel.   For information, contact Barbara Shelton, bshelton<<@>seanet.com.

May 20, 2008: Learn to Be an Organic Gardener

7:00pm-8:30pm, Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  It's time to begin preparing your garden for a bountiful spring and summer.
This is a FREE class BUT please pre-register by Friday 5/16 at 425-837-3428.

May 20, 2008: Comment on the Duthie Hill Mtn. Bike Skills Park Proposal

6:30pm, Duthie Hill Park, Sammamish.  This primarily meeting is intended for immediately adjacent neighbors to discuss existing issues and concerns at Duthie Hill Park, as well as, issues or concerns related to potential trail improvements. Another public meeting will be scheduled, as well, with trail stakeholders and the public at large to discuss ideas more broadly after King County Parks has had a smaller conversation with immediate neighbors.

May 18, 2008: Family Hike: Exploring Lake Sammamish State Park’s Hidden Treasures

1pm, Issaquah Public Library. School age children and their parents are invited to join in month's hike connecting the library and our outdoor environment. We will meet at the Library and carpool to the Pickering Barn. There will be little elevation gain, but we will walk about three miles. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All participants need appropriate footwear, clothing, and a small pack with water and snack. This series of family hikes and earth friendly resources is being cooperatively sponsored by Issaquah Alps Trails Club, the Friends of the Issaquah Library and the Issaquah Environmental Council. For more information contact Ann Fletcher or David Kappler at 425-392-3571 and www.issaquahalps.org.

May 10, 2008: Issaquah Recycling Opportunity

9am-1pm,  New location! This years recycling event will be located at the end of NW Lake Drive, behind all Costco buildings.

Recycle fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescents, batteries, scrap metal and more. Recycle fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescents, batteries, scrap metal and more. TV's larger than 21" screens accepted at the event for a fee.  Watch for the brochure, check the RCO website, or call 425-837-3400 for complete details

May 10, 2008:  WNPS Native Plant Sale

10 am-4 pm, Bellevue Botanical Garden.  For plant list and more information please visit http://www.wnps.org/chapter_info/chapter_sales.html.

May 7, 2008: Fall City Park District Meeting

7pm, NEW Fall City Library.   We will be talking about our plans for Fall City Day.  We have a booth and a float.  All Fall City area residents are invited to attend.

May 4, 2008: Why should we SAVE THE SAMMAMISH VALLEY?

4pm on,  Sammamish Valley Grange Hall, 14654 148th Ave NE, Woodinville (in Woodinville’s Tourist District just north of the Old Hollywood Hill Schoolhouse, on the Woodinville-Redmond Rd.) Sammamish Valley Alliance presents Talk, Food, and Film.  The Sammamish Valley, between and within the cities of Redmond and Woodinville, is a jewel of open space. It also lies in close proximity to dense human populations. Some of this space is publicly held, while some is protected as agricultural land. But it is all under pressure from surrounding development. Redmond, Kirkland and Woodinville spill out into this central rural area. While the Growth Management Act is intended to preserve the remaining swaths of regional open space, market demand for land and the environmental consequences of adjacent development can overwhelm this goal.  Guest speaker John Lombard,  Author of Saving Puget Sound with discussion to follow.  For more information, contact: Ron Baum at 425 806 8044.

May 3, 2008: Horses for Clean Water Farm Tour

10am to noon, Maple Valley. Visit the working horse farm belonging to the director of Horses for Clean Water, Alayne Blickle, and her husband Matt Livengood in Maple Valley, WA. In addition to running an environmentally friendly horse farm, Alayne and Matt ride and show reining horses. Five acres is set up for 5+ horses with 2 riding arenas, grassy pastures, mudless paddocks, composting areas, garden, barn & shelters. An additional 5 acres is wooded with trails, creek & wetlands. The property is in the Public Benefit Rating System, lowering property taxes in exchange for keeping open spaces. Learn how this farm coexists with a herd of 15 majestic elk and concessions made to enjoy the “Northwest Trek” feeling. BONUS: Come early to visit, check out barn sale items & learn about adjacent riding trails on state land. To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581 ext. 122, or paul.borne @ kingcd. org.

APRIL 2008:

April 30, 2008: Financial Opportunities for Small Woodland Owners in King County

6 - 9pm, Miller's Community & Arts Center, 4597 Tolt Ave., Carnation, WA.   Learn about three new financial opportunities for small woodland owners in King County. Taken together, these markets offer a compelling new model for forest landowners who are interested in capitalizing on conservation-based management of their forests:
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification - The growing green building movement in the Northwest has created a demand for locally produced and FSC certified wood products. Northwest Certified Forestry is developing a network of small woodland owners and wood products manufacturers who can supply the region’s green building industry with locally produced and sustainably harvested wood products.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) - King County offers an incentive based approach to land conservation with their transfer of development rights program, which brings together rural landowners and urban developers to maintain forestlands in perpetuity through the purchase of development rights.
Forestry Based Carbon Offsets - Deforestation emits more carbon dioxide every year than the entire transportation sector, but forests also have the capacity to sequester carbon through longer rotations and greater retention. Conservation based management practices can translate into significant income for forest landowners.

Registration: Contact Kirk Hanson at 360-316-9317 x 2 or by email to register. Registration is required as space is limited.

This workshop is free thanks to the support of King County's Forestry Opportunity Grant Program.

April 26, 2008: Redmond Spring Garden Fair

9:00-3:30, Redmond City Hall. Admission is FREE. More info can be found here.

April 26, 2008: Issaquah Arbor Days Festival

11:00am-3:00pm, Grand Ridge Elementary School, Issaquah Highlands.  A great family event. Click here for more info.

April 26, 2008: Meet Darcy Burner

North Bend Library. Darcy Burner is a candidate up for the 8th Congressional District in the 2008 election.

April 26, 2008: Horses For Clean Water Farm Tour

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Blickle-Livengood Farm, Maple Valley. FREE! Visit the working horse farm belonging to the director of Horses for Clean Water, Alayne Blickle, and her husband Matt Livengood. In addition to running an environmentally friendly horse farm, Alayne and Matt ride and
show reining horses. Five acres is set up for 5+ horses with 2 riding arenas, grassy pastures, mudless paddocks, composting areas, garden, barn and shelters. An additional 5 acres is wooded with trails, creek and wetlands. The property is in the Public Benefit Rating System--property taxes are substantially lowered in exchange for keeping the property as open
spaces. Learn how this farm coexists with a herd of 15 majestic elk and the concessions made to enjoy the "Northwest Trek" feeling. BONUS: Come early to visit, check out barn sale items and learn about adjacent riding trails on state land. To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at
425-277-5581x122 or <paul.borne@kingcd. org>.

