Conservation Education

Do you have a little one who enjoys being outdoors? Are you wondering what they can do during the rainy season? Bring your littlest naturalist to the Refuge to stomp in puddles and learn to appreciate the wet weather that makes Oregon so green!

This preschool environmental education program invites children and their families to spend the morning learning about the natural wonders of the Refuge. Volunteer Naturalists will lead nature crafts, share stories, and guide hikes on Refuge trails. The Refuge supplies 'froggy' raingear for the kids, but adults should bring their own. Each date offers a different theme, so Puddle Stompers are encouraged to visit on multiple days.

Do you have a little one who enjoys being outdoors? Are you wondering what they can do during the rainy season? Bring your littlest naturalist to the Refuge to stomp in puddles and learn to appreciate the wet weather that makes Oregon so green!

This preschool environmental education program invites children and their families to spend the morning learning about the natural wonders of the Refuge. Volunteer Naturalists will lead nature crafts, share stories, and guide hikes on Refuge trails. The Refuge supplies 'froggy' raingear for the kids, but adults should bring their own. Each date offers a different theme, so Puddle Stompers are encouraged to visit on multiple days.

Guidelines for Excellence Workshop: Non-formal EE Programs

What:  This one-day workshop will introduce participants to the newest publication in the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education series:  Non-formal Environmental Education Programs. These Guidelines offer a set of recommendations for developing and administering high quality non-formal environmental education programs.

Who should attend:  Environmental educators, administrators, or program developers who are concerned about the quality of non-formal environmental education programs.

When:  Friday January 15th, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Where:  Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, 19255 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood, OR

Cost:  $35 (includes workshop costs, lunch, and books)
For registration form and more information: jmendenhall@friendsoftualatinrefuge.org or 503-625-5944

Supported by
The Oregon Environmental Literacy Program and 
The North American Association for Environmental Education
 

Mosses, lichens and liverworts are vitally ecologically important in sustaining the web of life. This is an opportunity to satisfy your curiosity about mosses, lichens and liverworts.

Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the biology, evolution, ecology, ethnobotanical uses and cultural anthropology of mosses, lichens and liverworts, as well as their role in fighting global climate change, improving urban air quality and as an integral member of the temperate rainforest ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. Participants will also have an opportunity to learn some of the primary species found in and around Portland and an opportunity to identify and experience many of these species in the field.

Day 2 of a 2-Day Training Session. Why should you become a Volunteer Lead? "I became a Lead because I believe strongly in the importance of educating ourselves and the next generation about the need to care for our environment. Columbia Springs is a hidden gem right here in our own backyard and it is a pleasure sharing it with others!" says Ellen, a veteran Volunteer Lead at Columbia Springs. Volunteer Leads receive training, rewards, and access to exclusive events including talks with local experts about various environmental topics. Leads are required to attend both 2/3 and 2/4 training and contribute 20 hours of volunteer service to Columbia Springs.  Volunteer service can be helping at field trips, events, restoration work parties, and more. Registration required. Go to columbiasprings.org/events for more information and to register. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages provided at the training.