family friendly

Nothing says "Pacific Northwest" like the annual return from the ocean of the salmon, fighting upstream to spawn and die in the rivers of their birth.  In October, witness this ancient, iconic phenomenon at Oxbow Regional Park along the Sandy River, one of the nation's designated Wild and Scenic rivers.  During the annual Salmon Homecoming, naturalists are on hand to help you see the salmon and explore other aspects of the park's 1,000 acres of old-growth forest, hiking and equestrian trails and river beaches.  Take the chill off around the campfire.  Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or cider around the campfire.  Guaranteed to take the chill off and lift your spirits for a walk in the autumn woods. 

Join naturalists at the river's edge.  They'll help you spot spawning salmon and tell you about the salmon's behavior and life cycle.  Borrow a pair of polarized fish-viewing glasses onsite.

Learn more:  http://www.oregonmetro.gov/oxbow

Free of charge.  No registration required.

Vehicle charge:  $5 per car/$7 per bus

Pets policy:  To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at most regional parks and natural areas.  Pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife the region has worked to protect.  In natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and get closer to it.  Seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are allowed.  Please bring cleanup materials.  http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/pets-policy

Portland Audubon welcomes author and Portland hiking expert Laura O. Foster for a free presentation of her new book, Columbia Gorge Getaways. The book is a complete guide to the Columbia River Gorge, an 80-mile-long chasm that's one of the nation's few National Scenic Areas.

 Laura is the author of seven popular books on hiking and travel in the Portland region, including the recent Walking with Ramona: Exploring Beverly Cleary's Portland. She regularly appears at Audubon's Wild Arts Festival Book Fair. Contact the Nature Store at (503)292-9453 for more information.

Join the Clackamas River Basin Council, We Love Clean Rivers, and a flotilla of over 300 volunteers in rafts, kayaks, drift boats, and SCUBA gear to scour the Clackamas River's streambed and banks for trash. Each year, an average of 2-3 tons of garbage is collected, over half of which is recycled. This is the longest-running on-water cleanup event of its kind in Oregon.

Pre-registration is required at:
http://www.welovecleanrivers.org/clackamas-down-the-river-clean-up-sep/

All non-motorized paddle crafts may participate and launch at one of four parks: McIver (Lower Boat Ramp), Barton, Carver, and Riverside Park during a rolling start from 7:30-9:30AM. Boaters must have Class II+ whitewater experience, provide all their own gear, shuttle, and wear a life jacket.

On-water and on-land volunteer opportunities are available too! SCUBA divers and free divers are also welcome. Free BBQ featuring 3 Guys Grilling of Damascus and prizes at Barton Park for all volunteers from 3:00-5:00PM.

Whether you want to survive a zombie apocalypse, or cook healthier, cheaper meals for your family, foraging is a practical skill for all ages. Join plant enthusiast Eve Hanlin for a presentation and guided walk around Columbia Springs to help you identify the many safe, easy and free foods that grow in abundance right within our city limits.

When: Saturday, September 17th, 10am-Noon
Where: Columbia Springs Swift Classroom, 12208 SW Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA
Cost: $5 suggested donation

Pre-registration is required for workshops. To learn more and register, visit columbiasprings.org. For questions, email workshops@columbiasprings.org or call 360-882-0936 x224. 

EcoChallenge gives you the tools and inspiration to reduce your impact on the planet and contribute to a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future -- while engaging the people in your life and having fun in the process. Choose a Challenge that stretches your comfort zone, stick with it for two weeks, and make a difference for you, your community and the planet!

We invite you to engage your organization, community, workplace, or business in the EcoChallenge this fall -- it's fun, free and makes a big impact.

The 2016 EcoChallenge runs from October 14-28. What will your Challenge be?