educational course

Want access to farm fresh eggs right in your own home? Learn the basics of raising your own chickens at a Columbia Springs Backyard Chickens Workshop! Chickens are a great way to provide your own food, and can help you reduce waste by consuming some of your kitchen scraps. Whether you have a few feet, or a few acres, you can raise chickens effectively. Join us to receive resources and tips on coops, feed and feeders, rules and regulations, flock health and size, caring for eggs, and more.

When: Thursday, September 1st, 6-8pm
Where: Columbia Springs Swift Classroom, 12208 SW Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA
Cost: $5 suggested donation

Pre-registration is required for workshops. To learn more and register, visit columbiasprings.org. For questions, email workshops@columbiasprings.org or call 360-882-0936 x224

August "Guided Hike" theme: Wildlife CSI. Be a nature detective! We'll show you how to see clues in the natural world around you to figure out who has been there and what they were doing. Then practice your new skills in a game of "wildlife CSI"! You'll also learn about real-life wildlife crime investigators and how they help protect our natural resources. Guided hikes are the third Wednesday of most months. All-ages are welcome to attend these strolls through our trails and facilities as our staff leads guests through activities on a variety of natural science topics.

Meets in the SWIFT classroom inside the large, white fish hatchery building near the round cement fish ponds; parking is located west of the hatchery (toward the I-205 bridge) in the lot marked "Public Parking."

No registration required and we do not take advanced reservations; spots are first come, first served.

Free; $5 suggested donation

Learn about the bees, flies, beetles, moths and butterflies that provide vital pollination services in urban gardens, and discover which plants can help attract and support them. We will go beyond the bloom so you can find out how to provide water, shelter, nesting, and overwintering sites. Advanced registration is required. Register at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops.

Learn to create a low-maintenance landscape that conserves water, prevents pollution, and saves you time, money and energy. Get natural gardening & design tips that mimic nature, and make your garden a healthy place for children, pets and wildlife. Class covers native plants that thrive in the PNW, and other core naturescaping concepts. Where possible, workshop includes a short tour of a nearby garden. Advanced registration is required. Register at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops.

Learn how rain gardens add beauty and color to your yard while helping restore the health of urban streams at the same time. You will get step-by-step details on how to plan, design and build your own rain garden. And discover tips for placement, plant selection, and maintenance. Where possible, workshop includes a short tour of a nearby rain garden. Advanced registration is required. Register at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops.