Guest Speaker:

Phoebe, a dedicated volunteer with the Thurston ECO Network (TEN), joined us to share exciting updates about the network’s growth and evolving vision. TEN is a collaborative hub connecting environmental educators, advocates, and organizations across Thurston County. Phoebe highlighted their new social media presence, an upcoming podcast, and a new proposal to join the CascadiaNow!’s fiscal sponsorship program—opening doors to grant funding, nonprofit resources, and expanded programming.

This partnership would allow TEN to scale up educator meet-ups, professional development workshops, and community outreach without the overhead of forming a standalone nonprofit. Phoebe emphasized TEN’s commitment to transparency and collaboration, inviting more helping hands to join the effort. A link to the full TEN Growth Proposal slides will be shared for those interested in learning more or getting involved.

🗣️ Community Announcements

The second half of our August Green Drinks was full of exciting updates and opportunities from our vibrant sustainability community. Here’s a quick rundown of what was shared:

🚲 Ongoing Programs & Opportunities

• Bike Donation Program is still active—keep spreading the word and donating if you can! More info.
• Seed Libraries are growing! Lacey Library now hosts one, supporting local food resilience.
• Upcycling Workshop. Speaking of Lacey Library, they’ve had a Upcycling Workshop. Reach out to see if they’ll be rehosting again soon!

♻️ Upcoming Events

• “Can I Recycle This?” Workshop
  📍 Lacey | 🗓️ Wednesday, August 27 | ⏰ 6–7 PM
  Hosted by Thurston Waste Center—great for brushing up on recycling knowledge.

• Master Recycler Volunteer Training
  🗓️ Coming in September—see here for details!

• Solarpunk Festival – Burien, WA
  🗓️ August 16
  A celebration of imaginative futures and sustainability through art and community.

• Spirit Festival – Tacoma
  Hosted by the Washington Historical Society—exploring cultural heritage and community spirit.

• Stonewall Youth Field Trip to Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
  🗓️ August 14 | ⏰ 2–6 PM
  Ages 12–21, transportation provided. A great opportunity to connect youth with nature.

🌊 Nature & Culture Highlights

• Otters at Saint Martin’s – Bruce shared a tip to check out potential otter sightings!
• Ashland’s “As You Like It” at Oregon Shakespeare Festival – A solarpunk-inspired adaptation offering a fresh take on society and sustainability through the arts. If you have the luxury of being able to see it before November, highly recommended (Michael’s review here)!

🌐 Community Coordination

• Thurston ECO Network Gathering
  🗓️ Next Wednesday—join our guest speaker to connect with local sustainability leaders.

• Event Calendar Access
  A new calendar is in the works to consolidate all these events. For now, email climateaction@evergreen.edu to get access.