walking

Journey into the forest to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at night.  There are creatures that only come out at night so it is a perfect opportunity to see and hear them. Spend the first part of the program indoors learning about our nocturnal residents then head out into the park for a guided night hike.  Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350. $17 Fee is a family rate - covers one adult and up to two additional family members (children or adult). An assessment fee will be charged to out-of-district patrons.

Bugs:  Join us to search the park for nighttime bugs.  We will try a variety of techniques: light traps, beat sheets, log rolling and more.

A great chance for parents to have a night out while the kids get to experience the Nature Park in a way few others ever do.  Gather in the Interpretive Center, have dinner (pizza and veggies), then head out into the Park after dark to explore and look for wildlife. No flashlights needed! Suitable for ages 6-12 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350. $25 per patron, in-district. An assessment fee will be charged to out-of-district patrons.  

Harry, Ron, and Hermione wouldn’t want to miss out on this night! We'll make our own wands, have a feast, mix a potion or two, and then head out into the forest to learn about the magical creatures that live there.

A great chance for parents to have a night out while the kids get to experience the Nature Park in a way few others ever do.  Gather in the Interpretive Center, have dinner (pizza and veggies), then head out into the Park after dark to explore and look for wildlife. No flashlights needed! Suitable for ages 6-12 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350. $25 per patron, in-district. An assessment fee will be charged to out-of-district patrons.

Dragonflies, beetles, and worms- oh my! After a bug-free meal we'll set out with our bug-catching nets and equipment to hunt through the park to find some of its smallest residents. No leaf will go unturned as we search to learn about these bugs of all shapes and sizes.

As the seasons change, so does life in the Nature Park.  Learn about wildlife in this series of classes.  Hear stories, meet other parents and kids, and see natural treasures up close.  Each class includes a simple craft or coloring project.  Weather permitting, we’ll take a short hike into the forest.  Parent participation required.  Suitable for ages 3-5 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.  $8 per session, in-district.  An assessment fee will be charged for out-of-district patrons.

October 9: Animals in Autumn

October 16: Raccoons Ramble

October 23: Animal Senses

October 30: Halloween Critters

Join us on these nature adventures as we explore the wildlife in our local parks.  We’ll search for clues that animals have left behind and get up close looks at treasures from our naturalist’s backpack that may include skulls, pelts, pellets or even scat!  Each Knee High Naturalist Hike meets at a different site.  It’s a great way to get outside with your preschool child, meet other families, and learn about the natural world.  Only one registration per family is necessary.  Suitable for ages 2-5 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.  $8 per session, in-district.  An assessment fee will be charged for out-of-district patrons.

Willow Creek

Long boardwalks and giant trees will have us looking up and down for things going on all around us.  Meet at the park entrance on SW Waterhouse Avenue, just west of 158th Avenue.