Active Transportation/Parks/Trails

Mother's Day Presentation: Native Woman's Views on Lewis & Clark Expedition, Presented by Pat Courtney Gold

Where:  Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge:  28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642

When: May 10, 2015
12pm - 4pm: Plankhouse Tours and Children's Activities
Tour the Plankhouse on your own or guided by our experienced volunteers. Children's activities will be available as well.

2pm: Presentation: Native Women's View of Lewis and Clark Presented by Pat Courtney Gold

All the books written about Lewis and Clark were from a white man's perspective.  In this presentation, you will learn about the Native People's view of Lewis and Clark. Pat will explore questions like: How did the Columbia River matriarchal society see Lewis and Clark? What did they think of the smelly bearded men who ignored the sacred salmon in preference for dog meat? This talk will present a point of view not often talked about in regards to the expedition, and one that deserves to be heard.

Cost:   Refuge admission is $3 per vehicle

Take mom for a walk, a talk, and wildlife watching at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge this Mother's Day! At 2pm in the Cathlapotle Plankhouse Pat Courtney Gold, member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and accomplished weaver and artist will be speaking about the perspective that Native Women had of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. There will also be activities for families to connect with the culture and wildlife at the plankhouse, hiking trails, in addition to ample wildlife watching opportunities on the River 'S' Unit Auto Tour Driving Route. Check the Friends website ridgefieldfriends.org for maps of Refuge trails, or contact Plankhouse Director Sarah Hill at sarah_hill@fws.gov, or call (360) 887-4106.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, and the house will now be open weekends from 12pm-4pm. Every second Sunday of the month the Plankhouse will host a special event with speakers, guided hikes, and children's activities. For more information on the upcoming events, visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org/plankhouse/programs . 

Funding for these programs has been generously provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, the Community Foundation for SW Washington, and Umpqua Bank.  

For wheelchair access to this event, please contact Sarah at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or (360) 887-4106 prior to the event date.

Join a Hoyt Arboretum tour guide for a stroll through the arboretum to view the season's colorful blooms and learn about the fascinating transformation that is spring! Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a jacket, camera and water. Please meet at the Visitor Center; registration is not required.

Beginning Saturday, April 4, 12-2:00pm, weekly guided tours begin at the Hoyt Arboretum. Meet at the Visitor Center, 4000 SW Fairview, Portland, OR. Cost is free for HAF members, $3 donation for non-members.  Saturday tours will continue through the end of October, 2015.  Check the Hoyt Arboretum, http://www.hoytarboretum.org/events/upcoming-events1/ or call 503-865-8733 for further information.

Join us in our mission to protect, enhance, restore and revitalize the Slough and its watershed by joining our Volunteer Paddle Team!

Each year the Columbia Slough Watershed Council hosts dozens of educational paddling events that expose adults and children to the wonders of the Columbia Slough. We're seeking novice to advanced paddlers who would like to volunteer to assist with our Twilight Paddles, Slough School kids' paddles and our summer festivals. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

*      Assist staff members with canoe and kayak-based educational and recreational activities

*      Monitor and lead volunteers in the paddling area at events

*      Facilitate safe, inclusive on-water activities with kids and adults

*      Perform routine maintenance on boats and paddling equipment

Minimum Qualifications

*      Novice to advanced canoeing and kayaking skills

*      Strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills

*      Able to work in variable outdoor conditions, sometimes cold and/or rainy and dark

*      Able to take direction and initiative, provide leadership when needed

*      Able to lift 30 pounds overhead

Details and Registration

View of the full position description for application information and for instructions on how to register for our April 11th and April 16th trainings.

The Council has a lot of other volunteer opportunities, too. Check 'em out!

Venture out with a refuge naturalist for a free nature walk to explore the oak savanna, riparian forest and wetland ecosystems and natural history of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.

Topics will vary from walk to walk but will be appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes.

February Theme: Winter Twigs on the Refuge

March Theme: Signs of Spring