Environment briefs for July 14

The Olympian | • Published July 13, 2008

Database online tracks toxic algae

The state Department of Ecology has created a searchable database that allows the public to keep track of outbreaks of toxic blue-green algae in lakes statewide.

Certain algal blooms, which occur most often in warm summer weather, can make children and adults sick and kill pets and livestock. Most types of algae are harmless.

The database is at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/toxicalgae

Weed, mulch at Woodard Creek

Thurston County Stream Team plans a work party from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to weed and mulch around new seedlings planted along Woodard Creek.

Participants are advised to wear sturdy boots or shoes that can get muddy. Pizza and refreshments will be served after the event.

For more information and directions, call Chris Maun or Ann Marie Finan at 360-357-2491.

Learn during walk by Budd Inlet

People for Puget Sound will lead a "Clean Sound Walk & Talk" from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday beginning at the LOTT Alliance treatment plant, 500 Adams St. N.E., Olympia, and continuing along the Budd Inlet shoreline.

The free student and family event will include information about how humans affect the health of Puget Sound, interspersed with games, interactive activities and resources on South Sound issues.

Participants are asked to register by contacting Liz Townsend at 360-754-9177 or ltownsend@pugetsound.org.

Workshop to teach shellfish growing

South Sound shellfish growers and Washington Sea Grant staff will offer a free class for waterfront property owners to learn how to grow shellfish from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturday at Skookum Hall, 3480 S.E. Lynch Road, Shelton.

For more information or to register, contact Teri King at guatemal@u.washington.edu or 360-432-3054.

Program to provide forage areas for elk

Washington farmers with fields in river bottoms and floodplain areas of Mason and Grays Harbor counties are encouraged to participate in a wildlife farming program to create 500 acres of winter forage feeding areas for Olympic Roosevelt elk herds, which are in decline in part because of loss of habitat.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency has teamed up with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to offer the State Acres for wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program.

For more information, download a fact sheet on the program at www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/safe08.pdf or call the state Fish and Wildlife regional office in Montesano at 360-249-46288.