Calendar of events

The Olympian • Published August 04, 2008

FISHING

Today: The Capital City chapter of the Coastal Conservation Alliance will hear about salmon hatchery reform during a public meeting that begins at 7 p.m. at the Lacey Fire District 3 headquaters at 1231 Franz St., Lacey. The meeting is free, and you don’t have to be a member to attend. Lee Blankenship, a veteran biologist, will talk about how changing our hatcheries will help wild salmon populations.

Saturday: Don’t miss the summer surf perch derby in Westport. Anglers will cast their lines for hard-fighting, good-eating surf perch — and cash prizes. Surfperch are abundant at nearly all local beaches, although veteran anglers recommend areas near the jetty in Westport, Cranberry Beach in Grayland and near the jetty in Tokeland. The Summer Surfperch Fishing Derby entry tickets are $20, which must be purchased by 9 a.m. on the day of the event. Tickets are available at the Westport/Grayland Chamber of Commerce, Angler Charters, Alaskan Motel, the Hungry Whale Gas and Grocery, Englund Marine and the Local Store. The official weigh-in for derby fish will be up until 4 p.m. at Angler Charters, located at 2401 Westhaven Drive, across from Float No. 8. For more information, visit www.anglercharters.net or call 1-800-345-6223.

NISQUALLY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Sunday: Put on some sturdy shoes and go on an easy, 1.5-hour guided hike on the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to learn more about the plants and animals that live on this special part of South Sound.

The hike begins at 1 p.m. The program is free, but there is a $3 refuge entry fee. The group will meet at the Visitor Center flag pole at 9 a.m. For more information, call 360-753-9467.

BOATING

Tuesday: Join a Tumwater Parks and Recreation kayaking trip on the Nisqually Delta. The trip is designed for all skill levels. The trip is for children aged 11 through 17, and it costs $40. Kayaking equipment, lessons and a guide is included. For more information, call 360-754-4160.

KAYAKING AND PADDLING

Sept. 19 through 21: Come to the 25th Annual West Coast Sea Kayaking Symposium at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend.