preregistration required

Discover how beautiful native plants can bring these allies to your yard, helping fight pests and improve garden productivity. Learn which natives might be right for your yard and how to plant and care for them without harmful garden chemicals. Learn effective ways to control pests without harming bees, find attractive plants to provide pollen, nectar and habitat in every month of the year and get tips for attracting pollinators of all sorts. Plus, find out where to get native plants in your area.

Day 2 of a 2-Day Training Session. Why should you become a Volunteer Lead? "I became a Lead because I believe strongly in the importance of educating ourselves and the next generation about the need to care for our environment. Columbia Springs is a hidden gem right here in our own backyard and it is a pleasure sharing it with others!" says Ellen, a veteran Volunteer Lead at Columbia Springs. Volunteer Leads receive training, rewards, and access to exclusive events including talks with local experts about various environmental topics. Leads are required to attend both 2/3 and 2/4 training and contribute 20 hours of volunteer service to Columbia Springs.  Volunteer service can be helping at field trips, events, restoration work parties, and more. Registration required. Go to columbiasprings.org/events for more information and to register. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages provided at the training. 

Have you ever taken a winter walk in the woods and wondered what those deciduous trees are? Join an arborist to learn the clues in twigs, bark, and fruit that allow you to identify species without their leaves. 

February marks the beginning of a rapid increase in daylight. Experience how the birds react to the expanding daylight by ramping up their vocal activity and learn how to recognize many of their distinct songs and alarm patterns.

Ages:  8 and up

Register:  Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, 503-629-6350

The Pacific Northwest is filled with geological wonders, and the densely populated metropolitan area is no exception. Newell Creek Canyon in Oregon City has layers of stories written into the landscape. Join a naturalist to learn about the geology in this steep canyon and the surrounding area.  

Ages: 12 and up