Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969.
Vol. 39 No. 8 October 2008
splash
Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn
a
ugust 30th was possibly the first nice Saturday
of summer, as well as the last one, with
September almost upon us. Our cold and wet
season finally gave way to true summer just in time
for school to start. Where’s the justice?
Betty Jones, who almost single-handedly kept alive
our TAS field trip program during those long months
when we were without a field trip chairperson (along
with Ruth and the late Patrick Sullivan,
of course) led one of her frequent
field trips on this lovely morning to
the Fort Lewis Swamp off of Pacific
Avenue at 176th. It was with a tinge
of sadness that we parked amid all
the heavy equipment marking the first
phase of destruction for the Cross-
Base Highway, as this jewel of an
oasis might not be here next
year, not to mention the
other feared wildlife impacts
Top: The group slowly traverses the
waterway that used to be the road.
Left: A Cedar Waxwing cooper-
ates for the group.
Bewick’s Wren
By Paul Webster
This month we turn to a tiny, active bird with a big voice
that’s a familiar year-round resident in dense shrub cover
of Western Washington neighborhoods, parks, farmlands,
and open forest. Its name honors the English artist Thomas
Bewick whose engravings of wildlife were well-known to
J.J. Audubon – who first found and named the species in
1821. Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) weighs
about 1/3 of an ounce and is five inches long, roughly the
size of the familiar Black-capped Chickadee. Both sexes
of our Bewick’s Wren are brown above, gray below, with
a white throat and long white stripe above the eye that
runs from the bill almost to the nape. The long tail has
barred middle feathers and white spots toward the ends of
the outer tail feathers; it is usually cocked-up and wags
from side to side as the bird probes for insects and spiders
with its long, curved bill.
If a Bewick’s Wren is hidden in brush or brambles
Birdathon
final report
Most all
Sponsors’
pledges and
Birders’
collections
summer have come
in. We have
done the best
that have been extensively described elsewhere. ever in our 30+ years of Birdathon
We can’t say we weren’t warned about the immedi- with almost $46,000 being
ate obstacle in our path, though, as Betty had told us deposited. When we hear from a
all to bring tall boots to traverse a “water feature,” few outstanding sponsors and
which turned out to be the old road, now almost Birders we should be there.
abandoned by motor vehicles and being reclaimed by Thanks once again to all of
the nearby lake and swamp that we had come to you 1000+ Sponsors. And thank-
explore. We took a long pause to change footwear you to our Birders: Bob Arnold,
and wade through the knee-deep coolness. This was Heather Ballash and Marcus
amazingly like one of those corporate retreats where Roening, Rosie Barnard, Ken and
one shares some precarious outdoor adventure as a Nell Batker, Rosanne Becker, Amy
way to bond with the other participants and build Bettesworth, Sally Boyle, Joyce
group solidarity. We did rather enjoy the splashing Bramsche, Jerry Broadus and
and wading, but we were already foreordained as Clarice Clark, Kristi Ceder, Terry
friends, all being from Tahoma Audubon.
Conner, Patti Coolsen, Renee and
o
nce we got our regular walking footwear back
Steve Copeland, Vera Cragin,
Connie Decker, Diana Dodd,
on, we realized we were hearing those familiar
Helen Engle, John English, Jan
little calls one always hears near wetlands –
Fleming, Bryan Flint, Liz
Common Yellowthroats and Marsh Wrens! Then
Fortenbery, Kathleen Franz, John
along the old roadway, there were birds high above,
Garner, Tom Gergen, Roxy and
playing Musical Trees, changing back and forth from
Bill Giddings, Thelma Gilmur,
one treetop to another. Betty had brought her scope,
Charles Griffin, Faye Hands, Dixie
and we all enjoyed great views of these striking Cedar
Harris, Paul Hickey, Al Hultengren,
Waxwings, both adults and juveniles, posing most
Joanne Iverson, Betty Jones, Anna
Lisa Kanick, Bill and Sharon
See "Last Splash" on page 6 Kaufmann, Julie Kerrigan, Bruce
LaBar, Darlene Lamont, Sally and
Wayne Larson, Jim McCaffee,
Jean McConnell, Rob McNair,
Nora Miller, Dolly Monaghan,
Sally Nesheim, Jim O’Donnell,
Nancy Pawlicki, Patience and
Dale Powell, Ed and Kay Pullen,
Kris Quinn, Joan and Gerry Rapp,
D Ann Robbins, Maurice Sharp,
Melissa Sherwood, Joann Sims,
Sara Slater, Anna Thurston, Mel
Urschel, Laurisa Wallace, Peter
Wimberger
Birdathons are a lot of fun;
requirements ask that you try to
you’ll probably hear its distinctive buzzy call-note. The get at least 5 sponsors. Please
male sings year-round; one common song is quite like a think about helping next year in
Song Sparrow, but has a distinctive ringing, even slightly this wonderful fundraiser that is
metallic quality. Another often-heard song sounds like for fun and profit. Expenses have
STE-ven, STE-ven, STE-ven. Young males learn their been kept so low--about 1 to 1.5%.
songs within a short time after they leave their parents’ What better way to help Audubon!
Hope to hear from you for next
See "Bewick’s Wren" on page 6 year!
 executive director’s Corner
Proud community organizer
Having grown
up in Alaska I was
tickled pink that
Governor Sarah
Palin was picked
to run for Vice
President. Not
that I knew any
more about her
then anyone else.
The old boys that
she threw out
were stable fix-
tures in public life for as long as I can remember. Her
pick just makes for good political theater.
I bring this up not to wade into partisan politics or the
Presidential campaign, for that would be inappropriate
to do as a tax exempt non-profit. I do so to make a point
about the value of community organizing.
I was impressed, as many were, with Governor
Palin’s speech at the Republican National Convention.
That was until she maligned the profession of com-
munity organizer. I literally jumped out of my chair
and said “them’s fighting words lady”.
With a Presidential candidate who was a commu-
nity organizer, what used to be an obscure activity of
the truly deranged do-gooders is now a household
word, the pros and cons of which are being debated
on national television.
As a community organizer, I have found myself star-
ing into blank faces as I tried to describe what it is I
did.
The term community organizer can mean a lot of
things to a lot of people. Having trained in the ‘school’
of Saul Alynski, I belonged to a wing that believed
they were THE true community organizers.
In reality, a community organizer is someone who
cares enough about their community to get off the
couch and organize their family, friends, and neigh-
bors to take action for the greater good. It could be
ENVIRONMENT Matters
better pay, justice, reduction of violence, the environ-
ment, or any of the number of issues that eat away at
Tim Eyman’s I-985: Empty promises that keep us stuck in traffic
He’s baaaack! Washington’s transporta- “Reduce Traffic Congestion” account which hears from vot-
our community like a cancer.
A community organizer is someone who is angry tion nemesis Tim Eyman returns with his will pay to synchronize traffic lights among ers that his plan
enough to give a damn and take action; someone I-985 Reduce Traffic Congestion Initiative. other things. The general fund primarily is the WRONG
clever enough to know they can’t do it alone; some- This deceptively titled initiative if approved pays for education, healthcare and safety WAY to solve
one bold enough not to take ‘no’ for an answer; will likely make traffic much worse. services statewide. That’s right! Eyman our traffic con-
someone who swims against all common sense to For starters, it proposes opening up HOV thinks that synchronizing traffic lights is gestion.
make positive things happen. lanes after 9:00 am and 6:00 pm to general Tim Eyman a better way to spend our taxes than on Ta h o m a
Community organizers are the people who help traffic. Last time we checked, rush hour traffic education, safety and health! A u d u b o n
protect the environment in Pierce County. To ensure didn’t magically disappear at 9:01 am or 6:01 pm! There’s even more – I-985 will prevent any encourages you
it is the wonderful place we love, now and for gen- HOV lanes are critical for transit, carpools and future tolls from paying for more transit service on to vote No on
erations to come. They are the people who fought to vanpools to be reliable. By opening up these lanes the tolled highway. This means that there will be I-985 in
protect Nisqually, Swan Creek, Fairfax Forest, and to general traffic, I-985 is virtually guaranteeing that few transit options for those who don’t want to or November.
Snake Lake. They worked to bring about the transit, vanpools and carpools will no longer be the can’t pay the tolls.
Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air and Water most efficient way to commute on our highways. There are many reasons to say NO to this wrong-
The Conservation Committee meets on a regular basis.
Acts, and locally, growth management. They are the I-985 also diverts $620 million over five years headed plan. We have listed some of the main Contact Krystal for details: 253-232-9978 or e-mail her
ones working to save family farms. from the state’s general fund and puts it in a ones. Let’s make sure that this fall Tim Eyman kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org
They are the ones who built Tahoma Audubon.
Only time will tell if a community organizer will be
in the White House. I hope for our sake that they
continue to be in our community.
Audubon joins suit to protect Northern Spotted Owl
Audubon will be a co-plaintiff suing to protect the that is “essential to the conservation” of the spe-

