tour

Bring your whole family to explore nature at night!  Whitaker Ponds has a high diversity of bat species who wait to hunt until after the sun goes down.  Join naturalist Elaine Murphy for a quick indoor bat talk and then a guided group hike. This trip is suitable for families with children aged 5+; pre-registration is required.  Space is limited to 20 people.  Suggested donation of $5/person.

Join the Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a free lunchtime tour. Learn about protecting Portland's underground drinking water source in the Columbia Slough Watershed, and view the solar array that helps off-set the Portland Water Bureau's energy needs. Lunch is provided at picnic tables along the scenic Columbia Slough trail. Advanced registration required; suitable for adults and children 10 & up.

Load up your canoe or kayak for a springtime paddle!  Paddler and naturalist staff will lead this group trip in search of birds, otters, turtles, and osprey.  $5 suggested donation, suitable for adults and teens 12, pre-registration requested.

You must bring your own canoe or kayak and lifejacket to participate in this paddle trip. NO equipment is available to borrow from the Council.

Join local birding enthusiast Rhett Wilkins for an early-morning bird walk around Whitaker Ponds.  Look for songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl and learn more about bird identification. Please dress for the weather and bring your own binoculars and guide books. Enjoy hot tea or cocoa on us for those who can stay after the walk. RSVPs requested; suitable for adults and teens aged 12 and up.

Learn about the history of water control in the Portland area and get an up-close look at the people, machines, and structures that keep parts of NE Portland and Gresham from flooding. Co-hosted by the Columbia Slough Watershed Council and the Multnomah County Drainage Districts, this tour led by a District Engineer highlights the water flow of the Columbia Slough waterway and the levees and pumps that maintain water levels. Free, pre-registration requested, suitable for ages 10 and up. Please dress for the weather.