Backyard Habitat

October 17th is Duwamish Alive!

2009-09-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Join the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition for habitat restoration at nine sites along the Duwamish River including Hamm Creek, Herring House by Kellogg Island, and the kayak river cleanup. For more information, see the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition's website: http://www.duwamishcleanup.org/programs.html#DuwamishAlive For more information about the Superfund site, see http://www.duwamishcleanup.org/superfund.html

Grants for Frog Ponds!

2009-09-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

Tree Walkers International (TWI), an organization dedicated to the conservation of amphibians, is offering $1,000 awards to organizations in Washington, Idaho, and Montanafor the creation of wetland habitats for amphibians and environmental education. Awardees will receive up to $1,000 for materials and/or labor to construct or restore suitable breeding habitat for local native amphibians. These awards are administered under Operation Frog Pond (OFP), a program of TWI that promotes the conservation of native amphibians through backyard and schoolyard habitat projects.

A major aspect of OFP is working with teachers and students to construct frog ponds at their schools, providing crucial breeding habitat for amphibians in developed areas as well as outdoor classrooms where students can learn about the importance of the environment through hands-on opportunities and experiences.

Upon being awarded an OFP grant, a regional coordinator will work with you and your students to design and construct a pond from start to finish, so don’t let a lack of knowledge of experience in pond building prevent you from applying.

For more information about Operation Frog Pond, see the TWI website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ron Skylstad (Director and PNW Regional Coordinator) via e-mail at ron@treewalkers.org

Annual Fall Fecal Fest--Drawing for Zoo Doo and Bedspread sale!

2009-08-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

WHAT: Fall is around the corner, which means it’s time for Woodland Park Zoo’s annual Fall Fecal Fest. Garden enthusiasts and Zoo Doo loyalists, get ready to enter a drawing to purchase the highly coveted Zoo Doo. The pungent piles of poop make up the richest, highly aromatic, most exotic compost in the Pacific Northwest. This year there is less Zoo Doo to go around, making the lottery more competitive.

Also available is Bedspread, a composted mulch made from the manures and bedding of the zoo’s non-primate herbivores. Bedspread is like Zoo Doo but contains higher amounts of wood chips and sawdust. It is excellent fertile mulch for perennial beds and woody landscapes such as native gardens, rose beds, shrubs, tree rings or pathways, and is an ideal mulch and soil builder for Northwest gardens.

WHEN: Dr. Doo is accepting entry cards for Zoo Doo or Bedspread from September 11 through September 25 only. Entry cards will be randomly selected according to supply and demand. Dr. Doo will contact the lucky drawn entries only. The Fecal Fest traditionally sells out.

Pick-up dates begin October 9 through October 25. The lucky winners load the compost, using shovels provided by the zoo.

HOW: Only one postcard per person is eligible for the drawing. Phone orders will not be taken. Send a standard postcard to Zoo Doo, Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th St., Seattle, WA 98103.

Include the following information:

Name
Day/evening phone numbers
Preference: Zoo Doo or Bedspread
Amount of Zoo Doo or Bedspread you’d like to purchase (anything from a garbage bag to a full-size pick-up truck load)
Weekday or weekend preference for pick-up

PRICES: Zoo Doo and Bedspread: Pick-up truck 8x4 bed: $60; 6x4 bed: $45; 6x3 bed: $35. Garbage cans: $8 to $10; bags: $4 to $6 depending on size. Limit one full truck per person. Two-gallon and pint-sized buckets are available in the ZooStore for $14.95 and $4.95, respectively.

INFO: For more information, call the poop line at 206.625.POOP or visit the zoo’s website at http://www.zoo.org/.

Sept. 11-13: Puget Sound Bird Fest!

2009-08-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

The spotlight will be on birds once again at PUGET SOUND BIRD FEST in Edmonds, Friday through Sunday, September 11-13! This year’s festival will feature many of the same activities as in past years, as well as some new opportunities to learn about and observe birds at home in their habitats. For more information, see their website.

New Northwest Zoo & Aquarium Alliance Resources!

2009-06-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

NEW Backyard Habitat Website
The NW Zoo & Aquarium Alliance—of which Woodland Park Zoo is a member—has created a comprehensive website dedicated to providing you with detailed information and resources as you continue providing habitat for wildlife in your backyard, schoolyard or community garden: http://www.nwzaa.org/project-pages/backyard.html

Certify your Yard with Three Partners!
The NW Zoo & Aquarium Alliance (NWZAA) has joined forces with National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to offer partner certification for certifying your backyard wildlife habitat. You fill out one application and are certified by three organizations! For more information and links on how to certify, checkout NWAA's website: http://www.nwzaa.org/project-pages/backyard15.html Already certified with NWF and/or WDFW? Contact NWZAA Backyard Habitat Coordinator Jenny Mears at jenny.mears@zoo.org or 206-548-2557 for your FREE NWZAA certification package!

Duwamish River Boat Tour in August!

2009-06-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

When: Tuesday, August 11th from 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Cost: $20 per person

Join Woodland Park Zoo staff, volunteers and past Backyard Habitat workshop participants on a boat tour of the Duwamish River! Make community connections beyond your backyard to the greater Duwamish ecosystem. You'll learn about the cultural and natural history of the river, pollution hotspots and habitat restoration opportunities with the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition. We'll also search for wildlife such as eagles, ospreys, seals and otters.

To register, download the registration form from Woodland Park Zoo's website: http://www.zoo.org/educate/adult/workshops.html

Questions? Contact Jenny Mears at jenny.mears@zoo.org or 206-548-2557.

Follow Julie's Backyard Journal!

2009-06-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Julie attended Woodland Park Zoo's Backyard Habitat workshop in October 2006 and since then has been journaling the progress she's made in her yard. She recently decided to put those journal entries in a blog in order to share tips and inspiration with those interested in creating habitat in their own yards. Here's a sample from her first entry:

The birth of an obsession? Such a little thing. I was sitting out back reading when I heard the oddest whirring sound coming from near the maple. I almost didn’t see it, sitting near the top of the tree almost hidden between sun dappled leaves. It was a little shimmery green bird. It’s head flicked from side to side searching. Then, a little jewel hurled from a sling shot, it was down below in the salvia. It stayed for quite a while seeming to sip from every blue bloom on every arching stem before taking off over the fence.

Want more? Check out Julie's Backyard Journal!

June 18th: Be Garden Wise: Linking Horticulture and Plant Invasions

2009-06-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

WHEN: Thursday, June 18th / 6:00 – 9:00pm
WHERE: Douglas classroom, UW Botanic Gardens (Center for Urban Horticulture) at the University of Washington
INSTRUCTORS: Marty Wingate, Dr. Sarah Reichard , Dana Coggon and Dr. Lizbeth Seebacher
FEE: $25

Some plants may look beautiful, but non-native invasive plants can have a devastating effect on your garden and the biodiversity of surrounding natural areas. Come learn about invasive plant identification, impacts, pathways, control and alternatives from the region’s horticultural experts. Learn what you can do to stop the invasion. Look forward to a panel discussion with the speakers and Master Gardeners at the tail end of the workshop. Two of our experts will also have their books available for signing.

TO REGISTER: Register at: www.pnw-ipc.org under the Be Garden Wise: Linking Horticulture and Plant Invasions icon. You can mail a check to the address listed or pay upon arrival on the evening of the workshop. You can also visit www.uwbotanicgardens.org under Public Education to download a registration form. Please contact info@pnw-ipc.org with any questions.

Join the Zoo at tomorrow's Tukwila Backyard Wildlife Festival!

2009-05-08T08:50:00.001-07:00

Be sure to stop by the zoo's Share the Habitat booth at the Tukwila Backyard Wildlife Festival tomorrow, Saturday, May 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Tukwila Community Center. We'll have numerous resources and information about creating backyard habitat, as well as sharing habitat around the world. For more information on the festival, check our their website.

May 11th: Naturescaping for Wildlife

2009-05-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 11th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Phinney Neighborhood Association, Room 5
6532 Phinney Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98103
$10 per person

From soils to understory to canopy, learn about creating your own urban oasis for your family, and our local wildlife and ecosystem. In this class, we'll share information on what diversity of beautiful, abundant life you can expect to attract and how to carry out basic naturescaping (natural gardening) design, installation, and maintenance.

Presented by Kimberly Leeper of Mariposa Naturescapes (www.mariposanaturescapes.com) and Heather Swift of Cohabitats (www.cohabitats.com).

Purchase tickets in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or pay at the door.

Space is limited!

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

There's many ways you can celebrate Earth Day in your backyard and in your community!

