preregistration required

Rain Barrel Workshop

Wednesday, June 5, 2013 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Washington State University Clark County Extension
Address: 
1919 NE 78th Street
Vancouver, WA 98665
United States

The Watershed Stewards Program, a joint program of Clark County Environmental Services and WSU Clark County Extension, is presenting a very popular rain barrel workshop on Wednesday, June 5th (6:30-8:30 p.m.) at the 78th Street Heritage Farm.  Rain barrels are a good way to divert some of your home's stormwater runoff and to save water for the garden on dry days. 

The workshop includes instruction on assembly and installation, barrel, parts and snacks.  At just $35, this is one of the best rain barrel deals in town! 

Extension Programs are available to all without discrimination. If you need extra assistance, please contact us.

Register online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/324653 or with check or cash by contacting us.

Jenifer.naas@clark.wa.gov or 360-397-6060 ext 5712

Contact Name: 
Jenifer Naas
Contact Phone: 
360-397-6060 ext 5712
Contact Email: 
watershed.stewards@clark.wa.gov
Venue: 
Washington State University Extension at 78th Street Heritage Farm
Cost: 
$35 materials fee

Xeriscaping for Homeowners

Thursday, May 30, 2013 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Washington State University Clark County Extension
Address: 
1919 NE 78th Street
Vancouver, WA 98665
United States

Xeriscaping for Homeowners

WSU Clark County Extension and Clark County Department of Environmental Services will host a Xeriscaping workshop on May 30, 2013 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the WSU Extension offices on NE 78th Street.

Learn from professionals how to use your sprinkler less!  Learn about plants and watering techniques that save you time and water over the summer.

Xeriscaping, a concept for saving water in landscaped areas, involves planting with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce maintenance costs for your yard or garden. This workshop includes a discussion of native plants adapted to endure drought.  Learn about choosing appropriate plants for your garden, grouping them together with other plants with the same watering needs, and planting them in areas that are favorable to their growth.

Jenifer Naas, Watershed Stewards Program Coordinator, says, "Why waste our valuable drinking water on a lawn? Save money and water by designing a water efficient landscape."

Xeriscaping Workshop
Thursday, May 30 2013, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
WSU Extension offices at the 78th Street Heritage Farm
1919 NE 78th Street, Vancouver

Learn more about Watershed Steward workshops at http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/ws/

Pre-registration is required: Register online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/374680

Call WSU Extension at (360) 397-6060 ext. 5712 or email watershed.stewads@clark.wa.gov

Class size is limited to 30 participants. This is a free workshop.

Contact Name: 
Jenifer Naas
Contact Phone: 
360-397-6060 ext 5712
Contact Email: 
watershed.stewards@clark.wa.gov
Venue: 
Washington State University Extension at 78th Street Heritage Farm
Cost: 
0

Farm Camp @ Sauvie Island Center

Monday, July 29, 2013 - 9:00am to Friday, August 2, 2013 - 3:00pm
Sauvie Island Center
Address: 
13901 NW Howell Park Rd
Portland, OR 97231
United States

July 29-August 2 - Sauvie Island Center Farm Camp.

9:30 - 3:00.  This camp is for children entering 3rd, 4th or 5th grade in the fall of 2013.   

Summer camps allow children to spend a week exploring the 16 acre Sauvie Island Organics farm and adjacent grounds of Metro's Howell Territorial Park. Each day at camp will be a new adventure, focusing on one area of the Sauvie Island Center curriculum, including: Healthy Soils, Plant Parts, Seed to Harvest, Wildlife and the Food Web, and the Pollination Station.

Sauvie Island Center's education staff will guide campers through exploration activities and a daily nature journaling exercise.  In addition, campers will gather produce from our Grow Lunch Garden and use their harvest to prepare fresh, tasty supplements to their own sack lunches.

One day during the week, we'll be joined by a chef from New Seasons Market, who will harvest vegetables and do a special cooking project with campers.

Other activities include nature-themed arts and crafts projects and group games.  Farm camp is an outdoor experience. Children will be outside all day, everyday soaking up the fresh air and sunshine.