April 23, 2008: Natural Ways to Control Mud, Dust, Bugs & Weeds

6:30 – 9pm, Preston Community Center, Preston, WA. FREE! Reduce chemical use on your property while making it healthier for your horses, you & wildlife! Find out about "natural” insect control, mud reduction, dust barriers, visual screens between neighbors, cooling of buildings, summer shade for horses & low-cost/low care landscaping. We will also cover environmentally sensitive ways to manage odors, useful water conservation tips and how to manage creeks or wetlands on horse properties.  To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581 ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd. org.

April 20, 2008: Family Hike: Signs of Spring Along Issaquah Creek and Lower Squak Mountain

1pm, Issaquah Public Library. School age children and their parents are invited to join in month's hike connecting the library and our outdoor environment. We will gather in the meeting room of the Issaquah Library for an introduction, storytelling, and an overview of library materials related to the topic. Experienced leaders and teachers will guide this hike lasting about 3 hours with a maximum elevation gain of 300 feet. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All participants need appropriate footwear, clothing, and a small pack with water and snack. This series of family hikes and earth friendly resources is being cooperatively sponsored by Issaquah Alps Trails Club, the Friends of the Issaquah Library and the Issaquah Environmental Council. For more information contact Ann Fletcher or David Kappler at 425-392-3571 and www.issaquahalps.org.

April 19, 2008: Earth Day Festivities

9am-2pm,  Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  Stay tuned for more information. The City’s Resource Conservation Office will host Earth Day activities with local environmental groups and organizations, including PRKC! This event takes place during the Saturday Farmers’ Market.   Earth Day Classes include:
9:30-10:30  Invasive Weeds in Urban Lands
11-noon      Holistic Gardening
12:30-1:30  Make Your Own Organic Fertilizer 

April 19, 2008: Living with Bears Presentation

1pm,  Preston Community Center.  Free.  Local biologist and endangered species specialists Julie (Hayes) Hopkins will be giving a slide show presentation on living and recreating in Bear Country. 

April 15, 2008: Volunteer at the Hazel Wolf Wetlands

10am-noon, Sammamish. Come out and help with restoration efforts on Cascade Land Conservancy's  beautiful wetland

April 8 to 19, 2008: Volunteer Trail Work: Grand Ridge

8:30 am-2:30 pm, Grand Ridge Park, near Issaquah/Fall City/Preston/Sammamish.  Contact Washington Trails Association (WTA) to sign up for 1 or more days: www.wta.org or call 206-625-1367.

April 14, 2008: Charter Review Commission Public Comment on Open Space Amendment (OSA)

6:30pm, Preston Community Center, 8625 310th Ave SE, Preston. The King County Charter Review Commission is proposing an innovative amendment to the Charter. The Open Space Amendment (OSA) would provide additional protection for over 100,000 acres of open space land owned by the county. These lands are among our most treasured natural spaces, and were originally acquired for their high conservation value.

This amendment would prohibit the sale or transfer of Charter-protected properties by the county. The conservation-oriented uses of the lands would also be permanently preserved. A majority vote of the county council and the voters will be required for the OSA to take effect, and for properties to be removed from (or added to) Charter protection.  There would be no change in how residents currently use these spaces, no new land would be purchased under this amendment, and there are no direct costs are associated with OSA. The lands protected by the Amendment would remain as natural, open spaces unless an exception must be made for the public good, such as a utility project or in the event of a natural disaster.

You can find out more about the OSA on the Commission's website.  

April 14, 2008: Living and Recreating Safely in Bear Country

7pm, REI Store, Issaquah.  Free.  Local biologist and endangered species specialists Julie (Hayes) Hopkins will be giving a slide show presentation on living and recreating in Bear Country.  Click here for more information.

April 12, 2008: Volunteer at the Tibbetts Valley Park

9am-3pm, Issaquah. Volunteer to Restore Habitat with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.  Visit Mountains to Sound's website to sign up.

April 5, 2008: ELWAS Marymoor Bird Loop Workparty

9 am to noon.  Parking Lot G , East Meadow Kiosk at Marymoor Park.  We will be planting, laying down cardboard, and covering that with wood chips. We need about 15 volunteers. Parking passes will be given at sign-in. Dress for the weather. Wear gloves. Bring water. If you have them, bring shovels, garden rakes, and cardboard!

April 2, 2008: Shopping for Horse Property: How to Select a Suitable Site

6:30 – 9pm, Preston Community Center, Preston, WA. FREE! Many things go into selecting a suitable horse property – beyond the barn and arena. Join HCW in this presentation to discuss soils, vegetation, drainage and other considerations that can save you frustrations and heartache down the road. Learn about resources available to you at the your Conservation District to help with assessing your potential new property. BONUS: the King County Rural Permit Coordinator will join us to discuss building and zoning issues to consider when having animals or going through the permitting process – from property setback requirements to grading for arenas. Learn things now to help you better enjoy your new horse property later! To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581 ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd. org.

April 2, 2008:  Fall City Parks District Meeting

7p.m. Chief Kanim Middle School, Fall City.  The petition is done.  Thank you for everyone’s help.   Now the next step: what do we want to make of this Parks District?  We need your input!

April 1- May 27, 2008: Forest Stewardship Training Class

6:30-9:30pm, Tolt Middle School, Carnation.  The Forest Stewardship Coached Planning program is an excellent learning opportunity for forest landowners, whether you have 3, 30, or 300 acres of trees. This course emphasizes practical stewardship of forest resources. With guidance and one-on-one assistance, you will develop a written forest stewardship plan for your property. The $100 course fee includes course materials, an individual site visit, and a Saturday field day (April 26th). Download a brochure or contact Amy Grotta for more details.

MARCH 2008:

March 30, 2008: Bye Bye Bypass Celebration, Trail Restoration and Block Party

Noon-4pm, Park at either end--2nd Avenue trailhead or below/south of the Sunset Interchange, Issaquah.  Issaquah Environmental Council celebrates the Issaquah City Council's No Build decision on the SE Issaquah Bypass, a great victory for our green spaces! The party begins at noon with restoration activities on the corridor that would have been paved for this road: the extension of the Rainier Trail which winds northeastward from 2nd Avenue to the Sunset Interchange.

Following trail work, approximately 3pm, the party reconvenes for a block party of food and fun on 6th Avenue S at Front St. S in front of homes that would have been destroyed by the bypass! Come for all or part of the afternoon!

For information, contact Barbara Shelton, bshelton at seanet.com or 425-466-8470 or Connie Marsh, auntgrumpy  at comcast.net or 425-392-4908.

March 29th, 2008: Volunteer at Log Cabin Natural Area

9:00 am-1:00 pm, Log Cabin Natural Area, Issaquah.  Bring the family and friends and have fun planting trees and shrubs in restoration projects.  For more information, call Tina Miller at 206-296-2990 or e-mail at tina.miller<@>kingcounty.gov

March 25, 2008: Public Input on Central Park Field Improvements

7-8:30 p.m. Grand Ridge Elementary School located at 1739 NE Park Drive in the Issaquah Highlands.  The City of Issaquah is considering improvements to Central Park Pad #3, including the installation of artificial turf and sports field lights. Central Park is located at 1907 Park Drive NE in the Issaquah Highlands.    A second meeting will be held at City Hall/Police Station in the Eagle Room, on March 27, 2008, 7-8:30 p.m., which is located at 130 E. Sunset Way in downtown Issaquah.

All members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide input.  Those unable to attend are encouraged to send their input to:   Attention: Brian Berntsen, Parks & Recreation Manager, Brianb@ci.issaquah.wa.us.

March 25, 2008: Mountaineer's Foothills Branch Guest Speaker

6:45 pm, King County Library Systems Admin Service Center (not the Issaquah Library) 960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah. Open to the public. No charge. All are welcome!  Award-winning writer, naturalist, illustrator, avid wild harvester, and solo kayaker, Jennifer will share slides and stories from her adventure narrative, published by Mountaineers Books. In a kayak named "Yemaya" with a cedar wreath lashed to the stern, Jennifer launched from Ketchikan, Alaska on a solo voyage home to Bellingham, Washington. Her presentation chronicles the 750-mile solo journey through the Inside Passage over two springs and summers. Jennifer will have copies of her book Spirited Waters: Soloing South through the Inside Passage to sell and sign. Credit cards are accepted.

Apply Now for Watershed Stewardship Training.  Extension Watershed Stewards are a group of nearly 300 community-based volunteers that teach youth and adults how to become better stewards of our region’s unique environment. Washington State University experts train stewards in forestry, salmon enhancement, habitat restoration, wetland resources, and much more! In exchange for over 70 hours of classroom and field training, volunteers commit to giving 60 hours of their time to a stewardship project of their choice.

When: Fridays 9 am to 4 pm, March 28th to May 16th with three Saturday field trips.
Location: Renton, WA with field trips throughout King County
Apply: Completed applications must be received by February 29th. Call 206.205.3203 for an application or download here:  http://www.king.wsu.edu/enviro/stewardship.htm 
Cost: $75 for training materials and some transportation

March 22, 2008: Neighborhood Seed and Plant Exchange

10-11am, Duthie Hill Park Parking Lot, 27101 S.E. Duthie Hill Road Issaquah/Sammamish.  Gardeners and plant enthusiasts are invited to bring extra seeds and plants to Duthie Hill Park to exchange with fellow gardeners. 
What is exchanged: Last year's seeds, starts, separated plants, mature plants and bulbs of all types. 
What to bring:
  - A sharpie and envelopes for the seeds you plan to take. 
  - Seeds you plan to share or leave in marked envelopes
  - Plants you plan to leave with some type of labeling of common or scientific names.  Plants can be brought in paper bags, pots or plastic shopping bags.
Cost: There is no cost to participate or for the seeds and plants. 
Other details: Anything left over will be given to local schools and community gardens.  To the best of your ability, please make sure your plants are not invasive and are disease and pest free - when in doubt, please leave it home.   Dress warm and you may want to bring a hot drink if it is cold and rainy - we will be meeting outside.

March 21, 2008: Living with Bears

7:00pm, Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center 1711 Boalch Ave SE, North Bend.  Join Julie Hopkins, wildlife biologist, to learn black bear and grizzly biology and behavior, bear signs, and bear safety in the woods. Time for questions included.  Free.

March 19, 2008: Central Issaquah Area Open House

4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Avenue NW.  The purpose of the Open House is for the public to review and provide feedback on the preliminary land use alternatives.  The preliminary alternatives are compilations of the 11 land use options created at Workshop 2. They include proposed densities, open space, parks, trails and transportation alternatives. No formal presentation will be made. Please stop by at your convenience. 

For questions or more information, contact Trish Heinonen at 425.837.3095, or log on to our website at www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/planning.

March 18 to 22, 2008: Volunteer Trail Work: Grand Ridge

8:30 am-2:30 pm, Grand Ridge Park, near Issaquah/Fall City/Preston/Sammamish.  Contact Washington Trails Association (WTA) to sign up for 1 or more days: www.wta.org or call 206-625-1367.

March 18, 2008: Planning for Tree Preservation in Issaquah

7:00 pm, Eagle Room, Issaquah City Hall Police Station.  The City Council will host a Town Hall meeting to receive citizen input about this important topic.

March 14, 2008: Landscaping with Wildlife

7pm,  Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center 1711 Boalch Ave SE, North Bend.  Russell Link, WDFW area biologist, will discuss ways to enhance wildlife habitat around homes and properties, including nesting boxes, feeders, ponds, preventing damage, and creating specialty gardens. Families welcome.  FREE! 

March 13, 2008: Pasture Management: Becoming a Grass Farmer

6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. FREE!  Hands-on workshops on livestock management practices. See a variety of options and work with technicians to discover ways you can have less mud, better pastures, manage manure and deal with wetlands. To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or <paul.borne@kingcd. org>.

March 10, 2008: What is Toxic in YOUR Home?

11:00am, Lilypad Books at Gilman Village, 317 NW Gilman Blvd, #40, Issaquah.   Come to Lilypad Books with five items from your home: toys, lunchboxes, shower curtains, dishes, booster seats. Representatives from the Washington Toxics Coalition will be on hand with an XRF Analyzer to scan your items. You will come away with specific ratings for your personal items. Equally important, they will talk about the likelihood your children are being exposed to lead, cadmium, phthalates, PVC, toxic flame retardants, even banned PCBs on a daily basis; what items are likely to be a problem and why; the effect of continued exposure to toxins on developing bodies; the lack of regulation in the US against use of damaging chemicals and what you can do about it. A tax deductible donation of $25 to the Washington Toxics Coalition is requested.

March 8, 2008: Plant Salvage at Issaquah Highlands (Free Natives!)

10am-3pm, Issaquah Highlands. Bring your boots and shovel, and take away any plants you can carry. Port Blakely is holding a plant salvage on a property slated for development. This is a great opportunity to get some native plants for your yard for just the price of a little sweat. Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before salvaging. No one under 14 allowed without parent or guardian present. Please bring all your own equipment as none will be available.

For location, check out this google map. Parking available South of NE Park Drive just East of Fire Station 73. For more infomation, please contact Gaila Gutierrez at 425-837-3414, gailag@ci.issaquah.wa.us or Michelle Wright at 425-837-3421, Michellew@ci.issaquah.wa.us. 

March 8, 2008: Volunteer at Chinook Bend Area near Carnation 

9:00 am-1:00 pm, Chinook Bend near Carnation.  Bring the family and friends and have fun planting trees and shrubs in restoration projects.  For more information, call Tina Miller at 206-296-2990 or e-mail at tina.miller<@>kingcounty.gov.

March 8, 2008: Hobby & Volunteer Expo Saturday

10:00am-2:00pm, Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  Discover local clubs, hobby groups, service organizations, and community activities for you and your family. The Issaquah community has numerous ways to get involved and volunteer! If you are interested in having a booth at the Expo, call Cathy Jones at 425-837-3317.

March 6, 2008: Manure Management: Got Livestock? Got Manure!

6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. FREE!  Hands-on workshops on livestock management practices. See a variety of options and work with technicians to discover ways you can have less mud, better pastures, manage manure and deal with wetlands. To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or <paul.borne@kingcd. org>.

March 1, 2008: Volunteer at Chinook Bend Area near Carnation 

9:00 am-1:00 pm, Maple Valley.  Bring the family and friends and have fun planting trees and shrubs in restoration projects.  For more information, call Tina Miller at 206-296-2990 or e-mail at tina.miller<@>kingcounty.gov

March 1, 2008: Plant Salvage at Issaquah Highlands (Free Natives!)

10am-3pm, Issaquah Highlands. Bring your boots and shovel, and take away any plants you can carry. Port Blakely is holding a plant salvage on a property slated for development. This is a great opportunity to get some native plants for your yard for just the price of a little sweat. Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before salvaging. No one under 14 allowed without parent or guardian present. Please bring all your own equipment as none will be available.

For location, check out this google map. Parking available South of NE Park Drive just East of Fire Station 73. For more infomation, please contact Gaila Gutierrez at 425-837-3414, gailag@ci.issaquah.wa.us or Michelle Wright at 425-837-3421, Michellew@ci.issaquah.wa.us. 

March 1, 2008: Plant Salvage at Redmond Ridge 

9:00 am or 1:00 pm, Redmond Ridge/Trilogy.  Volunteers are needed to assist with King County's Native Plant Salvage Program.   In the morning, volunteers will dig up trees and shrubs from this site scheduled for development. In the afternoon, volunteers can help with potting up the salvaged plants so they can recuperate before going to King County habitat restoration sites. Once replanted, these native plants will help reduce erosion, shade streams and improve habitat. Sign up to participate by contacting Greg Rabourn at (206) 296-1923 or by e-mail at greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov.

FEBRUARY 2008

February 28, 2008: Mud Management: Record Rainfall/Record Mud

6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. FREE!  Hands-on workshops on livestock management practices. See a variety of options and work with technicians to discover ways you can have less mud, better pastures, manage manure and deal with wetlands. To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or <paul.borne@kingcd. org>.

February 27, 2008: Participate in King County’s Stormwater Management Program Planning

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. KC Department of Development and Environmental Services, Black River Corporate Park, 900 Oakesdale Avenue SW, Renton.  King County residents can provide feedback on local stormwater management practices and learn more about planned updates to the county’s stormwater management program at an upcoming public meeting. This effort is part of King County’s ongoing commitment to protect public health and improve environmental conditions in Puget Sound and elsewhere. 

February 23, 2008: Caring for Your Horse and His Home Workshop

9:00 am-5:00 pm, Maple Valley.  Are you new to horse ownership or do you have children who want a horse? Do
you know what the regular health, dental and shoeing needs are for horses?  Would you like to learn about shelters requirements and horse-safe fencing?  Join Alayne Blickle and her horses on her Maple Valley, WA demonstration farm for an all day workshop geared for novice horse owners. Topics include horse behavior, horse and handler safety, planning your horse facility, how
to buy a horse, nutrition and feeding, vet and farrier care, and pasture, manure and mud management.  Cost: $95 per person.
To register or for more information contact Alayne at
<alayne@horsesforcle anwater.com> or visit the Horses for Clean Water website.

February 21, 2008: Living with Livestock near Water

6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. FREE!  Hands-on workshops on livestock management practices. See a variety of options and work with technicians to discover ways you can have less mud, better pastures, manage manure and deal with wetlands. To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or <paul.borne@kingcd. org>.

February 16, 2008: Horse Farm Tour - It's a Guy Thing Here!

10:00 am-noon, Maple Valley.  FREE! This horse owner, an endurance competitor, set up his farm 7 years ago after attending HCW and KCD events--and he testifies it's been chore-efficient since then. See mud management in place and working, even in the dead of winter. View easy-to-use compost bins with unique aeration and cover, wildlife hedgerows, uniquely shaped paddocks designed to encourage horses to move, a horse-safe feed storage area and more! To register and receive directionscontact the King Conservation District at
425-277-5581x122 or <paul.borne@kingcd. org>.

February 6, 2008: Fall City Parks District Meeting

7pm, Chief Kanim Middle School, Fall City.  The Friends of Fall City Parks is hosting a meeting to kick off the Petition Drive to put a Fall City Park District on the November ballot. This will be a quick meeting. 30 mins at the most. Please drop in to get more information, sign a petition, or pick up a petition and help us get signatures. Questions?  Email perrycwilkins<'@'>yahoo.com.

February 4, 2008: Farmer Chef Connection

8:30 am-4:30 pm, Seattle Mountaineers Club, 300 3rd Ave. W., Seattle.   Learn more and download an invitation at:
www.farmerchefconnection.org/news-events/seattleFCC08
(click on '2008 Seattle FCC Invitation').

Cost: $25/person if registered by Jan 21, $30 thereafter (including at the door)

Producers & Chefs: We would love to showcase your work at this event! If you would like to donate food, or prepare a dish from donated product, contact Zach Lyons at zach<@>cowswithguns.com.

February 2, 2008: ELWAS/Sierra Club Global Warming Workshop.

9 am-3 pm at Bastyr University in Kenmore. East Lake Washington Audubon and the Cascade Chapter of the Sierra Club, will host a Global Warming Workshop. Global warming is a huge, overwhelming issue. Many feel something should be done, but don't know what to do . Here is a chance to learn how to take action as a concerned citizen and make a difference!