Sign up for Water Features for Wildlife class on April 29th at Woodland Park Zoo: http://www.zoo.org/educate/adult/workshops.html
Check out Savvy Gardener classes and a feature story on welcoming wildlife into your garden: http://www.savingwater.org/savvygardener/default.htm
Sign up for a habitat restoration event with EarthCorps this weekend: http://www.earthcorps.org/volunteer.php
Share how you're spending this Earth Day, Week and Month: Feel free to post your plans in the comments section!

Together, we can Share the Habitat!

April 25th: Master Gardener Plant Sale!

2009-04-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

Master Gardener Foundation of Pierce County Annual Plant Sale
When: April 25th from 9:30 – 4:00 and April 26 from 10:00 -3:00
Where: Allmendinger Hall, 2606 W. Pioneer, in Puyallup.

Native Plants, Vegetables, Perennials, Annuals, Succulents, Trees, Shrubs, Bushes, Vendors, Book Sale, Raffle, Free Seminar and Parking. Come early for the best selection. Visit www.pierce.wsu.edu/MasterGardeners or call 253-847-7601 for more info.

April 25th: How to Create Your Own Bird-Friendly Garden

2009-04-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday April 25th from 10:00am-11:30am
“HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN BIRD-FRIENDLY GARDEN” presented by Emily Bishton, landscape designer and educator

The class will include:
• A table display with hands-on examples of plants, nesting boxes, bird nests, books, etc. for children and adults to explore.
• A brief PowerPoint presentation on the topic, that illustrates how to add wildlife-friendly features to your own garden, to attract birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Info on Bird-Friendly maintenance techniques for your garden.
• A guided tour of the Community Center's Bird-Friendly Landscape.
• Take home materials such as a Top 10 Native Plants List, The 4 Keys to Success, and other educational materials.
• Question and Answer time.

Location: Magnuson Community Center Building 477110 62nd Avenue NE Seattle, WA 98115

For more info or to register for the class, contact the Community Center staff at 206-684-7026 or visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/magnuson/

April 29th: Water Features for Wildlife evening class at Woodland Park Zoo

2009-04-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Clean, fresh water is a crucial part of any habitat. Join Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Woodland Park Zoo staff in learning about the variety of ways you can provide water for urban wildlife in your own backyard, including logistics and construction considerations about ponds, birdbaths and fountains.

Date and time: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $20
To register, please see the zoo's website: http://www.zoo.org/educate/adult/workshops.html

Amazing Local Backyard Habitat Website!

2009-04-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

Check out Edmonds Backyard Wildlife Habitat Community Certification Project's website; it's chockful of information and resources about wildlife and backyard habitats. Their Events Calendar alone is enough to keep you busy all summer long!

http://edmondsbackyardwildlifehabitat.org/

May 16th: Gardens of Fox Island

2009-03-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Fox Island Garden Tour will feature some of the Island's most beautiful gardens. The tour begins at 10:00 AM, with coffee & snacks served at the Nichols Community Center, along with guided tours of the Fox Island Nature Center nature trails, led by Boy Scouts from Troop 27.

There will also be an Art Show that will be held in the south front room at NCC, plus an antique Quilt Show at the museum.Take the tour of gardens, and stroll through five unique gardens of Fox Island residents. Stop back at the Nichols Center for a box lunch, with the Chapel on Echo Bay.Finally, round out the day with light refreshments at the Fox Island Museum.

Tickets are $12.00 in advance, $15.00 the day of the tour.

Contact Carolyn Braden at 253-549-4542 or DeeAnn Cline at 253-549-2669 for more information. E-mail: hcline@centurytel.net Website: http://www.foxislandmuseum.org

May 10: Magnuson Community Center Bird-Friendly Landscape Dedication Celebration

2009-03-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

You're invited to the Magnuson Community Center Bird-Friendly Landscape Dedication Celebration!

When: Sunday May 10th, beginning at 10:00am
Where: Magnuson Community Center (Building #47, 7110 62nd Ave. NE)
Cost: FREE!

Come celebrate this beautiful new addition to the Magnuson Community Center; a landscape that provides much-needed habitat for native birds and other urban wildlife, as well as a peaceful oasis for bird-watching. The Dedication Celebration will be filled with lots of fun for the whole family. Enjoy refreshments while you browse through a display of bird nests and other materials in the Community Center, take a tour of the landscape with its designer, then make sure to join the Chautauqua Marching Band Parade and Ribbon Cutting with special guest Ciscoe Morris!After the Dedication Celebration, join the parade to the Festival of Trees, a FREE family event to celebrate Seattle’s trees with a day of learning and entertainment.

