Nature and Human Health

Do you have a little one who enjoys being outdoors? Are you wondering what they can do during the rainy season? Bring your littlest naturalist to the Refuge to stomp in puddles and learn to appreciate the wet weather that makes Oregon so green!

This preschool environmental education program invites children and their families to spend the morning learning about the natural wonders of the Refuge. Volunteer Naturalists will lead nature crafts, share stories, and guide hikes on Refuge trails. The Refuge supplies 'froggy' raingear for the kids, but adults should bring their own. Each date offers a different theme, so Puddle Stompers are encouraged to visit on multiple days.

Day 2 of a 2-Day Training Session. Why should you become a Volunteer Lead? "I became a Lead because I believe strongly in the importance of educating ourselves and the next generation about the need to care for our environment. Columbia Springs is a hidden gem right here in our own backyard and it is a pleasure sharing it with others!" says Ellen, a veteran Volunteer Lead at Columbia Springs. Volunteer Leads receive training, rewards, and access to exclusive events including talks with local experts about various environmental topics. Leads are required to attend both 2/3 and 2/4 training and contribute 20 hours of volunteer service to Columbia Springs.  Volunteer service can be helping at field trips, events, restoration work parties, and more. Registration required. Go to columbiasprings.org/events for more information and to register. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages provided at the training. 

Event: MLK Day of Service Volunteer Work Party

Date: Monday, January 18th

Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

Location: Columbia Springs

Contact: Kaley McLachlan Burton 360-882-0936 ext. 230 or volunteer@columbiasprings.org.

Cost: Free

Event Description: Make your "day-off" a "day-on" and give back to your community! All ages are welcome to join Columbia Springs for a "Stewardship Saturday" style volunteer service event. Groups of volunteers will work on several projects around our site that help maintain or enhance our recreational and educational facilities. Learn more at columbiasprings.org/events. Pre-registration is only required for groups larger than five people. Email volunteer@columbiasprings.org to register. 

Join Johnson Creek Watershed Council and Friends of Trees for a day of restoring habitat in this beautiful park. We will be removing invasive plants and spreading mulch to prepare for planting this winter. Join us for a day of hard work outdoors and friendly conversation. 

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help out. Work tools and refreshments are provided. Volunteers should dress accordingly to the weather and prepare to work in muddy or wet conditions.

RSVP to Danielle at danielle@jcwc.org or by calling 503-652-7477.

GO WILD and join Willamette Riverkeeper on Thursday, December 10th when once again we host the 2015 Wild & Scenic Film Festival at the  Hollywood Theater in Portland! 

Considered one of the nation's premiere environmental and adventure film festivals, this year's films combine stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography and first-rate storytelling to inform, inspire and ignite solutions and possibilities to restore the earth and human communities while creating a positive future for the next generation....Plus, it's a benefit for Willamette Riverkeeper!

Doors will open at 6:00 pm and the films will begin at 7:00 pm.

Films to be screened include:

Earthbook
Marie's Dictionary
The Ridge
Chuitna
Teton Hooping Contingency
A Line in the Sand
The Little Things

There will be a raffle, including 2 kayaks and other great items.  

Tickets will be available for advance purchase at REI for $10 and at the door for $12.