This Week
Polystyrene & Low-Density Polyethylene Recycling – Tues, Mar 5th
Port Townsend StyroCyclers, a Local 20/20 Beyond Waste Project, collects white styrofoam (expanded polystyrene, or EPS), all colors of polyethylene (LDPE-4), white EPS food trays, and separated biodegradable (squishy) packing peanuts, but not crispy (EPS) peanuts, and no mixtures. Materials are inspected at the curb, and only clean and dry materials are accepted. Please remove all tape, labels, etc., before you arrive, and please leave plenty of room between vehicles. Email the organizers with questions, and check their Facebook page for weather cancellations and other styrofoam recycling event dates. (See below for other styrofoam recycling events later in March.)
Time: 10 am – 12 pm | Location: Battery Putnam, near Alexander’s Castle, at 229 Alexander’s Loop, Fort Worden, Port Townsend. (Park your vehicle in the middle of the street in front of the battery.)
Larry Scott Trail/Olympic Discovery Trail & Puget Sound to Pacific Collaborative Talk – Wed, Mar 6th New
Jefferson County is home to the treasured Larry Scott and Olympic Discovery Trails. Peninsula Trails Coalition representatives Merrily Mount and Jeff Selby will give a talk about the history, recent upgrades, and future of these trails. Learn what is improving, expanding, and connecting in Jefferson County. Also, get updates on the Puget Sound to Pacific Collaborative (PS2P) from Project Director Steve Durrant, Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. More info here.
Time: 6 pm | Location: Carnegie Reading Room, Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St, Port Townsend
Local 20/20 Beyond Waste Group Meeting – Wed, Mar 6th
The Beyond Waste Action 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. Meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month. Newcomers are always welcome. Email Lisa for info on monthly agenda and zoom link.
Time: 10:30 am – 12 pm | Location: Online
Stream Stewards Training – Wednesdays, Mar 6th through Apr 3rd
Registration is now open for the Stream Stewards Program, hosted by WSU and the North Olympic Salmon Coalition. The program provides Jefferson and Clallam County residents with the opportunity to turn environmental knowledge into action. In this 5-week course, participants learn about connections between our lands and waters. Through classroom sessions, field trips, and hands-on activities, this training connects participants with experts and opportunities to get involved in local efforts. Training will take place at various locations in Jefferson and Clallam counties. For more information and to RSVP, visit here.
Time: 9 am – 12:30 pm | Locations: Various
Jefferson County Historical Society Museum of Art and History Special Event: Feeding Ghosts Book Talk – Thurs, Mar 7th
The Jefferson County Historical Society Museum of Art and History is hosting a free, special event – the Feeding Ghosts Book Talk with author Tessa Hulls, to complement an exhibition showcasing the book. Hulls is an artist, writer, and adventurer known for illuminating the connections between the present and the past. With a rich background as the mixed-race daughter of immigrants, Hulls’ work delves into themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. Lisbeth White, a Port Townsend-based writer and ritualist, will moderate the book talk. White’s insightful perspective and literary expertise promise to enrich the conversation surrounding Hulls’ poignant memoir.
Time: 5 – 6 pm | Location: Cotton Building, 607 Water St, Port Townsend
Local 20/20 Climate Group Meeting – Thurs, Mar 7th
The Local 20/20 Climate group’s scope includes reducing greenhouse gases, increasing carbon sequestration, and preparing for climate impacts. Newcomers are most welcome! The group generally meets monthly, always on the first Thursday. Contact cag@l2020.org for more information, including the online meeting link.
Time: 5 – 6:30 pm | Location: Online
DIY Tool Maintenance Clinic – Sat, Mar 9th New
Dust off the dirt, sharpen your shovels, and lubricate your loppers in preparation for the Spring 2024 growing season! Learn to maintain your own tools from seasoned helpers at this public, hands-on workshop, co-sponsored by Food Bank Growers and Quimper Grange. Bring your garden tools and gloves. They provide files, oils, mentorship, and patience. For more information, visit Food Bank Growers or Quimper Grange.