Festival of Trees Highlights:

Lots of indoor and outdoor nature activities for kids and families; make Mother's Day gifts from recycled paper, help create a tree mural, and explore the acclaimed Magnuson Children's Garden.
Free talks by your favorite famous gardener; Celebrity gardeners include author-columnists Ciscoe Morris, Marty Wingate, Arthur Lee Jacobsen, Linda Chalker-Scott, and others.
The New Old Time Chautauqua will provide a boatload of family fun and live entertainment: music, magic, juggling, comedy, aerial acrobatics and more.
Live tree planting and tree care demonstrations all day.
Tour the secret gardens of Magnuson Park.
Browse education displays from local Environmental Organizations
Shop at booths filled with eco-friendly products, crafts, and healthy-food.

For more info: See festival link on homepage of PlantAmnesty.org. Contact PlantAmnesty @ 206-783-9813, or info@plantamnesty.org

Volunteer and Learn to Landscape with Native Plants!

2009-03-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

EOS Alliance is hosting 3 volunteer opportunities for anyone interested in gaining hands-on experience with native plant landscaping. EOS, along with Mariposa Naturescapes, is working with three homeowners in the Seattle area to kill their lawn and install an entirely native plant landscape on their property and we need volunteers!

Dates to Volunteer :
Saturday - April 11, 200910 A.M. -- 2 P.M.West SeattleRSVP
Saturday - April 25, 200911 A.M. -- 3 P.M.Victory HeightsRSVP
Saturday - May 2, 200910 A.M. -- 2 P.M. Ballard/Phinney Ridge RSVP

Join us at one or all of the homes where Kimberly Leeper, owner of Mariposa Landscapes and accomplished horticulturist, will present a hands-on introductory workshop about landscaping and gardening with native plants. Come ready to work because we will be helping each of these homeowners jump-start their landscaping projects!

Bring your work clothes, shoes (remember to dress for the weather) and a bag lunch. We will provide tools, gloves, materials and snacks.

*Space is limited for each of these events so please RSVP in advance, and we will send you additional information.

Savvy Gardener Spring Class and Spring Garden Fair

2009-03-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Easy Plants for Carefree Gardening
Saturday, March 28th 10 to 11:30 am
Swansons Nursery at 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle (206) 782-2543

Ready for a more leisurely summer? Tired of endless weeding and watering? Learn tips, proven techniques and plant suggestions from Peggy Campbell for year-round beauty and easy success. Gather lists of plants able to thrive in our dry summers. Free class, sponsored by Seattle Public Utilities and the Saving Water Partnership.

2009 Spring Garden Fair
Saturday, April 25th 9 am - 3:30 pm
Redmond City Hall - 15670 NE 85th, Redmond
www.springgardenfair.com

Classes at the Fair:
Making the Right Choices for a Climate-Resilient Garden - Ciscoe Morris
Soil Building Practices for a Changing Climate - David McDonald
Contain Yourself! - Marianne Binetti
Beyond Water Conservation...Making the Most of Rainwater - Mike Broili
Trees and Climate Change - Ciscoe Morris & Meeghan Black
Also, check into the sales on plants, gardening books, bird houses, rain barrels and compost bins.Bring your children to have fun building a terrarium and more.

Happy Gardening!

www.seattle.gov/util
www.savingwater.org

Urban Garden Share in Seattle!

2009-03-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Info from Urban Garden Share's website:
There is limited green space for food and flowers in this place we call the urban jungle. Matching homeowners (with garden space) to gardeners (with experience) is the perfect solution for cultivating both food production and community. Condo and apartment dwellers are faced with containers or p-patches as their only prospects for vibrant gardens. Homeowners can be overwhelmed by yet-another-garden-project. Together, we make a great team.

Urban Garden Share pairs together eager gardeners with eager gardens. When neighbors come together and co-operatively grow food, dirt flies and good things happen.

King County is digging native plants and needs your help!

2009-02-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

Join other volunteers digging up trees and shrubs from this site scheduled for development. In the afternoon, we’ll be potting up the salvaged plants so they can recuperate before going to King County habitat restoration sites. Once replanted, these native plants will help reduce erosion, shade streams and provide habitat. Special thanks to Brandt Properties LLC for providing the salvage site.