Contact Name: 
Joanne Lazo
Contact Phone: 
5032015923
Contact Email: 
joanne@sauvieislandcenter.org
Venue: 
Sauvie Island Organics farm at Howell Territorial Park
Cost: 
$225

Volunteer Crew Leader Training: Trails Edition

Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 9:00am to 4:00pm
Forest Park Conservancy
Address: 
Portland, OR
United States
Park/Trail: 

Forest Park Conservancy's Volunteer Crew Leader Training: Trails Edition will prepare you to lead a small group of volunteers at larger trail work parties in Forest Park. With your leadership support, more people can get dirty improving the park's trail network, perform quality work, and receive a safe and enjoyable volunteer experience. Topics covered will be volunteer leadership and safety, trail maintenance practices, and trail repair techniques.   

Crew leaders must commit to leading at one or more of the following FPC stewardship events:

  • National Trails Day: Saturday, June 1st
  • National Public Lands Day: Saturday, September 28th
  • Ongoing Trail Saturdays throughout the year.

Meet at the Audubon Society of Portland in the morning for classroom instruction. Afternoon hands-on training will take place in Forest Park. Lunch will be provided.  

Crew Leader Requirements:

  • Hike upwards of 3 miles (sometimes over steep, uneven terrain), carry loads upwards of 40 pounds, wield tools, get dirty, and love it.
  • Willingness and ability to actively engage, lead, and supervise volunteers.

Registration is required! Sign up here: http://www.forestparkconservancy.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=171460

Contact Name: 
Mikala Soroka
Contact Phone: 
503.223.5449 x 106
Contact Email: 
mikala@forestparkconservancy.org
Cost: 
free

Metro's canoe and kayak tour

Saturday, June 8, 2013 - 8:30am to 11:30pm
Metro
Address: 
5300 N Marine Drive
Portland, OR
United States

Wetlands wildlife explorations


Want to explore the natural wonders of Smith and Bybee


Wetlands but don't have a boat? We've got you covered! NW Discoveries provides boats, paddles and personal flotation devices while Metro naturalist James Davis offers tours featuring the wetlands' wildlife and natural history. Expect to see big birds like bald eagles, osprey and great blue herons.


Canoe and kayak tour


8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8


Select a solo or tandem kayak or two-person canoe. Two adult canoers can add up to two children to ride in the middle. Registration and payment of $25 per adult (ages 14 and older) and $5 per child (ages 5 to 13) accompanied by paid adult required two weeks in advance. Register and pay online by visiting www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar. Find your event by searching or browsing and then follow the instructions.

Contact Phone: 
503-665-4995 option 0
Contact Email: 
parks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
Venue Details: 
Home to beaver, river otter, black-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles and Western painted turtles, this 2,000-acre natural area offers accessible wildlife watching, a canoe launch and more.
 
 At nearly 2,000 acres, Metro’s Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is the largest protected wetlands within an American city. This beautiful natural area is one of the region’s best-kept secrets, hiding in a part of Portland surrounded by port terminals, warehouses and other commercial developments. Most visitors to the natural area are surprised to find beaver, river otter, black-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles and Western painted turtles living only minutes from downtown Portland.
 
 Recent improvements at the wetlands include a new canoe launch area and improved access for paddlers as well as restrooms, interpretive displays, a covered shelter, parking for 40 cars, a bus drop-off and public art.
 
 Wind your way through the wetlands on the Interlakes Trail, a paved, accessible trail that includes two wildlife viewing platforms. Another great way to explore the natural area is by boat.
 
 Another interesting feature of the natural area is the now-closed St. Johns Landfill, a former wetland that was filled and served as the region’s primary garbage disposal site from 1940 to 1991. Since then, Metro has been implementing environmental protection measures to safely reintegrate the 238-acre landfill site into its natural environs.
 
 What’s in a name?
 Since the new water control structure was installed in late 2003, Metro has turned back the clock more than 200 years for the natural area around Smith and Bybee lakes. The area is returning to the extensive network of sloughs, wetlands and forests that formerly existed at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. To better reflect the nature of the site, the natural area has been renamed Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area.
 