Time: 10 am – 1 pm | Location: Quimper Grange, 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend
Upcoming Events
Meaningful Movies Port Townsend Presents “Atomic Bamboozle” – Mon, Mar 11th
Atomic Bamboozle is a 46-minute documentary that follows anti-nuclear activists, tribal leaders, scientists, and attorneys as they draw lessons from the decades-long campaign to shut down the Trojan Nuclear Power plant in Oregon and extend those lessons into a new struggle to stop small modular reactors (SMRs) from being built in the Pacific Northwest. The documentary follows activists as they expose the true costs of these small nuclear reactor designs that have been opposed by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) as well as by several other environmental groups. Zoom link here. More info on Facebook page.
Time: 6:30 pm | Location: Zoom
LUNCH & LEARN: Plant-Forward Eating On A Budget: Good For You, Good For The Planet – Tues, Mar 12th
Curious about how to incorporate more plant-centric meals and still feel satisfied? Worried about getting enough protein? This free workshop will outline culturally relevant and creative strategies for getting those nutritional and sustainable gems on your plate without breaking the bank. Are you ready for a culinary adventure? Yes, it’s beyond impossible to eat and enjoy a variety of plant-based foods! Join Mary Purdy – Eco Dietitian for this month’s Lunch and Learn. Bring your own lunch. Drinks provided. Suggested donation of $10. Register here.
Time: 12 – 1 pm | Location: The Food Co-op Annex, 2110 Lawrence St, Port Townsend
Local 20/20 Council Meeting – Wed, Mar 13th New
The monthly Local 20/20 Steering Council meeting is open to all and welcomes those interested in involvement in Local 20/20 leadership. Newcomers are always welcome. We will be meeting via zoom. The Steering Council meeting is normally held on the third Wednesday of the month but will be on the second Wednesday in March only due to conflicts. If you’d like more information and/or a virtual orientation, or for the meeting link, contact us here.
Time: 3 – 5 pm | Location: Online
Program: “Harbor Porpoises: The Secret Lives of the Salish Sea’s Smallest Cetacean” – Wed, Mar 13th
Join the Friends of Fort Flagler for a free online event delving into the mysterious world of harbor porpoises, the smallest cetaceans in the Salish Sea! Discover their hidden lives, from their playful antics to their amazing hunting techniques. Dive into the depths of their habitats and explore the challenges they face in this interactive session. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures and their important role in our marine ecosystem! Presented by Casey Mclean, who has over 12 years’ experience working with marine animals and is the Executive Director of SR3, a nonprofit organization that focuses on response, rehabilitation, and research of local marine wildlife. Registration here.
Time: 6 pm | Location: Zoom
Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation Presents: “From Straw to Table: Straw Bale Gardening Explained” – Thurs, Mar 14th
Is your garden soil less than optimal? Learn how to work around that common problem at the next presentation of the Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation by Master Gardener Julia Cordz. Julia’s presentation demystifies straw bale gardening by outlining the essential steps of this gardening technique, sharing tips she has learned from her own experiences. She will also discuss how the straw bale gardening method is being used to solve food insecurity challenges worldwide. More information here.
Time: 3 – 4 pm | Location: WSU Extension classroom, Kively Center, 97 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock
Conservation Breakfast: “The Olympic Cougar Project: Conservation in a Human-Dominated Landscape” – Thurs, Mar 14th
Jefferson Land Trust invites the community to attend its annual conservation breakfast. There will be a fascinating presentation by Dr. Mark Elbroch, noted cougar biologist and Puma Program Director of Panthera, a nonprofit devoted to the conservation of the world’s 40 species of wild cats and the ecosystems they inhabit. Dr. Elbroch and an expert panel will discuss the work and mission of the Olympic Cougar Project, and share how partners like Jefferson Land Trust help protect critical wildlife habitat in a human-dominated landscape. Free registration and more information here.
