green living

A rain garden is a sunken garden bed that captures stormwater and allows it to soak back into the ground naturally. Part of a larger effort to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution from entering local waterways, this workshop provides step-by-step details on how to decide the best size & placement, which plants to choose, and how to build and maintain your new rain garden. Learn how a rain garden can add beauty to your yard and help restore overloaded urban streams at the same time! Participants receive a free how-to manual, and where possible, take a field trip to a nearby rain garden. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Register at www.emswcd.org. Information: 503-222-7645

Dig into sustainable gardening! Naturescaping is the practice of using native plants to create sustainable landscapes that are good for people, animals and the environment. Learn how to design a low-maintenance, chemical-free landscape that conserves water and minimizes pollution, all while saving you time, money and energy! You’ll get natural gardening and landscape design tips, take a field trip to a nearby naturescaped garden, and receive a comprehensive workbook and a native plant to get started!Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Register online at www.emswcd.org. Information: 503-222-7645

Big and little pirates alike are welcome to join the Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a family festival all about groundwater! Play fun games and go on a canoe ride in search of hidden treasure - not gold, but groundwater, a precious resource that flows beneath your feet! Come dressed in yer finest pirate togs, or else the Cap'n might make ye walk the plank.  Free prizes and t-shirts for kids. More information at www.columbiaslough.org.

Join SOLVE for a free, hands-on workshop and learn how to envision & lead successful volunteer projects to improve the environment in your community.

• When: Saturday, July 28th, from 10:30am – 3pm
• Where: Hillsboro Public Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy. Hillsboro, OR

The Volunteer Action Training is designed for community members organizing a volunteer project. Participants will learn the basics of watershed restoration and how to plan a successful volunteer project. Specific topics include volunteer recruitment and management, project logistics and safety, preventing volunteer burnout, working with the media, and fundraising. This training is free for those planning or partnering on a cleanup or watershed restoration project.

• To register or find out more: Go to www.solv.org, call Quintin at 503-844-9571 ext. 321, or email quintin@solv.org

Come see what creatures visit a garden and how they help it grow. Find animal footprints, see what brings butterflies and how to help birds eat better. Enjoy fun activities such as critter rock painting, animal origami, potato stamp footprinting and wildlife journaling. Ages three and up. Adult supervision required.