In gratitude to Donna Cooper Pepos

Photo/U.S Fish and Wildlive Service

Northern Spotted Owl under the Endangered cies, based on the best available science. Recovery
Species Act (ESA). The suit will challenge two plans must use the best available science to fash-
decisions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ion a path to recovery and eventual delisting of
Thanks to the dedication and support of Donna Cooper Pepos,
(FWS)—the Northern Spotted Owl recovery plan imperiled species. The recovery plan and desig-
Tahoma Audubon Society has received it’s largest financial gift to
date. Donna passed away peacefully August 6, 2008. We are with and the revised designation of Northern Spotted nated critical habitat fail to meet the statutory
her family in their grief and all of Donna’s friends in saying good Owl critical habitat—that impact the entire ecosys- standards. Audubon Washington has worked to
by to Danna. The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon Society tem of the northwest forests. The ESA requires save the owl’s Northwest forest habitat for more
It was Donna’s idea for her granddaughter to build the nature Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park FWS to designate critical habitat for listed species than 20 years.
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
trail at the Adriana Hess Audubon Center for the granddaughter’s Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278
Donna Cooper Pepos
Gig Harbor High School project. The gravel loop trail that leads e-mail: contact@TahomaAudubon.org
January 5, 1935 - down to the observation deck is a self guided educational tour of Izembek Road through Alaska Wilderness advances in Senate
August 6, 2008 Northwest native plants. Her son Bill Price made the numbered Tahoma Audubon Staff
  Buried in a massive package of more than 150 Don Young (R-AK) passed the House Natural
wood post for the Native Plant Trail
guide. Thirty two native trees and shrubs
Flint, Bryan Executive Director                         public lands bills that passed through the Resources Committee earlier this year. The bill
Name a Beneficiary are individually marked so that folks can bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129 Senate Energy and Natural Resources seriously threatens millions of migratory
Donna Cooper Pepos graciously learn to identify the plants. Committee last Thursday was a bill to develop birds that rely on the fragile Izembek
Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinator a road through the heart of wilderness Refuge and threatens one of America’s
named Tahoma Audubon Society as a Then there was the flame thrower.
kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978                    
beneficiary of an IRA she owned. When a section of invasive species need- on the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, most unique and valuable wetlands. Stay
Anyone who owns a retirement ed to be removed from a front section of Swaim, Stephanie Education Coordinator sponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). tuned for updates and alerts on this important
account, IRA, insurance policy, or other the Adriana Hess Park, Donna made StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-5479                       Similar legislation sponsored by Congressman issue.
assets that will be distributed upon quick work of it by bringing her own
your passing can name multiple bene- personal flame thrower and torching the Taylor, Graham Volunteer 253-565-1884
ficiaries. You can designate a percent- unwanted weeds. Kerrigan, Julie Coordinator
age or a dollar amount and split it Donna was passionate about native gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org

Training programs in Tacoma target restoration volunteers

among several individuals or organiza- plants, once owning a native evergreen
              Tahoma Audubon Board Officers
business and growing and seedlings native
tions. Family members can be looked
tress by the thousands. John Garner President
after while at the same time charities
Donna left over $200,000 to political Marjorie Shea Vice President
you support can also receive a gift. City of Tacoma  Make a CHB’s unique advocacy, education, restoration
and environmental causes she supported.
This designation can often be changed The largest gifts were made to Tahoma Wayne Larsen Past President Splash  grant funds were and hands-on programs, which help clean, protect
by filling out a simple form provided by Audubon Society and the Greater Jane Brosius Secretary awarded to The Green Tacoma and restore nearly 610 acres of marine and coastal
your financial institution. Peninsula Conservancy.
Kathleen Nelson Treasurer Partnership  to habitat, will be highlighted. Panel discussions will
A beneficiary designation is a wonder- The Board of Tahoma Audubon has implement  monthly training dent), as well as methods applied to enhance this examine the history and future of local estuarial
ful way to support the mission of decided to name the trail built by her Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2008
programs that help educate continuous flowing stream’s ability to welcome the restoration while exploring the importance of eco-
Tahoma Audubon. Please consider granddaughter the Donna Cooper Pepos Rob McNair-Huff Field Trip Chair residents and restoration return of salmon species. system-based planning, plus invasive plant control.
this simple way to ensure that our Trail. Her generous gift will ensure that
Tahoma Audubon will continue to focus
Thelma Gilmur Membership Co-chair volunteers to protect and Friday, November 7 - Tacoma Nature Center Participants will also learn about the affect of storm
work of protecting the environment
on it’s mission of protecting habitat and Dick Carkner restore local surface water Youth Education Efforts Emphasizing drain stenciling on reduction of storm water pollu-
continues.
the environment. Sally Larson resources. Three training days have been arranged Watersheds and Water Quality tion, and how the CHB’s Bay Patrol Program advo-
A resident of Gig Harbor, born in consisting of 1/2 day of discussion, and 1/2 day site This session will explore how organizations can cates with state and city agencies, as well as the
Marcus Roening
Magna, Utah, Donna moved to Tacoma at the age of Three with her parents, William tours highlighting restoration activities that benefit effectively engage youth in learning about nature. marine industry for clean water. Field activities will
Earl Cooper and Margaret W. Cooper. She was raised on a mink ranch on South 92nd Peggy L. Kopf salmon through various approaches used by GTP Presentations and discussion will address curricula invite participants to engage in hands-on restoration
Street. She graduated from Clover Park High School and Pacific Lutheran University. Darby Veeck partners. All sessions free and open to the public: that targets youths in grades 4 through 12 and focus activities including native plant installations and
She attended UPS when it was the College of Puget Sound. She was the president of Fri, Oct. 10 - Puget Creek Restoration Society on the education of watershed and water quality invasive plant removal.
Ione Clagett
KMS Financial Services in Seattle for many years. At one time, Donna served as the Holistic Ecological Program issues through hands-on field investigations. The GTP is one of nine recipients being funded
president of the Tacoma Pierce County League of Women Voters. An ardent Democrat, Melissa Paulson
Planning & Development Classroom work and a guided trail hike are includ- by the City of Tacoma in 2008. Although geared to
her favorite motto was “vote Democrat and vote often.” Elizabeth Beer
Learn about non-profit restoration program devel- ed. An associated site tour will continue the theme meet the needs of GTP members, these trainings are
She is survived by her devoted son and daughter-in-law Bill and Berrit Price, and
beloved grandchildren Jeffrey, Jennifer and Nathan.
Loren Webster Calendar Editor loren@lorenwebster.net opment and implementation. A panel discussion of hands-on field investigations with the explora- open to the public, and are free of charge. 
will discuss program drivers, ADA and youth audi- tion of a coastal and upland wetland habitats plus Please visit the GTP website at: http://www.cas-
ences, permitting and other obstacles overcome, comparative water quality sampling. cadeland.org/stewardship/green-cities/green-taco-
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society. The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with a be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.
Printed on recycled newsprint

The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS combined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan issue. Submissions of articles and Editor: editor@tahomaaudubon.org plus board development and program implementa- Friday, December 5 & 6 – (9-12 am, both days) ma-partnership-1 to obtain a registration form begin-
advocates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conservation photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conservation, and Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings tion over time. A site tour at Puget Creek will high- Citizens for a Healthy Bay ning September 1st.  For more information, please
through education and activities that enrich its member’s experi- environmental education are reviewed and considered for inclu- Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@ mac.com light a variety of habitats, focal areas of the site Tidal Habitat Restoration, Advocacy, contact  Krystal Kyer at (253)232-9978 or by e-mail
ences in and with the natural world. sion by the editor. Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may Printing: Consolidated Press where volunteer efforts are evident (and not so evi- Education & Volunteer Recruitment at kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org.

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org October 2008 October 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3

 Education Matters
Education highlights
Back to (Home)
school!
It’s October and
the homeschool
classes at Tahoma
Audubon and the
Tacoma Nature
Center are in full
swing. Here are the
descriptions for each
class.
Budding Scientists at Adriana Hess Audubon Center
Ages 5-7: Young children begin science and nature
exploration through games, walks, and crafts.
Student’s curiosity is nurtured through questioning
2917 Morrison Road W.,
University Pl. WA 98466
www.TahomaAudubon.org
Open Mon – Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m.
Students and neighbors kick-off TogetherGreen Volunteer Days at Morse Preserve
As many as 75 volunteers from Rocky Ridge
Elementary School and the neighboring community will
be planting native plants, removing invasive species and
restoring forest and wetland habitats to kick off the first
of 240 TogetherGreen volunteer events occurring in
more than 40 cities across the country in the next
year. TogetherGreen (www.togethergreen.org) is a new
Audubon conservation initiative made possible by
funding and assistance by Toyota.      experimentation at the Preserve, as well as teach them
The event will offer excellent photo opportunities
between 9:30 and 1:30, as well as great potential for
local stories on environmental volunteerism, non-
profit/corporate alliances for conservation, and ways
that science education can be enhanced in our local
schools.    will fund conservation projects, train environmental
The Morse Wildlife Preserve exists because of the
generous donation from the Morse family to the Cascade
Land Conservancy. Education programs at the Preserve
are run by Tahoma Audubon Society. Teachers at nearby
Rocky Ridge Elementary School saw an opportunity to
teach science and ecology through experience and
and discovery. No math experience necessary.
Beginning Science at the Tacoma Nature Center
Ages 8-10: Homeschool students explore science
through hands-on experiments and activities. To par-
ticipate in this class, students should be able to add
and subtract numbers.
Intermediate Science at the Tacoma Nature Center
Ages 10-12: Homeschool students explore science
through hands-on experiments and activities. To par-
ticipate in this class, students should be able to multi-
ply and divide numbers, add and subtract fractions.
Advanced Science at the Tacoma Nature Center
Ages 12-15: Homeschool students explore science
through hands-on experiments and activities. Older
homeschool students will continue their science stud-
253-565-9278
about stewardship and volunteerism. This program is
designed to connect classroom learning with activities in
nature, valuable opportunities that are disappearing from
public schools nationwide.  improve and enhance the public lands Americans
Along with volunteer days like this one, TogetherGreen
leaders, and offer a wealth of individual and collective
opportunities for people nationwide to significantly
benefit the environment. The Audubon program is
funded by a five year grant from Toyota—the largest in
Audubon’s history.    For more information on TogetherGreen, please visit
TogetherGreen volunteer events are designed to
ies with challenging and engaging experiments and
activities. To participate in this class, students should
be able to calculate averages, percentages and solve
simple equations.
Advanced Lab at the Tacoma Nature Center
Ages 12-15: An expanded science class for advanced
homeschool science students which includes an inte-
grated laboratory session as an extension of the two
hour classroom session. Students get greater in-depth
investigation of the monthly topic, practice in prob-
lem-solving and research skills and hands-on experi-
mentation. To participate in this class students must
be enrolled in the Advanced Science class.
Call the Tacoma Nature Center to sign up for these
classes, 253-591-6439
Call Steph @ 253-565-5479.
E-mail: StephSwaim@TahomaAudu bon.org
1919 South Tyler Street,
Tacoma WA 98338
253-591-6439 www.metroparkstacoma.org
Open Tues. – Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
& Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
connect people with ways to make a conservation
difference in their local communities. By building
stronger alliances with other local organizations,
Audubon hopes to attract new and diverse volunteers to
help address pressing environmental problems and
opportunities.   birds of Washington as well as Shorebirds. This
TogetherGreen volunteer events are being held at over
40 participating Audubon sites in Seattle, Los Angeles,
Tucson, Tulsa, San Antonio, Chicago, New York and
dozens of others. This coordinated kick-off effort is
being synchronized to celebrate National Public Lands
Day, the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to
enjoy.    2917 Morrison Rd, West, University Place.
Thousands of Toyota employees from offices, sales
and manufacturing facilities across the country are
expected to join various volunteer efforts over the five-
year initiative to help build volunteer conservation
impact.    Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street,
www.togethergreen.org.       Morse Bird Walk
field trips and Events
Ohop Field Trip/Nature
Sat Oct 11 9am – 12pm
Ohop Creek, contact Tahoma Audubon office for
details.
Morse Preserve Open Trails
Sun Oct 12 12pm – 4pm
Morse Wildlife Preserve, Graham Situated at the
headwaters of the North Fork of Muck Creek, the
preserve is a mosaic of forests, wetlands, meadow
and remnant prairie. Details: 253-591-6439.
Explore this natural treasure located in Graham
during Open Trail days. Walk the trails and dis-
cover the beauty of the five habitat zones in the
preserve. All ages. Free
Bird Walk @ Adriana Hess
Mon Oct 13 12pm –1pm
Adriana Hess Audubon Center, 2917 Morrison
Rd, West, University Place
Intermediate Birder’s Class
Tue Oct 14 7pm – 9pm
Pre-registration required, weekly until Tue Dec 2
7pm.
Adriana Hess Audubon Center, 2917 Morrison
Rd, West, University Place
Ages 18 and older, 7-9pm
$55 for Audubon members; $75 non-members
Join us for an exploration of fall and wintering
class is for those who have a good background in
bird identification. In addition to the scheduled
class days, there are four field trips that are fast
paced and include travel and over night stay. For
information and to register call 253-591-6439.
Class meets at Adriana Hess Audubon Center,
Field Trips: Two day trip on Oct 11th &12th, one
day trips on November 22nd & December 6th, 3
day trip on January 17th, 18th, and 19th.
Instructor: Kenneth Brown
Fri Oct 17 10am –12pm
Morse Wildlife Preserve. Graham WA Situated at
the headwaters of the North Fork of Muck Creek,
the preserve is a mosaic of forests, wetlands,
meadow and remnant prairie.
Field Trip leader Betty Jones will lead a walk at
Morse Wildlife Preserve. Call 253-565-9278 to
register and for directions.
Weekly bird walks at Nisqually NWR
Wednesdays 7:30 am to Noon
Leader:  Phil Kelley
Big changes are happening!   at the light.
Join Phil on his weekly bird walk as he counts
the birds at Nisqually NWR. On the first
Wednesday of the month until early October,
the group walks fairly quick on a longer hike.
Other weeks, the trip is shorter; walking out to
the Twin Barns, the Nisqually overlook area,
and to the riparian area, totaling about 3
miles
Bring:  Good walking shoes or boots, raingear,
water, snacks, and $3. entry fee unless you
have a pass.  Scopes are welcome.
Meet:  At the Visitor’s Center.
Point Defiance Park in Tacoma
Join author Rob McNair-Huff for a 5-mile walk
through the forests at Point Defiance Park. The trip
starts at the back of the parking lot for the Point
Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Come prepared for a
healthy walk through the park in changeable
weather conditions. Winter bird highlights can
include returning waterfowl, Bald Eagles and for-
est birds. For more information, e-mail rob@whit-
erabbits.com.
Plant Walk @ Adriana Hess
Mon Oct 20 12pm – 1pm
Adriana Hess Audubon Center, 2917 Morrison
Rd, West, University Place
Beginning Birdwatching: Sand & Sea
Mon Oct 20 6:45pm – 9pm
Pre-registration required, weekly until Mon Nov 3
6:45pm.
Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street,
Tacoma
Ages 18 and older, 6:45-9pm
$45 for Audubon members; $55 non-members,
Min 6 - Max 15.
Help sharpen those new birding skills. We will
focus on the plentiful water birds of Puget Sound.
Gain more identification skills and add to the num-
ber of birds you can recognize. Learn to identify
the females in addition to the showy males. For
information and to register call 253-591-6439.
Class meets at the Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S.
Tyler Street, Tacoma.
Field Trip: October 25th and November 1st, from
9 am to 1 pm. Local travel
Directions:   Take I-5 south from Tacoma and
exit to Nisqually NWR at exit 114.  Take a right
Sign-up:  Call or email Phil Kelley to con-
firm details (especially during the trail
construction period).  Phil Kelley, Lacey,
360-459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com
Construction has started on some of the trails,
during a 3-4 year estuary reconstruction proj-
ect.   The trail to McAllister Creek will be closed
temporarily in August and September, 2008.
For more information about trail closures for
the dike removal and reconstruction project, go
to http://www.fws.gov/nisqually/ and click on
Events and News.]
Beginning Birdwatching: Sand & Sea
Mon Oct 27 6:45pm – 9pm
Pre-registration required, weekly until Mon Nov 3
6:45pm.
Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street,
Tacoma
Instructor: Marcus Roening
Intermediate Birder’s Class
Tue Oct 28 7pm – 9pm
Pre-registration required, weekly until Tue Dec 2
7pm
Adriana Hess Audubon Center, 2917 Morrison
Rd, West, University Place
Instructor: Kenneth Brown
Seabird Survey 2
Sat Nov 1 6:37am –10:37am
Beginning Birdwatching: Sand & Sea
Mon Nov 3 6:45pm – 9pm
Pre-registration required, weekly until Mon Nov 3
6:45pm.
Tacoma
Instructor: Marcus Roening
Intermediate Birder’s Class
Tue Nov 4 7pm –9pm
Pre-registration required, weekly until Tue Dec 2
7pm.
Adriana Hess Audubon Center, 2917 Morrison
Rd, West, University Place
Instructor: Kenneth Brown

