Thurston County

Learn How to Can at Home - Basics of Safe Canning
2025-08-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-10 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-12 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

Food & Yard Waste Composting Workshop
2025-08-09 09:30 - 11:00 | Closed Loop Park, 2420 Hogum Bay Road Northeast, Lacey, WA 98516, USA, Lacey, WA, 98516, United States
The Master Recycler Composter Program of Thurston County is hosting 2 in-person workshops on Saturday August 9, 2025 at the Closed Loop Park Demonstration Garden.

From 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. will be a workshop on yard waste composting and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will be a workshop on worm composting. Come for one or both workshops.

The workshops will be held rain or shine. Dress for the weather.

Workshops are free and open to the public. No advance registration is required for in-person workshops.

The demonstration garden is outside so dress for the weather. Seating is limited and filled first come, first served. If you plan on arriving late you are welcome to bring your own chair.

Worm Composting Workshop
2025-08-09 11:30 - 12:30 | Closed Loop Park, 2420 Hogum Bay Road Northeast, Lacey, WA 98516, USA, Lacey, WA, 98516, United States
Link to location directions to Closed Loop Park Demonstration Garden
The Master Recycler Composter Program of Thurston County is hosting 2 in-person workshops on Saturday August 9, 2025 at the Closed Loop Park Demonstration Garden.

From 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. will be a workshop on yard waste composting and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will be a workshop on worm composting. Come for one or both workshops.

The workshops will be held rain or shine. Dress for the weather.

Workshops are free and open to the public. No advance registration is required for in-person workshops.

The demonstration garden is outside so dress for the weather. Seating is limited and filled first come, first served. If you plan on arriving late you are welcome to bring your own chair.

4-H Dog Committee Meeting
2025-08-11 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.

Become a recycling and composting superhero! Join the Master Recycler Composter Program of Thurston County.
2025-08-14 - 2025-09-19 | WA
Are you passionate about recycling, waste reduction, and composting? Do you want to serve our Thurston County community as a volunteer? If yes, then we want you to join the Thurston County Master Recycler Composter (MRC) volunteer program!
The MRC Volunteer training is taught by regional experts, WSU Extension staff, and Thurston County staff who specialize in composting, recycling, and waste reduction. The interactive training focuses on a wide range of topics to give MRC volunteers the tools they need to serve our community and increase public awareness about waste reduction, recycling and composting in Thurston County.
Classes will be held in-person on the following Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., October 17, October 24, November 7, November 21, December 5, December 19, January 23, January 30, February 6, February 20, March 6 and March 20.
To learn more about what MRC volunteers do, MRC training and how to apply, visit: https://extension.wsu.edu/thurston/gardening/mc/thurston-county-master-recycler-composter-volunteer-training/
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and either live, work, or operate a business in Thurston County.
Deadline to apply is 5pm on Friday September 19, 2025.

Pruning for Novices workshop
2025-08-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Closed Loop Park, 2420 Hogum Bay Road Northeast, Lacey, WA 98516, USA, Lacey, WA, 98516, United States
We will be walking throughout the garden discussing and demonstrating different pruning techniques.
The workshop will focus on the basics of pruning various ornamental plants. The following will be covered:

The methods of pruning for different plant types (trees, shrubs, multi -stem)
Pruning tools
The different pruning cuts (good and bad ones)
The steps of pruning

Meet at the Gazebo.
Resources will be provided. No need to bring any tools.
The level of activity is light. The surfaces will be paved, gravel, and grass. 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.
