celebration

Around the world, vultures are facing hazards in the wild and their numbers are dwindling. As nature's recyclers, they play an important role in a variety of ecosystems, and it’s up to us to help save them. Learn more about these important birds and ways to protect them at Portland Audubon's celebration of International Vulture Awareness Day. Activities:

• Meet Ruby, Portland Audubon’s turkey vulture
• Compare your “wingspan” to that of an Andean condor’s silhouette
• Go on a scavenger hunt in Portland Audubon's nature sanctuary
• Make a crafted vulture and mask
• Learn fun vulture facts
• Figure out the differences between Old and New World vultures
• Discover why vultures are important
• Make a pledge to help protect vultures

There are more different kinds of insects and other arthropods on Earth than all other living things combined. From pollinators to decomposers, predators to parasites, and pests or even human food, they are “the little creatures who run the world” (E.O. Wilson). Yet many people find them icky and scary and wonder what good they are.

The 12th annual Bug Fest, a partnership between the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District and Metro, is a celebration of invertebrates and the critical roles they play in our environment. The event combines interactive discovery stations, crafts, games, and family entertainment with a range of activities that help attendees experience the boneless/spineless creatures that keep the world going. There are also plenty of live bugs to inspect and admire. Catch your own or bring them with you from home and have them identified by experts.

This year’s theme is “Meet the Beetles” and the discovery lab will have plenty of live examples of local beetles. Appropriate for all ages. Allow a couple of hours to see everything! Come to the Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center in Beaverton. $3 per person; free for ages 2 and under. For more information, visit www.thprd.org.

 As a part of the Bark Summer School Series, a crew of Portland dancers pays homage to Mt. Hood with original pieces, followed by the samba-reggae bloco ensemble, Skintight.  Come and learn more about Bark and how you can collaborate with them to protect clean water and wild ecosystems on Mt. Hood!  

Join the 17th year of the Columbia Slough’s paddling festival and canoe in search of eagles, otters and fish. Launch into the safe slack water of the slough and enjoy hands-on nature activities and tasty snacks for purchase. Meet at the St. Johns Canoe Launch at 9363 N. Columbia Blvd. in Portland. T-shirt provided. $7 suggested donation. Bring your own boat or make a reservation for a 45-minute rental through the council. For more information, visit www.columbiaslough.org. Hosted by Columbia Slough Watershed Council