Discovery Walk - Instructor: Marcus Roening

Learn about the condition of your marine sanctuary! rules
Crescent Valley, Gig Harbor
Just in time to help with the sanctuary’s Management Plan Review, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sat Oct 18 10am –11:30am Intermediate Birder’s Class Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips are
is announcing the release of a new report titled, Condition Report 2008 for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary! Call 253-565-9278 to register and for directions. Tue Oct 21 7pm – 9pm people limited out of necessity.
This report summarizes the condition and trends for the sanctuary’s water, habitat, living resources, and maritime Pre-registration required, weekly until Tue Dec 2 Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come.
See these and more beautiful photos at
7pm.
archaeological resources. The Condition Report is accompanied by an Addendum authored by the Olympic Coast http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/pgallery/ocliving.html Nature Walk Adriana Hess Audubon Center, 2917 Morrison
Field trip leaders put in a lot of time and planning and
Intergovernmental Policy Council. The area encompassed by the sanctuary includes the “Usual and Accustomed Areas”
of the Hoh, Makah, and Quileute tribes and Quinault Indian Nation, who signed treaties with the U.S. government and at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma Rd, West, University Place
no-shows disrupt field trips. More than 3 no-shows a

exist as domestic sovereigns. Since the affirmation of treaty fishing rights in US v. Washington in 1974, tribal, state and Sun Oct 19 8am –11:30am Instructor: Kenneth Brown
year can result in revoking opportunity to participate.

federal governments have developed a unique co-management management approach for fisheries in western Arrive at the meeting place early.
Washington. This approach and its underlying legal framework are explained in an addendum to the condition report. No pets are allowed.
Find both documents at http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/condition/ For more information call us at 360-457-6622
Mushroom identification workshops at Penrose Point State Park Be prepared for seasonal weather.
ext. 28, or email us at ocnmsmanagementplan@noaa.gov <mailto:ocnmsmanagementplan@noaa.gov> Two dates offered for October: Saturday the 4th, and Saturday the 18th from
Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is
To subscribe to a listserv send an email with the request in the subject line to ocnmsmanagementplan@noaa.gov 1pm to 3pm we will be having a mushroom identification workshop at Penrose
Point State Park.  We will be learning characteristics of mushrooms helpful for scheduled past mid-day.
<mailto:ocnmsmanagementplan@noaa.gov> .
identification.  We will be trying to key out mushrooms.  Some local mush- All passengers divide total carpooling expenses.
The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is reviewing and updating its management plan. There will be scoping
rooms will be displayed; and you are welcome to bring mushrooms.  We may Current guidelines are 20 cents a mile per car, not
meetings held around the coast and Puget Sound area between Sept 29th and Oct 5. October meetings are:
go for a short walk if conditions are good for mushrooms.
Oct. 04, 2008 Olympia, WA2 – 5 PM Governor Hotel, Washington Room, 621 S. Capitol Way The first 15 people who call to register will be taken (group size limited to including driver.
Oct. 05, 2008 Seattle, WA7 - 10 PM Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59, 1483 Alaskan Way 15 people).  There is no charge.  We will meet at the bulletin board in the big Beginners are always welcome.
It’s a great time to get involved in plans for the Sanctuary and make sure that NOAA is diligent in its responsibilities. parking lot. To register call (253) 884-2514 and ask for Dan Christian. Have fun.

Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org October 2008 October 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5

... Bewick’s
Wren from page 1
territory at about five weeks
of age. Studies show that they
learn their songs not from
their fathers, but instead from
males in neighboring territo-
ries. Individual repertoires are
large, ranging from 9 to 22
songs.
Over time the range of
Bewick’s Wren has seen huge
changes. Primarily a species
of western North America, it
expanded into most of the
eastern United States during Not one of the Fort’s better marked boundaries. Anthills reminiscent of other continents! One of the many mystery flowers in the Fort Lewis swamp.
the 19th century, and became Barbara was the only one with the right gear for deep water. Leader Betty Jones enjoys the water feature.
known familiarly there as the Most of the group at Ft Lewis on August 30, leader Betty Jones in white at center.
“house wren.” Then, starting
in the 1920s, Bewick’s Wren
became increasingly scarce in
the East until by 1990 it had
almost disappeared from east
of the Mississippi River. The
main reason was probably the
spread of the House Wren
(Troglodytes aedon) into the
East, which pierces or removes
eggs from Bewick’s nests, and
often destroys the nests, too.
Today, Bewick’s Wren is a
common year-round resident
from Kansas through most of
the American Southwest, cen-
tral Mexico, and the Pacific
States. In Washington and
Oregon, over the last thirty

splash
years Bewick’s range has Grazing on at least 2 different types of blackberries at Fort Lewis swamp.
expanded dramatically along
the riparian corridors east of
the Cascades.

