educational course

On May 30, 1948 at 4:17pm the railroad dike burst, allowing high water from the Columbia River to flood Vanport City. Learn about the history of Vanport (the second-largest city in Portland at the time and predominantly African-American) and the specifics of the flood at this outdoor tour at the historic site. We'll meet at the Delta Park/Vanport Park & Ride and carpool from there. Suitable for adults and children aged 10+; RSVPs appreciated.

The only citizen from the Pacific Northwest to reach the U.S. High Court, William O. Douglas is also among the most prominent and effective advocates for the restorative powers of wilderness in our culture. This program explores his amazingly rich career as a much-published author--a voice for liberty and the value of international fellowship in shaping our planetary future.

            Come to see a preview of the film-in-the-works on William O. Douglas Liberty and Wilderness and a wide-ranging selection from his written works.  Between court sessions Justice Douglas traveled relentlessly, visiting Strange Lands and Friendly People, in addition to wild spots across America in Of Men and Mountains. His autobiographical Go East, Young Man was followed quickly by My Wilderness: The Pacific West and MW: East to Katahdin. He navigated in every direction--North to Malaya, West of the Indus--with great Freedom of the Mind. Thus he leaves us literary and inspirational guidebooks to his voyages and vision.

Spring is here and so are morels! Early spring morels, Morchella elata and false morels, Verpa bohemica can both be found in the Willamette Valley. Come learn the habitat of Morels and other edible and medicinal mushrooms. The best way to find mushrooms is to know their habitat. If you know what to look for, you just might find it. We won't be collecting wild foods on this trip, but we will be collecting the knowledge that allows us find where to go to eat. Riparian, river side,  habitats, and the edible and medicinal mushrooms that can be found at this time of year in the Willamette Valley and surrounding area. The class will be held at Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge across the river near Vancouver Wa. We will have ample opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing. You might also have the opportunity to see one of the newly translocated Columbia White Tailed Deer!

When: April 7th, 10am-2pm

Where: Meet at the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. There is the option to meet up and carpool from St. Johns area in Portland.

Cost: $25
There are limited spaces for this workshop. You must register at http://www.rewildportland.com/educational-programs/workshops/spring-mush...

About Our Instructor
Richard Gaines has a B.S. in Natural Science and over 30 years experience in identifying fungi. He has taught identification and medicinal mushrooms workshops for Evergreen
College.

Explore the views and wildflowers of Canemah Bluff this Mother's Day, May 12 with Metro naturalist Dan Daly.

1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12

Walk with Metro naturalist Dan Daly and learn about common wildflowers. Enjoy the serenade of nesting songbirds and views of the Willamette River and historic Canemah Cemetery. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair on site. The walk covers 2 miles over uneven trails, mostly flat with some inclines. Suitable for ages 6 and older. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration and payment of $6 per person or $11 per household required in advance. To register and pay online, visit Metro's online calendar at www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar, find your event and follow the instructions.

April 16&17 9am-3pm.  

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is seeking new volunteers to join thier team of environmental and cultural educators. 

Every year the refuge hosts over 4,000 students, along with hundreds of teachers and parents to learn about the rich natural and cultural resources of the area. The Refuge only has one staff person and one Friends employee that are dedicated to public cultural and environmental education programs, and they just cannot do it all themselves.  Luckily, it is not only fun but easy to engage youth in this beautiful outdoor classroom!  We will start off at the Fire Station by the Ridgefield/I5 junction for indoor presentations and activities, then move to the refuge in the afternoon. 
 
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!  Learn how to work with youth of many ages and backgrounds, the basic ecological concepts that they are learning and can see on the refuge, and the cultural and natural resources that make this place a thriving historical and natural destination.

To register or for more info contact Josie Finley at (360) 887 4106 or josie_finely@fws.gov

Check out the flyer here: http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/ridgefield/pdf/Education%20Training...