CK School District Field Trips Get New Volunteers

Have you visited the historic Red Barn on the Clear Creek Trail? It sits on the estuary in the middle of the Silverdale commercial district off Bucklin Hill Road. The downstairs is full of interesting information about the Clear Creek Trail and the Puget Sound. The upstairs, a former hayloft, houses artifacts from Silverdale's good old days - including school desks with holes for ink bottles! Last night the tiny loft was crammed with thirty potential volunteers for the Salmon in the Classroom field trips in March. Central Kitsap students are raising Chum salmon in their classrooms. The field trips are built around the release of the fingerlings into the Clear Creek system. Nearly a thousand students will go on the field trips; last night was a training and pep rally to get more volunteers! I think it was a success.

The field trips are broken up into four stations: tree planting, Salmon release, water quality testing and stream "bugs". (Guess who leads the bug station)

Tex Lewis, long time Clear Creek Trail organizer and tree planter extraordinaire, told the volunteers how to get the kids to plant trees without bludgeoning each other with shovels and strangling the plants. Tex is about six feet four and lives up to his name, wearing a ten gallon hat that sported a lively feather. He is witty and obviously dedicated to getting students out to the trail learning about the value of our environment and getting a few (thousand) trees in the ground. What would we do without Tex?

Sam Hoakem came next. Salmon in the Classroom was his brainchild enlisting his Kiwanis group to help. He talked about the salmon release. If you ever get an opportunity hear his salmon tales, do it. I certainly learned a lot.

Pat Kirschbaum from Kitsap SSWM program let the group learn about the water quality station by doing it. Everyone joined in by being a shaker, "piller", or water gatherer to test creek water for pH. Pat, by the way, schedules ALL of the teachers for their field trips. Yes, she herds cats. Pat is a gem of a resource. She does a mountain of outreach and education in the county and does it all as a part time employee. She deserves a medal.

I ended the evening by having everyone push their chairs to the side of the room. Some of the brave participants played a rousing game of Macroinvertebrate Mayhem. Yes, we had a running game in the loft of the red barn! The players became stream bugs, stonefly larvae, mayfly larvae and caddis fly larvae. Their goal was to get down the stream before they were caught by an environmental stresser. It is always fun to pose as a fourth grader!

At the end of the night we had volunteers sign up for the field trips. If you would like to join us, let me know.

Science Kits piloted in CK fourth grades

Science is alive and well in the CK school district. Last week 13 fourth grade teachers crammed into the CK Science kit center to work on the science kits that they are piloting in their classrooms. This kit, Kitsap Watershed Connections, teaches about water and the environment in the student's backyard. It is replacing a science kit that, while good, doesn't have the personal engagement with the students that this kit accomplishes. This district-wide kit is being provided to the School District by Kitsap PUD and Kitsap County Public Works. The lessons are written by CK science gurus Doug Dowell and Kim San Felipe, SSWM's Pat Kirschbaum, Jo Meints from Solid Waste and me, from Kitsap PUD.

These lessons helps teachers give their students the solid background in the scientific process that they will need while continuing their education at higher levels. Just as important, it gives teachers and their students an opportunity to learn that science is fun. The teachers are now using science as a springboard toward learning in other subjects like reading, math and writing.

The kit is a large one that teachers work on all year long. The science kit is delivered to them in three boxes: one in the fall, one after Christmas and one after Spring Break. Three workshops coincide with the delivery of the boxes. An introductory workshop in August introduced lessons from the first box. During last week's workshop, teachers critiqued the first lessons and were introduced to Box 2. Another workshop introducing box 3 will be held in the Spring. A final recap will happen in June to finalize the kit to get ready for wider distribution next year.

The new lessons introduced are about Salmon, Wetlands and Streams. Many teachers in CK School district are raising salmon in their classrooms so these lessons help to make that experience more meaningful for their students. I got to lead many of these lessons as I authored much of this portion of the kit. The teachers created salmon art and healthy stream collages. They played Macroinvertebrate Mayhem and created a Web of Life. They dissected owl pellets. and pulled mystery articles out of a bag that explained the importance of wetlands. They journeyed on a trail of wetland plants learning about the plants and teaching about those plants to the rest of the group. The day ended with building their own wetland models.

These teachers' talents of creative teaching are so inspiring. They enthusiastically embrace new activities to get their students out of their seats to learn in many different ways. Yes, science is happening in CK 4th grades which benefits our whole community now and into the future.

Washer Rebate Extended for 2011

Did you know that if you are a Kitsap PUD customer, you may receive a rebate check when purchasing a high efficiency washing machine? We are extending our $50 rebate for 2011. Kitsap PUD has mailed over $9,000 worth of checks to customers during the last five years. We do this to encourage customers to invest in efficient models when replacing their washers. These models generally use half of the water that older style washers use. Our customers have collectively saved over a million and a half gallons of water!

All you have to do is:

1. Purchase a qualifying efficient residential clothes washer.
2. Install the clothes washer in a residence served by Kitsap PUD.
3. Complete the application and mail it along with a copy of the sales receipt.

How do you know which washer to choose? When at the appliance store, many washers will be labeled "Energy Star". While this is great, it doesn't necessarily mean that the machine is water efficient. Our $50 rebate applies to machines that have a MEF (Modified Energy Factor) of 2.2 or above AND a WF (water factor) of 4.5 and below. Your appliance dealer should be able to look that up. You can also tell by the price. You will pay more for a highly efficient washer but the savings of energy, water and wear and and tear on clothing make up for it.

Go to www.kpud.org for a list of qualified washers. You will also find the rebate application there.

Don't forget to check on other rebates that are offered. While the Washington State Cash for Appliance Program is depleted of funds, PSE still rebates energy efficient washers. You can probably pick up that application form at the store.