summer
Oddly, while the Bewick’s
population remains constant A damp, happy group heads home.
in Western Washington, the
House Wren’s has declined
sharply in the last half-centu-
from page 1 ing the tall reeds and grasses with pink and yellow. Predictably, easily entertained sometimes. This is as good as it gets in
ry, and is found today mostly
Red-winged Blackbirds and Song Sparrows were about as well. the Puget Sound lowlands in late
in drier places like the Sequim cooperatively. As we were looking up, a flock of a dozen Band- As we completed the circuit back up to the old road, hunger August, plus we had pleasant com-
area, the San Juan Islands, and tailed Pigeons flew over like the military aircraft we were also produced a feeding frenzy among the humans, who just couldn’t pany, natural on-the-vine snacks, and
the prairies of Thurston and seeing, patrolling the perimeter of the fort on their assignments.
Clark Counties. It seems that walk past all those ripe blackberries any longer! As we grazed a cool water feature! And maybe the
We were to see them return again and again on a seemingly our way back to the gate, we noted vine maples already redden- last chance to enjoy this particular nature
Bewick’s Wrens have a com- regular schedule throughout the morning.
petitive advantage in Oregon ing up, the first inkling that this short summer was already almost walk before the land movers start up
As we made our way over to the overgrown lake, we saw a
and Washington because they gone. The Waxwings and Band-tails were still at it, and there again on Monday. Thanks, Betty!
Cooper’s Hawk zoom through low, heard a Redtail Hawk, and
are year-round residents, was a pair of garter snakes
saw an Osprey flying in the distance. Because of our wet and
while the House Wren north along the roadside,
cool summer, we had the bonus of lots of flowers still blooming
of California’s Sacramento one with big yellow
at the end of August, including many mystery flowers punctuat-
Valley is migratory. It means stripes as expected,
that Bewick’s breeding season but the other almost
is well-advanced by the time black. A huge anthill like
the House Wren arrives from something out of a docu-
the south, and Bewick’s nests mentary on Africa
are less subject to plunder loomed up, crawling
here than elsewhere. with life. A flicker cried
So even with Bewick’s his- out, getting ready for his
tory of striking changes, this feast of ants, no doubt.
little bird with a big voice There seemed to be small number
seems, for now at least, to of birds overall, but how can you complain
have a secure niche in the when your most common species are Yellowthroats,
Pacific Northwest.
Waxwings, and Band-tails? And nary a Starling or House
Sparrow among them! As we returned to the parking area, two
Brown Creepers among the Chickadees gave us a final birding More mystery flowers,
thrill, and yes, I think most of us were thrilled. Birders are very probably not native.
Lucious ripe blackberries everywhere. Elderberries towered overhead.

Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org October 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7

 announcements
Just the other day... Here’s what TAS was doing in Oct., 1983
The Burke Museum
Please join us for Fall ACOW 2008
By Helen Engle get Ruston’s American Smelting and Field trips were popular:

25
Thelma Gilmur reported that
TAS had a very successful booth
at the Western WA Fair in Puyallup. Years
Volunteers held down 51 shifts
(225 hours), selling books, etc., sign-
ing up new memberships, and answering
hundred of requests for information.
Meanwhile the office was in the good hands
of Annabelle Reed, Marilyn Brown, Win
Bjarke, Gayle Taylor, John McCann, Fern
Haaland, Alberta Kittleson, & Nell Batker.
The Fall session of ACOW (Audubon Council
of Washington), that meets in early October,
held session in Ellensburg at Central WA State
College (now a University). Keynote speakers
for the weekend were Rupert Cutler, NAS
Senior Vice President; Tony Angell, our state’s
top environmental educator; and Helen Engle,
NAS Board member.
The October Membership Meeting at PLU’s
Ingram Hall featured Robert Wuotila, Project
Manager Pierce County Planning Department.
He illustrated how city planning is done using
maps and slides of physical and natural features
of Pierce County.
The lead article in the October 1983 TOWHEE
was an update on the state of our campaign to
Refining Company (ASARCO) to
clean up its act. Brian Baird,
member of Sierra Club and
Ago Audubon, who was working this
issue, wrote the item. (He is now in
congress representing Washington’s
Third Congressional District.)
Brian reported that even with the smelter’s
planned devices to capture “fugitive emissions”
ASARCO would still emit a total of more than
189 tons of arsenic per year. It was noted that
the EPA risk estimates did not address the risks
posed by any of the other substances emitted
by the smelter or the risks of past deposits of
arsenic and other substances in the soil of the
fallout zone.
The ASARCO’s response to EPA’s proposed
standards was a classic example of “job black-
mail.” Meeting stringent standards would proba-
bly force the smelter to close and put people out
of work. EPA acknowledged that inorganic arse-
nic is a “no-threshold” carcinogen, which means
that exposure to any amount could conceivably
lead to cancer. If ASARCO complies with EPA’s
proposed standards, the arsenic which the smelt-
er would still be allowed to emit could be respon-
sible for the death of one resident every year in
the Tacoma metropolitan area.
Point Defiance trails, led
by Elmer Price; Nisqually
Wildlife Refuge with Joe
Terlouw; bus trip to
Leavenworth with hiking
on Snow Creek and Icicle
Creek, with The
Mountaineers. Plus we Helen Engle
had a breakfast picnic and from days of yore.
heard the history of
Spanaway Lake by John Slipp; and birded the
oxbows of the Puyallup River in Fife with Doris
Erickson.
Thais Bock’s column, Word on Birds, was
full of good bird sightings. A Mockingbird was
seen at Nisqually Refuge and another appeared
at Discovery Park in Seattle (or was it the same
bird?). The first sighting of a Scissor-tailed
Flycatcher occurred in the potholes area of
eastern WA. A large flock of Purple Martins was
seen flying with Barn Swallows over American
Lake. Another “first” in the state, Elegant Terns
increased in numbers to about 100 in the flock,
congregating on the beach as well as on the
Jetty at Ocean Shores.
Feedback, comments and reminiscences
welcome, 253-564-3112, Hengle@iinet.com.
Open daily, the Burke Museum welcomes all visi-
tors who are curious about the natural wonders of
Washington state, the Pacific Northwest, and the
Pacific Rim. Discovery awaits you.
Arctic Wings: Miracle of Migration
September 13 – December 31, 2008
The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Truth of a
Warming World
Friday June 27 – Wednesday December 31
With camera in hand, wildlife photographer Steven
Kazlowski has dedicated over eight years of work
to bring to life the immediate reality of this most
pressing environmental crisis — the devastation of
the Arctic ecosystem through global warming.
The Burke Museum is on the University of
Washington campus at the corner of 17th Avenue
NE and NE 45th Street. (http://www.washington.
edu/burkemuseum/visit/hours.php)
Hours: Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm.
On the first Thursday of each month, the museum
stays open until 8 pm—and admission is free.
Closed: New Year’s Day, July 4th,
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
Early closing: Museum closes at 3 pm on
December 24 and December 31.
Weather closure: During inclement weather,
call the museum after 10 am (206-543-7907)
to confirm it’s open.
Time is Running Out! Don’t Miss the Fun!
Discovery Coast Audubon Society of Pacific
County will host the fall Audubon Council of
Washington (ACOW), October 10th through 12th.
The conference will be held at Chautauqua Lodge
Resort located in Long Beach, Washington.
Friday evening’s events will include a reception
followed by a State of the State report from Nina
Carter. The evening will also include a shorebird
photography presentation by Neil Main. For those
interested, Burt Guttman, a recently retired
faculty member from The Evergreen State
College, will present a workshop in the afternoon
entitled “Helping People Get Started with Bird-
Watching”. Burt is the author of the new book, The conference will conclude Sunday morning
“Finding Your Wings: A Workbook for Beginning with chapter reports and a summary of the
Bird Watchers”. This promises to be an interesting weekend’s events. An opportunity for a field trip
and informative presentation! to Heins Marsh will follow.
Saturday’s agenda includes opportunities for For more information and registration, please
local fieldtrips. Workshops and discussions will visit the Discovery Coast Audubon website at
focus on urban forestry, chapter grants, chapter www.discoverycoastaudubon.com/events.
building and Trumpeter Swan habitat in htm#ACOW.
Washington. The evening will close with a Please note that registration payment is due by
presentation given by a representative from October 1st.  A late registration fee will be
NOAA. assessed after October 3rd.

