tour

Raptor Road Trip

Saturday, February 9, 2013 - 9:00am to 2:00pm
Metro
Address: 
Kruger’s Farm Market
17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd
Portland, OR 97231
United States

Annual event celebrates birds of prey


9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9


Explore Sauvie Island in search of magnificent bald eagles, hawks and falcons that spend the winter on the island. On this special day devoted to raptors, experienced naturalists and hawk experts host activities and answer questions at four locations around the island. Enjoy guided bird viewing, meet live raptors up close and sharpen hawk identification skills. Hot drinks and doughnuts are available in the morning. Have breakfast with the birds!


How does the road trip work?


Begin at Kruger's Farm Market and pick up an event map and raptor identification guide. The event fee is $10 per vehicle, cash only, and includes a Sauvie Island Wildlife Area parking permit, which is needed to park at the sites. To reach Kruger's, take Highway 30 to the Sauvie Island Bridge and go straight on Sauvie Island Road 1.5 miles (past Howell Territorial Park). Kruger's Farm Market is located on the right. Carpooling is encouraged. Three of the four event locations offer wheelchair access.


Spotting scopes help with raptor identification and are provided, with naturalists on hand to point out the birds. Field guides are available. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. This event takes place rain or shine. The road trip is suitable for birders of all ages and skill levels, and families are welcome. While you don't have to be an early bird and get up at the crack of dawn to see these birds of prey, allow approximately three hours to visit all four locations.


What will you see?


It all depends on what nature has in store. Regularly sighted raptors include bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, American kestrels and Northern harriers. With a little luck, you might spot a rough-legged hawk, Cooper's hawk, merlin or peregrine falcon. Beautiful snow geese, sandhill cranes and great blue herons are commonly seen at this time of year, as well as abundant waterfowl.


Sponsored by Metro, Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and HawkWatch International. For more information, www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650
Contact Email: 
parks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Metro's Howell Terrirotial Park
Venue Details: 
Located on Sauvie Island, Howell Territorial Park is a great place for picnickers, bird watchers and history buffs.
 
 Visit a piece of Oregon history on Sauvie Island. Within this 120-acre park, the region's natural and cultural history come together in one serene, pastoral setting.
 
 Attractions include reservable picnic areas, a pioneer orchard, large natural wetlands and an authentically restored farmhouse built in the 1850s.
Cost: 
$10 per car

SW Trails PDX Monthly Urban hike

Saturday, January 12, 2013 - 9:00am
SW Trails PDX
Address: 
SW Sunset Ave and SW Capitol Highway
Portland, OR
United States

Cole Trusty will lead the walk on Saturday, Jan. 12.  It will be about 6 miles with about 500 feet elevation gain.  We will meet at Wilson High School and walk on parts of SW Trails 6, 3, 7 and 1 and some parts of the soon to be constructed Red Electric Trail.  The walk is steep in places and has some muddy downhill sections.  Bring clippers to remove a few overhanging branches.  It will be a very interesting and somewhat challenging hike.

Bring a snack and water and dress for the weather.  Well behaved dogs are allowed.  They must be on leash.  For health reasons, there is no smoking on SW Trails hikes.  Meet behind the bleachers at Wilson High School and be ready to leave at 9:00 am. (Sunset Blvd. and Capitol Highway)  For more information contact Sharon Fekety (fekety@hevanet.com).

Contact Name: 
Sharon Fekety
Contact Email: 
fekety@hevanet.com
Venue: 
North side of Wilson High School
Venue Details: 
We meet behind the bleachers.
Cost: 
Free

Nature Kids Preschool Open House

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - 4:00pm to 6:30pm
Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District
Address: 
15655 SW Millikan Way
Beaverton, OR 97006
United States

The Nature Park Interpretive Center will host an open house for anyone interested in learning about Nature Kids and companion preschool programs offered throughout the year. Stop in to meet the teachers, experience the programs, ask questions and register for hte 2013-14 school year. Children are welcome.

