Equity

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

When:  April 17, 2016

What: The Cathlapotle Plankhouse re-opens for the 2016 season on April 17th, 2016. The season will kick off with a special second Sunday event featuring the latest in Cathlapotle Village archaeology, artifacts excavated from the Cathlapotle site on display, and guided hikes highlighting spring and a family friendly hike focusing on Refuge Wildlife. The Plankhouse will be open for visitors from 12pm-4pm, and there will be kids' activities as well. 

**The Cathlapotle Plankhouse will now be open most 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.**

12pm: Naturalist Lead Family Hike

Join a Naturalist on the trail exploring the wildlife that live at the Refuge. This hour long walk will meet at the Plankhouse, and is geared towards families. Meet in front of the Plankhouse.

1pm: Presentation "What's new at Cathlapotle? Lots!"

Cathlapotle is one of the best preserved Chinookan Village sites along the Lower Columbia River, making it a tremendous window into the lives of Chinookan Peoples before contact with Euro-Americans in the early 1800s. Ken Ames, Professor Emeritus at Portland State University and one of the leading scholars in Lower Columbia River Archaeology will share the latest findings to come out of Cathlapotle, and connect these stories to the lands we all call home.

2pm: Spring Ethnobotany Hike

Join a Refuge Naturalist for a walk on the Oaks to Wetlands Trail discussing spring plants and their relationship with Chinookan culture. Participants should be prepared for a 2 mile hike on moderately uneven terrain. Meet at the Plankhouse.

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.

Cost:   Refuge admission is $3 per vehicle

Contact: Sarah Hill, Plankhouse Coordinator; 360.887.4106/plankhouse@gmail.com

For wheelchair access to this event, please contact Sarah prior to the event date.

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 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.

Celebrate Earth Day with us!

Enjoy a guided tour with local expert and author, James L. Davis.
We'll walk around the trails looking for birds before enjoying a delicious lunch from the Council.  Space is limited to 20 people; suitable for adults and children 12 & up. 

Advance registration required. $5 suggested donation.

Community clean up on waterfront path on east and west esplanade from Steel Bridge to Hawthorne Bridge. Activities include: Litter Cleanup.

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/portland-running-company-litt...

The Asian gypsy moth has been detected in north Portland.

Come to a public open house to learn more about the gypsy moth threat, the proposed control plan, and get your questions answered.

View the Environmental Assessment here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/ea/downloads/2016/gm-multnomah-oregon-ea.pdf