February 2, 2008: Tree Fruit & Wine Grape Production Workshop

10:00 am-2:30 pm, Ed's Apples, 13420 339th Ave SE, Sultan.   Join WSU Tree Fruit expert Gary Moulton and vintner/grower Brent Charnley from Lopez Island Vineyards as they share their expertise on growing and utilizing tree fruit and wine grapes suitable for production in Western Washington's challenging climate. There will be pruning demonstrations, a discussion of the latest varieties suitable for the region, care & feeding, planting & trellising options, irrigation, organic methods, and much more.  Cost is $45 and includes box lunch. 

Register: Pre-registration required, call 425.338.2400 or download the form at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/registrationform.pdf and mail with your check. For more information, contact Kate Halstead: khalstead @ wsu(dot)edu, 425.357.6024.

JANUARY 2008

January 22, 2008, Presentation on the Issaquah SE ByPass Environmental Process

6:00pm, Issaquah City Council Chambers, 135 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah. The Issaquah Environmental Council filed a SEPA appeal (state process) of the FEIS and encourages folks with environmental concerns for the proposed SE Bypass to attend this meeting of the City Council. If you are interested in their analysis, contact bshelton<< at >>seanet.com or 425-466-8470.

January 15-March 4, 2008: WSU Extension/King County Forest Stewardship Class

Tuesdays, Maple Valley.  The dates are set for the next Forest Stewardship for small to medium size private woodland owners.  This class will be in Maple Valley, Tuesday evenings from Jan. 15th through March 4th, 2008.  Please visit http://king.wsu.edu/forestry for more information or contact Amy Grotta at (206) 205-3132 or Amy.Grotta@kingcounty.gov. 

January 15, 2008: PSRC Destination 2030

4-7pm, Bellevue.  The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is updating it's Destination 2030, the regions long range transportation plan, and is asking for public input.  More information at www.psrc.org.

January 10, 2008: Faith, Energy, and the Environment: An Evening with U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee

7pm, St. John United Lutheran Church, 5515 Phinney Avenue N., Seattle.  FREE!  Earth Ministry is partnering with the American Jewish Committee to host an evening of faith and energy with U.S. Representative Jay Inslee (D-WA). Rep. Inslee will read selections from his new book, Apollo's Fire, which focuses on building a clean energy economy as a solution to oil dependence and climate change. Representatives from the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions will join him to share what our faiths say about climate change, and what we are called to do in response. 

Please join us to learn more about green jobs, economic development, and clean energy technologies in a faith context. Climate Solutions, National Wildlife Federation, and Northwest Interfaith Community Outreach (NICO) are also co-sponsors of this event.

January 9, 2008: Fall City Parks District Meeting

7pm, Methodist Church, Fall City.  Come learn about the community's efforts to establish a Parks District for Fall City.  Thank you for being involved and please involve your friends and neighbors.  Questions?  Email perrycwilkins<'@'>yahoo.com.

January 5, 2008:  Adytum Cellars Mead Tasting

Noon until 5:00 pm, 15114 148th Avenue N.E.. Woodinville.  Come join us in a “cheer” to the NEW YEAR. Sample and place your order for our newest release “Oranj” - a varietal sweet mead made with orange blossom honey.  Visit http://www.adytumcellars.com/ or email mead <'at'>  adytumcellars.com for more info.

January 5, 2008:  Marymoor Birdloop Work Party.

9am-3pm, Parking lot G, Marymoor Park, Redmond.  Join Eastlake Audubon Society (ELWAS) at this work part to build forms, fill the holes under the kiosks with gravel, clean the kiosk panels and install the Lexan II in the panel opening, lay pavers on the gravel, cut the pavers to go around the kiosk supports, and put a border around the edges.   If there are enough people. we can also plant more native plants, lay down cardboard, and spread mulch.  If  you can come in the afternoon, that would be appreciated as this when they need help with the last item, the pavers.  Thank you.

Dress for the weather. Wear gloves. Bring water. If you have them, bring tools.  If you have questions about the kiosk work contact sunny<.at.>sunnywalter.com or 425-271-1346.

DECEMBER 2007

December 14, 2007: ELWAS Christmas Bird County (CBC)

8:00 am to 4 pm, Various Locations throughout Eastern King County.  Come and join one of the 8 teams of bird counters in the East Lake Washington Audubon Society (ELWAS) annual CBC. We welcome anyone who wants to help - from beginner to expert. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes/boots, warm clothes and bring lunch.  

You can also stay at home and count birds in your backyard, be sure to count for at least two hours. – then email Hugh Jennings at hughbirder<at>earthlink.net or phone 425-746-6351 and leave a message with your results before 5 p.m. on Dec. 15. All results will be tallied at the dinner following the count.

After the bird count, counters are invited to join ELWAS for a warm, wholesome meal. Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. and will be held in a private home. Space is limited only to count participants. Cost is $5.00, which includes dinner (vegetarian and meat), dessert and drinks. Please call the office (425-576-8805) for dinner reservations.

Click here for more information on the Christmas Bird Count.

December 13-14, 2007: The best meteor shower of 2007

10pm through the following night.  "It's the Geminid meteor shower," says NASA astronomer Bill Cooke of the Marshall Space Flight Center. "Start watching on Thursday evening, Dec. 13th, around 10 pm local time," he advises. "At first you might not see very many meteors—but be patient. The show really heats up after midnight and by dawn on Friday, Dec. 14th, there could be dozens of bright meteors per hour streaking across the sky."  More info: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/

December 11, 2007: Conversation about Priorities for a Healthy Washington

6-8pm, Bellevue Community College (3000 Landerholm Circle SE) ,  The 2008 legislative session is nearly here! The “Priorities for a Healthy Washington” has selected four priorities for this session: Washington Climate Action, Local Solutions to Global Warming, Evergreen Cities and Local Farms-Healthy Kids.

We’d like to invite you to join the conversation about these priorities at our upcoming community forums. At the forum you’ll get to learn more about the priorities, talk with elected officials and find out how you can help us pass these priorities in the upcoming session.

RSVP online at www.wcvoters.org or by emailing brendon@wcvoters.org.

December 4, 2007: Fall City Parks District Community Meeting

7pm, Fall City Fire Hall (4301 334th Pl SE).  The community is considering a Metropolitan Park District for the Fall City area. The benefits of a Park District and consideration of boundaries will be topics of discussion.  Please pass this on to anyone you feel would be interested. And please come and share your ideas. All are welcome!  Email questions to Jack Kelley (jackkelley29 <at>comcast.net) or Perry Wilkins (perrycwilkins<at>yahoo.com).

December 3, 2007: Greater Snoqualmie Valley Unincorporated Area Council (UAC) Study Group & Community Meeting

7pm, Chief Kanim Middle School, Fall City.  Do you live in unincorpated eastern King County and have no UAC representation?  Come learn what a UAC is all about and how forming a UAC will let the citizens of rural eastern King County have a say in our future.  For more information visit: www.98024UAC.org or call Dave Reed at 425-941-7964.