When: Saturday, March 7, 2009
Time: 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m: Salvage at site in Maple Valley
1 p.m. to 4 p.m: Potting at Holding Facility

Directions: From I-405 near Renton, take Highway 169 to Maple Valley. Drive past the Maple Valley Market and McDonalds in Maple Valley. Turn left on SE 240th St. Turn left on 231st Ave SE. Turn left on SE 239th Pl. Turn left on SE 238th St. If you prefer, you can also try Google maps and search for SE 238th St., Maple Valley, WA. Volunteers who dig for King County from 9:00 to 12:00 are eligible to dig plants for themselves from 12:00 to 1:30.

Notes: A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers under 16 years old. Dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. We’ll provide gloves, tools and light refreshments.

Not a morning person? Volunteers are also needed at our Native Plant Holding Facility from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. to help pot up the salvaged plants. Volunteers who help with potting are eligible for free native plants.

Directions - Native Plant Holding Facility:

From I-5 or I-405, take I-90 east to Highland Drive exit (exit 18) in Issaquah.
Stay left on the off ramp to continue onto Highland Drive through several lights.
Turn right onto Issaquah–Fall City Road.
Just past Endeavor Elementary School, stay straight onto Duthie Hill Road.
The Holding Facility is in Duthie Hill Park (on the right) at 27101 Duthie Hill Road.

Please call Cindy Young at 206-296-8065 or email cindy.young@kingcounty.gov if you plan to participate.

This Friday: Live Webcast with Author of Birds & Climate Report

2009-02-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

Dr. Greg Butcher, Audubon's Director of Bird Conservation, will give an inside look into his groundbreaking report, Birds and Climate Change: Ecological Disruption in Motion, live at 1 PM EST/10 AM PST this Friday, February 20.

Register for the live webcast.

WHAT: A live webcast with Dr. Greg Butcher as he reviews the groundbreaking report Birds and Climate Change: Ecological Disruption in Motion. The webcast will feature an interactive slideshow and presentation, followed by questions and answers.

WHEN: Friday, February 20 at 1 PM EST/10 AM PST

More Information: We wish we could send Dr. Butcher to communities across the country, but since we can't, we wanted to offer the next best thing. The webcast will be a live event that you watch and listen to on your computer. All you need is an internet connection and computer speakers — there's no special software to install. This is your chance to hear from — and ask questions of — one of Audubon's top bird scientists. Can't make the webcast? Don't worry! An archive of the event will be available on our website.

Backyard Habitat Workshop at Camp Long!

2009-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Join Woodland Park Zoo, National Wildlife Federation, Seattle Audubon, Seattle Parks & Recreation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Native Plant Society at Camp Long for this informative workshop on creating a backyard wildlife habitat. Meet experts and get hands-on experience that will show how to attract birds and other wildlife to your backyard, select and care for native plants, recognize and remove invasive plants species, conserve water, manage your backyard without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides, place feeders and bird houses, get your yard, schoolground or community garden certified as a Backyard Habitat.

This is a four-part workshop
- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 17, 2009 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 24, 2009 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $75 (or $140 for couples); Scholarships available for members of West Seattle Garden Club and local neighborhood associations

To register, please download a registration form from Woodland Park Zoo's website: http://www.zoo.org/educate/adult/workshops.html

For more information, contact Jenny Mears at 206.548.2500 ext. 1516 or jenny.mears@zoo.org

Wine Tasting Featuring Salmon-Safe Certified Washington Wines!

2009-02-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

Salmon-Safe Certified vineyards employ environmental practices that protect water quality and support on-farm biodiversity - all of which add up to supporting healthy salmon habitat. Taste wines from premier wineries including L'Ecole 41, Woodinville Wine Cellars, Buty Winery and Waters Winery, while supporting a great cause.

Please join Stewardship Partners and Belltown gem, The Local Vine, to taste some of Washington's most eco-conscious wines and learn what it means to be Salmon-Safe.

What: Salmon-Safe Wine Tasting
Where: The Local Vine, 2520 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA
When: Thursday, February 26, 2009 from 6 to 8 pm

No reservations necessary. Cost is $5 per person and will be refunded with your retail purchase.

For more information email ba@stewardshippartners.org or visit www.stewardshippartners.org

Water Features for Wildlife Evening Class at Woodland Park Zoo

2009-01-21T10:19:00.002-08:00

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $20
Clean, fresh water is a crucial part of any habitat. Join Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Woodland Park Zoo staff in learning about the variety of ways you can provide water for urban wildlife in your own backyard, including logistics and construction considerations about ponds, birdbaths and fountains.

To register, please see the zoo's website: http://www.zoo.org/educate/adult/workshops.html