preregistration required

Wild animals are difficult to observe, yet are all around us.  Tracking provides a way to unravel their mystery, enabling us to discern their presence and learn about their lives.  In this class you will learn to recognize the common mammals in the Portland area, using clues from both their tracks and trail patterns.  You will also start to learn how to interpret an animal's behavior based on its gait.  The class consists of a  2hr classroom session, followed by a 3 hour field session to put what you learned in the classroom into practice. 

Date and Location:

Thursday, April 9, 6-8pm: classroom session at Cascadia Wild, 5431 NE 20th Ave

Sunday, April 12, 9-noon: field session at Oxbow Park

Get Involved at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse!

The Plankhouse is looking for new and enthusiastic volunteers interested in learning about and sharing local Native American Culture, NW History, and Archeology with public visitors inside the Cathlapotle Plankhouse. No experience necessary, just a desire to learn and share your knowledge with others. 

In our Docent Training, you will learn about the Chinookan Peoples of the Lower Columbia, the roles of a Plankhouse docent, and interpretive techniques to share the Refuge and the Plankhouse with the public. 

For more info, call (360) 887-4106 or email sarah_hill@fws.gov

Join us in our mission to protect, enhance, restore and revitalize the Slough and its watershed by joining our Volunteer Paddle Team!

Each year the Columbia Slough Watershed Council hosts dozens of educational paddling events that expose adults and children to the wonders of the Columbia Slough. We're seeking novice to advanced paddlers who would like to volunteer to assist with our Twilight Paddles, Slough School kids' paddles and our summer festivals. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

*      Assist staff members with canoe and kayak-based educational and recreational activities

*      Monitor and lead volunteers in the paddling area at events

*      Facilitate safe, inclusive on-water activities with kids and adults

*      Perform routine maintenance on boats and paddling equipment

Minimum Qualifications

*      Novice to advanced canoeing and kayaking skills

*      Strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills

*      Able to work in variable outdoor conditions, sometimes cold and/or rainy and dark

*      Able to take direction and initiative, provide leadership when needed

*      Able to lift 30 pounds overhead

Details and Registration

View of the full position description for application information and for instructions on how to register for our April 11th and April 16th trainings.

The Council has a lot of other volunteer opportunities, too. Check 'em out!

Connect with your community and your local Wildlife Refuge! Become a Volunteer Naturalist with the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and learn about the amazing wildlife who call the Refuge home while giving back.

As a Volunteer Naturalist, you have the opportunity to instill a sense of wonder for nature in youth and adults alike. Naturalists receive indepth training in environmental education basics, interpretive storytelling, and the history of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Lead and assistant positions are available based on your comfort level and interests. Additional educational opportunities are available to all participants throughout the year.

Help kick off the training series by joining your peers for an evening get together on February 25th! We'll discuss the upcoming training, introduce Refuge and Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge staff, and introduce you to the wonderful Volunteer Naturalists who will serve as your mentors throughout the program. The full day training series begins February 26th and continues March 5th, 12th, and 19th.

Once trained, volunteers commit to providing support to the Conservation Education program as field trip leaders, group guides, and classroom based informal educators. Field trip season begins in April and continues through July, with opportunities extending beyond the spring season. Additional opportunities to work with varying age groups (including adults) and at different venues are available.

For more information and to register, please visit www.friendsoftualatinrefuge.org or contact Jenna Mendenhall, Conservation Education Lead Coordinator, at jmendenhall@friendsoftualatinrefuge.org

The Swainson's Thrushes have arrived!  Who, you say?  Then this easy introduction into the world of songbirds is for you! Let's say you've been going to Lunch with the Birds weekly, you've come on Morning Bird Song Walks, and you're still unsure about the difference between thrushes, tanagers and buntings. Put down your binoculars for a spell and get some basic information to help you make sense of the field marks and behaviors you see. Take an optional bird walk after the class.