Time: 9 – 10:30 am | Location: Zoom
Maritime Career Fair – Sat, Mar 16th New
The Maritime Career Fair, hosted by Northwest Maritime Center, will answer all your burning questions about maritime, maritime careers, and how you can set sail toward an exciting future. There will be interactive exhibits, networking opportunities, and interviews with experts. This event is tailored to middle school and high school students and their families. Anyone interested in exploring opportunities in maritime is welcome to attend! This is a volunteer-run event; if you’re interested in volunteering, please send an email here. More information here.
Time: 10 am – 2 pm | Location: Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St, Port Townsend
Polystyrene & Low-Density Polyethylene Recycling – Sat, Mar 16th & Tues, Mar 26th Updated
Port Townsend StyroCyclers, a Local 20/20 Beyond Waste Project, collects white styrofoam (expanded polystyrene, or EPS), all colors of polyethylene (LDPE-4), white EPS food trays, and separated biodegradable (squishy) packing peanuts, but not crispy (EPS) peanuts, and no mixtures. Materials are inspected at the curb, and only clean and dry materials are accepted. Please remove all tape, labels, etc., before you arrive, and please leave plenty of room between vehicles. Email the organizers with questions, and check their Facebook page for weather cancellations.
Dates/Times/Locations:
Mar 16th, 10 am – 12 pm, Battery Putnam, near Alexander’s Castle, at 229 Alexander’s Loop, Fort Worden, Port Townsend. (Park your vehicle in the middle of the street in front of the battery.)
Mar 26th, 9:30 – 11 am, Port Ludlow Bridge Deck, near the Beach Club at 121 Marina View Dr, Port Ludlow
Friends of Fort Flagler Rat Island Docent Program Informational Meeting – Wed, Mar 20th New
Join the Friends of Fort Flagler (FOFF) in its 2024 docent program, to be held from Memorial Day weekend through August, to protect the delicate habitat and diverse wildlife on Rat Island. Docents will have 4-hour shifts to stand, sit, and walk the Rat Island spit while educating visitors and observing wildlife. With the Avian Flu devastating approximately 80% of the Salish Sea population of Caspian Terns in 2023, protecting their habitat has become more vital than ever. FOFF offers comprehensive training to equip you with the necessary information and tools to be an effective and knowledgeable docent. Register here to learn more and attend a virtual informational meeting, or you can sign up directly here. For inquiries or to express your interest, contact us via email.
Time: 4 pm | Location: Online
WSU Master Gardener “Growing Groceries” Class – Thursdays, Mar 21st -through Apr 25th
This class is taught by seasoned Master Gardeners who specialize in growing food in our unique climate. This 6-week in-person course will focus on the following garden essentials: garden design, site conditions, and considerations; soil health, amendments, and improvements; seed starting; crop rotation, cover crops, and plant families; season extenders; common disease and insect problems; and pollinator and beneficial insects. Cost: $50 for class, suggested donation of $10 to attend workshop (Apr 6th) and field trip (Apr 20th). It is the goal of Master Gardeners to make this class accessible to all. Scholarships are available on a need basis. Please contact Bridget for scholarship information. Register here.
Time: 9 – 11:30 am | Location: Food Co-op Annex, 2110 Lawrence St, Port Townsend
Local 20/20 TLab Meeting – Mon, Mar 25th New
The Transportation Lab is a Local 20/20 Action Group working to promote a transportation system that minimizes the need for personal motor vehicles. Such a transportation system must be safe, convenient, and healthy, and it must be based on walking, the most healthful mode; bicycling, the most efficient mode; mass transit, the most efficient for moving large numbers of people; and a vastly reduced personal and service VMT (vehicle miles traveled). TLab meets the 4th Monday of every month, and welcomes anyone interested in these issues to attend. Meeting location varies; for current location or for more information, please contact Richard.
Time: 4:30 – 6 pm | Location: Varies
Health & Wellness Meeting – Wed, Apr 3rd
The Health & Wellness Action Group, also known as Citizens for Healthcare Access, is a Local 20/20 Action Group working to promote health and healthcare access in East Jefferson County, with a particular focus on local, affordable, quality healthcare, including behavioral and dental healthcare. The group will not meet in March, but members will be kept updated on developments via email. The next scheduled meeting will be held via Zoom. They will discuss the status of exercise classes for seniors, persons with mobility impairments, and those with limited means. To get on the email list, please send an email here. Being on the Health & Wellness email list also means access to member notes taken at the Jefferson Healthcare Hospital Commission meetings, and starting next month, notes taken at the Jefferson County Public Health meetings. It’s a great way to stay informed on healthcare-related developments in the county.
