conservation education

August "Guided Hike" theme: Wildlife CSI. Be a nature detective! We'll show you how to see clues in the natural world around you to figure out who has been there and what they were doing. Then practice your new skills in a game of "wildlife CSI"! You'll also learn about real-life wildlife crime investigators and how they help protect our natural resources. Guided hikes are the third Wednesday of most months. All-ages are welcome to attend these strolls through our trails and facilities as our staff leads guests through activities on a variety of natural science topics.

Meets in the SWIFT classroom inside the large, white fish hatchery building near the round cement fish ponds; parking is located west of the hatchery (toward the I-205 bridge) in the lot marked "Public Parking."

No registration required and we do not take advanced reservations; spots are first come, first served.

Free; $5 suggested donation

EcoChallenge gives you the tools and inspiration to reduce your impact on the planet and contribute to a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future -- while engaging the people in your life and having fun in the process. Choose a Challenge that stretches your comfort zone, stick with it for two weeks, and make a difference for you, your community and the planet!

We invite you to engage your organization, community, workplace, or business in the EcoChallenge this fall -- it's fun, free and makes a big impact.

The Intertwine Alliance continues its 2016 series of county summits with Investing in Nature for Healthier Communities in Washington County.

Join us for a look at the many ways nature keeps our communities thriving. It'll be a chance to find out about the range of efforts going on in the county supporting the health-nature vision, along with ways to connect your organization or programs to the work. Former Kaiser Permanente pediatrician and Intertwine Alliance Board Member Dr. Phil Wu will give a keynote address about the latest evidence supporting nature-based positive health outcomes. Attendees will be inspired, in the Innovation Cafe session, by projects going on in the county that are coming up with creative solutions to long-standing challenges.

And, as always, there'll be a social hour to connect with peers and new individuals/groups interested in working collaboratively in our region.

RSVP here by Sept. 28.

Learn about the bees, flies, beetles, moths and butterflies that provide vital pollination services in urban gardens, and discover which plants can help attract and support them. We will go beyond the bloom so you can find out how to provide water, shelter, nesting, and overwintering sites. Advanced registration is required. Register at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops.

Learn to create a low-maintenance landscape that conserves water, prevents pollution, and saves you time, money and energy. Get natural gardening & design tips that mimic nature, and make your garden a healthy place for children, pets and wildlife. Class covers native plants that thrive in the PNW, and other core naturescaping concepts. Where possible, workshop includes a short tour of a nearby garden. Advanced registration is required. Register at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops.