Hello and happy May! DERT has some exciting things in the works, including our next Community Forum. Read through this newsletter to learn how you can get involved in restoring and celebrating the Deschutes Estuary.

Join DERT and our fellow Waterkeepers, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, for an all ages/ability walking tour around Captiol Lake, the past and future Deschutes Estuary. We’ll meet at New Traditions Cafe at 1:00pm, and head out on our walk from there.

We’ll hear from the experts at DERT and learn about the science and culture of the Deschutes Estuary and the dam that creates Capitol Lake. Beginning with the Indigenous history of the local area, we will examine the social and scientific landscape of how we got to now, and where we go from here. Afterward, we’ll return to the cafe for a Q+A session and some 40th Anniversary cake!

Where: New Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98501

When: Saturday, June 1 at 1:00pm 

If you are interested in learning more about the local history and science before joining us, please check out these great StoryMaps to expand your knowledge on these subjects!

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f2812a29e59648289576a125e437ece4

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/c9a26fc751dc4e8caeb1096ac66b4631

Representatives from the Squaxin Island Tribe and DERT have been working hard planning the 2nd Festival of the St̓əč̓as (Steh-Chass)! Join us on August 17th for a packed day of cultural learning, celebration, and environmental education along the banks of the future estuary in Heritage Park. Highlights include a variety of traditional skill and science workshops, Indigenous craft vendors, delicious local foods, storytelling, performances, and musical guests.

Call for Volunteers for the Festival of the St̓əč̓as (Steh-Chass)

Morning, Midday, and Evening Shifts are available. Currently, we are looking for:

• First Aid
• Must have a valid cpr/first aid card at the time of the event.
• Info Booths/General Support
• Appropriate for all ages and ability levels, the positions will maintain a presence at 1 of 3 info booths to answer attendee questions and provide logistic support. Other support as requested.
• Main Stage Crew
• Support stage and act needs.
• Water Crew
• Keep the events water stations full and keep people hydrated and healthy!
• Cleanup Crew
• All things must come to an end, help us bring the event to a close and maintain this beautiful space!

Volunteers will receive a free volunteer shirt as well as a complimentary lunch. This event cannot happen without your support, please consider taking a shift and feel free to reach out to info@deschutesestuary.org with further questions!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS INTERNSHIP

DERT would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Board Intern, Mack!

Mackenzie (Mack) Kleiva

(She/her)

Mack grew up in the Puget Sound. She fondly recalls visiting beaches across the Kitsap Peninsula, looking out for orcas on every ferry ride, and making art with found natural objects. In 2019, she received a dual BA/BS with an emphasis in nutrient and toxin cycling through natural systems from The Evergreen State College. In 2021, her passion for both social and environmental remediation led her to co-found a small non-profit, Metamimicry, which works with fungi to heal our lands & relationships. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Environmental Studies with an emphasis in water resources at The Evergreen State College. Protecting our waters is an issue that hits home for Mackenzie, and she is elated to join the Board of Directors of the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team. 

DERT has migrated to a new volunteer outreach platform. If you would like to receive an occasional email about upcoming volunteer opportunities with DERT, please fill out the form below.

We are looking forward to slowly re-engaging with our amazing volunteer base and ask for continued patience as we build capacity and volunteer structures. That being said, we are looking for robust volunteer assistance for the Festival of the Steh-Chass on August 17th so keep your eyes to the horizon for that call!

You are part of the vision and hard work that guarantees the Deschutes River WILL meet Puget Sound without a barrier. Together, we will continue to advocate for the restoration of our urban estuary. Please consider donating to DERT today.

NEWS IN THE WATERSHED

Do you have watershed news to share?

Send it to us at olydert@gmail.com

POLLUTION REPORTING RESOURCES

As a community dedicated to protecting the Deschutes watershed and South Puget Sound, we must all keep an eye out for potential pollution incidents when we are out and about.

To report suspected pollution in your community, email olydert@gmail.com.

DERT's South Sound Healthy Watershed Program operates thanks to our sponsoring foundations and donors like you. Did you know that donors are now able to set up automatic recurring monthly donations in any amount? Follow the link to the right to get set up. Thank you for working with us towards a free Deschutes!

Do our emails get lost in your promotion tab? Here is a quick trick to make sure our newsletter goes directly into your primary inbox*. Simply click on the email in your promotions tab, and drag it up and over to your primary tab. Voila! From now on, every DERT email will go directly to your primary tab!

For more information CLICK HERE

*This tip is for those who use Gmail, but it may be applicable to other platforms.