seasonal natural interest

Join us for free urban nature adventures every third Wednesday, February through November (except April and July)! Each guided "hike" will consist of an easy walk or tour with a theme, appropriate for all ages. February's theme: the fish hatchery. Join us for a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look of how we raise trout, steelhead, and salmon! All ages are welcome! No registration required. Contact volunteer@columbiasprings.org or 360-882-0936 ext. 230 with questions.

Expand your knowledge of native conifers with Instructor Ken Denniston (author of nwconifers.com). Ken will help you identify the local conifers of northwest Oregon. The workshop will include classroom instruction and, weather permitting, a tour of native conifers in Hoyt Arboretum. Learn easy ways to distinguish each conifer species using both photos and specimens. Class attendees will receive a handy cheat sheet to identify native conifers with 99% accuracy.

Do you want to identify shrubs and trees by looking at the bark, twigs, and buds? Winter's barren branches offer subtle yet observable clues to help identify plants. Join a Metro naturalist in exploring the flanks of this extinct cinder cone to learn common Northwest plants before they leaf out.  

Ages:  12 and up

Register:  North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District, 503-794-8092

Explore Sauvie Island in search of magnificent eagles, hawks and falcons. Naturalists and hawk experts host activities at four sites around the island. Enjoy guided bird viewing, meet live raptors and see hawk identification displays. Free hot drinks and donuts in the morning. After check in at Kruger's Farm Market, you'll receive a parking permit, event guide, birding map and picture handouts. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. Allow about three hours. Sponsored by the Audubon Society of Portland, Metro, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Hawk Watch International.

Ages: All ages 

Bald Eagle, Osprey and Great Blue Heron all nest and raise their young at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. This class introduces you to the life-styles of each of these species and includes a walk of about two miles to view the birds at their nest sites.  Ages 12 -- Adult.
To register visit website (below) or call 503-681-5397. Program #: 49509    

For general program information contact Steve Engel.