family friendly

Where:  Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge: 28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642

When:  April 17, 2016

What: The Cathlapotle Plankhouse re-opens for the 2016 season on April 17th, 2016. The season will kick off with a special second Sunday event featuring the latest in Cathlapotle Village archaeology, artifacts excavated from the Cathlapotle site on display, and guided hikes highlighting spring and a family friendly hike focusing on Refuge Wildlife. The Plankhouse will be open for visitors from 12pm-4pm, and there will be kids' activities as well. 

**The Cathlapotle Plankhouse will now be open most weekends from 12pm-4pm. Every second Sunday of the month the Plankhouse will host a special event with speakers, guided hikes, and children's activities. For more information on the upcoming events, visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org.**

12pm: Naturalist Lead Family Hike

Join a Naturalist on the trail exploring the wildlife that live at the Refuge. This hour long walk will meet at the Plankhouse, and is geared towards families. Meet in front of the Plankhouse.

1pm: Presentation "What's new at Cathlapotle? Lots!"

Cathlapotle is one of the best preserved Chinookan Village sites along the Lower Columbia River, making it a tremendous window into the lives of Chinookan Peoples before contact with Euro-Americans in the early 1800s. Ken Ames, Professor Emeritus at Portland State University and one of the leading scholars in Lower Columbia River Archaeology will share the latest findings to come out of Cathlapotle, and connect these stories to the lands we all call home.

2pm: Spring Ethnobotany Hike

Join a Refuge Naturalist for a walk on the Oaks to Wetlands Trail discussing spring plants and their relationship with Chinookan culture. Participants should be prepared for a 2 mile hike on moderately uneven terrain. Meet at the Plankhouse.

12pm - 4pm: Plankhouse Tours and Children's Activities

Tour the Plankhouse on your own or guided by our experienced volunteers. Children's activities will be available as well.

Cost:   Refuge admission is $3 per vehicle

Contact: Sarah Hill, Plankhouse Coordinator; 360.887.4106/plankhouse@gmail.com

For wheelchair access to this event, please contact Sarah prior to the event date.

Join in Portland Parks & Recreation removing invasive non-native species, including English ivy, clematis, and Himalayan blackberry. Invasive species removal restores wildlife habitat and to encourages native species regeneration to prevent erosion and water run-off. Please wear long thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes. Bring a water bottle, rain gear and sunhat. Instruction, tools, gloves, water, coffee/tea and KIND Snacks provided. This is a family-friendly event and all ages are welcome but children must be supervised by an adult. Activities include: Invasive Plant Removal.

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/sylvania-natural-area-park-event

This year the park needs invasive species removal, possible nesting box installation and inspection of existing ones, litter patrol, and maintenance of riparian tree and shrub plantings. Activities include: Invasive Plant Removal, Litter Cleanup, Native Planting, Maintenance & Monitoring.

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/abernethy-creek-park-cleanup

In our continuing effort to maintain and improve Errol Heights natural areas, we will be removing invasive plants and litter. Activities include: Invasive Plant Removal, Litter Cleanup.

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/errol-heights-invasive-removal

Restore a beautiful nature park that has been overcome by English Ivy and other invasives. Tools and gloves will be provided, just bring sturdy shoes and a friend. Activities include: Invasive Plant Removal and Litter Pickup.

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/burnside-wilderness-park-eart...