The clocks did their falling back last night, making this the first of many dark afternoons between now and the spring equinox. Things move a little more slowly, not as much color, but they are still moving.

The year-end meeting with the Russell Family Foundation Board is later this week… not really sure what it will be like but I hope to be able to answer some questions about this year’s Puyallup microplastics pilot program, as well as explain what that will look like next year. The focus on the White River is going to be an interesting counterpoint to the numbers we got this year on the Puyallup. Two rivers, one watershed. As far as I can tell, this is not something that has been done very much.

Also looking into the trips calendar, I see a few coastal dates coming up, some chances to combine surf and surveys. Mostly beaches that I’ve been to on other occasions, going back to 2012. This time of year brings storms and big water… it will be good to get back out there.

Beyond these, we’re still banging the drum for a Plastic-Free Christmas, encouraging all of us to examine our holiday shopping habits this year in favor of less packaging, less plastic and a more sensible approach to what has become an incredibly crazy time of year. What are you doing to reduce your use of plastic this holiday season? (Send in your response – win a prize!)

And still getting out on the water. You?