native plants

Bug Fest: Meet the Beetles!

Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 11:00am to 4:00pm
Metro
Address: 
15655 SW Millikan Way
beaverton, OR 97006
United States

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.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
Contact Email: 
metroparks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center
Venue Details: 
The Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a 222-acre wildlife preserve in the heart of Beaverton, Oregon. It features evergreen and deciduous forests, creeks, wetlands, ponds, and meadows. The park is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and smaller creatures. About 1.5 miles of trails are paved, while the remaining 3.5 miles are well maintained, soft-surface trails. The Nature Park Interpretive Center, Oak Trail, and sections of the Vine Maple Trail are accessible to the disabled. We also have a wheelchair that can be checked out for no charge. Highlights of the Nature Park Interpretive Center include classrooms, a nature store, reference library, and exhibit area. The Interpretive Center offers a variety of environmental education classes and activities for adults, children, and school groups throughout the year.
Cost: 
$3 per person; free for ages 2 and under

Papermaking for beginners at Graham Oaks

Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Metro
Address: 
11825 SW Wilsonville Road
wilsonville, OR 97070
United States

Bees do it and so can you! At Graham Oaks Nature Park, join papermaker Laurel Ann Bower and learn who invented papermaking, and how to make your own decorative paper from recycled materials. Suitable for ages 5 and older; children 16 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult. Free. Advance registration required. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
Contact Email: 
metroparks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Graham Oaks Nature Park
Venue Details: 
Explore trails, restored oak woodlands, a conifer forest and rich wildlife at Metro's new Graham Oaks Nature Park in Wilsonville. Ride your bike on the Tonquin Trail, stroll through a conifer forest or spot birds from a wetland overlook at Metro's Graham Oaks Nature Park in Wilsonville. This 250-acre destination is a playground not just for people, but also for wildlife. With restored oak woodlands growing bigger every year, Graham Oaks provides important habitat for native birds and mammals. Bring your family, bring your camera, bring a picnic to the sustainable new picnic shelter. Bring your curiosity, and learn how voters helped renew this special landscape. Three miles of trails traverse Graham Oaks, allowing visitors to explore several habitats in a single park. Cyclists and joggers can take the paved Tonquin Trail, which eventually will connect Wilsonville, Tualatin and Sherwood. A spur trail leads to a wetland overlook, perfect for bird-watchers; Coyote Way meanders through young oak woodlands. For a bit of shade, follow the Legacy Creek Trail through a rich conifer forest where thousands of species thrive. Be sure to visit Graham Oaks’ five plazas – perfect spots to rest, reflect and learn about the park. Be on the lookout for native wildlife such as white-breasted nuthatch, Western bluebird, orange-crowned warbler and Western gray squirrels.
Cost: 
free

Pioneer candle-making at Graham Oaks

Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Metro
Address: 
11825 SW Wilsonville Road
wilsonville, OR 97070
United States

Come to Graham Oaks Nature Park to make candles using an old-fashioned method. Learn the technique and then make yours unique. Suitable for ages 5 and older; children 16 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult. Free. Advance registration required. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
Contact Email: 
metroparks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Graham Oaks Nature Park
Venue Details: 
Explore trails, restored oak woodlands, a conifer forest and rich wildlife at Metro's new Graham Oaks Nature Park in Wilsonville. Ride your bike on the Tonquin Trail, stroll through a conifer forest or spot birds from a wetland overlook at Metro's Graham Oaks Nature Park in Wilsonville. This 250-acre destination is a playground not just for people, but also for wildlife. With restored oak woodlands growing bigger every year, Graham Oaks provides important habitat for native birds and mammals. Bring your family, bring your camera, bring a picnic to the sustainable new picnic shelter. Bring your curiosity, and learn how voters helped renew this special landscape. Three miles of trails traverse Graham Oaks, allowing visitors to explore several habitats in a single park. Cyclists and joggers can take the paved Tonquin Trail, which eventually will connect Wilsonville, Tualatin and Sherwood. A spur trail leads to a wetland overlook, perfect for bird-watchers; Coyote Way meanders through young oak woodlands. For a bit of shade, follow the Legacy Creek Trail through a rich conifer forest where thousands of species thrive. Be sure to visit Graham Oaks’ five plazas – perfect spots to rest, reflect and learn about the park. Be on the lookout for native wildlife such as white-breasted nuthatch, Western bluebird, orange-crowned warbler and Western gray squirrels.

