family friendly

Join us on these nature adventures as we explore the wildlife in our local parks.  We’ll search for clues that animals have left behind and get up close looks at treasures from our naturalist’s backpack that may include skulls, pelts, pellets or even scat!  Each Knee High Naturalist Hike meets at a different site.  It’s a great way to get outside with your preschool child, meet other families, and learn about the natural world.  Only one registration per family is necessary.  Suitable for ages 2-5 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.  $8 per session, in-district.  An assessment fee will be charged for out-of-district patrons.

Greenway Park

We'll be on the lookout for gese and squirrels as we walk over the bridge and into the meadow.  Meet at the Fanno Farmhouse, 8405 SW Creekside Place.

Join us on these nature adventures as we explore the wildlife in our local parks.  We’ll search for clues that animals have left behind and get up close looks at treasures from our naturalist’s backpack that may include skulls, pelts, pellets or even scat!  Each Knee High Naturalist Hike meets at a different site.  It’s a great way to get outside with your preschool child, meet other families, and learn about the natural world.  Only one registration per family is necessary.  Suitable for ages 2-5 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.  $8 per session, in-district.  An assessment fee will be charged for out-of-district patrons.

Hyland Woods Nature Play Area

We'll explore the Hyland Woods Natuer Play Areaa as we walk and play beneath the large trees.  Meet at the southeast park entrance on 135th Ave. and Davies Road.

Follow nature’s cycle of life into fall as you learn about how change is good. Some cycles follow the seasons and some are the transition between generations. From newts and trees to mushrooms and wooly bears, learn about the cycles that these forest inhabitants go through at indoor exhibits. Venture out into the park to find evidence of these plants and animals on a self-guided adventure.  This is a family-friendly event that provides activities designed to inspire exploration of nature during the season where it is tempting to stay inside. Admission: $2.00 per person, children 2 and under are free. . 

• Do you love Oregon’s beaches and rivers? Then join thousands of Oregonians on September 22nd from 10 am – 1 pm for the SOLVE Beach and Riverside Cleanup, presented by the Oregon Lottery – at more than 100 parks, beaches, waterways and neighborhoods.

• This is your chance to literally dig in and do something good for our beloved state! Efforts will include planting trees, pulling invasive plants and removing trash before fall rains wash litter downhill into storm drains, waterways and out to sea. By preventing trash from reaching the ocean, you are sending a gift of clean water, healthy people and abundant wildlife downstream. 

• To sign up as an individual or group, go to www.solv.org, find a project near you (dates and times may vary), and click on "register." Then, show up at the time and location you have chosen wearing gloves and a smile. 

• For questions contact: morgan@solv.org or 503-844-9571 ext. 332

Vaux’s swifts are likely to use the Chapman Elementary School chimney as an evening roost during their fall 2012 migration. Grab a seat on the school lawn or in neighboring Wallace Park to observe the birds gathering overhead. On most evenings during September, Audubon volunteers will be on hand to share information about Vaux's swifts.

Please visit the Portland Audubon website for information about parking and public transit options, the natural history of Vaux's swifts, best times to arrive and more.

Background: Every year in late August, one of Portland’s most spectacular natural events begins: Thousands of Vaux’s swifts gather in the city as they prepare to migrate to Central America and Venezuela.

Migrating swifts often use chimneys as roosts (places to sleep), and they are likely to return to the same roost year after year. One swift population has been returning to the Chapman chimney since the 1980s, and it is the largest known roost of migrating Vaux's swifts in the world.