December 1, 2007: King County Native Plant Salvages

9am-12:30pm salvage at Redmond Ridge site 12:30-4:00pm, potting at holding facility.  Dig in with other volunteers digging up trees and shrubs from this site scheduled for development. In the afternoon, we’ll be potting up the salvaged plants so they can recuperate before going to King County habitat restoration sites. Once replanted, these native plants will help reduce erosion, shade streams and provide habitat. Special thanks to Quadrant and PacTrust for providing the salvage sites.

Directions to Salvage Site: From I-405, I-5 or Hwy 520: Drive Eastbound 520 through Redmond and continue north onto Avondale Road. Turn right (south) on to Redmond Ridge Dr. NE. After you cross NE Alder Crest Dr. Watch for signs directing you to the site on the left.

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

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

To download event .pdf with maps, go to http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/pdf/
2007NovDecSalvageFly.pdf.

Please call Greg Rabourn at 206-296-1923 or email greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov if you can participate.

December 1, 2007: Coffee with our State Representatives

All day.  State Representatives Jay Rodne and Glenn Anderson will be visiting our area to hear your concerns. 

Snoqualmie: 9am-10:30am, Snoqualmie Ridge Starbucks, 7730 Center Blvd. SE.

Sammamish: 11:00am-12:30pm, Starbucks by Eastlake High

Issaquah: 2:00-4:00pm, Caffee Ladro, 1200 10th Ave NE

Maple Valley: 4:30-6:00pm, Kent Kangley Starbucks, 26910 Maple Valley Hwy.

NOVEMBER 2007

November 17, 2007:  Preparing Your Horse Farm for Winter

10:00 am to 12:00 noon, Fall City.  FREE!  This large-scale reining horse breeding operation is beautifully set-up and managed. Tour this 20-horse Fall City, WA facility with the owners to hear and see how they designed and built it from the ground up. Learn what works for chore efficiency and what doesn’t. See winter pasture management techniques in place, tour a covered arena which doubles as turnout, hear about dust control, see gates designed for tractor access, and learn about green alder shavings which compost beautifully in their cement compost bins.

To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or signup@kingcd.org.

November 16-18, 2007: REI Issaquah Store Grand Opening

9am-7pm, 735 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah. Free Breakfast, Prizes and Deals on eco-wear.  See http://www.rei.com/stores/116 for more info.

November 14, 2007:  Cisterns and Water Catchment: Getting Started!

6:30-8:30 PM, Lake Wilderness Lodge, 22500 SE 248th Street, Maple Valley. WSU King County Extension, in partnership with the City of Maple Valley, is delivering this series of classes to help you save money while reducing your impact on the environment through making simple changes in your home and your garden.  Class is FREE!

Register and info http://king.wsu.edu/enviro/events.htm  or call Darcy Batura at 206.205.3130. Registration is preferred but not required.

November 13th, 2007: King County Council Public Hearing and Vote on Soaring Eagle Proposal

1:30 PM, King County Courthouse, Council Chambers, Seattle. On September 4, 2007, Councilmember Lambert proposed ordinance No. 2007-0353 which, if passed, will transfer 30 acres of the 640 acre Soaring Eagle Park to the City of Sammamish.    Concerned members of the public are invited to give a 2-minute public comment.  For information on PRKC's position, please click here.

November 10, 2007: Sammamish Stewardship Saturday - FULL!

9 AM – 3 PM, Pickering Barn Hub, Issaquah.  The City of Issaquah, in partnership with Save Lake Sammamish, Issaquah Kiwanis Club and Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is holding a planting event at the Pickering Hub for Sammamish Stewardship Saturday. You can sign up for this event through the Mountains to Sound website.

November 8, 2007: Pasture Management: Becoming a Grass Farmer

6:30-9pm, Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, Issaquah.  FREE! Hands-on workshop on livestock management practices.  Take the plunge and protect your property, water quality, as well as fish and wildlife habitat.

To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581 ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd.org. Class size is limited so please call to register or for directions.

November 8, 2007: Central Issaquah Planning Workshop

6:30-9pm, Pickering Barn, Issaquah.  Click Here to check out the City’s website for results from the first workshop, and other Central Issaquah Area information.  Contact if you have questions: Trish Heinonen, Planning Manager,  trishh@ci.issaquah.wa.us.

November 3, 2007: King County Native Plant Salvages

9am-12:30pm salvage at Redmond Ridge site or 12:30-4:00pm, potting at holding facility.  Dig in with other volunteers digging up trees and shrubs from this site scheduled for development. In the afternoon, we’ll be potting up the salvaged plants so they can recuperate before going to King County habitat restoration sites. Once replanted, these native plants will help reduce erosion, shade streams and provide habitat. Special thanks to Quadrant and PacTrust for providing the salvage sites.

Directions to Salvage Site: From I-405, I-5 or Hwy 520: Drive Eastbound 520 through Redmond and continue north onto Avondale Road. Turn right (east) onto Novelty Hill Road.  Turn right (south) on to Eastridge DR. NE. Watch for signs directing you to the site.
Directions to Holding Facility: From I-5 or I-405, take I-90 east to Highland Drive exit (exit 18) in Issaquah. Stay left on the off ramp to continue onto Highland Dr. Drive through several lights. Turn right onto Issaquah–Fall City Road. Just past Endeavor Elementary School, stay straight onto Duthie Hill Road. The holding facility is in Duthie Hill Park (on the right) 27101 Duthie Hill Road.

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

To download event .pdf with maps, go to http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/pdf/2007NovDecSalvageFly.pdf.

Please call Greg Rabourn at 206-296-1923 or email greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov if you can participate.

November 1, 2007: Washington Toxics Coalition Auction for Action Celebration and Dinner

530 pm Reception and Silent Auction, 7:30 Dinner Program and Live Auction, Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Pier 66, Alaskan Way, Seattle.  Join us for a reception and silent auction with more than 300 diverse and enticing items, delicious organic hors d'oeuvres and wine, lively music by Greg and Jere Canote, and beautiful views of overlooking the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, a scrumptious organic dinner and fun live auction with unique opportunities, travel packages, and one-of-a-kind art from Northwest artists and a n engaging program with special guest Allyson Schrier, PRKC Board Member, children's book author and mom who participated in the Pollution in People study.

Tickets for this fabulous evening are $85. Our RSVP deadline is October 25, 2007.

You may register by email lmudge@watoxics.org or phone Lori Mudge at 206-632-1545 ext. 115.

November 1, 2007: Manure Management: Got Livestock? Got Manure!

6:30-9pm, Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, Issaquah.  FREE! Hands-on workshop on livestock management practices.  Take the plunge and protect your property, water quality, as well as fish and wildlife habitat.

To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581 ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd.org. Class size is limited so please call to register or for directions.

OCTOBER 2007

October 27 & 28th, 2007: Walk, Ride or Run to Save Soaring Eagle Park

ALL DAY, Soaring Eagle Park, Sammamish.  The Friends of Soaring Eagle Park are working so hard to save this beautiful Park from being parceled out to the City of Sammamish and being developed.  They have until NOVEMBER 13th to show the King County Council why Soaring Eagle is so special and to prove that this is not a park no one knows about or uses.

Weather forecast for this weekend is AMAZING and Soaring Eagle is in the peak of it’s Fall glory.

Please come out with your friends and family and enjoy some time in the forest.

 - Mountain Bike ride starts at 8am from the Main Street Entrance. - FOSEP will be at the Trossachs Blvd Entrance at 9am to answer questions.
- Press and County staff will be escorted on tours throughout the day.

Directions to Soaring Eagle Park:

Trossachs Entrance (proposed transfer location):
From I90:
Take Issaquah Highlands Exit, Go Left. Turn Right at Issaquah-Fall City Road (~2 miles). Turn Left at Trossachs Blvd (~3 miles). Park entrance is at the end of this road.
From Hwy 202/Redmond-Fall City Road:
Turn West (Right from Redmond, Left from Fall City on 292. Turn Right on Trossachs Blvd. Park entrance is at the end of this road.

Main Street Entrance:
The Main Street (West) entrance is accessed from SE 8th Street (directly opposite Sammamish City Hall). Go straight about 2 miles on SE 8th Street and turn right on Main Street. The parking lot and entrance is at the end of Main Street.

Beaver Lake Preserve Entrance:
The Park can be entered from the Beaver Lake Preserve Parking lot off of Beaver Lake Drive (about 5 blocks down and across the road from the Beaver Lake Lodge Entrance).

October 27, 2007: Tremendous Tubers – The Great Dahlia Dig

10-11 AM Pickering Barn, Issaquah. Nothing beats dahlias for fall color in your garden. Join a local dahlia expert from the Dahlia Society for a brief demonstration of how to correctly divide tubers for next year’s growth and bloom, then adjourn outdoors to dig and divide the terrific tubers now on display in the Dahlia Bed at Pickering Barn. You’ll have a chance to take home a tuber or two for your own fall display next year!   Please reserve a space in the class: call Pandora at 425-837-3442.

October 25, 2007:  Mud Management: Record Rainfall / Record Mud

6:30-9pm, Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, Issaquah.  FREE! Hands-on workshop on livestock management practices.  Take the plunge and protect your property, water quality, as well as fish and wildlife habitat.

To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581 ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd.org. Class size is limited so please call to register or for directions.

It’s Salmon SEEson!

Spot the spawners in the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed this fall!  Fall is here, and salmon are returning to streams and rivers around the Puget Sound. Naturalists will help you spot these natural beauties around the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed as they make their seasonal journey home!

Redmond:

September 23 (1-3 p.m.), September 29 (2-4 p.m.), October 6 (1-3 p.m.), and October 27 (1-3 p.m.) 15500 NE 90th St. (on Sammamish River Trail), Redmond.  Sponsored by City of Redmond, 425.556.2822 or pholte@ci.redmond.wa.us

September 29 (1-4 p.m.), October 4 (3-6 p.m.), and October 6 (1-4 p.m.) Along Bear Creek and the Sammamish River near Redmond.  Sponsored by Water Tenders, 425.788.5083 or www.watertenders.org.

Late September to mid-November during business hours each day, Bear Creek at Classic Nursery, 12526 Avondale Rd. NE in Redmond (self-guided).  Sponsored by ROSE, 425.882.1846 or lyhussey@comcast.net

Woodinville:  

October 6 (2:30-4 p.m.) Rotary Community Park Boardwalk along Little Bear Creek, 19518-136th Ave NE, Woodinville. Sponsored by City of Woodinville, 425.398.9327 or www.ci.woodinville.wa.us

Issaquah:

October 13 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) Pickering Farm along Issaquah Creek.  Follow the signs from the Farmer's Market.  Sponsored by Issaquah Basin Action Team (IBAT). Contact 206.296.1914 or mary.maier@kingcounty.gov.

Renton:

October 13, 20, 21, 27 and 28 and November 3 (11-4 p.m. each day) Along the Cedar River near Renton.  Sponsored by Friends of the Cedar River Watershed, 206.245.0143 or www.cedarriver.org/about/cedarriversalmonjourney.shtml.

Seattle:

Weekends from November 3 through December 9 (and Nov. 23 with special activities!), (11 a.m.-3 p.m. each day), Piper’s Creek (in Seattle’s Carkeek Park).  Sponsored by Salmon Stewards, 206.684.0877 for more information.

For more information on all of these, visit http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wrias/8 and click on Salmon SEEson! Or call 206.205.8755. You’ll also find great links there to learn how you can protect salmon and their habitat this fall – and year-round!

October 16, 2007:  Public Forum on Proposition 1 (RTID) on the November ballot

7:00pm, Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church, 308 – 4th Ave. South , Kirkland, 98033.  The Yes on Proposition 1 campaign (www.yesonroadsandtransit.org ) and the No on Proposition 1 campaign (www.NoRTID.org) will be represented in this panel forum on the benefits and weaknesses of the largest transportation package before the voters in years. Prop. 1 would increase sales tax and vehicle license fees in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties to fund new and expanded freeway lanes, and public transportation.

The environmental community is not united in whether or not to endorse this proposal. Proposition 1 is complex and clearly a compromise from the environmental perspective. Join us for an informative and engaging evening. Sponsored by: East Lake Washington Audubon Society--contact Tim McGruder, Conservation Chair. 425-822-8580.

October 18, 2007:  Streams and Wetlands: Living with Livestock near Water

6:30-9pm, Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, Issaquah.  FREE! Hands-on workshop on livestock management practices.  Take the plunge and protect your property, water quality, as well as fish and wildlife habitat. Attend this workshop to:
-  Design a stream or wetland native plant restoration plan.
- Calculate the length and cost of a livestock exclusion fence to keep
animals out of sensitive areas.
-  Select native plants suited to stream and wetland buffers.
-  Determine plant placement.
-  Outline a maintenance plan.
-  Learn about regulations in effect
-  Find out about coast-sharing programs available.
-  Meet free resource technicians available to assist you.

