Conservation Education

Description: The rare oak woodlands of Mount Talbert offer welcome refuge for migrating songbirds, and a revitalized oak savanna and wet prairie meadow bloom with a variety of wildflowers in the spring. Join Metro naturalist Ashley Conley on a walk to discover the beauty of this island oasis nestled between the bustling interstate and urban development.

Register:  Advance registration required through North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District, 503-794-8092

Where: Mt. Talbert Nature Park     

When: Saturday April 18th, 2015, 10a.m. to 1p.m.

Cost: $5/person, children 8-17 free

Ages: 8 and older

Difficulty: 2 boots out of 3 boot scale

Learn to build a rain garden! A rain garden is a sunken garden bed that captures stormwater and allows it to soak back into the ground naturally. This workshop provides step-by-step details on how to plan, design and build your own rain garden. You'll find out how to decide the best size & placement, which plants to choose, and how to maintain your new rain garden. Participants receive a free how-to manual, and where possible, take a field trip to a nearby rain garden. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/. Information: 503-222-7645.

Get Involved at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse!

The Plankhouse is looking for new and enthusiastic volunteers interested in learning about and sharing local Native American Culture, NW History, and Archeology with public visitors inside the Cathlapotle Plankhouse. No experience necessary, just a desire to learn and share your knowledge with others. 

In our Docent Training, you will learn about the Chinookan Peoples of the Lower Columbia, the roles of a Plankhouse docent, and interpretive techniques to share the Refuge and the Plankhouse with the public. 

For more info, call (360) 887-4106 or email sarah_hill@fws.gov

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!

The Plankhouse is a very popular spring and summer destination, educating and inspiring visitors from all over the Nation and even the World.  Attend this training to gain skills to lead the public through this traditional Chinookan-style Plankhouse.  

Docents work on the weekends with visitors and/or during the week with school groups.  Topics include culture, history, and the everyday life of the indigenous people of the lower Columbia River.  

For more information contact the Plankhouse Coordinator Sarah Hill at 360-887-4106 or by email at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov.