Nisqually River Council

09/05/2026

Tides of Change: Learning About Puget Sound Recovery - Summer Institute for Teachers 2026! Take a look at this summer's institute where 50 local educators gathered for 3 days of hands-on science training with environmental educators from Nisqually River Education Project, South Sound GREEN, Chehalis Basin Education Consortium, and other local groups and organizations.

During this professional development training, teachers spent time with natural resource professionals learning new ways to connect statewide science curriculum in the classroom to the real world environments of Puget Sound.

Field trips to Boston Harbor Marina and Meyer’s Point Environmental Field Station saw educators interacting with the local flora and fauna of Puget Sound. Meanwhile guest lectures and workshops at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge introduced educators to activities they could bring into the classroom!

Check out 2026's Summer Institute for Teachers Blog Post: https://nisquallyriver.org/blog/2026/09/04/summer-institute-for-teachers-2026/

09/01/2026

✨ You’re invited! Celebrate nature, culture, and community this month at the Nisqually Watershed Festival! ✨

📅 Saturday, September 26th at 10am - 4pm
📍 Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
🌿 Experience Up Close Animal Encounters, Live Music, a Salmon BBQ, Hands On Arts & Crafts, Shark Dissections, an Insect Extravaganza, Interactive Education Activities, and so much more. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day celebrating the outdoors!

👉 Mark Your Calendars & Learn More: https://nisquallyriver.org/festival/

08/31/2026

Seeking volunteers for the upcoming Nisqually Watershed Festival taking place on Saturday, September 26th! Help with event setup in the morning, take a shift running an activity station for visitors to create art in the afternoon, or help with cleanup at the end of the day. Volunteer opportunities are available between 7:00am - 5:00pm. Email [email protected] to learn more and sign up today!

08/28/2026

Explore estuaries, glaciers, and everything in between on the annual Nisqually Watershed tour! Join us on Saturday, September 12th @ 8am - 5pm as we visit areas of historic and cultural importance along the river while learning about the ongoing conservation work shaping the region. Stops include Medicine Springs, Ohop Creek, and the Nisqually Glacier overlook at Mount Rainier National Park!

Learn More & Sign Up Today: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/trmkR_LxkPiLn0DhbI1SJw

08/13/2026

DERT is thrilled to be working with the Squaxin Island Tribe to present the 2026 Festival of the St̓əč̓as (Steh-Chass)!

The Festival of the St̓əč̓as is a community event centered around Squaxin culture and connection to the area, public education, estuary restoration, environmental stewardship, and envisioning the future of a restored Deschutes Estuary. We will include a thoughtful educational and outreach area featuring organizations doing meaningful work throughout the Deschutes Watershed and South Sound region, as well as live cultural performances and local vendors.

This festival is free to attend, but we appreciate RSVPs so we can gauge interest for future events!

https://secure.anedot.com/deschutes-estuary-restoration-team/2026-festival-of-the-steh-chass

Sponsors:

Squaxin Island Tribe
PARC Foundation of Thurston County
Inspire Olympia - City of Olympia

08/05/2026

Join us for a rescheduled tour of the Nisqually Community Forest on Wednesday, September 2nd!

Hello Everyone, due to recent air quality concerns we have decided to reschedule our summer tour of the Nisqually Community Forest for Wednesday, September 2nd @ 10am - 1pm. We apologize for the inconvenience, but hope you will be able to join us for a clear day, with fresh mountain air later this summer.

Learn more & sign up here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/BHwIMGNqTCSuXyAyBuKURQ

07/27/2026

We are excited to announce "The Colors of Anna’s Hummingbird” by Rylan P. (2nd Grade) as "Festival Feature" for this year's Nisqually Watershed Festival Poster Contest! Thank you to all the students who submitted their incredible Native Birds of the Watershed artwork and make sure to check out all of 2026's winning entries at the Nisqually Watershed Festival on Saturday, September 26th @ 10am - 4pm at Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge!

07/23/2026

Join us next month for this incredible opportunity to see a working community forest in action! We'll be learning all about the work going on in the Nisqually watershed as we travel up breathtaking mountain roads and walk amongst the trees - refreshments provided!

Sign-ups are now open for our Summer 2026 Nisqually Community Forest Tour! Join us on Thursday, August 6th at 10am - 1pm as we journey through forested mountain roads learning about ecological thinning practices, snowpack retention surveys, cultural harvests, and much more. Refreshments provided!

Learn more & sign up here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/cxP9gMpucKPOyBag9Ci7zQ

07/22/2026

We are excited to announce the 1st Place Winners (K-5th) for the Nisqually Watershed Festival Poster Contest! Thank you to all the students who submitted their incredible art illustrating “Native Birds of the Watershed” 🐦🦅🦆 Come see these pieces and more at the Nisqually Watershed Festival on Saturday, September 26th @ 10am - 4pm at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge!

🎨1: "Yellow Warbler" by Jeanna F. (Kindergarten)
🎨2: "Hummingbird" by Everlee W. (1st Grade)
🎨3: "Yellow Warbler Neighborhood" by Elly A. (3rd Grade)
🎨4: "Great Horn Owl" by Eliza J. (4th Grade)
🎨5: "The Anna's Hummingbird and the Fuchsia" by Mia D. (5th Grade)