This Week
Beyond Waste Action Group Meeting – Wed, Jan 7th
The Beyond Waste Action Group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m.-12:00 pm via Zoom. The group looks at a number of issues including food-waste composting, plastics reduction and recycling, reduction of garbage on an individual and community level, and various other waste-related topics that spontaneously come up during the meeting. Newcomers are always welcome. Email Lisa for info on monthly agenda and zoom link.
Time: 10:30am – 12pm | Zoom, email for link
From Sea to Soil: Turning Seaweed Waste into Garden Gold – Thu, Jan 8th *New*
Emily Buckner and Erick Dowell from Puget Sound Restoration Fund’s Sea-Land team will explain the causes and local impacts of green tides in Washington State and the regenerative practice that turns seaweed into an effective soil amendment for local farms and gardens all while connecting communities around their local watersheds. Walk away with knowledge on how to effectively use seaweed compost to enrich your soil. This talk is free and open to the public and sponsored by the Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation and the WSU Master Gardener Program.
Time: 3 – 4pm | Location: WSU Extension Classroom, Kively Center, 97 Oak Bay Road, Port Hadlock
Winter Seabird Birding and Illustration – Sat, Jan 10th
Join Port Townsend Marine Science Center for a morning of birding and art. The day will start out on the pier observing some bird specimens that are not on display to the public, and learning about scientific illustration. Scientific illustration is about in-depth observation of a particular subject, advancing your observation skills around birds – no art skills required! The second half of the class will be birding out on the marine science center pier, keeping an eye out for winter seabirds and practicing some nature journaling outside (weather permitting). Birders (and artists!) of all skill levels are welcome. Feel free to bring your own preferred art supplies/binoculars/scopes, art supplies and binoculars provided. This event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. RSVP online.
Time: 10am – 12pm | Location: PTMSC Aquarium classroom, 532 Battery Way in Fort Worden State Park
Gardening on a Warming Planet: Insights from Heronswood – Sat, Jan 10th
Dr. Ross Bayton, director of Heronswood Garden and distinguished author of several books on horticulture, will kick off the 2026 Yard & Garden Lecture Series sponsored by the Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation and Washington State University’s Jefferson County Extension Service. Purchase tickets online or at the door.
Time: 10am – 12pm | Location: the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 4907 Landes St., Port Townsend
Mindful Self-Compassion After School Program – Enrollment now open
The Benji Project is offering a Winter After School Mindful Self Compassion Program at the Jefferson County Library for 11-14 year olds. The program will take place on Wednesday afternoons for 8 weeks starting February 4 and ending on April 1 with a break on February 18. Discover mindful self-compassion through art, games, and reflection. Explore ways to navigate the ups and downs of life through fun activities in a supportive community. Register here.
Time: Wednesday afternoons | Location: Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Ave, Port Hadlock, WA.
JCMGF Yard and Garden Lecture Series 2026 – Tickets now on sale
Get inspired with landscaping and gardening insights, connecting with our forests, water conservation, birding, and pest management. The Yard & Garden lecture series is a fundraising and educational community event hosted by the Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation and Washington State University Jefferson County Extension. They’re excited to bring you six lectures focused on cultivating resilient gardens, helping our wildlife, growing food, water conservation, and gaining a better understanding of how nature improves our well-being. Buy tickets here. Upcoming lectures:
Jan. 17, Marni Sorin: Growing Practices for a Resilient Edible Garden
Jan. 24, Kathleen Wolf: Rooted in Research: How Urban Forests Sustain Us
Jan. 31, Lisa Taylor: Designing for Drought: Waterwise Designs with Native Plants
Feb. 7, Steve Hampton: Backyard Sanctuaries: Gardening for Birds and Biodiversity
Feb. 14, Jenny Glass: Working with Nature: Smarter, Safer Pest Management
Time: multiple dates Jan 10th-Feb 14th, 10am – 12pm | Location: Jefferson County Fairgrounds
Calling Local Photographers!
Local 20/20 Weekly Announcements invites local photographers to submit images that capture the character of our community and its natural setting. For the opening photo of each weekly email (which is also posted to our website), we seek local color, horizontal (“landscape”) orientation, and jpeg format. Please no children, pets, or recognizable faces. Kindly email your photos, including your name in the jpeg filename. If you’re sending multiple images, please send one per email. We are an all-volunteer non-profit, so compensation for your talent and generosity is a photo credit and our profound thanks.
Photo: Marrowstone Point and Mount Baker by Beverly McNeil
For the full set of announcements, including Recurring Events, Community Notices, Community Resources, and Resilience Readings, see here.
