educational course

Explore the benefits of gardening with Native plants! We will introduce you to common native plant communities in Portland, show examples of species that do well in similar growing conditions, share successful planting tips that will help them thrive and more! A native plant slideshow will highlight characteristics and desired growing conditions of many local favorite native groundcovers, shrubs and trees. You'll walk away with loads of information so you can decide which native plants will work well in your yard.

Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/.

Weeds--we all have them. Come learn how to identify the most common garden and landscape weeds along with some of the other more notorious plant invaders of the region. We will walk you through how these aggressive plants take over in your yard and provide some simple yet effective tips that will help you get the upper hand without turning to synthetic herbicides.

Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/. Information: 503.222.7645.

Less water + Less Work = More time to enjoy your yard! Learn how to design a low-maintenance, chemical-free landscape that conserves water and minimizes pollution, all while saving you time, money and energy! You'll get natural gardening and landscape design tips, take a field trip to a nearby naturescaped garden, and receive a comprehensive workbook and a native plant to get started! Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/. Information: 503-222-7645.

Multnomah County Master Gardeners'

Incredible Edibles Plant Sale 2015

From seedlings to supper, grow your own!

Give new meaning to "Picking up something for dinner!" with organic veggie starts and herbs for your home garden at the fourth annual Multnomah County Master Gardeners' Incredible Edibles Plant Sale.

Plant starts from the Incredible Edibles Plant Sale  are local, organically-grown varieties specifically selected for their ability to thrive in Pacific Northwest conditions, so you'll soon be harvesting nutritious, fresh-picked goodness for your table! Look for a luscious array of both heirlooms and hybrids among the proven varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuces, herbs, edible flowers and more.

OSU Extension-trained Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand so you can 'Get the Real Dirt'  on plant problems, pest control and other gardening questions.

'Plant. Grow. Eat.' workshops  are scheduled throughout the day to inspire and provide education for new adventures in growing your own food. New to growing edibles? The Incredible Edibles Plant Sale is the place for you, with lots of information and helpful Master Gardeners to launch you successfully on growing your own food.

Bop while you shop to fun, lively, musical entertainment  and check out the art and food vendors.

Proceeds  from the sale further the work of the Multnomah County Master Gardeners, whose mission is to support the OSU Extension Service Master Gardener program and to educate the public about all aspects of successfully and sustainably growing and caring for plants.

You've seen Multnomah County Master Gardener volunteers at your neighborhood Farmers Market and other community events, but Master Gardener volunteers also:

*Donate produce from the Multnomah County Community Demonstration Garden to local food banks

*Host a monthly Speaker Series, free and open to the public, where guest horticulture experts share their knowledge on a range of relevant gardening and environmental topics.

*Provide horticulture lessons to young people being treated at Doernbecher Children's Hospital

*Instruct Seed to Supper classes in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank

*Teach gardening methods that support successful gardening and environmental stewardship at area schools, libraries, parks, and community gardens throughout Multnomah County

For more information go to www.multnomahmastergardeners.org/edibles or email

multmastergardeners@gmail.com, or call (503)445-4608

Free admission. Everyone welcome.

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1pm on April 12th
Carty Unit at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Just 25 minutes North of Portland, OR

Join a Refuge Naturalist and take a walk along the Oaks to Wetlands trail to discover the wildlife that calls the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge home.

This hike is one of several activities that will be happening this day to kick off the Spring Opening of the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, including a spring wild foods hike, and from 12-4 Plankhouse tours and other Children's activities. 

The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is a contemporary Chinookan style Plankhouse located on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The house was built in 2005 as a partnership with the Chinook Indian Nation, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Its mission is to share the lifeways, culture, and history of Chinookan Peoples of the Lower Columbia, and the natural resources of the Refuge.