What’s Happening for Jan. 18

Monday (Jan. 18)

MLK Day project at McLane Creek Nature Trail: Two nonprofit organizations, affiliated with WSU Extension, are coordinating an ecological restoration project 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Help remove invasive species in preparation for native plantings. Register through Native Plant Salvage Foundation at 360-867-2167 or by email at nativeplantsalvage@gmail.com. Workshop details and directions will be sent in advance.

Restoration work party at Allison Spring Reserve: Capitol Land Trust and the city of Olympia seeks volunteers to plant native trees and shrubs and remove invasive plants from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Allison Springs, 200 Delphi Road, Olympia. Wear long pants, a long shirt and sturdy, close-toed shoes, and bring a snack and water. Work tools and gloves provided. RSVP to Andrew Wilkens, andrew@capitollandtrust.org or 360-943-3012.

Tuesday

March for Life: Rally is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the north steps of the Legislative Building. Rally organizers estimate that about 5,000 people will attend the event, affecting traffic and parking on the Capitol Campus and the surrounding neighborhood. Participants will gather about 11 a.m. near the Winged Victory Monument, the statue in the traffic circle near the Legislative Building, and then march to the north steps.

Wednesday

Mason County town hall meeting on veterans: .S. Rep. Denny Heck, Thurston County Commissioner Bud Blake, Mason County Commissioner Terri Jeffreys and City of Shelton Commissioner Tracy Moore will present information on homeless vets in Mason County. The meeting runs 5:30-7 p.m. in the Mason County Public Works Building at 100 W. Public Works Drive, Shelton. Information: 360-915-8176.

Thursday

Olympia Tumwater Foundation Noon History Talk: Free monthly talk will feature author Dennis Larson speaking about the 1852-54 building of Naches Pass at noon at the Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater. Seating is first-come, first-served. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Information: olytumfoundation.org, 360-786-8117.

Saturday

Oshogatsu in Olympia: Japanese New Year celebration, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. SE, Olympia. Live entertainment will showcase traditional Japanese dance, music, taiko drumming and vocal performances. The event includes cultural activities, make-and-take crafts, demonstrations and an art exhibition. Free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family. Proceeds benefit the Olympia-Kato Sister City Association.

Jan. 27

Eye on Nature: A field trip fundraiser for a program that connects children with the outdoors will provide free field trips to Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is 5-9 p.m. at Fish Tale Brew Pub, 515 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia. Suggested $10 door donation. Proceeds from the night’s sales will be donated.

Jan. 30

Lunafest film festival: Soroptimist International of Olympia’s film festival is at 6:30 p.m. at South Puget Sound Community College, Building 26, Room 105 Lecture Hall, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia. Films by female filmmakers highlight women as leaders. Tickets at siolympialunafest.bpt.me or at the door. Space is limited. Information: soroptimistolympia.org and facebook.com/SoroptimistOlympia.

This story was originally published January 18, 2016 at 9:43 AM with the headline "What’s Happening for Jan. 18."