To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at
425-277-5581 ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd.org. Class size is limited so
please call to register or for directions.

October 18, 2007:  Fall Natural Yard Care Workshop

7-9pm, City Hall Council Chambers, Issaquah.  FREE! Design your yard naturally! Reshape your own outdoor space into a yard that fits your lifestyle, is safe for family and pets and gives you great pleasure. This workshop will help you create an attractive yard using healthy, natural techniques and materials.

Speaker Doug Rice, landscape architect and host of Yard Talk will provide tips to ensure beauty and balance, using methods that include mulch mowing, building healthy soil and getting the right plants in the right places. 

To register, call Sue or Maggie at 206-352-6402

October 13, 2007: Issaquah Basin Action Team presents the Grand FINale!

10am-2pm, Pickering Barn (across from Costco) in Issaquah.  Every autumn our streams and rivers are busy with migrating and spawning salmon. The Issaquah Creek basin supports five species of salmon and trout and is considered one of the most productive and resource rich basins in the Puget Sound region.

Come celebrate the return of our amazing salmon by joining IBAT at the trail along Issaquah Creek at the Pickering Farm. Docents will be available to provide information about salmon identification and lifecycles and to share ideas about things we can all do to keep our creeks healthy for these northwest treasures. A fish biologist will also be present dissecting salmon carcasses and explaining salmon anatomy.  Free!  Just follow the signs from the Farmers Market to the viewing area.

October 13, 2007: Diversifying Income Opportunities on Small Woodlands

9-5pm, Cedar River Education Center, North Bend.  This FREE workshop will introduce landowners to various opportunities for creating additional income streams from small woodlands. Topics will include: non-timber forest products, ecosystem services markets (e.g. carbon credits), working forest conservation easements, FSC certification and markets, recreational and commercial leasing, small-scale milling & direct sales, financing small woodland enterprises. This workshop will be repeated five different times throughout
Western Washington. For more information visit http://www.nnrg.org/news-events/events or call 360-379-9421.

October 8, 2007: I-90 Bellevue to North Bend Study Needs Your Feedback

6:30-8:30, King County Library Service Center on Newport Way (behind Target) in Issaquah.  Issaquah Alps Trail Club, Save Lake Sammamish, The Mountaineers & Issaquah Environmental Council will sponsor a presentation of “The I90 Bellevue to North Bend Study.” Please come to hear more about what is planned and opportunity to ask questions & provide feedback. Below are issues identified to date:
· I-90 creates a barrier between north & south portions of Snoqualmie Valley with no provisions for non-motorized crossings.
· Concern regarding wildlife crossings farther east along I-90
· Need to balance accommodating growth while preserving rural quality in North Bend .
· Tribal concerns include cultural resources, culverts & fish passageways.
· Prefer to leave a large median on I-90 to add vegetation.
· Water issues & large aquifer on east side of North Bend .
· Look closely at system management & interface between local & freeway systems.
· Integrate freight issues into the design process.
· Problems with congestion & access in Issaquah & Bellevue.
· Increased demand for transit service & park & ride lots in Snoqualmie
· Relationship between congestion on I-90 & increased traffic on county arterials
· Need to coordinate plans & preserve right of way for Sound Transit’s East Link Light Rail connection across I-90.
· Interest in managed lanes
· Regional growth issues & increasingly dispersed rural growth.
· Desire to include transit in the I-90 study.
· Concerns about large freight travel, constraints & impacts along I-90 in Snoqualmie.

For more information, contact Michell Mouton, moutonm@wsdot.wa.gov.

October 10, 2007: Alternative Energy for Around the Home and Farm

6:30-8:30 pm, Lake Wilderness Lodge, 22500 SE 248th Street, Maple Valley.  WSU Extension Educator Todd Murray and David Trione of Sound Power Inc. lead a comprehensive discussion of things to consider when seeking alternative energy supplements.

With rising prices, many landowners are exploring alternative sources for energy. Come join us as we explore biofuels, wind and solar technologies for around the home and farm. David Trione owner of Sound Power, Inc. will provide an overview of photovoltaic solar systems and considerations when adopting supplemental power sources. The class is part of the WSU King County Extension series, Tools for Resourceful Living.

What you'll learn:

· An understanding of alternative energy sources available in our region
· Decision-making tools to help you evaluate energy options that work for you
· Where to find more information and help to get your alternative energy project going

Registration: Class is FREE! Register online at http://king.wsu.edu/enviro/events.htm  or call Darcy Batura at 206.205.3130. Registration is preferred but not required.

October 6-7, 2007:  SALMON DAYS ‘007 Spawn, Just Spawn!!!

All Day, Issaquah.  Join your friends and neighbors for fun filled fishy activities and food. Since Garbage is Forever, The Issaquah RCO will once again rally all its secret agents to collect food scraps from all the food vendors for composting.
Salmon Days schedule and event information available on the oFISHal website: http://salmondays.org/home/. 

October 3, 2007:  Fall in Place: Preparing your Horse Farm for Winter

7-9pm, Preston.  FREE! Tips and techniques to help you get a jump on winter. Join HCW on a pre-winter journey through a checklist and presentation on things to do to prepare your farm for those dark, cold, and blustery winter months. Learn ways to make the coming winter more chore-efficient, less stressful, and healthier for your horses and the environment!

Tentative, please call to confirm!  For details contact Alayne or by phone at 425-432-6116.

SEPTEMBER 2007

Sept 29, 2007: Day at Grand Ridge Park

9:30am – 2pm. Grand Ridge Park (Issaquah/Sammamish).  King County Parks’ back country trail at Grand Ridge Park in Issaquah is be one of eight scenic locations for the volunteer-based work parties taking place as part of Earth Share of Washington’s annual Day in the Park event.

Volunteers will work from the High Point exit end of the trail. Interested volunteers can sign up individually or as a group through the Day in the Park website at http://www.dayinthepark.org/. Directions and additional information will be sent out after registration. Earth Share of Washington is expecting more than 600 volunteers to participate across its eight project sites for the 2007 event - We hope you can join the Grand Ridge work party!

September 27, 2007: Futurewise Event: A Feast with Friends

6-9pm, Kaspar's Special Events and Catering, 19 West Harrison, Seattle.  Please join Futurewise for thier second annual food and wine tasting extravaganza as we celebrate Washington’s diverse food culture and the people who make it all possible. A Futurewise Feast with Friends is more than just another fundraiser, it’s about making a connection with your neighbors by meeting the farmers who grow your food, the winemakers that produce local wines, and the chefs who showcase their talents using fresh Northwest ingredients. Supporting Futurewise means working together to build healthy communities and protecting our valuable natural resources for all to enjoy!

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by