conservation education

Bees do it and so can you! At Graham Oaks Nature Park, join papermaker Laurel Ann Bower and learn who invented papermaking, and how to make your own decorative paper from recycled materials. Suitable for ages 5 and older; children 16 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult. Free. Advance registration required. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.

At Cooper Mountain Nature Park discover the secret life of native bees – from carpenter bees to leafcutters. These gentle bees almost never sting and provide critical pollination, but they need your help. Learn to identify bees and the plants they eat, and how to install a bee nursery. $8 per person, ages 11 and older; under 11 free. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Advance registration required; call 503-645-6433.

The rare white oak woodlands of Mount Talbert offer refuge for migrating warblers, tanagers, orioles and cedar waxwings. Move quietly through shaded groves in search of the elusive Western gray squirrel and learn to identify poison oak. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair on site. Trails are rough and steep in places. Suitable for ages 10 and older. $5 for adults; under 18 free. Advance registration required; call 503-794-8092.

Join Metro naturalist Dan Daly at Oxbow Regional Park to learn how to make fire without matches by carving your own bow drill friction fire kit to take home with you. Learn about fire safety, construction and fuel selection. Participants use knives; the safe conduct of young children is the responsibility of their guardians.

Family Nature Explorers brings kids and adults together for open-ended nature exploration in Metro natural areas. Families meet other families with the same interests in nature and the outdoors. Kids meet other kids who love to touch, smell and study all things natural. Led by Metro naturalists and volunteers, each adventure explores a special theme – but trip leaders seize the moment when nature presents any unexpected learning opportunity. Bring a sack lunch. Children 4 and older are welcome with a parent, grandparent or guardian. $11 per family per program. Register for each program separately; come to one or come to all. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Take a relaxing walk at Smith and Bybee Wetlands on a long summer evening. Dusk is one of the best times to view wildlife, especially during summer. It’s about the only time mammals such as beaver, muskrat, otter, raccoon, deer and bats can be seen. A Metro naturalist teaches basic techniques of wildlife watching and identification. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair onsite. Suitable for ages 10 and older; participants must be able to be quiet, sneaky and patient. Meet in the parking area on North Marine Drive. Registration and payment of $6 per adult or $11 per family required in advance. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.