 Nature activities and field trips
 Visit Metro's online calendar for bird watching, turtle walks, volunteer work parties, paddle trips and other public nature activities at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area. You can also plan your own field trip with a Metro naturalist especially for your classroom, group or organization.
Cost: 
Registration and payment of $25 per adult required in advance

Metro's Family Nature Explorers at Oxbow Regional Park

Sunday, June 23, 2013 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
Metro
Address: 
3010 SE Oxbow Parkway
Gresham, OR
United States
Park/Trail: 

Family Nature Explorers - Oxbow Regional Park


10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 23


Bring your family into the woods for nature games with Metro staff and volunteer naturalists. Kick off your shoes, run in the grass, use your "owl eyes," stalk like a fox and play "nutty squirrels." Suitable for ages 4 and older. $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee. Registration and payment of $11 per family required in advance. Register and pay online by visiting www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar. Find your event by searching or browsing and then follow the instructions.

Contact Phone: 
503-663-4708
Contact Email: 
parks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Oxbow Regional Park
Venue Details: 
Discover Oxbow Regional Park, a 1,000-acre natural area park nestled in the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge.
 
 Online camping reservations now available - Reservations can now be made online using a MasterCard or Visa. Pets and alcohol are not allowed in Metro parks or natural areas. Reserve your spot now, go to http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Oxbow_Regional_Park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OR&parkId=402500&topTabIndex=CampingSpot.
 
 Located within the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge, Metro's Oxbow Regional Park offers rare access to many of the region’s natural wonders while providing a variety of unique recreational opportunities. The river draws swimmers, rafters, kayakers and drift boats carrying anglers. Twelve miles of trails invite you to explore an ancient forest with centuries-old trees and ridges and ravines carved by volcanic and glacial flows.
 
 Oxbow is a great place to see wildlife and animal tracks. The area’s natural habitat makes an ideal home for wildlife such as mink, beaver, raccoon, fox, deer, osprey, songbirds, salmon, elk, black bear, cougar and many others.More about wildlife and tracking 
 The park also offers a wooded campground, reservable picnic shelters, playgrounds, equestrian trails, and a number of environmental education opportunities. 
 
 Nature activities and field trips
 Visit upcoming events at Oxbow below, including animal tracking, ancient forest walks, salmon viewing, wildflower and mushroom identification classes, and programs especially for kids and teens. You can also plan your own field trip with a Metro naturalist especially for your classroom, group or organization.
 
 Location; From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light and turn right on 257th. Go 3 miles to Division Street and turn left. Continue east for 5 miles following the signs. Turn left on Oxbow Parkway and drive 1.6 miles to the park entrance.
Cost: 
Registration and payment of $11 per adult required in advance plus $5 per vehicle fee, $7 per bus

Metro's Animal tracking workshop

Saturday, May 25, 2013 - 10:00am to 1:30pm
Metro
Address: 
3010 SE Oxbow Parkway
Gresham, OR
United States
Park/Trail: 

Animal tracking workshop


10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25


Oxbow Regional Park is a tracker's paradise in spring, when beavers, otters, fox, mink, mice and deer leave their stories in the sand. With practice, beginners can learn to read the ground like an open book. Seasoned tracker Terry Kem covers basics of track identification and awareness skills needed to watch wildlife at close range. Suitable for all ages. $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee. Registration and payment of $11 per adult required in advance. Register and pay online by visiting www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar. Find your event by searching or browsing and then follow the instructions.

Contact Phone: 
503-663-4708
Contact Email: 
parks@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Oxbow Regional Park
Venue Details: 
Discover Oxbow Regional Park, a 1,000-acre natural area park nestled in the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge.
 
 Online camping reservations now available - Reservations can now be made online using a MasterCard or Visa. Pets and alcohol are not allowed in Metro parks or natural areas. Reserve your spot now, go to http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Oxbow_Regional_Park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OR&parkId=402500&topTabIndex=CampingSpot.
 
 Located within the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge, Metro's Oxbow Regional Park offers rare access to many of the region’s natural wonders while providing a variety of unique recreational opportunities. The river draws swimmers, rafters, kayakers and drift boats carrying anglers. Twelve miles of trails invite you to explore an ancient forest with centuries-old trees and ridges and ravines carved by volcanic and glacial flows.
 
 Oxbow is a great place to see wildlife and animal tracks. The area’s natural habitat makes an ideal home for wildlife such as mink, beaver, raccoon, fox, deer, osprey, songbirds, salmon, elk, black bear, cougar and many others.More about wildlife and tracking 
 The park also offers a wooded campground, reservable picnic shelters, playgrounds, equestrian trails, and a number of environmental education opportunities. 
 
