conservation education

Do you love to volunteer in the community?
Do you need to fulfill your culminating service project time to graduate?
Looking for a cool way to hang out with your friends?
Do you want to save the environment?
Do you want to build your college and work resume?

If you said YES to any of these questions than you should join us for Youth Service Day's. This monthly volunteer service event invites youth from around Clark County to help the community and earn service time and just give back to the Vancouver because it feels good!

When you ask?  The last Thursday of just about every month!

Projects will vary each month but you can expect to pull English Ivy in parks, plant trees along Burnt Bridge Creek, clean headstones at cemeteries and so much more.  Plus you can plan to have a ton of fun! 

Contact Chante Starr regarding this program, chante.starr@cityofvancouver.us or 360.487.8611

Follow us on Facebook to find out about monthly meeting locations.

Tweet us @goplayvancouver     #vancouvervolunTEEN

If you've always wanted to explore the Clackamas Watershed, but haven't been sure where to start, come on a CRBC hike this year!

Spend a half to full day learning about geology, local flora and fauna, and the history of the Clackamas Watershed, while experiencing incredible scenery. This is a great opportunity to visit environments close to home, often pristine ones, that emphasize the natural beauty and biodiversity the Clackamas River Basin has to offer, leaving hikers with a greater sense of appreciation and motivation to protect these valuable resources.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming hikes:

June 21st - Thunder Mountain
July 12th - Bull of the Woods Fire Tour
August 16th - Mount Lowe and Rhododendron Ridge 

Read full hike descriptions including meeting locations HERE.

All tours are led by CRBC Board Member Bryon Boyce. See hike descriptions below for meeting locations. Bring plenty of water, a camera, bug spray, and a lunch. Be aware that temperatures in the upper watershed are cooler than in town so layer clothing for comfort and wear appropriate footwear. Hikes are free and participants will carpool. RSVP to attend by emailing Morgan Parks at MORGAN@CLACKAMASRIVER.ORG or calling 503-303-4372 x101. 

Next Hike - June 21st at Thunder Mountain

Description:  This diverse route crosses several high elevation passes and hillsides varying from dry rocky huckleberry fields to lush wet meadows, finally reaching the open top of Thunder Mountain at 5185 ft. To the north is Mount Hood, to the east Fish Creek Mountain, to the southeast Olallie Butte and to the south Mount Jefferson. Little remains of the once important lookout tower.

Wildflowers grace portions of the area. Local climate and soil conditions make a contrast between species-poor dry areas and species-rich wetlands. The route includes abandoned and active trails and decommissioned roads. There are several interesting geologic features remaining in this once-volcanic area.

This hike is mostly within the Clackamas drainage and rated as moderate at 8 miles in length with an overall elevation gain over 1000 ft. Meet at the Oregon City Shopping Center at 1900 McLoughlin Blvd. in Oregon City, at 8:30 am. Park in the lot adjacent to the entrance near the bank. This is a full day hike.

Join the Sauvie Island Center as we celebrate these hard working friends of the farm and learn about pollination. What role does pollination play in the food web? Why does clover honey taste different than wildflower honey? What kinds of insects and animals facilitate the pollination process?  All these questions and more will be answered when you attend Pollination Celebration on Saturday, June 21st from 10 am to noon at Howell Territorial Park on Sauvie Island.   A donation of $10 per family is requested to help offset costs associated with the event. 

Join wild food expert John Kallas and bushwhack through Portland's urban neighborhoods to find some of Fall's best and diverse delectables - nuts, fruits, and greens. Wild as well as landscaped edibles will be covered. Some eating may occur. You will later find most of this abundance in your own neighborhood. For information or to register visit the Wild Food Adventures workshops page.  Enrollment Limited! - Advanced registration reserves you a place in the workshop.

Join wild food expert John Kallas to investigate wild foods from marshes, fields, and woods -- including wapato or Indian potato, elderberry, wild cherry, and many other plants. This island was originally called Wapato Island by the Lewis and Clark expedition for its abundance of the plant. Wild blackberries should be ripe for picking while we are there, so bring some gathering containers if you wish to pick them after the workshop. For information or to register visit the Wild Food Adventures workshops page.  Enrollment Limited! - Advanced registration reserves you a place in the workshop.