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

The Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Board on a special meeting last November 1 to discuss the levy rate based on the preliminary 2023 OMPD budget.

Olympia Metropolitan Park District mulls $5M 2023 budget

The Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Board discussed a proposed $5,321,573 OMPD budget for next year during a special meeting on Tuesday, November 1. Last October 5, the Olympia staff … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 11/2/22

Marine life display Giants Of the Salish Sea — Humpbacks and Gray Whales by John Calambokidis from Cascadia Research Collective will speak on November 6 at the Puget Sound Estuarium.

Of whales, beans, and parks - ways to get involved

Welcome to November! Someone said this morning that the end of Halloween ushers the start of the holiday season. I agree with that, but it also ushers in the busiest season for our nonprofit … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 11/1/22 | 2 comments

Some of the Percival Plinth Project's previous displays.

Olympia calls for Percival Plinth sculptures for next year’s exhibit and competition

Olympia is looking for another round of sculptures for next year’s exhibits at Percival Landing. In a press release, Olympia announced a call for 18 artworks from artists based in Washington … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 10/28/22

For people in town, it’s time to start raking street drains.

Full-On Fall is Here

This was the last week the sunset after 6 P.M. and the first week of genuine, normal rain. We have rediscovered the sweaters in our dressers, the fleece in our closets, and the slugs in our … more

By Jill Severn | 10/28/22 | 1 comment

Lacey Parks Maintenance Supervisor Jamie Oakland reported at a meeting yesterday, October 25, 2022, that a total of 108 violations, including vandalism, theft, and graffiti, happened at the parks in the city for the year 2022.

Vandalism, theft, and graffiti reported in Lacey parks, facilities

Over a hundred cases of public property damage occurred in Lacey parks and facilities within the year, costing the city more than $30,000 for repair labor and materials. Lacey Parks Maintenance … more

By JC Medina | 10/26/22 | 3 comments

Tumwater’s park and recreation committee met on October 19 to discuss updates for the community center.

Tumwater is seeking a design firm for the new community center

Tumwater is looking for a firm to design its new community center, said Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Denney during their commission’s meeting yesterday, October 19. The city has … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/21/22

Seed bombs are created using soil and clay with seeds inside.

Anarchist gardeners

A friend brought me a pamphlet called “Gardening and Direct Ecological Action,” published by the Vangardeners, an offshoot of the Olympia Assembly. They advocate “guerrilla … more

By Jill Severn | 10/21/22 | 2 comments

Ellis Cove, in Priest Point Park in Olympia, in January 2021.

Olympia Finance Committee clarifies park impact fee

The Olympia Finance Committee held its regular meeting yesterday, to brief the council about the park impact fee. According to a presentation by FCS Group Consulting Principal John Ghilarducci, … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/20/22

Waterfowl – An introduction

Fall and winter in our home territory is the very best time to watch waterfowl. The tall grass has died back, and all the wetlands are full (hopefully, eventually). Waterfowl are the swans, geese, … more

By George Walter | 10/20/22

Close-up of people putting the garbage into the big black bags outdoors

All about becoming the change you wish to see in the world – now and local

Have you ever wanted to ‘make a difference? Well, you get that opportunity every year! Make a Difference Day is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of October, which is this next Saturday, … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 10/18/22

What’s under the Swiss chard and green onions is more important to worms and many insects than the plants.

Biodiversity in the garden

Bee-friendly gardens have been in the spotlight for the past several years, and now the focus has widened to focus on a bigger idea: biodiversity in our gardens. The state’s Fish and … more

By Jill Severn | 10/14/22 | 1 comment

Parks to revive, local art of many stripes to enjoy, and coming out support

I know, the weather is perfect. You need to get your home prepped for the coming rain. There’s football and BASEBALL PLAYOFFS to watch for the first time in 19 years. However, if you can stand … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 10/11/22

Pelagic Birds – Part 3

This week we conclude our 3-part series on pelagic birds, commonly called seabirds. Liam Hutcheson is again my co-author. There is a family of seabirds in coastal, and offshore Washington waters … more

By George Walter and Liam Hutcheson | 10/7/22 | 1 comment

The Lacey Board of Park Commission is seeking public input on further improving Phase 1A of the Greg Cuoio Park as the community can pick a theme for the new playground.

Lacey seeks public input on the theme for Greg Cuoio Park’s playground

The Greg Cuoio Park is getting a theme picked out for it – the Lacey Board of Park Commission is seeking community members’ thoughts on further improvements for the park in its Phase 1A … more

By JC Medina | 10/6/22

Hurricane victims and how you can help, Indigenous People’s Day, Arts, and Harvest Festival

Last week, Hurricane Ian obliterated communities in Florida. As of today, according to CNN, at least 102 people have been reported killed by the hurricane in Florida – 55 of them in Lee County, … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 10/4/22

At the city council meeting on September 27, 2022, Olympia designated Saturday, October 8, 2022, as Arbor Day. Image of children and families planting trees.

Arbor Day in Olympia proclaimed for Saturday, October 8

Olympia is inviting community members to participate in planting new trees as the city celebrates Arbor Day at Squaxin Park on Saturday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Olympia City … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/30/22

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

Gardeners’ burnout

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