Native bees to the rescue

Sunday, August 5, 2012 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Metro
Address: 
18892 SW Kemmer Road
beaverton, OR 97007
United States

At Cooper Mountain Nature Park discover the secret life of native bees – from carpenter bees to leafcutters. These gentle bees almost never sting and provide critical pollination, but they need your help. Learn to identify bees and the plants they eat, and how to install a bee nursery. $8 per person, ages 11 and older; under 11 free. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Advance registration required; call 503-645-6433.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
Contact Email: 
metroparks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Cooper Mountain Nature Park
Venue Details: 
Explore the trails, natural garden and visitor facilities and enjoy the views and rare habitats at the new Cooper Mountain Nature Park near Beaverton. Overlooking the Tualatin River Valley, the new Cooper Mountain Nature Park sits on the southern edge of Beaverton, shouldered by dense urban development to the north and open agricultural lands to the south. The 231-acre park offers visitors 3 1/2 miles of gravel trails traversing the park's rare habitats and natural features. Cooper Mountain Nature Park is operated through a partnership between Metro and the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
Cost: 
$8 per person, ages 11 and older

Twilight Tuesday at Cooper Mountain

Tuesday, July 24, 2012 - 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Metro
Address: 
18892 SW Kemmer Road
beaverton, OR 97007
United States

Dusk is one of the best times to see wildlife, especially in summer. On this relaxing walk, a Metro naturalist teaches basic techniques of wildlife watching and identification. Some mammals you may see: rabbits, deer, coyote, raccoon and bats. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair on site. Meet at the Nature House. Suitable for ages 10 and older; participants must be able to be quiet, sneaky and patient. Registration and payment of $10 per person required in advance; call 503-629-6350.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
Contact Email: 
metroparks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Cooper Mountain Nature Park
Venue Details: 
Explore the trails, natural garden and visitor facilities and enjoy the views and rare habitats at the new Cooper Mountain Nature Park near Beaverton. Overlooking the Tualatin River Valley, the new Cooper Mountain Nature Park sits on the southern edge of Beaverton, shouldered by dense urban development to the north and open agricultural lands to the south. The 231-acre park offers visitors 3 1/2 miles of gravel trails traversing the park's rare habitats and natural features. Cooper Mountain Nature Park is operated through a partnership between Metro and the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
Cost: 
$10

Mount Talbert's hidden beauty

Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
Metro
Address: 
10695 SE Mather Road
clackamas, OR 97015
United States

The rare white oak woodlands of Mount Talbert offer refuge for migrating warblers, tanagers, orioles and cedar waxwings. Move quietly through shaded groves in search of the elusive Western gray squirrel and learn to identify poison oak. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair on site. Trails are rough and steep in places. Suitable for ages 10 and older. $5 for adults; under 18 free. Advance registration required; call 503-794-8092.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650
Contact Email: 
metroparks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Mount Talbert Nature Park
Venue Details: 
The largest undeveloped butte in Northern Clackamas County, Mount Talbert rises as a forested green sentinel overlooking the web of development that surrounds it and the busy I-205 and Sunnyside Road interchange. Stretching from Portland’s Rocky Butte southward to the Clackamas River, a group of extinct volcanoes and lava domes lend unique geographic character to the region’s east side, providing important wildlife habitat and panoramic vistas. Mount Talbert is the largest of these undeveloped buttes in northern Clackamas County. The nature park includes the top of the former lava dome as well as the west facing slopes visible to the tens of thousands of people that travel I-205 every day or shop at the Clackamas Town Center. The park offers miles of new hiking trails, information about the cultural and natural resources found there and greater access to nature close to home.
Cost: 
$5 for adults; under 18 free

Family Nature Explorers: River exploration at Oxbow

Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
Metro
Address: 
3010 SE Oxbow Parkway
gresham, OR 97080
United States
Park/Trail: 

Cool your toes in the clear and clean, wild and scenic Sandy River at Oxbow Regional Park. Spend time catching and releasing bugs in the water and looking for animal tracks in the sand with Metro naturalist Deb Scrivens. $5 per vehicle parking fee.

