Outdoors | The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Oxalis corniculata, a troublesome little weed lurking under and in between its neighbors.

At this time of the year, most gardeners are getting tired of gardening and beginning to look forward to the cozier indoor pursuits of shorter days and darker evenings. I think our gardens might … more

By Jill Severn | 9/30/22 | 1 comment

Parasitic Jaeger - can be found in South Puget Sound

Pelagic Birds – Part 2

This week we will continue our series on pelagic birds, commonly called seabirds. Liam Hutcheson is again my co-author. One of the most delightful birds to see out on the ocean are the Storm … more

By George Walter and Liam Hutcheson | 9/29/22 | 1 comment

A Laysan albatross in the foreground (Phoebastria immutabilis) flying with sooty shearwater (Ardenna grisea).

Pelagic Birds – Part 1

Pelagic Birds – Part 1 September and October are fairly boring months for local bird watching. So, as a change of pace, we are writing over the next few weeks about, and providing … more

By George Walter | 9/22/22

Timberland Regional Library cards are displayed.

Sign up for adventure with a TRL Library Card!

Take adventures, access resources and learn something new for free with a library card from your local Timberland Regional Library. Timberland Regional Library (TRL) offers a variety of … more

By Taniah Najih | Timberland Regional Library | 9/15/22

When the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning, it's truly urgent.

Red Flag Warning - Hot and dry weather creates fire hazard conditions for Thurston County

Red Flag Warning issued September 5 at 2:23PM PDT until September 7 at 12:00AM PDT by NWS Seattle WAThe National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Red FlagWarning for hot, dry and unstable … more

9/5/22

The Olympia Parks Planning Department proposes a 9th Avenue section conversion to parkland. At the August 31, 2022 meeting, the Site Plan Committee postponed the proposal review.

Olympia Site Plan Committee postpones review of Rebecca Howard Park project

The presubmission conference on the proposed project for Rebecca Howard Park was postponed yesterday, August 31, by the Olympia Site Plan Committee. The project would provide community members with a … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/1/22

Salmon Romance by Pat Mcvay, medium red cedar. Percival Plinth Project sculptures on Percival Landing.

Olympia Arts Commission: 2 sculpture pieces win People's Choice Award

'Salmon Romance' by Pat McVay and 'Underwater Disagreement' by Eileen Lagasse are the 2022 Percival Plinth People's Choice winners, Arts Commission chair Jim Burlingame announced at the Olympia City … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 8/24/22

The downhill slope of summer

We’re on the downhill slope of summer. We may still have some hot weather, but the signs of the coming change of season are everywhere: Unwatered grass has turned from green to gold. School … more

By Jill Severn | 8/19/22 | 2 comments

The area encircled in red shows one of two burn sites proposed by Kaufman Entities and Puget Western, located at 3111 93rd Avenue SW in Tumwater.

Prescribed burning in Tumwater to be permissible after amendments to municipal code

Prescribed burning in Tumwater will soon be permissible after the city's public health and safety committee agreed on August 9 to recommend an ordinance amending the city’s municipal … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/10/22 | 1 comment

LOTT's study on its reclaimed water shows no harm to humans and minimal risk to the environment.

What has LOTT learned about the safety of reclaimed water?

Having recently completed its ten-year study on reclaimed the safety of reclaimed water, the LOTT Clean Water Alliance is hosting two kinds of events to involve the public. These include: A … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 8/8/22 | 2 comments

The Lacey City Council signed a memorandum of agreement August 4, 2022 with North Thurston Public Schools and the South Sound YMCA to start the feasibility study of a Young Child and Families Center.

Lacey ‘Young Child and Families Center’ project takes its first step

The Lacey City Council signed a memorandum of agreement yesterday, August 4, with North Thurston Public Schools and the South Sound YMCA to fund afeasibility study of what’s being called … more

By JC Medina | 8/5/22

Apparently unafraid of a driver in a car, this coyote, was photographed from a distance of approximately 30 feet on June 15, 2022 in Olympia's Eastside neighborhood.

Coyotes are here to stay in North American cities -- including those in Thurston County

Coyotes have become practically ubiquitous across the lower 48 United States, and they are increasingly turning up in suburban areas like Thurston County. The draws are abundant food and green space. more

8/5/22 | 1 comment

Public Works Transportation project engineer Joey Johnson discussed five enhanced bike lane proposals at the Olympia Planning Committee meeting on Aug. 1, 2022.

Olympia transport group proposes enhanced bike lanes on streets

The Olympia Public Works Transportation Group proposed the inclusion of enhanced bike lanes in the Engineering Design and Development Standards or EDDS, tying it to future road works in the … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 8/2/22 | 6 comments

Scratching isn't the best way for humans to deal with Swimmer's Itch, but it works for this swimmer.

Lacey cautions Long Lake goers

Lacey is warning community members to take care when swimming in the waters of Long Lake. In a Facebook post earlier today, Lacey authorities revealed that it has received two reports of … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 8/2/22

What’s happening coming up?

Thurston County Fair Wednesday, July 27 through Sunday, July 31, 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Join Thurston Country as they celebrate its 150th year. This is a week-long affair in a haven of animals, … more

7/29/22

The Funding and Governance Work Group of the Capitol Lake - Deschutes Estuary project presented their recommendations at the Tumwater City council work session on July 26, 2022.

Deschutes Estuary: Who will own and maintain its parts?

The Funding and Governance Work Group of the Capitol Lake-Deschutes Estuary project presented yesterday their recommendations for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as an interlocal agreement that … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/28/22 | 5 comments

Nighthawks and Swifts

There are two species of migratory, insect-eating birds that I look up to, mainly because they are only seen when flying in the sky above me. The legs and feet of both species are weak and used … more

By George Walter | 7/28/22 | 2 comments

At the BOCC public hearing formation of Pattison Lake Management District (PLMD) on July 16, 2022, Rob Peters recounted the tragic death of a man who drowned because of reeds in the lake.

BOCC hears public comments for proposed Pattison Lake Management District

Pattison Lake residents are pushing for the creation of a county-supported lake management district, which they believe would help protect and oversee the improvement of water quality and safety in … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 7/27/22

Roses and stories

This week Gary Ritchie led a one-person tour of the Centennial Rose Garden on the grounds of the Schmidt Mansion in Tumwater. The stroll among the roses was prompted by the garden reaching its … more

By Jill Severn | 7/22/22

What’s happening coming up?

Tenino Depot Museum Pioneer Village- Depot MuseumJuly 22 10:00am-4:00pm, July 23 10:00am-5:00pm, July 24 11:00am-3:00pm Do you enjoy making antler jewelry, apple cider, making, blacksmithing, … more

7/22/22 | 1 comment