Time: 12 pm | Location: Zoom
Newt Crossing Community Site Design Workshop – Sat & Sun, Apr 6th & 7th New
Newt Crossing Community is a local, forming, intergenerational cohousing group with land just three miles outside of Port Townsend. If living in a small village that is welcoming, safe, and eco-friendly appeals to you, now is the time to get involved. The Site Design Workshop, lead by cohousing expert Charles Durrett, is where decisions will be made by consensus on how this community will be laid out. The workshop is the first step in buying your home and helping to design the common spaces in this new community. For more information and a tour of the site, contact them by email.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course – Saturdays, Apr 6th through June 1st
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a 9-week mindfulness training program that helps access and strengthen inner resources, to more actively engage in the moment, and find greater balance, ease, and peace of mind. MBSR is the original mindfulness course, has been exhaustively researched, and is considered to be the gold standard in mindfulness training. Learn mindful approaches to manage physical, emotional, and psychological pain, stress, and difficulty in an effective way. Overcome old and unhelpful habits of thinking and reactivity, and forge new pathways of responding with wisdom and compassion. Course fee: sliding scale from $300 – $500. Registration and more information here.
Time: 3 – 5:30 pm | Location: In person (uptown Port Townsend) or on Zoom
Program: “Introduction to Bats of Washington & Marrowstone Island” – Wed, Apr 10th
Are you curious about bats in Washington, including the types of bats found on Marrowstone Island? Join Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Watchable Wildlife Coordinator, Kelsey Hansen, as she shares about bat life history, bats in Washington and on Marrowstone Island, and ways to watch and help bats. There’s so much to learn about our winged neighbors! This is a free, online event presented by the Friends of Fort Flagler. Registration here.
Time: 5 pm | Location: Zoom
Port Townsend Victorian Heritage Festival – Fri through Sun, Apr 26th through 28th
The Port Townsend Heritage Association proudly presents this festival as a celebration and educational event focused on Port Townsend’s heritage during the Victorian era. This year is the 28th annual festival featuring downtown and uptown walking tours, historic home tour, Magic Lantern show, fashion show, community contra dance, historic Post Office renovation tour, fascinating exhibits and presentations, afternoon teas in heritage homes, and more. Online ticket sales begin March 1. Visit here for full details.
Time: Varies each day | Location: Downtown Port Townsend
Community Repair Event – Sat, Apr 27th New
Repair Events are free community gatherings in which people with repair skills share their time and talents to fix their neighbors’ belongings. Volunteers donate their time to help with small appliances and electronics, textiles/clothes, bicycle repair, tool sharpening, and other household items. Limit of two items per person. If you know the specific part needed to repair your item, please bring it along. Bring your toaster that no longer toasts, sweater with a hole in the elbow, and excitement to get these belongings repaired while also learning how you could do it yourself next time! Learn more about this and other upcoming Repair Events here.
Time: 10 am – 1 pm | Location: Quilcene Community Center, 294952 Hwy 101, Quilcene
Arts and Cultural Events
Local 20/20 recognizes the positive impact that the arts have on the well-being of our community, and we are so grateful that we reside in such a community that fosters creativity. To avoid overloading these announcements and duplication with other sources, Local 20/20 announcements include art and cultural events if they are directly related to our mission of promoting sustainability and resiliency through action and education. We encourage folks to check out “Bareboards”, My City Scene, KPTZ, the Port Townsend Leader and its community calendar, and the Peninsula Daily News for local arts, music, and cultural events.
Photo: Surf Scoters, Neah Bay, by Beverly McNeil
For the full set of announcements, including Recurring Events, Community Notices, Community Resources, and Resilience Readings, see here.
