educational course

What happens in the park after the sun goes down?  We are pretty sure that the animals don’t start talking to each other like humans, but many of them do become more active.  Learn about the lifestyles of the bats, owls, and other nocturnal creatures that live in the park and in your own backyard. Bring a lunch, water bottle and two snacks. Dress for the weather. Suitable for ages 7 - 11 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.   An assessment fee will be charged for out-of-district patrons.

We're off to the coast range to see the herds of elk that congregate at the Oregon Fish & Wildlife's Jewel Meadows Wildlife Area and to discover why these large migrating mammals congregate in the one area every fall.  We'll also explore other sites while we learn about the other wildlife species that live in the coast range. Bring a lunch, water bottle and two snacks. Dress for the weather. Suitable for ages 7 - 11 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.   An assessment fee will be charged for out-of-district patrons.

Journey into the forest to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at night.  There are creatures that only come out at night so it is a perfect opportunity to see and hear them. Spend the first part of the program indoors learning about our nocturnal residents then head out into the park for a guided night hike.  Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350. $17 Fee is a family rate - covers one adult and up to two additional family members (children or adult). An assessment fee will be charged to out-of-district patrons.

Owl Prowl:  Journey into the forest at night to look and listen for courting owls, watch a slideshow, listen to recordings of owl calls and see preserved specimens up close. 

Get ready to brighten up this winter by learning how to attract birds to your backyard and learn some basic bird identification techniques.  Build a wooden hopper feeder for yourself or a gift.  $32 fee includes one adult and up to two additional family members (child or adult) and supplies for a backyard birdfeeder.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advanced registration required. Suitable for all ages. An assessment fee will be charged for out-of-district patrons.

A great chance for parents to have a night out while the kids get to experience the Nature Park in a way few others ever do.  Gather in the Interpretive Center, have dinner (pizza and veggies), then head out into the Park after dark to explore and look for wildlife. No flashlights needed! Suitable for ages 6-12 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350. $25 per patron, in-district. An assessment fee will be charged to out-of-district patrons. 

The Nature Park is home to a number of coyotes including new pups born each year. We'll begin with supper then examine a real coyote skull and pelt. After practicing walking silently, we'll head out in search of signs of the parks' resident coyotes. If we're lucky we may hear them howl!