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

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

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