conservation education

Differentiate between evergreens, and identify a tree in winter by looking at the bark and buds. Join naturalist Alice Froelich for a walk at Graham Oaks to unravel these mysteries and more. The forest at this natural area is a living laboratory of Northwest trees.  Ages: 11 and older. Preregistration required. $6/person, $11/family.

Lichens are all around, living on trees, rocks, houses and sidewalks. On this walk, learn natural history of lichens and techniques to identify them. Common lichens and sensitive species of the area will be identified in this hands-on walk. Put on your rain gear, and let's take a look at lichens!  1-3pm, $6/person, $11/family.  Age: 11 and older.

Winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year and is followed by the gradual return of the light.  Come celebrate the end and the beginning of this cycle by walking the prairie and ash forest at the St. John's Landfill. This landscape hosts a spectacular array of song birds, waterfowl, raptors, and mammals that live along the Columbia Slough. All ages. Preregistration required. $6/person, $11/family.

Amphibians and reptiles can tell us a lot about the health of our community. Both rare and common species can be found in Gresham.

• Gain a basic understanding of amphibian life history and identification.
• Understand the impacts of restoration, invasive plant species and development.
• Learn how your backyard landscape can support these species and many more.

Join us for an evening of speakers and discussion.

Speakers:
Laura Guderyahn, City of Gresham Natural Resources Program
Katie Holzer, PhD Conservation Biology, Portland Parks and Recreation
Ashley Smithers, Graduate Student Natural Resource Management PSU
Gaylen Beatty, Columbia Land Trust Backyard Habitat Program

RSVP to The Wetlands Conservancy at 503-227-0778 or megangarvey@wetlandsconservancy.org

See flyer. 

Join us for a day of fun and learning at Family Fun on the Farm day, brought to you by Metro. School is out for the day and you're invited to Sauvie Island Center's first-ever Family Farm Day on Tuesday, November 11th from 10 am to 1 pm. We'll explore the 16-acre Sauvie Island Organics farm and the grounds of Howell Territorial Park while learning about food, farming and the land. Our staff will guide you and your family through an exploration of our curriculum, designed for elementary school-aged children, including:

-Soil Exploration. Dig in and learn about healthy soil.
-Seed to Harvest. Plant, tend and harvest the Grow Lunch Garden.
-Healthy Snacks. Harvest fresh veggies and use them to create yummy snacks!
-Plant Parts Investigation. Explore the farm and plants we can eat.
-Wildlife & Food web. Who else has been foraging on the farm?
-Pollination Station. Meet these hard-working farm friends.

The event is free but pre-registration is required here.