Thurston County

Learn How to Can at Home - Basics of Safe Canning
2025-07-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-18 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) and 17 more dates | WA
Summertime means lots of fresh, sweet fruit and crisp, delicious veggies. Preserve your summer bounty for a well-stocked pantry through the dark, winter months. Join us in discussions on how to preserve fresh food safely, in a series of classes at WSU Extension Thurston County, 5033 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia.
Basics of Safe Canning – July 26th, 6-8pm
Learn the basics of food safety and canning skills, including bacteria and food spoilage, canning equipment, and canning high/low acid foods. Includes demonstration only.
Jams, Jellies and Spreads – August 2nd, 6-8pm
Delight in the bright, fresh flavors of summer fruits and discover how easy it is to capture sunshine in a jar. Learn how to create that perfect balance of sugar, fruit and other ingredients to enhance flavor and shelf-life with research-based recipes. Low and no sugar recipes covered. Come prepared to cook during this hands-on session, and take home a jar of fresh-made jam!
Pickling and Fermenting – August 23rd, 6-8pm
Crisp, tasty pickles are a true test of a canner’s skill. Learn how to make your perfect pickle! In addition, we will look at the traditional art of fermentation, with a hands-on sauerkraut-making session. Come prepared to cook and take home a jar of freshly-made sauerkraut!
Class size is limited and pre-registration is required for the three in-person workshops. Cost is $25 per workshop or take all three for $60 and save $15! Register by emailing, melissa.davis2@wsu.edu, or phone: 360-867-2172.
Instructor Melissa Davis grew up watching her grandma preserve her garden’s bounty, and enjoying jar after jar of raspberries and pickled beets. She’s been in-love with canning ever since. After many preservation fails, she began her quest to learn the best and safest methods for home canning. Through WSU’s Food Preservation training, she learned the most up-to-date science and protocols for safe food preservation.
For more information on any of the courses, contact Melissa Davis, WSU Thurston County Extension, melissa.davis2@wsu.edu, (360) 867-2172.
Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation. Evidence of non-compliance may be reported through your local Extension Office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact the Extension Office (360) 867-2177, bordeld@co.thurston.wa.us at least two weeks prior to the event.

**Also see:

Jams, Jellies and Spreads – August 2nd, 6-8pm
Pickling and Fermenting – August 23rd, 6-8pm

4-H Dog Committee Meeting
2025-07-14 19:00 - 20:30 | WA
The Dog Committee meetings are for planning and coordinating project related pre-fair and county fair activities. Enrolled 4-H volunteers and 4-H teen leaders enrolled in the dog project are encouraged to attend.
Meetings are sometimes rescheduled due to illness or weather. Please confirm meeting date/time before attending.

How to Create a Prairie Garden workshop
2025-07-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Closed Loop Park, 2420 Hogum Bay Road Northeast, Lacey, WA 98516, USA, Lacey, WA, 98516, United States
Learn how to replace your lawn with local native plants that need less water and fertilizer while benefiting pollinators!
We will talk about:
– Techniques for removing lawn
– Optimal native plants
– Maintenance requirements
– How they benefit the environment
Meet at the Gazebo.
We will be outside for the duration of this presentation. Please plan clothing and footwear accordingly.
Seating is limited and you are welcome to bring your own chair.
Workshop is free and open to the public. No advance registration required, just show up.

Take Your Houseplant for a Walk Day!
2025-07-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Olympia Farmers Market Garden, Olympia Farmers Market, 700 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98507, USA, Olympia, Washington, 98507, United States
Do you think your houseplants ever get envious that your outdoor plants get to live outside? If so, then Sunday, July 27 is a day your houseplants will have their day to shine in the sunlight.
Join the WSU Master Gardeners and the Olympia Farmers Market in celebrating National Take Your Houseplant for a Walk Day.
Bring one of your houseplants to the Olympia Farmers Market – Gallacci Garden and join other houseplant enthusiasts for houseplant themed activities and a walk through the garden and market.
Location: Olympia Farmers Market – 700 Capitol Way N, Olympia WA 98501
Schedule of Events:
10:30am – Houseplant Activity Stations in the Garden

Name Your Houseplant Sign & Coloring Station
Decorate Your Houseplant
Learn About & Care for Your Houseplants

11:00am – Take Your Houseplant for a Walk – Parade

We will meet at the WSU Master Gardener shed at the corner of the garden closest to the Market. The shed is next to the large solar panel pole.
Look for a volunteers holding a large plant flags.
Once we get everyone lined-up between the flags we will begin our walk with our plants through the garden and market.
The entire walk (a slow stroll) should take no more than 30 minutes. Carry your plant or bring it in a wagon/stroller etc.

WSU Master Gardeners and Master Recycler Composter volunteers will also be hosting a Question/Answer clinic from 10am to 3pm at the Market. Bring your gardening, composting and waste reduction questions to have our certified volunteers to answer. They will also be providing gardening and waste reduction resources.
Can’t make the event? Send your question into our virtual Question/Answer clinic. Visit our website for more details.
Hope you can join us for this fun and festive way to celebrate houseplants!
For questions and more information contact us at master@co.thurston.wa.us or 360-867-2189.

Worm Composting Workshop
2025-07-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Dirt Works Demonstration Garden & Composting Site, 530 Alta Street SW Olympia, WA 98502, Olympia, WA, 98502, United States
Link to location directions to Dirt Works Demonstration Garden

Learn the basics of worm composting at this workshop, including what should and shouldn’t go into your worm composting system, tips on managing your compost and how to know when it is finished.

Workshop is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required for this workshop.

4-H Horse Committee Meeting
2025-08-04 19:00 - 20:30 | WA
The Thurston County 4-H Horse Leader Committee meets the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the WSU Extension Office. The Horse Committee meetings are for planning and coordinating project related pre-fair and county fair activities. Enrolled 4-H volunteers and 4-H teen leaders enrolled in the horse project are encouraged to attend.
Meetings are sometimes rescheduled due to illness or weather. Please confirm meeting date/time before attending.