Don't miss out on getting a rebate for saving water!

Prepare your Pipes for Freezing Weather

Thinking about Spring? Now that the Fa-la-la is over and the light is slowly returning, we want to be done with winter. However, it isn't done with us. Temperatures are dipping this week.
Make sure that you are prepared for freezing weather:

1. Learn how to shut off the water supply to your house. If you have a pipe break, you will really be happy to know where to go.
   
2. Insulate all exposed pipes including outside faucets. Don’t forget pipes in unheated outbuildings, garages and pump houses. Cozy pipes mean having water available when it thaws.
3. Disconnect all garden hoses. Shut off and drain any outdoor water features or irrigation systems. If you washed the car during the warmer weather, don't forget about the hose!
   
4. Keep temperatures in the house to at least 55 degrees F. It won't hurt to make a plan, just in case the power goes out . . .again.
   
5. In extended cold weather let an indoor faucet drip slightly. Select a faucet that is on an outside wall furthest from the water meter. Of course, do this prudently. A dripping faucet can raise your water bill.

Don't be caught again by a deep freeze.

Public Hearing To Increase Noxious Weed Fee

Tonight, December 6 is a public hearing for the Kitsap County Commissioners to decide if the noxious weed fee assessed on homeowners is to be increased to a whopping $2.00 per parcel. That is, what, a half of a latte per year? Knowing that we love our lattes, even during the recession, what do we get for our buck (s)?

Kitsap County's Noxious Weed Program is run through WSU extension.We have our own six member noxious weed board and more importantly we have Dana Coggin as staff. Dana is weed warrior extraordinaire. She is out there chopping, pulling and poisoning noxious weeds everywhere. Since the mission of the program is to educate citizens and encourage citizens to protect the county against invasives, she shares the wealth. You too can be a Weed Warrior with Dana. She holds organized eradication "parties" with homeowners all across the county

What is the big deal about these weeds? These plants have accidentally found a home here and are overpowering our native species. These exotics cause mayhem in the environment. They reduce habitat for animals and birds, reduce property values and recreational opportunities. They clog waterways and even poison humans and animals. The noxious weed board determines which weeds are part of the "dirty dozen". These plants are aggressive and, well, noxious, but there is a glimmer of hope that they can be eradicated. For example, dandelions and Himalayan blackberry aren't on the list because they are so widespread that they are definitely part of our landscape for good.

WSU is soliciting your comments at tonight's hearing. To find out more visit: kitsap.wsu.edu/noxious_weed/index.htm

Join the Washington Green Schools Team

Is your child attending a Washington Green School? If she attends Armin Jahr, Breidablik, Orchard Heights, Silverwood or the Island School in Kitsap she does!

Washington Green Schools is a web based program offered to K- 12 schools to help them reduce their carbon footprint. This program is not only educational - it really makes a difference. Green School students learn, take action and act as leaders in their community.

The web site, www.wagreenschools.org, gives step by step instructions about how to get involved. Schools concentrate their main efforts on one environmental area for an entire school year. Choices are:

• Energy Efficiency
• Recycling & Waste Reduction
• Toxic Reduction and Indoor Air Quality
• Transportation and Outdoor Air Quality
• Water Quality & Water Conservation

To be certified, schools must earn 100 total points in their chosen category. Schools get 10 points for just signing up! Upon completion, the whole school celebrates by unfurling a Washington Green Schools Flag. Schools choosing, say, water conservation (my favorite), will complete an assessment to find out about their water source, how much water their school uses and who tests the health of their drinking water. After that they take action that makes a lasting change in water use at their school. The students then act as cheerleaders, inspiring their community to follow their example. Schools can continue in the same category in subsequent school years or choose a new focus.

Kitsap PUD is a sponsor of Washington Green Schools beginning in 2011. Part of this sponsorship is co-hosting a workshop to help teachers and other Green School team members learn more about the program. Urge your child's school to join other certified Washington Green Schools in Kitsap County. Consider being a Green Schools team member. A great learning experience with lasting results.

Six ThingsTo Do If Your Water Pipes Freeze

One thing you can predict about Pacific Northwest weather - it will be unusual. A stretch of hot dry weather in summer – unusual. A white Christmas – unusual. A week of temperatures below freezing the week before Thanksgiving – unusual. It would also be unusual to have more than one big winter storm. However, don’t be surprised if there is more winter weather to come. Our phones at KPUD were ringing last week with tales of woe about frozen pipes. It’s time now to think ahead to our next deep freeze. Here are some tips:

Prepare For Freezing Temperatures

1. Learn how to shut off the water supply to your house.
2. Insulate all exposed pipes including outside faucets. Don’t forget pipes in unheated outbuildings, garages and pump houses.
3. Disconnect all garden hoses. Shut off and drain any outdoor water features or irrigation systems.
4. Cover footing and foundations vents. Keep temperatures in the house to at least 55 degrees F.
5. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes beneath sinks.
6. In extended cold weather let an indoor faucet drip slightly. Select a faucet that is on an outside wall furthest from the water meter.

IF Your Pipes Freeze

1. Be ready to turn off your water supply if the pipes are cracked a broken.
2. Do not use an open flame on a frozen water pipe.
3. Turn on a faucet that is fed by the frozen pipe so you can tell when it begins to thaw out.
4. Arrange a sheet of tin foil behind the frozen pipe to reflect heat back onto the pipe.
5. Blow hot air evenly onto the pipe using a hair dryer or heat gun. You can also wrap a heating pad around the pipe. Begin thawing close to the open faucet and work backwards.
6. When the faucet begins to drip – check for cracks or small leaks and get them repaired immediately.