This Week
Meaningful Movies: Online Screening of Join or Die – Mon, May 12th
Follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis. Join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it? Find the trailer and more information here.
Time: 6:30pm | Location: Zoom Link for Screening
Presentation: BioChar and Terra Preta – Tue, May 13th
Quimper Grange’s Food For Thought presents a free discussion on BioChar and Terra Preta. Biochar is produced in simple micro-gasifier stoves, kilns and industrial processes. Biochar can be used as a soil amendment and water filter media for the removal of heavy metals. Attendees will be given an overview of biochar history, production and uses, including local examples.
Time: 6:15pm | Location: Quimper Grange, 1219 Corona St, Port Townsend
Native Bees of the Olympic Peninsula & Their Nesting Habitats – Wed, May 14th
Did you know that Washington is home to more than 600 native bee species? This presentation will feature native bees found on the Peninsula, including some less common species and habitat discoveries, local bee habitat survey results spanning three years and 16 sites, and both state and regional iNaturalist bee projects. With over 800 native bee observations for the Olympic Peninsula, Kris will share bee nesting behaviors, floral host-plant associations, and the seasonality of native bee species. Register here.
Speaker: Kris Ethington, Washington Native Bee Society, citizen scientist
Time: 1 – 3pm | Location: Fort Flagler Hospital, 10541 Flagler Rd, Nordland
Understanding the underwater forest: Kelp research and monitoring at North Beach – Thu, May 15th *New*
Learn about one of our local marine state forests – the bull kelp bed at North Beach. Bull kelp is a critical nearshore habitat and at North Beach, this extensive bed also serves as a long-term research site for regional kelp scientists and the seed source for restoration efforts where bull kelp in Puget Sound has been lost. Speakers will discuss the importance of kelp forests, regional conservation efforts, and insights the North Beach kelp bed is providing about kelp forests more broadly. They will also highlight the new buoy installed at North Beach, one of 14 regional sites equipped to monitor the ocean conditions kelp are experiencing, as a part of the ‘Eyes on Kelp’ program.
Time: 6 – 7pm | Location: Port Townsend Public Library, Carnegie Reading Room
Emergency Preparedness Talks: Water Storage & Food Resiliency – Thu, May 15th
Disasters like an earthquake could temporarily disrupt water service and food systems. This talk will cover information about the source of water in east Jefferson county, and basic information about storing water in case of an emergency. Local food system resiliency includes the ability to prepare and adapt to changing conditions. This talk will also discuss how households can grow their food resiliency and community networks working towards resilience and climate change adaption. Register here, and send email with any questions.
Time: 3:30 & 5:30pm | Location: the Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Avenue, Port Hadlock
Birding By Ear – Thu, May 15th
Have you ever heard a bird in the forest but couldn’t see it and wondered what it was? Join ornithologist Dr. Jackie Canterbury as she leads tours through Quimper West Preserve in the protected Quimper Wildlife Corridor, and shows how, by training your ear, you can identify birds through their unique songs. There will also be information about the area shared before the walk. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited to 15 people each session, and you must register in advance. Waitlist submissions will be taken. You may sign up for more than one session.
Time: 8:30 – 10am | Location: Register for location
Practicing Presence: A Day of Mindfulness – Sat, May 17th
Olympic Peninsula Mindfulness invites you to meet in companionable silence together and give each other the support and spaciousness to have your own unique experience as seasoned and new meditators. You will be practicing in silence as your teacher guides the group through the sitting and movement meditations that many students of mindfulness practices are familiar with. This is an opportunity to be with the pleasant and unpleasant moments that arise and disappear daily- thoughts, sensations and emotions- in a supportive environment.
Class fee: Sliding scale: $60 to $90. Registration is required. Visit Mindfulness Retreats for more information or call 360-316-6544.
Time: 10am – 4pm | Location: In-person at 629 Fillmore Street Studio, Port Townsend WA
Tour of “The Hedgerow by Cruising Climate” – Sun, May 18th
Come see a forest farm in the “during” phase of its creation. On the tour, you’ll explore the regenerative methods being used to convert a 1/2 acre of pasture into a resilient food forest. This is a unique opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a farm. Native plant starts grown at “The Hedgerow” will also be available for you to take home. Registration is required, register early via this link to snag your spot! Contact Hailey Lampe.
Time: 2 – 4pm | Location: The Hedgerow by Cruising Climate, 3059 7th Street, Port Townsend
Digging for Dinner – Sun, May 18th
Bring the family and join the Jefferson County MRC and WDFW out on the beach to learn all about harvesting shellfish! Discover the different types of clams, where to dig, and how to harvest clams and oysters safely and sustainably. This event includes instruction and demonstrations from WDFW shellfish biologists and time for you to harvest clams and oysters with instructors available to answer questions. A shellfish license is required for each person who is harvesting clams. Sign-up to attend. Email with questions.
Time: 2pm-6pm | Location: Quilcene Bay Tidelands, near the Quilcene Marina.
Photo: Horned Grebe at Neah Bay by Beverly McNeil
For the full set of announcements, including Upcoming Events, Recurring Events, Community Notices, Community Resources, and Resilience Readings, see here.