Family Nature Explorers brings kids and adults together for open-ended nature exploration in Metro natural areas. Families meet other families with the same interests in nature and the outdoors. Kids meet other kids who love to touch, smell and study all things natural. Led by Metro naturalists and volunteers, each adventure explores a special theme – but trip leaders seize the moment when nature presents any unexpected learning opportunity. Bring a sack lunch. Children 4 and older are welcome with a parent, grandparent or guardian. $11 per family per program. Register for each program separately; come to one or come to all. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
Contact Email: 
metroparks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Oxbow Regional Park
Venue Details: 
Discover Oxbow Regional Park, a 1,000-acre natural area park nestled in the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge. Located within the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge, Metro's Oxbow Regional Park offers rare access to many of the region’s natural wonders while providing a variety of unique recreational opportunities. The river draws swimmers, rafters, kayakers and drift boats carrying anglers. Twelve miles of trails invite you to explore an ancient forest with centuries-old trees and ridges and ravines carved by volcanic and glacial flows. Oxbow is a great place to see wildlife and animal tracks. The area’s natural habitat makes an ideal home for wildlife such as mink, beaver, raccoon, fox, deer, osprey, songbirds, salmon, elk, black bear, cougar and many others.
Cost: 
$11 per family, $5 parking fee

Family Nature Explorers: Stayin' alive - fire by friction

Saturday, July 7, 2012 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
Metro
Address: 
3010 SE Oxbow Parkway
gresham, OR 97080
United States
Park/Trail: 

Join Metro naturalist Dan Daly at Oxbow Regional Park to learn how to make fire without matches by carving your own bow drill friction fire kit to take home with you. Learn about fire safety, construction and fuel selection. Participants use knives; the safe conduct of young children is the responsibility of their guardians.

Family Nature Explorers brings kids and adults together for open-ended nature exploration in Metro natural areas. Families meet other families with the same interests in nature and the outdoors. Kids meet other kids who love to touch, smell and study all things natural. Led by Metro naturalists and volunteers, each adventure explores a special theme – but trip leaders seize the moment when nature presents any unexpected learning opportunity. Bring a sack lunch. Children 4 and older are welcome with a parent, grandparent or guardian. $11 per family per program. Register for each program separately; come to one or come to all. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
Contact Email: 
metroparks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Oxbow Regional Park
Venue Details: 
Discover Oxbow Regional Park, a 1,000-acre natural area park nestled in the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge. Located within the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge, Metro's Oxbow Regional Park offers rare access to many of the region’s natural wonders while providing a variety of unique recreational opportunities. The river draws swimmers, rafters, kayakers and drift boats carrying anglers. Twelve miles of trails invite you to explore an ancient forest with centuries-old trees and ridges and ravines carved by volcanic and glacial flows. Oxbow is a great place to see wildlife and animal tracks. The area’s natural habitat makes an ideal home for wildlife such as mink, beaver, raccoon, fox, deer, osprey, songbirds, salmon, elk, black bear, cougar and many others.
Cost: 
$11 per family, $5 parking fee

Twilight Tuesday at Smith and Bybee Wetlands

Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Metro
Address: 
5300 N. Marine Drive
portland, OR 97203
United States

Take a relaxing walk at Smith and Bybee Wetlands on a long summer evening. Dusk is one of the best times to view wildlife, especially during summer. It’s about the only time mammals such as beaver, muskrat, otter, raccoon, deer and bats can be seen. A Metro naturalist teaches basic techniques of wildlife watching and identification. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair onsite. Suitable for ages 10 and older; participants must be able to be quiet, sneaky and patient. Meet in the parking area on North Marine Drive. Registration and payment of $6 per adult or $11 per family required in advance. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
Contact Email: 
metroparks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
Venue Details: 
At nearly 2,000 acres, Metro’s Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is the largest protected wetlands within an American city. This beautiful natural area is one of the region’s best-kept secrets, hiding in a part of Portland surrounded by port terminals, warehouses and other commercial developments. Most visitors to the natural area are surprised to find beaver, river otter, black-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles and Western painted turtles living only minutes from downtown Portland.
Cost: 
$6 per adult or $11 per family

Twilight Tuesday at Smith and Bybee Wetlands

Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Metro
Address: 
5300 N. Marine Drive
portland, OR 97203
United States

Take a relaxing walk at Smith and Bybee Wetlands on a long summer evening. Dusk is one of the best times to view wildlife, especially during summer. It’s about the only time mammals such as beaver, muskrat, otter, raccoon, deer and bats can be seen. A Metro naturalist teaches basic techniques of wildlife watching and identification. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair onsite. Suitable for ages 10 and older; participants must be able to be quiet, sneaky and patient. Meet in the parking area on North Marine Drive. Registration and payment of $6 per adult or $11 per family required in advance. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
Contact Email: 
metroparks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
Venue Details: 
At nearly 2,000 acres, Metro’s Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is the largest protected wetlands within an American city. This beautiful natural area is one of the region’s best-kept secrets, hiding in a part of Portland surrounded by port terminals, warehouses and other commercial developments. Most visitors to the natural area are surprised to find beaver, river otter, black-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles and Western painted turtles living only minutes from downtown Portland.
Cost: 
$6 per adult or $11 per family

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