conservation education

Interested in tracking phenology of native wildflowers? Would you like to learn to identify flowers from their seed heads? Volunteering as a seed scout with Metro's Native Plant Center may be a good fit for you. Volunteer requirements: a field application, two training days and a commitment to 40 volunteer hours, March through September. To register, call Marsha Holt-Kingsley at 503-701-7554 or download the application online at www.oregonmetro.gov/nativeplantcenter.

Annual event celebrates birds of prey

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9

Explore Sauvie Island in search of magnificent bald eagles, hawks and falcons that spend the winter on the island. On this special day devoted to raptors, experienced naturalists and hawk experts host activities and answer questions at four locations around the island. Enjoy guided bird viewing, meet live raptors up close and sharpen hawk identification skills. Hot drinks and doughnuts are available in the morning. Have breakfast with the birds!

How does the road trip work?

Begin at Kruger's Farm Market and pick up an event map and raptor identification guide. The event fee is $10 per vehicle, cash only, and includes a Sauvie Island Wildlife Area parking permit, which is needed to park at the sites. To reach Kruger's, take Highway 30 to the Sauvie Island Bridge and go straight on Sauvie Island Road 1.5 miles (past Howell Territorial Park). Kruger's Farm Market is located on the right. Carpooling is encouraged. Three of the four event locations offer wheelchair access.

Spotting scopes help with raptor identification and are provided, with naturalists on hand to point out the birds. Field guides are available. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. This event takes place rain or shine. The road trip is suitable for birders of all ages and skill levels, and families are welcome. While you don't have to be an early bird and get up at the crack of dawn to see these birds of prey, allow approximately three hours to visit all four locations.

What will you see?

It all depends on what nature has in store. Regularly sighted raptors include bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, American kestrels and Northern harriers. With a little luck, you might spot a rough-legged hawk, Cooper's hawk, merlin or peregrine falcon. Beautiful snow geese, sandhill cranes and great blue herons are commonly seen at this time of year, as well as abundant waterfowl.

Sponsored by Metro, Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and HawkWatch International. For more information, www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar.

Join us for a FREE workshop on creating quality habitat for nesting birds!  You'll learn valuable technical advice on how to avoid harming birds during critical nesting periods.  Workshop sponsors are West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Audubon Society of Portland, and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.  Please register by clicking Events at www.wmswcd.org.

Fourth Annual Garden Home Sustainability Fair

Free and open to the public - family friendly. Peruse booths on various sustainable topics and businesses from natural gardening to recycling to resource conservation to green living to saving money in your home.

This year the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation Dept. is a partner and will be participating!

Previous participants include: Master Recyclers, One Stop Sustainability Shop, Portland Purple Water, Tualatin Valley Water District, Regional Green Building Hotline, New Seasons Market, Happy Baby Organic Baby Food, and Green Depot. 

For more info or to get a booth contact Heather at 503-245-9932 or heatherw@wccls.org.

Love your Watershed? Learn about your Watershed!

Learn what you can do to maintain healthy watersheds for your community, fish and wildlife and future generations. Take our free volunteer training series, learn for yourself and then teach others to protect our precious resources.

Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
January 31 - April 4
All classes take place at the Clark County Extension office - 1919 NE 78th Street, Vancouver
In addition, two Saturday field trips are required. Dates TBA

To apply or for more information please contact:
jenifer.naas@clark.wa.gov 360-397-6060 x 5712
http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/ws/training.html or apply online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2013WatershedStewards

Offered by WSU Clark County Extension in partnership with Clark County Environmental Services, Watershed Steward training uses community experts and environmental professionals to teach the basics of ecology, hydrology, stream restoration, and the importance of native plants and fish.

After training, volunteers work on a variety of projects with the Watershed Steward Program and local environmental partners in public outreach and education, stream restoration, water-quality monitoring, classroom presentations, or community workshops.

WSU Extension Programs are available to all without discrimination. If you require special accommodation, call WSU Clark County Extension at (360) 397-6060 ext. 0 prior to the event.
http://clark.wsu.edu