seasonal natural interest

Forest Park Conservancy: Kids' Discovery Hike

Saturday, July 27, 2013 - 9:30am to 11:30am
Forest Park Conservancy
Address: 
United States
Park/Trail: 

Bring your kids to Forest Park this summer! Explore Forest Park on a free guided hike led by Outdoor School instructors and designed for youngsters and their families and friends! Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this Northwest forest while learning about native plants, wildlife, and the inspiring history of Portland's Forest Park. Become a tree as it grows from seed to snag, count banana slugs along the trail and learn about the differences between native and invasive plants, without leaving the city. We'll go on scavenger hunts, tap into our collective creativity, and use all five senses to investigate the amazing ecological diversity of Forest Park. The hikes are designed for kids ages 4-10 with parent accompaniment. Each hike is free but space is limited, so reserve your spot now!

Contact Name: 
Lucy Cohen
Contact Phone: 
503-223-5449 x103
Contact Email: 
lucy@forestparkconservancy.org
Venue: 
Upper Macleay Park
Venue Details: 
Google "Upper Macleay Park @45.526915,-122.726383" for directions.
Cost: 
Free!

Forest Park Conservancy: Kids' Discovery Hike

Saturday, June 29, 2013 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
Forest Park Conservancy
Address: 
United States
Park/Trail: 

Bring your kids to Forest Park this summer! Explore Forest Park on a free guided hike led by Outdoor School instructors and designed for youngsters and their families and friends! Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this Northwest forest while learning about native plants, wildlife, and the inspiring history of Portland's Forest Park.

Become a tree as it grows from seed to snag, count banana slugs along the trail and learn about the differences between native and invasive plants, without leaving the city. We'll go on scavenger hunts, tap into our collective creativity, and use all five senses to investigate the amazing ecological diversity of Forest Park.

The hikes are designed for kids ages 4-10 with parent accompaniment. Each hike is free but space is limited, so reserve your spot now!

Contact Name: 
Lucy Cohen
Contact Phone: 
503-223-5449 x103
Contact Email: 
lucy@forestparkconservancy.org
Venue: 
NW 53rd and Wildwood trailhead
Venue Details: 
Google "NW 53rd and Wildwood trailhead @45.540533,-122.737327" for directions.
Cost: 
Free!

Pollination Celebration

Saturday, June 22, 2013 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Sauvie Island Center
Address: 
Sauvie Island
13901 NW Howell Park Road
Portland, OR 97231
United States

On June 22nd the Sauvie Island Center will host Pollination Celebration on the grounds of Howell Territorial Park and the Sauvie Island Organics farm. This event is for elementary school aged kids and families. Attendees will search the farm and native hedgerow for pollinators. Using kid-sized magnifying glasses they'll get a close-up look at how bees use their bodies to gather pollen. Magnifying glasses will also help attendees see how flowers and plants attract pollinators and facilitate the pollination process. Kids will even have the chance to play the role of a pollinator, transferring pollen from one plant to another. Other activities include a look at bee hives and honey combs, instructions for making Mason Bee houses and attracting pollinators to their gardens. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, enjoy the grounds of Howell Territorial Park and visit one of the many neighboring u-pick berry farms on Sauvie Island. The event is part of National Pollinator Week, June 17th - Sunday, June 23rd. Six years ago the U.S. Senate's unanimous approval and designation of a week in June as "National Pollinator Week" marked a necessary step toward addressing the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations.  Pollinator Week has now grown to be an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles. 

Contact Name: 
Joanne Lazo
Contact Phone: 
503.201.5923
Contact Email: 
joanne@sauvieislandcenter.org
Venue: 
Howell Territorial Park
Venue Details: 
The Sauvie Island Center is located in Howell Territorial Park and on the grounds of Sauvie Island Organics farm.
Cost: 
suggested donation of $10 per family

Bug Fest 2013

Saturday, August 24, 2013 - 11:00am to 4:00pm
Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District
Address: 
15655 SW Millikan Way
Beaverton, OR 97006
United States

Bug Fest is a celebration of invertebrates and the important roles they play in our environment. Exciting opportunities to learn about bugs will make you, no matter what your age, want to grow up to be an entomologist. Admission: $3 per person; children 2 and under free