Contact Name: 
Karen Munday
Contact Phone: 
503/629-6350
Contact Email: 
kmunday@thprd.org
Venue: 
Nature Park Interpretive Center
Cost: 
FREE

Waterbird Watching 101

Saturday, November 17, 2012 - 8:00am to 10:00am
Address: 
19255 SW Pacific Highway
Sherwood, OR 97140
United States

Do you enjoy watching birds in wetlands, lakes, and streams, but are not sure what they are doing, where they came from, or even know their name? Do you want to learn more about bird behavior, migration, identification, or how to use binoculars? Join U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist, Michelle McDowell, to learn the basics of birdwatching and nature observation and open your eyes to the wonders that can be discovered at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Fall and winter are the best time to experience migrating waterfowl that travel through the refuge by the thousands. All experience levels are welcome.

Space is limited so register early by emailing or calling jenna_mendenhall@fws.gov 503-625-5944 x222. We explore the refuge in rain or shine so dress for the weather. We will take a leisurely easy stroll on our wheelchair accessible nature trail. Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them or borrow ours during the walk.

Contact Name: 
Jenna Mendenhall
Contact Phone: 
503-625-5944x222
Contact Email: 
jenna_mendenhall@fws.gov
Cost: 
free

Night Walk at the Tualatin River NWR

Friday, November 16, 2012 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Address: 
19255 SW Pacific Highway
Sherwood, OR 97140
United States

One of the best times to experience nature is when the sun goes down. Come learn about the adaptations animals have which allow them to be most active at night and discover the sights and sounds for yourself on a guided walk through one of the few urban refuges in the country. This event is family friendly. Limited spaces available and advanced registration is required. To register or for more information please contact Jenna Mendenhall: jenna_mendenhall@fws.gov; 503-625-5944 x222. Maximum group reservation size is 6.

Contact Name: 
Jenna Mendenhall
Contact Phone: 
503-625-5944x222
Contact Email: 
jenna_mendenhall@fws.gov
Venue: 
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
Venue Details: 
Just a few short miles from the center of Oregon's largest city, the honking of geese replaces the honking of cars. This special place is a refuge, a haven for wildlife and people. Born of a community's dream, and made possible by their support, a wildlife refuge now thrives in the backyard of a growing metropolis. Located on the outskirts of Portland, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is one of only a handful of urban national wildlife refuges in the country. Situated within the floodplain of the Tualatin River, the Refuge comprises less than 1% of the 712 square mile watershed. Yet, due to it's richness and diversity of habitats, the Refuge supports some of the most abundant and varied wildlife in the watershed. The Refuge is now home to nearly 200 species of birds, over 50 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles and amphibians, and a wide variety of insects, fish and plants. The Refuge has also become a place where people can experience and learn about wildlife and the places they call home.
Cost: 
free

A Spooktacular Bike Ride

Saturday, October 27, 2012 - 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Friends of Gateway Green & EPAP Bike Committee
Address: 
Portland, OR
United States
Park/Trail: 

Join Friends of Gateway Green for a family-friendly, fun, and festive Halloween-themed bike ride. Come dressed in your scariest, funniest, weirdest costume - even dress up your bike! We’ll haunt the streets of east Portland for an easy paced bike ride escorted by EPAP bike committee members. Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of Halloween fun on two wheels!

Directions: From downtown Portland - take I-84 east to exit 7 Halsey St., keep left on ramp, take slight right onto NE Halsey St., 1st right onto NE 102nd Ave., right onto NE Pacifc St. or I-205 south toward I-84/Portland/Salem, take Glisan St. exit 21A, left onto NE Glisan St., left onto NE 102nd Ave., left onto NE Pacifc ST.

