family friendly

Do you enjoy watching birds in wetlands, lakes, and streams, but are not sure what they are doing, where they came from, or even know their name? Do you want to learn more about bird behavior, migration, identification, or how to use binoculars? Join U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist, Michelle McDowell, to learn the basics of birdwatching and nature observation and open your eyes to the wonders that can be discovered at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Fall and winter are the best time to experience migrating waterfowl that travel through the refuge by the thousands. All experience levels are welcome.

Space is limited so register early by emailing or calling jenna_mendenhall@fws.gov 503-625-5944 x222. We explore the refuge in rain or shine so dress for the weather. We will take a leisurely easy stroll on our wheelchair accessible nature trail. Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them or borrow ours during the walk.

Join SOLVE for a free educational workshop!

Have you ever tried to identify a plant without its leaves in the dead of winter? With a few simple tips, you can identify native trees and shrubs on your next walk through the woods this season. Sage Jensen, a native plant expert, will teach you to use different features like color, texture, and leaf scars to identify plants without their leaves. This training will start out in the classroom followed by an outdoor walk so you can practice identifying winter twigs. Space is limited so please register today!

Click here to register!

Over the last two months the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church and volunteers have been working very hard on revitalizing the portion of Fairview Creek on the Church Property. In September – in conjunction with “No-Ivy Day” we cleared over 350 sq. feet of English ivy, Blackberry and other invasive plants throughout the site. During our second visit in October, the Rain Garden was expanded to over double its original size, and sheet mulching was started in preparation for the Pollinator Garden that will be planted in the spring.

However, this time at Smith Memorial, we will be planting three small planting areas in the restoration area (on the bank above Fairview creek). Species will include: vine maple, Oregon ash, tall Oregon grape, sword fern, thimbleberry, red elderberry, snowberry, red osier dogwood, Pacific ninebark, and willow species. We hope to plant 358 plants at this planting event! Come out, and help protect your Watershed!

This site represents more than four acres of ongoing habitat restoration efforts. Restoration began in 2010 with a small section of stream-side property; turf and weeds were removed and replaced with several hundred native plants, forming a thin but beautiful riparian buffer along the Conifer Park Home Owners Association walking path. On November 17th, we will be planting the treated areas - live stakes of cottonwood, willows, and red osier dogwood. This will be one our biggest plantings to date where we hope to plant several thousand plants over the next few months. Come on out and help protect and revitalize our watershed!

Dust off those boots and get your hands dirty planting native trees, removing invasive species, cleaning up litter, and helping restore critical habitat for native plants and wildlife. Join SOLVE at the Beaver Creek Tree Planting this Saturday, November 3rd, rain or shine. Dig in as we improve water quality, create wildlife habitat, and store carbon to slow climate change.

• All tools, gloves and supplies will be provided.

• For more information or to register, visit: www.solv.org, email morgan@solv.org, or call 504-844-9571 ext. 332. Or visit our calendar of events for a project near you!