family friendly

Columbia Springs is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donations and volunteers to help us give our community a place for educational, healthy, outdoor fun. Our fundraiser, Hooked on Nature, features live music, dinner, silent auction, live auction, and interactive displays about Columbia Springs' programs. If you want to have fun and support our efforts to get our community connected to nature and to get kids learning about the environment, then this event is for you! Mark your calendars - Registration opens in May. Visit columbiasprings.org.

Join veteran tracker Terry Kem in search of tracks and signs of wildlife along the banks of the Sandy River. Learn the basics of track identification and awareness skills needed to watch wildlife at close range. With practice, beginners can learn to read the ground like an open book.

Ages: 8 and older

Oregon's turtles are rare, shy and hard to find, but Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is home to one of the largest populations of Western painted turtles in Oregon. Learn about their natural history and examine shells of specimens found there in the past.

Ages: all ages

Join a Metro naturalist to learn about the wildlife and natural history of one of the country's largest urban wetlands. Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe will provide boats, paddles, floatation devices and instruction. Two adults in a canoe can add one or two young children. Detailed information about what to bring will be provided to registered participants.

Ages: 5 and older

Explore the calm back waters with a naturalist in search of wildlife in this large urban wetland. Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe will provide kayaks, paddles, floatation devices and instruction. Some kayaking experience recommended. Detailed information about what to bring will be provided to registered participants.     

Ages: 15 and older