Conservation Education

Are you interested in becoming a citizen scientist at Hoyt Arboretum? Hoyt Arboretum's citizen scientists conduct meaningful research under the direction of either the taxonomist, Erin Riggs, or the curator, Martin Nicholson. 

Opportunities for research include conservation of the orchid Spiranthes romanzoffiana, Abies pollen studies, and horticultural observations of wild Cotoneaster and collection and our holly collection. Join Erin and Martin as they provide an overview of these opportunities.

Free to public. No registration necessary

Celebrate Earth Day at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge!

Go on a Guided Nature Walk, buy a native plant to go in your garden, paint with watercolors and learn about composting!

This is a free and family friendly event.

For more information go to: http://friendsoftualatinrefuge.org/

Calling all talkers! Help Columbia Slough share its mission with the community.

The position: Outreach volunteers represent the Columbia Slough Watershed Council at farmers markets, paddling festivals, street fairs and outdoor festivals all around North and North East Portland. The Outreach Taskforce shares our mission to foster action to protect, enhance, restore and revitalize the Slough with the community. Volunteers engage event-goers in conversation, field questions about the organization and its events and provide general enthusiasm around all things Slough-related!

Time commitment:  Scheduling is flexible. Volunteers are expected to commit to 1-2 programs per month over the outreach season (May through August) with the option of continuing until Fall. Get to know the position and the details by attending our Outreach Taskforce Orientation on Wednesday, April 13th from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. Contact us to get on an email list to stay informed about this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Enthusiastically represent the Council at various festivals and events
• Engage in conversation with the public around Council events and programs
• Maintain and care for outreach materials

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills
• Able to work in variable outdoor conditions
• Able to take direction and initiative

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Columbia Slough Watershed in N and NE Portland
• Interested in local flora, fauna and water quality issues

Location and Transportation: Programming also takes place at a variety of other locations across the watershed. Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the event site. Sites are generally accessible by car, bus, and bike.

Volunteer Benefits:

• The opportunity to engage with local communities and be a part of enhancing the Columbia Slough Watershed
• Networking
• Public speaking and hands on event management experience

Interested? Send a brief letter of intent (1-2 paragraphs) that explains your interest in this team to Volunteer Coordinator Hanna Davis at hanna.davis@columbiaslough.org or send your letter to 7040 NE 47th Ave, Portland, OR 97218.

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. Orientation Part 1 will focus on the logistical aspects of this volunteer team. Orientation Part 2 on the following Saturday will include on-water skill building. Volunteers must attend each session.

Scheduling is flexible. Volunteers are expected to commit to 1-2 programs per month over the paddle season (May through August) with the option to continue with Fall programming. Before orientation, volunteers complete a short, informal interview with the Council's Volunteer Coordinator.

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
*    Comfortable working with children and adults
*    Able to lift 30 pounds overhead

To apply
Please send a brief letter of interest to Hanna Davis at Hanna.Davis@columbiaslough.org describing your experience and interest or call (503) 281-1132 to schedule a time to speak over the phone.

Session 1: August 8-12 

Session 2: August 15-19

9 a.m.--1 p.m. daily

Calling all explorers! Have you ever wondered what an owl would pack for lunch? Or what animal bones look like under a microscope? At Nature Nuts Summer Camp we will explore the amazing world around us through crafts and hands-on activities, like magic tricks!

Nature Nuts is for children entering 2nd - 4th grade.

$159 per camper

Register now at http://www.columbiasprings.org/programs/environmental-education/summer-n...