educational course

The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is looking for new volunteers for the 2014 season! 

Are you curious about...

Local Native American Culture? Traditional Columbia River Art?Pacific Northwest History? Ancestral Skills? Archeology?Wildlife? Nature?

Do you love to...

Learn about other cultures? Share your experiences and knowledge with others? Meet new people? Tell stories?

Get involved at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge!

We are looking for new people to join our team of amazing volunteer docents that staff the Plankhouse during the weekends or help us teach school groups during the week. Open to everyone, there is no special experience needed, just a desire to learn and share the natural and cultural history of the Refuge with others. By the end of the orientation  you will understand what our docents do,  learn more about Chinookan lifeways and Refuge archaeology, and be ready to take the next steps to become a part of the team.  For more info or to RSVP  please contact Sarah Hill , Plankhouse Coordinator, at sarah_hill@fws.gov  or call (360) 887-4106 .

New Volunteer Orientation/Training April 5, 10AM-3PM

Meet at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge : Carty Unit lower parking lot: 28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield WA 98624

If you are interested in getting involved, but can't make the training, contact Sarah Hill at sarah_hill@fws.gov to arrange alternate training plans. 

Learn to photograph the amazing display of spring blooms at Hoyt Arboretum! Instructor Trygve Steen will lead the class, which is open to individuals familiar with their personal point and shoot cameras. Class participants will need to bring their own cameras that are ideally equipped with flash. Participants will also need at least two white handkerchiefs for the class. Pre-registration is required. Please sign up online here, or call (503) 823-1649.

Dig into sustainable gardening! Naturescaping is the practice of using native plants to create sustainable landscapes that are good for people, pets & wildlife. Learn how to design a low-maintenance, chemical-free landscape that conserves water and minimizes pollution, all while saving you time, money and energy! You'll get natural gardening and landscape design tips, take a field trip to a nearby naturescaped garden, and receive a comprehensive workbook and a native plant to get started! Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/all-events/nat.... Information: 503-222-7645

Want to create a thriving, low-cost, low-maintenance garden that is free from chemicals? This is the class for you! Learn how to design a low-maintenance, low-cost landscape that conserves water, prevents pollution, and saves you time, money and energy! Explore how gardening with native plants makes your outdoor space a vibrant & healthy place for people, pets and wildlife. You'll discover a plethora of fresh ideas, tips & resources to bring back to your yard. Pre-registration is required. Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/all-events/nat.... Information: 503.222.7645

Learn to build your own rain garden! A rain garden is a sunken garden bed that captures stormwater and allows it to soak back into the ground naturally. Part of a larger effort to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution from entering local waterways, this workshop provides step-by-step details on how to decide the best size & placement, which plants to choose, and how to build and maintain your new rain garden. Participants receive a free how-to manual, and where possible, take a field trip to a nearby rain garden. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/all-events/rai.... Information: 503-222-7645