family friendly

Sunrise is a wonderful time to observe wildlife.  Join long-time staff and wetlands educator Sarah Pinnock for a leisurely walk around Jackson Bottom Wetlands as we watch for birds leaving their night roosts, look for tracks and other kinds of animal sign and greet the new day in a beautiful place.  The event is free and no registration is required.  Participants may stay the entire two hours, or leave earlier as needed.  Meet at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center, 2600 S.W. Hillsboro Highway, Hillsboro, Oregon.  Dress for the weather and wear shoes or boots that can get wet and/or muddy.

Get to know your plant neighbors by coming to Jackson Bottom! Wherever you live, chances are good that many of the native species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers growing here also grow right outside your door. After some botany basics indoors we venture out to explore the plant world around us using our senses of sight, touch and smell. Expect to be on a first name basis with many of your plant neighbors after this engaging class.

Celebrate Earth Day and welcome the return of bats to Oregon with this introduction into their fascinating night-time world. Learn about bats around the world, how they live and why they are important. What threats do they face to their continued existence? Is it just coincidence that Oregon has fifteen species of owls AND bats? After the program we go outside with special bat detectors and listen for bats over Jackson Bottom!  Long-time JBWP volunteer, Wolfgang Dempke, presents this program.

Join us every Wednesday from noon - 1 pm for Lunch with the Birds! Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. A few pairs of loaner binoculars are available. We meet rain or shine and spend our time outside. This event is free for all ages and you do not need to pre-register.  All four May dates (6, 13, 20, 27) are held at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve Education Building.  The natural landscaped grounds around the building are wheelchair accessible.

Join us every Wednesday from noon - 1 pm for Lunch with the Birds! Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. A few pairs of loaner binoculars are available. We meet rain or shine and spend our time outside. This event is free for all ages and you do not need to pre-register.  All Februray dates (4, 11, 18, 25) are held at Turner Creek Park located at 789 SE 31st Court, Hillsboro, 97123.  Directions:  If approaching from the north, turn south on SE 32nd from E. Main Street (called W. Baseline if you are east of Brookwood Ave).  In about 5 blocks turn Right on Maple, left on SE 31rst Court and left into Turner Creek Park.  If approaching from the south, turn right on Cypress Ave from Tualatin Valley Highway.  Cypress turns into SE 32nd after making a big curve to the north.  Maple is your second left hand turn, turn left on Maple, then immediately left on SE 31rst Court and left into Turner Creek Park.