Dont’ miss this fantastic event!

Enjoy a great breakfast, mingle with community,
Trogon Tours update
business, political and environmental leaders hear This month’s newsletter features photos, photo tips and info about
an engaging speaker describe a conservation strat- photography and birding in SE Arizona.  You can access this newslet-
egy to save Puget Sound. Our organization has been ter at www.trogontours.net/september2008 .
fighting for nearly 40 years in Pierce County to pro- We still have room on
tect wildlife habitat for these common bird species. each of tours for this fall
This event supports our continuing commitment to and winter, although they
natural resource conservation and supports our fam- are fast approaching at
ily-based nature education throughout the year.
this point.  The trips to
Help us protect habitat for wildlife and join us at
Ecuador will be November
the Early Bird Gets the Worm Breakfast Event.
Register at www.TahomaAudubon.org 8-17, 2008 and December
6-14, 2008 and our Photo/Nate Chappell

Thailand trip is January 4-18, 2009. You can view information on

them at www.trogontours.net .
A trip report on our last tour to Ecuador can be viewed at www.
corporate sponsor trogontours.net/JULY2008-2 .
Best regards, Nate and Angie Chappell

BIRDSONGS by Phil Buly

Come celebrate the 13th Annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival!
and national birding experts on a
January 16-19, 2009 variety of field trips and work-
shops. Field trip group sizes are
Come to where the birds are limited to maximize spotting and
tration will be available in October early signups are encouraged as
2008. The registration deadline the most popular events fill up
is January 5, 2009 but quickly.

Photo/Ruth Ann Angus

and join Morro Coast Audubon
Society (MCAS) for our Annual
Morro Bay Winter Bird
Festival.
Located on California’s scenic
Central Coast, Morro Bay is an
important stop on the Pacific
Flyway and one of the country’s
pre-eminent birding spots. The
area is recognized worldwide for
its diversity of both resident and
wintering birds, and at last year’s
festival, over 200 species of birds
were identified!
The Morro Bay Winter Bird
Festival is sponsored by MCAS and
gives you the chance to join local
identification opportunities. The
Festival also offers workshops
aimed at sharpening your
birding skills, as well as
evening programs
with outstanding
speakers.
For more information about
the Festival, check out our web-
site at www.morrobaybirdfesti-
val.org, or call (805) 772-4677.
You can request that your
name be added to the mailing
list for our 2009 brochure, or
register online. Both
the brochure and
online regis-

Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org October 2008 October 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9

 volunteer Recognition
In grateful recognition of all our
volunteers at the Puyallup Fair
By Thelma Gilmur
The Fair is half over as I write
this. For 39 years we have been
coming to the fair; helping the
fair visitor to think about ways
to create a healthy habitat for
birds, other wildlife and
people. We have stressed
the importance of native
plantings and their importance in creating
healthy habitat and how these plants pro-
tect and save water.
Many volunteers helped in this impor-
tant work this year. Thanks to: Rosanne
Becker, Steph Swaim, Hannah Bellefon-
taine, Al Gray, Walt Lachnit, Joyce and
David Bramsche, Julie Kerrigan, Sue Go-
ering, Marciele Kobel, Mary Siegentha-
ler, Mary Manning, Phyllis Knopp, Roxy
Giddings, Karen and Stan Bloustine, Jane
Brosius, June Coloff, Al Jordan, Dana
Kelly, Jana Henderson, Kathleen LeGreid,
Carolyn Orwiler, David Lane, Stephen
and Kay Reed, Don and Pat Clifford, Bet-
Lemke, John and Vera Cragin, Shana Os-
mer, Susan Boynton, Bob and Barbara
Kvamme, Kris Quinn, Victoria
Ray, Winnie Bjarke, Janet
Bent, Lynn Arthur, Peggy
Kopf, Walt and Marlene
Arthur, Darby Veeck, Caro-
line Harris and John Garner,
Lou Wallon, Dave Zink, Jenni-
fer Recco, Thelma Gilmur, Ken
and Nell Batker, Dave Chase and Beverly
Siers, Van Perdue, Liz and Bob Lathrop,
Valerie Edwards, Byrna Klavano, Krystal
Kyer, Diana Dodd, Loyd Miller, Jim Ju-
lich, Mary Pat Minor, Nancy White, Syl-
via Russell, Katie Lichtenwalter, Joan and
Gerry Rapp, Pam McGee and Dale Leg-
gett, Annette Pinkerton, Shelley Parker,
Ione Clagett, Shelagh Taylor, Ken and
Judy Austin, Kathryn Johansen and Jeff
Johnson, Wayne, Sally and Chad Larson,
Dorothy and Fred Tobiason, Jerry Broa-
dus and Clarice Clark, Winfield Giddings,
Joann Sims, Eric Davis, Ruby Harr, Janet
Jones.
welcome to New and Returning Members
August 16, 2008 to September 15, 2008
Chapter New and Renewing: Elaine Brown,
Elly Claus-McGahan, Warren Finch, Lynda
Flanagan, Arthur Foxford, Jean Gillmer, Winifred
Henry, Irene Korich, Florence March, Shane
McWilliams, Ginny Murphy, Joe Quaintance,
Charles Rance, Patrick Ryan, Carmen Sterba,
David Taylor and Roberta Remlick-Taylor, Dale
Thompson, Suzanne Wilson.
Chapter Joint with National: Susan Behrns,
Kazumi Divens-Cogez, Elizabeth Fortenbery,
Curtis Hebron, Jean Milton, Don and Nancy
Pearson, Dale Pedersen, Annette Wanwig, Mary
Young.
Introductory, Recruited through TAS: Sally
Abrams, Al Allen, Janelle Burger, Scarlett Greffing,
Deb Kiesig, Alan Lemery, Heather MacMaster,
Lorrie McMillan, Kathy and Steve Myron, Laurel
Parshall, Joanne Savl, Hannah Taylor, Denise
Tempest, Nancy Velazquez, Cody and Linnea
Warren, Sandra Wood.
We did not receive a list of those members joining
as introductory members through National this
past month. Expect a longer list to include two
months in the November Towhee.
We are so pleased that you have
joined TAS and hope that we
will be seeing you at several of
our activities. We’re sharing
our mission and the Audubon
philosophy with you:
The mission of the National Audubon Society and
Tahoma Audubon is to conserve and restore
natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other
wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of
humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.
THE AUDUBON PHILOSOPHY
We believe in the wisdom of Nature’s design.
We know that soil, water, plants and wild creatures
depend upon each other and are vital to human
life.
We recognize that each living thing links to many
others in the chain of nature.
We believe that persistent research into the intricate
patterns of outdoor life will help to assure wise use
of earth’s abundance.
We condemn no wild creature and work to assure
that no living species shall be lost.
We believe that every generation should be able to
experience spiritual and physical refreshment
where primitive nature is undisturbed.
So we will be vigilant to protect wilderness areas,
refuges, and parks, and to encourage good use of
nature’s storehouse of resources.
We dedicate ourselves to the pleasant task of
opening the eyes of young and old that all may
come to enjoy the beauty of the outdoor world, and
to share in conserving its wonders forever.
NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS
Thanks to all of you who are renewing your
Chapter and Chapter/National Joint memberships
here at TAS. Renewals must be sent directly to
TAS if the Towhee is desired. If you respond to
one of the many renewal notices sent from
National, it will not include The Towhee.

Photos/Al Gray
ty Beal, Connie Decker, Judy and Werner We appreciate all of you so much.
Native Plant Salvage Alliance digs Pierce County
Funding for the continuation of the Native Plant Salvage Alliance
serving Tacoma and Pierce County was awarded by the Greater
Tacoma Community Foundation in late July. Changes that will
be evident this fall include the expansion of our plant-holding
facilities to the Meadow Park Golf Course, as well as new team
members who will be assisting with salvaging events, with
plant propagation and with administration activities.
Volunteers who join us for salvage events are requested to
dig on behalf of our plant recipients (members of Green Tacoma
Partnership + non-profit and other public native plant demonstra-
tions happening in Fircrest, Lakewood, Milton, Puyallup, Steilacoom,
Sumner, University Place and Unincorporated Pierce County). After dig-
ging for recipients volunteers are invited to dig plants for their own projects and
purposes. Volunteers assisting with propagation activities are also invited to take
home 1-2 plants for
every 2-hours of
Join us for one or more of the following salvage program activities:
Saturday, October 18, 9am -2pm Salvage event
Sunday, October 19, 1-3pm Plant propagation
Friday, October 31, 9am -2pm Salvage event
Sunday, November 16, 1-3pm Plant propagation
Saturday, November 29, 9am - 2pm Salvage event
Friday, December 12, 9am - 2pm Plant propagation
Saturday, December 13, 9am - 2pm Salvage event
Sunday, December 14, 1-3pm Plant propagation
maintenance plans, plus dedicated volunteers to help do the work between
October 2008 and March of the following year are typically given first consid-
eration.
In addition, recipients will want to consider how they will be able to transport

Volunteer opportunities
participation. the plants received. 2-4 weeks of lead time is beneficial to the provision of plants
Potential plant already in stock. 1-6 months, or more lead time may be required for procure-

Congratulations Thelma!
recipients include ment of specialty plants to be grown or supplied as seed, cuttings, or live stakes,
public and non- or to be brokered at wholesale values from local/regional nurseries.
profit habitat resto- For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, or plants currently
TGIF Breakfast & Work Party By Bryan Flint ration or public edu- available to organizations wishing to secure free plant materials, please check
Habitat restoration (planting, invasive cation projects in out our website at http://www.ssstewardship.org. You can also find tips on the
species removal, pruning) Our own Thelma Gilmur
the locations listed above. Prior to distribution, sites receiving plants are evalu- best/worst plants to salvage, propagation techniques, and salvaging how-to’s.
(Weekly at 10am on Friday ) received recognition for her years
ated for their plant-readiness (weeds have been adequately removed and soils If you still have questions, please contact the Native Plant Salvage Alliance
of hard work and dedication at a
have been mulched). Limited site consulting is available to determine which contract coordinator, Anna Thurston at: 253-566-3342, or by e-mail at anna.
Fri Oct 10 10am – 12pm luncheon on September 25th for plants are appropriate for specific sites. Projects with strong planting and thurston@ssstewardship.org.
Fri Oct 17 10am – 12pm the Cascade Land Conservancy.
Fri Oct 24 10am – 12pm The Cascade Land Conser-
Fri Oct 31 10am – 12pm vancy’s Helen Engle Lifetime
Achievement Award was made

Checks payable to: Tahoma Audubon 2917 Morrison

Rd. W. University Place, 98466 Tahoma Audubon
Society, established in 1969, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Membership Fee:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park - to Thelma because she is a
___ Introductory (first year) $20
home of Tahoma Audubon conservation champion and icon
___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50

organization. Donations are tax deductible.

2917 Morrison Rd W, University Place, in Pierce County.   It is for her
WA - 253-565-9278
Project FeederWatch training
Leadership efforts in conserving
places like Snake Lake and China
Membership

___
___
Chapter member renewal
Other Contributions _____________
$30

Mon Nov 3 8:30am –10:30am Lake.  It is for her leadership at Helen Engle presents the Lifetime
Achievement Award to Thelma Gilmur..
Tahoma Audubon Event Tahoma Audubon and other
Join TAS for a light continental breakfast and coffee while you learn how numerous conservation projects.
to participate in a wintertime citizen science project from your window She has been a high profile leader in conservation circles for
decades. She began her work teaching the environment to Girl
at home or here at our Audubon Center by watching and counting birds
Scouts in 1942 and continued it as part of The Nature Conservancy
at your feeder!
and as a charter member of the Tahoma Audubon Society. She also
FREE
served on the Tacoma School District’s Environmental Education
Call Graham, TAS Volunteer Coordinator, at 253-565-1884 for more
Committee.
information and to RSVP.
Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County chapter of National Audubon. As
an Introductory member of Tahoma Audubon you also receive a National Member(s) Name: _______________________________________
Audubon membership and Audubon Magazine for one year. Renewing Address: _______________________________________________
your Chapter Membership ensures that we can continue to do our work in
Pierce County. Chapter membership includes: Towhee newsletter sub- City______________________________ Zip__________________
scription, free family events, birding trip invitations, class & book dis- Phone: home ___________________business _________________
counts, conservation activities, annual celebrations and more. Joint TAS/
e-mail: ________________________________________________
National Audubon membership includes: Chapter membership, National
membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of
Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)
Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas.

Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org October 2008 October 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11