Contact Name: 
Karen Munday
Contact Phone: 
503/629-6350
Contact Email: 
kmunday@thprd.org
Venue: 
Nature Park Interpretive Center
Cost: 
$3 per person, children 2 and under free

Summer Celebration and Salmon Bake

Sunday, June 9, 2013 - 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Friends of the Ridgefied National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 
28908 NW Main Ave
Ridgefield, WA 98642
United States

On June 9th the Cathlapotle Plankhouse will be hosting a Summer Celebration and Salmon Bake in partnership with OMSI. 12pm- 2pm: Special presentations in the Plankhouse will focus on NW Tribal Canoe Journeys and the Pacific Lamprey, a mysterious eel-like fish important to Native People of the Columbia River. 2pm: Free Chinookan-style salmon bake and seafood stew tastings until supplies last. Docent led Plankhouse tours, live lamprey encounters, and children's activities will be available from 12pm-4pm.


This event will highlight the relationship of Native people of the Columbia River to fish such as Pacific Lamprey, a little known eel like fish that migrates from fresh water, to the ocean, and back again. It will also serve to educate the public about the upcoming Tribal Canoe Journeys. There will be presentations focused on current efforts of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and area Tribes to protect and restore Pacific Lamprey and other important fish of the Columbia River ecosystem, and the role that Canoe Journeys play in NW Tribal cultures today. There will also be opportunities to meet live live Lamprey up close and personal, guided Plankhouse tours, and children's activities from 12-4pm. Special presentations on Lamprey conservation efforts and their importance to local Tribes, and Canoe Journeys will be from 12pm-2pm, with a FREE Chinookan style salmon bake and tasting at 2pm while supplies last.


The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is a modern Chinookan Plankhouse built to interpret the Chinookan village of Cathlapotle that once existed on what is today Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge property. At the time Lewis and Clark visited Cathlapotle, it had 14 large plankhouses and over 900 people living there. The modern Cathlapotle Plankhouse is used to provide educational programs to youth and the general public through our Lifeways, Landscapes, and Wildlife Interpretive Program. To learn more about the plankhouse visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org or contact Sarah Hill at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or (360) 887-4106.


Contact Name: 
Sarah Hill
Contact Phone: 
(360) 887-4106
Contact Email: 
sarah_hill@fws.gov
Venue: 
Cathlapotle Plankhouse on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Cost: 
$3.00 per vehicle

Farm Camp @ Sauvie Island Center

Monday, July 29, 2013 - 9:00am to Friday, August 2, 2013 - 3:00pm
Sauvie Island Center
Address: 
13901 NW Howell Park Rd
Portland, OR 97231
United States

July 29-August 2 - Sauvie Island Center Farm Camp.

9:30 - 3:00.  This camp is for children entering 3rd, 4th or 5th grade in the fall of 2013.   

Summer camps allow children to spend a week exploring the 16 acre Sauvie Island Organics farm and adjacent grounds of Metro's Howell Territorial Park. Each day at camp will be a new adventure, focusing on one area of the Sauvie Island Center curriculum, including: Healthy Soils, Plant Parts, Seed to Harvest, Wildlife and the Food Web, and the Pollination Station.

Sauvie Island Center's education staff will guide campers through exploration activities and a daily nature journaling exercise.  In addition, campers will gather produce from our Grow Lunch Garden and use their harvest to prepare fresh, tasty supplements to their own sack lunches.

One day during the week, we'll be joined by a chef from New Seasons Market, who will harvest vegetables and do a special cooking project with campers.

Other activities include nature-themed arts and crafts projects and group games.  Farm camp is an outdoor experience. Children will be outside all day, everyday soaking up the fresh air and sunshine.

Contact Name: 
Joanne Lazo
Contact Phone: 
5032015923
Contact Email: 
joanne@sauvieislandcenter.org
Venue: 
Sauvie Island Organics farm at Howell Territorial Park
Cost: 
$225

Metro's Family Nature Explorers at Oxbow Regional Park

Sunday, June 23, 2013 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
Metro
Address: 
3010 SE Oxbow Parkway
Gresham, OR
United States
Park/Trail: 

Family Nature Explorers - Oxbow Regional Park


10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 23


Bring your family into the woods for nature games with Metro staff and volunteer naturalists. Kick off your shoes, run in the grass, use your "owl eyes," stalk like a fox and play "nutty squirrels." Suitable for ages 4 and older. $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee. Registration and payment of $11 per family required in advance. Register and pay online by visiting www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar. Find your event by searching or browsing and then follow the instructions.

Contact Phone: 
503-663-4708
Contact Email: 
parks@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.
 
 Online camping reservations now available - Reservations can now be made online using a MasterCard or Visa. Pets and alcohol are not allowed in Metro parks or natural areas. Reserve your spot now, go to http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Oxbow_Regional_Park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OR&parkId=402500&topTabIndex=CampingSpot.
 
 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.More about wildlife and tracking 
 The park also offers a wooded campground, reservable picnic shelters, playgrounds, equestrian trails, and a number of environmental education opportunities. 
 
 Nature activities and field trips
 Visit upcoming events at Oxbow below, including animal tracking, ancient forest walks, salmon viewing, wildflower and mushroom identification classes, and programs especially for kids and teens. You can also plan your own field trip with a Metro naturalist especially for your classroom, group or organization.
 
 Location; From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light and turn right on 257th. Go 3 miles to Division Street and turn left. Continue east for 5 miles following the signs. Turn left on Oxbow Parkway and drive 1.6 miles to the park entrance.
Cost: 
Registration and payment of $11 per adult required in advance plus $5 per vehicle fee, $7 per bus

Metro's Animal tracking workshop

Saturday, May 25, 2013 - 10:00am to 1:30pm
Metro
Address: 
3010 SE Oxbow Parkway
Gresham, OR
United States
Park/Trail: 

Animal tracking workshop


10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25


Oxbow Regional Park is a tracker's paradise in spring, when beavers, otters, fox, mink, mice and deer leave their stories in the sand. With practice, beginners can learn to read the ground like an open book. Seasoned tracker Terry Kem covers basics of track identification and awareness skills needed to watch wildlife at close range. Suitable for all ages. $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee. Registration and payment of $11 per adult required in advance. Register and pay online by visiting www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar. Find your event by searching or browsing and then follow the instructions.

Contact Phone: 
503-663-4708
Contact Email: 
parks@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.
 
 Online camping reservations now available - Reservations can now be made online using a MasterCard or Visa. Pets and alcohol are not allowed in Metro parks or natural areas. Reserve your spot now, go to http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Oxbow_Regional_Park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OR&parkId=402500&topTabIndex=CampingSpot.
 
 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.More about wildlife and tracking 
 The park also offers a wooded campground, reservable picnic shelters, playgrounds, equestrian trails, and a number of environmental education opportunities. 
 
 Nature activities and field trips
 Visit upcoming events at Oxbow below, including animal tracking, ancient forest walks, salmon viewing, wildflower and mushroom identification classes, and programs especially for kids and teens. You can also plan your own field trip with a Metro naturalist especially for your classroom, group or organization.
 
 Location; From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light and turn right on 257th. Go 3 miles to Division Street and turn left. Continue east for 5 miles following the signs. Turn left on Oxbow Parkway and drive 1.6 miles to the park entrance.
Cost: 
Registration and payment of $11 per adult required in advance plus $5 per vehicle fee, $7 per bus

Metro's Sandy River Spey Clave

Friday, May 17, 2013 - 9:00am to Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 5:00pm
Metro
Address: 
3010 SE Oxbow Parkway
Gresham, OR
United States
Park/Trail: 

All day Friday to Sunday, May 17, 18 and 19


Come to Oxbow Regional Park for the largest gathering of anglers devoted to two-hand fly rod fishing in the western hemisphere. Enroll in the free Spey casting college. View on-the-water demonstrations. Meet Northwest fly fishing legends. Free with a $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee. Want to camp at Oxbow? Visit www. oregonmetro.com/oxbow for details about online reservations. Pets and alcohol are not allowed in Metro parks or natural areas. For event information, visit www. flyfishusa.com/spey-clave.

Contact Phone: 
503-663-4708
Contact Email: 
parks@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.
 