Contact Name: 
Laura Goodrich
Contact Phone: 
503-501-7197
Contact Email: 
gatewaygreenpdx@gmail.com
Venue Details: 
Convene at the Gateway MAX Station
Cost: 
Free

BirdFest at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, October 13, 2012 - 10:00am to Sunday, October 14, 2012 - 4:00pm
Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 
3416 NE 239th Street
Ridgefied, WA 98642
United States

The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge would like to invite you to these years BirdFest celebration. Birdfest is an annual celebration of birds, nature, and Native American culture. This free event offers your friends and family to explore a gem of a wildlife refuge, learn about Chinookan culture, and attend talks, presentations, interpretive hikes, a salmon bake, and more all just 20 minutes north of Portland off of I-5. You can check out the schedule of events here: http://ridgefieldfriends.org/birdfest/schedule-of-events/. We hope to see you out and about during this wonder-filled weekend!

Contact Name: 
Sarah Hill
Contact Phone: 
3608874106
Contact Email: 
sarah_hill@fws.gov
Venue: 
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Cost: 
Most events are Free!

Salmon Bake, Free Tastings and More

Sunday, October 14, 2012 - 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 
28908 NW Main Ave
Ridgefied, WA 98642
United States

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge's annual celebration BirdFest is the weekend of October 13 &14. Every year it concludes with a traditional Chinookan-style salmon bake, complete with free tastings. You can also sample some delicious seafood soup, learn about Chinook culture in the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, attend talks, presentations, and there are activities for the kiddos too. Samples will be given out beginning at 2:30, and will be on a first come, first serve basis. Check out the schedule of events here: http://ridgefieldfriends.org/birdfest/schedule-of-events/. Hope to see you on this wonder filled weekend!

Contact Name: 
Sarah Hill
Contact Phone: 
3608874106
Contact Email: 
sarah_hill@fws.gov
Venue: 
Cathlapotle Plankhouse
Venue Details: 
Plankhouse is located on the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
Cost: 
Free!

Salmon homecoming at Metro's Oxbow Regional Park

Saturday, October 13, 2012 - 11:00am to Sunday, October 14, 2012 - 3:30pm
Metro
Address: 
3010 SE Oxbow Parkway
gresham, OR 97080
United States
Park/Trail: 

Spicy scents of autumn trees, giant golden leaves on maples and the silvery chatter of American dippers in the river. These are the smells, sights and sounds of Oxbow Regional Park in the autumn. Witness the return of wild salmon to one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier rivers – the glacier-fed Sandy – just 45 minutes from downtown Portland.

Naturalists are on hand at the river’s edge to help spot spawning salmon and interpret their behavior and life cycle. Special salmon-viewing glasses are available on loan. Salmon viewing proceeds rain or shine. The trail is unpaved and fairly level; wear good walking shoes. Inquire at the entry booth for starting location of the salmon viewing then follow the signs to the salmon! Suitable for all ages.  Free with a $5 parking fee per vehicle and registration is not required. Leave pets at home. For more information, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Contact Name: 
Metro parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
Contact Email: 
parks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Oxbow Regional Park
Venue Details: 
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. 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. 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. The park also offers a wooded campground, reservable picnic shelters, playgrounds, equestrian trails, and a number of environmental education opportunities.
Cost: 
free

Thanksgiving walk at Oxbow

Sunday, November 18, 2012 - 10:30am to 12:30pm
Metro
Address: 
3010 SE Oxbow Parkway
Gresham, OR 97080
United States
Park/Trail: 

Take time to celebrate the simple gifts of nature at Oxbow Regional Park with Metro naturalist Dan Daly and Terry Kem from Deerdance School. While walking along the Sandy River, open your senses and notice how wildlife responds to the changing season. Then gather around the campfire circle as naturalists share the "Thanksgiving Address" passed down by the Iroquois Nation. Hot drinks provided. Consider bringing a sack lunch for after the program. Suitable for adults and families. Meet at the boat ramp at 10:15 a.m. Free, but registration is required in advance. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. Leave pets at home. You can now register online for Metro activities. Go to Metro's online calendar (www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar), find your event by searching or browsing, and follow the instructions. For questions or to register by phone, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Contact Name: 
Metro Parks
Contact Phone: 
503-797-1650 option 2
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. 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. 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, 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. For more information call 503-797-1650 option 2.
Cost: 
free with $5 parkin fee

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