October 2008
Oct 1 Wed 10:30am Budding Scientists - Am I a Scientist?
Homeschool students explore science through hands-on experi-
ments, activities and inquiry-based learning. Register early, these
classes fill quickly! Ages 5-7, $8 per child, 10:30 am - noon or 3:15
pm - 4:45 Young homeschoolers and other children begin science
and nature exploration through games, walks and crafts. Register at
least two days prior to the session. This class is held at the Adriana
Hess Audubon Center in University Place. E
Oct 1 Wed 3:15pm Budding Scientists - Am I a Scientist? E
Oct 2 Thu 6:00pm Tacoma Green Drinks is hosted by Tahoma
Audubon in December! Monthly social gathering meetings on the
first Thu of each month at various locations in Tacoma, starting at
6:00pm. Join others with an interest in the environment, conservation
and sustainability for our monthly social gathering! To receive future
announcements about Tacoma Green Drinks take advantage of
our new list, hosted by One/NW. This is an announcements-only
list for occasional reminders about our monthly gatherings. To
subscribe, contact Karin at earthoutreach@yahoo.com. Monthly
announcements also appear at www.greendrinks.org
Oct 3 Fri 10:00am TGIF Breakfast & Work Party Adriana Hess
Wetland Park Habitat restoration (planting, removal, pruning) v
Oct 3 Fri 7:00pm Natural Yard Care Workshop @ TNC
Oct 4 Sat 7:37am Seabird Survey 1 F
Oct 7 Tue 10:30am Nature Alphabet - U is for Upside Down E
Oct 8 Wed 10:30am Budding Scientists - Birds on the Move E
Oct 8 Wed 3:15pm Budding Scientists - Birds on the Move E
Oct 9 Thu 1:00pm Beginning Science - Why They Do What They
Do? Call 253-591-6439 to register.
Description: Homeschool students explore science through hands-
on experiments, activities and inquiry-based learning. Register early,
these classes fill quickly! Ages 8-10, $10, 9:30-11:30 or 1-3 pm To
participate, students should be able to add & subtract numbers. E
Oct 9 Thu 6:00pm Quarterly Meeting and Potluck Join the Green
Tacoma Partnership for potluck and social from 6-6:30pm. 6:30-
7:30pm - group presentations on new grant-funded projects from the
Pierce Conservation District and Tacoma’s Make a Splash! grants;
7:30-8:00pm OSHRP update and overview of Strategic Action Plan.
At University of Puget Sound. Call Krystal to RSVP at 232-9978 or
email: kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org
Oct 9 Thu 6:30pm TAS Board Meeting
Oct 10 Fri 10:00am TGIF Breakfast & Work Party v
Oct 10 Fri 7:00pm Monthly membership meeting of Tahoma
Audubon. All welcome. Check web site for program - www.
TahomaAudubon.org. Call 253-565-9278
Oct 11 Sat 9:00am Ohop Field Trip/NatureMapping
Oct 12 Sun 12:00pm Morse Preserve Open Trails Explore this
natural treasure located in Graham during Open Trail days. Discover
the beauty of the five habitat zones in the preserve. All ages. Free F
Oct 13 Mon 12:00pm Bird Walk @ Adriana Hess F
Oct 14 Tue 4:00pm Conservation Committee
Oct 14 Tue 7:00pm Intermediate Birder’s Class Ages 18 and older,
7-9pm $55 for Audubon members; $75 non-members Join us for
an exploration of fall and wintering birds of Washington as well as
Shorebirds. This class is for those who have a good background in
bird identification. In addition to the scheduled class days, there are
four field trips that are fast paced and include travel and over night
For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org
Towhee The
Audubon Society YO2
2917 Morrison Road West
University Place, WA 98466
Address Service Requested
Calendar
stay. For information and to register call 591-6439. Class meets at
Adriana Hess Audubon Center, 2917 Morrison Rd, West, University
Place. Field Trips: Two day trip on Oct 11th &12th, one day trips on
November 22nd & December 6th, 3 day trip on January 17th, 18th,
and 19th. Instructor: Kenneth Brown F
Oct 16 Thu 1:00pm Intermediate Science - Strange but True
Behavior E
Oct 16 Thu 5:00pm Education Committee Meeting
Oct 17 Fri 10:00am Morse Bird Walk Field Trip leader Betty Jones
will lead a walk at Morse Wildlife Preserve. Call 253-565-9278 to
register and for directions. F
Oct 17 Fri 10:00am TGIF Breakfast & Work Party Habitat restoration
(planting, invasive species removal, pruning) v
Oct 18 Sat 10:00am Discovery Walk - Crescent Valley, Gig Harbor
Oct 19 Sun 8:00am Nature Walk at Point Defiance Park F
Oct 20 Mon 12:00pm Plant Walk @ Adriana Hess F
Oct 20 Mon Beginning Birdwatching: Sand & SeaAges 18 and older,
6:45-9pm $45 for Audubon members; $55 non-members, Min 6 -
Max 15. Help sharpen those new birding skills. We will focus on the
plentiful water birds of Puget Sound. Gain more identification skills
and add to the number of birds you can recognize. Learn to identify
the females in addition to the showy males. For information and to
register call 591-6439. Class meets at the Tacoma Nature Center,
1919 S. Tyler Street, Tacoma. Field Trip: Oct 25th and November
1st, from 9 am to 1 pm. Local travel Instructor: Marcus Roening F
Oct 21 Tue 1:30pm Nature Alphabet - V is for Vanishing E
Oct 21 Tue 3:30pm Snake Lake Science Club
Oct 21 Tue 5:00pm Morse Force Meeting
Oct 21 Tue 7:00pm Intermediate Birder’s Class F
Oct 23 Thu 1:00pm Advanced Science - Ethology Homeschool
students explore science through hands-on experiments, activities
and inquiry-based learning. Register early, these classes fill quickly!
Ages 12-15, $12, 1-3 pm Older homeschool students will continue
their science studies with challenging and engaging experiments
and activities. To participate in this class, students should be able to
calculate averages, percentages and solve simple equations. E
Oct 24 Fri 10:00am TGIF Breakfast & Work Party Habitat restoration
(planting, invasive species removal, pruning) v
Oct 24 Fri 10:30am Nature Storytime - Howl for Owls
Oct 24 Fri 1:00pm Advanced Lab – Ethology E
Oct 25 Sat 5:00pm Who goes Bump in the Night?
Oct 27 Mon 6:45pm Beginning Birdwatching: Sand & Sea Ages 18
and older, 6:45-9pm $45 for Audubon members; $55 non-members,
Min 6 - Max 15. We will focus on the plentiful water birds of Puget
october Program
Oct 10 Fri 7:00pm Monthly membership meeting of
Tahoma Audubon. All welcome. Check web site for pro-
gram - www.TahomaAudubon.org. Or 253-565-9278
Nov 14 Fri 7:00pm Membership Meeting
In February the Banquet will be on Feb. 28th 2009, at
Clover Park Technical College McGavick Student Center
Theme: Tahoma Audubon 40th Anniversary: Growing
From Our Roots.
Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Tacoma, WA
Permit No. 177
F Field Trip Page
V Volunteer page
M Environment Matters Page
A Related article in Towhee
E Education Page
Sound. Gain more identification skills and add to the number of
birds you can recognize. Learn to identify the females in addition
to the showy males. For information and to register call 253-591-
6439. Class meets at the Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street,
Tacoma. Field Trip: Oct 25th and November 1st, from 9 am to 1 pm.
Local travel Instructor: Marcus Roening F
Oct 28 Tue Early Bird Gets the Worm Breakfast E
Oct 28 Tue 7:00pm Ages 18 and older, 7-9pm $55 for Audubon
members; $75 non-members Join us for an exploration of fall and
wintering birds of Washington as well as Shorebirds. This class is
for those who have a good background in bird identification. In
addition to the scheduled class days, there are four field trips that are
fast paced and include travel and over night stay. For information
and to register call 591-6439. Class meets at Adriana Hess Audubon
Center, 2917 Morrison Rd, West, University Place. Field Trips: Two
day trip on Oct 11th &12th, one day trips on November 22nd &
December 6th, 3 day trip on January 17th, 18th, and 19th. Instructor:
Kenneth Brown F
Oct 31 Fri 10:00am TGIF Breakfast & Work Party v
November 2008
Nov 1 Sat 6:37am Seabird Survey 2 F
Nov 3 Mon 8:30am Project FeederWatch training Join TAS for a light
continental breakfast and coffee while you learn how to participate
in a wintertime citizen science project from your window at home
or here at our Audubon Center by watching and counting birds at
your feeder! FREE Call Graham, TAS Volunteer Coordinator, at
565-1884 for more information and to RSVP. v
Nov 3 Mon 6:45pm– 9:00pm Beginning Birdwatching: Sand &
Sea. Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street, Tacoma. Ages 18
and older, 6:45-9pm $45 for Audubon members; $55 non-members,
Min 6 - Max 15. We will focus on the plentiful water birds of Puget
Sound. Gain more identification skills and add to the number of birds
you can recognize. Learn to identify the females in addition to the
showy males. For information and to register call 591-6439. Class
meets at the Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street, Tacoma.
Field Trip: October 25th and Nov 1st, from 9 am to 1 pm. Local
travel Instructor: Marcus Roening F
Nov 4 Tue 10:30am Nature Alphabet - W is for Weasel E
Nov 4 Tue 7pm – 9pm Intermediate Birder’s Class. Adriana Hess
Audubon Center, 2917 Morrison Rd, West, University Place. Ages
18 and older, 7-9pm $55 for Audubon members; $75 non-members
Join us for an exploration of fall and wintering birds of Washington
as well as Shorebirds. This class is for those who have a good
background in bird identification. In addition to the scheduled class
days, there are four field trips that are fast paced and include travel
and over night stay. For information and to register call 591-6439.
Class meets at Adriana Hess Audubon Center, 2917 Morrison Rd,
West, University Place. Field Trips: Two day trip on Oct 11th &12th,
one day trips on Nov 22nd & December 6th, 3 day trip on January
17th, 18th, and 19th. Instructor: Kenneth Brown F
October 2008
In this issue:
25 years ago page 8
Announcements page 9
Birdathon page 1
BirdSongs page 8
Bryan Flint column page 2
Education page 4
Environment matters page 3
Field trips page 5
New members page 11
Paul Webster page 1
Volunteer recognition page 10