 Online camping reservations now available - Reservations can now be made online using a MasterCard or Visa. Pets and alcohol are not allowed in Metro parks or natural areas. Reserve your spot now, go to http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Oxbow_Regional_Park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OR&parkId=402500&topTabIndex=CampingSpot.
 
 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.More about wildlife and tracking 
 The park also offers a wooded campground, reservable picnic shelters, playgrounds, equestrian trails, and a number of environmental education opportunities. 
 
 Nature activities and field trips
 Visit upcoming events at Oxbow below, including animal tracking, ancient forest walks, salmon viewing, wildflower and mushroom identification classes, and programs especially for kids and teens. You can also plan your own field trip with a Metro naturalist especially for your classroom, group or organization.
 
 Location; From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light and turn right on 257th. Go 3 miles to Division Street and turn left. Continue east for 5 miles following the signs. Turn left on Oxbow Parkway and drive 1.6 miles to the park entrance.
Cost: 
$5 per vehicle fee, $7 per bus

Tour de Clack Restoration Bike Ride

Sunday, June 30, 2013 - 9:00am to 4:00pm
Clackamas River Basin Council
Address: 
Milo McIver State Park
24101 S Entrance Road
Estacada, OR 97023
United States

Put your pedals to the pavement with the Clackamas River Basin Council!  

On June 30th at 9:00 a.m., we'll be hosting the second annual free Tour de Clack restoration-themed bicycle ride.  Riders will convene at the Riverside Day Use Area at Milo McIver Park in Estacada, and depart on either a 30- or 50-mile loop through the watershed.

30-mile loop 
2,100' of elevation gain/loss 
Route Map
This route leaves Milo McIver beside River Mill Reservoir along a gravel path and then crosses the river into Estacada for the first stop--an installed bioswale at the Estacada Library. You'll then continue on through bucolic countyside and to a site on Eagle Creek near Bonnie Lure Park planted with native trees and shrubs as part of CRBC's SHADE OUR STREAMS project. Leaving here, you encounter the first two climbs and then a fast, fun descent to Barton Park and back over the river. The ride meanders on quiet roads through more farm land with fantastic views of the Clackamas River and Mount Hood. After another climb and downhill you arrive at the final stop--a fish habitat restoration project on Mattoon Road that features large woody debris, tree planting, and fish passage barrier removal. Shortly after leaving that stop the ride heads up Stormer Road, the last and most difficult climb. Don't worry, it's steep but quite short, and then you're a quick downhill away from the end of the ride and a dip in the Clack!

50-mile loop 
4,300' of elevation gain/loss 
Route Map
This more challenging option leads you through some of the finest road riding around. It departs along the same route as the 30 mile route and then splits off after the Bonnie Lure rest stop. Soon you head up Wildcat Mountain Drive and loop around the Bear Creek valley, through lush forests and past Eagle Fern Park. From there the ride gradually gains elevation through rolling hills to a rest stop at an engineered riffle and bridge replacement at Porter Road. More rolling hills lead you back down to the Clackamas River where you'll connect to the PGE multi-use path along the North Fork Reservoir. This will bring you to the last stop of the ride at Faraday Lake before you re-enter Milo McIver.

 

Participants can expect to see beautiful views of the upper Clackamas watershed, learn about the projects of CRBC, and have a great time!

Attendees should wear a helmet and bring a water bottle for refilling along the route.  Water and snacks will be available at all stops, and the route also includes stores where items can be purchased.  Riders must be age 15 and up.  

Please note that though the ride is offered free of charge, we ask participants to support our hosts at Milo McIver State Park by paying the $5 entry fee.  Participants can also consider making it a weekend getaway and camping at Milo McIver.

The Tour de Clack is funded by a grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.

Contact Name: 
Rebecca Walker
Contact Phone: 
503-303-4372 x101
Contact Email: 
rebecca@clackamasriver.org
Venue: 
Milo McIver State Park
Venue Details: 
We'll be in the Riverside Day Use area, near the fish hatchery. When you enter the park, continue straight at the stop sign and follow the paved park road until its conclusion at a parking lot.
Cost: 
FREE

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - seasonal natural interest