 Nature activities and field trips
 Visit upcoming events at Oxbow below, including animal tracking, ancient forest walks, salmon viewing, wildflower and mushroom identification classes, and programs especially for kids and teens. You can also plan your own field trip with a Metro naturalist especially for your classroom, group or organization.
 
 Location; From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light and turn right on 257th. Go 3 miles to Division Street and turn left. Continue east for 5 miles following the signs. Turn left on Oxbow Parkway and drive 1.6 miles to the park entrance.
Cost: 
Registration and payment of $11 per adult required in advance plus $5 per vehicle fee, $7 per bus

Growing the Most in Your Space with Oregon Tilth

Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 9:00am to 10:00am
Oregon Tilth
Address: 
Colonel Summer's Community Garden
SE 20th Avenue & Taylor Street
Portland, OR
United States

Garden Organically! Learn special techniques to grow more food intensively this year. Free seeds and handouts are provided. These one hour classes are offered at two times: 9 am and 11 am. Oregon Tilth thanks  Portland Parks & Recreation for collaborating to bring organic gardening education to the public.

Contact Name: 
Colleen Lockovitch
Contact Phone: 
503.638.0735
Contact Email: 
oec@tilth.org
Venue: 
Colonel Summer's Community Garden
Venue Details: 
This one hour class will be held rain or shine outside. Come dressed for the weather. Pre-registration is required.
Cost: 
$12/$10 Tilth Members

Tour de Clack Restoration Bike Ride

Sunday, June 30, 2013 - 9:00am to 4:00pm
Clackamas River Basin Council
Address: 
Milo McIver State Park
24101 S Entrance Road
Estacada, OR 97023
United States

Put your pedals to the pavement with the Clackamas River Basin Council!  

On June 30th at 9:00 a.m., we'll be hosting the second annual free Tour de Clack restoration-themed bicycle ride.  Riders will convene at the Riverside Day Use Area at Milo McIver Park in Estacada, and depart on either a 30- or 50-mile loop through the watershed.

30-mile loop 
2,100' of elevation gain/loss 
Route Map
This route leaves Milo McIver beside River Mill Reservoir along a gravel path and then crosses the river into Estacada for the first stop--an installed bioswale at the Estacada Library. You'll then continue on through bucolic countyside and to a site on Eagle Creek near Bonnie Lure Park planted with native trees and shrubs as part of CRBC's SHADE OUR STREAMS project. Leaving here, you encounter the first two climbs and then a fast, fun descent to Barton Park and back over the river. The ride meanders on quiet roads through more farm land with fantastic views of the Clackamas River and Mount Hood. After another climb and downhill you arrive at the final stop--a fish habitat restoration project on Mattoon Road that features large woody debris, tree planting, and fish passage barrier removal. Shortly after leaving that stop the ride heads up Stormer Road, the last and most difficult climb. Don't worry, it's steep but quite short, and then you're a quick downhill away from the end of the ride and a dip in the Clack!

50-mile loop 
4,300' of elevation gain/loss 
Route Map
This more challenging option leads you through some of the finest road riding around. It departs along the same route as the 30 mile route and then splits off after the Bonnie Lure rest stop. Soon you head up Wildcat Mountain Drive and loop around the Bear Creek valley, through lush forests and past Eagle Fern Park. From there the ride gradually gains elevation through rolling hills to a rest stop at an engineered riffle and bridge replacement at Porter Road. More rolling hills lead you back down to the Clackamas River where you'll connect to the PGE multi-use path along the North Fork Reservoir. This will bring you to the last stop of the ride at Faraday Lake before you re-enter Milo McIver.

 

Participants can expect to see beautiful views of the upper Clackamas watershed, learn about the projects of CRBC, and have a great time!

Attendees should wear a helmet and bring a water bottle for refilling along the route.  Water and snacks will be available at all stops, and the route also includes stores where items can be purchased.  Riders must be age 15 and up.  

Please note that though the ride is offered free of charge, we ask participants to support our hosts at Milo McIver State Park by paying the $5 entry fee.  Participants can also consider making it a weekend getaway and camping at Milo McIver.

The Tour de Clack is funded by a grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.

Contact Name: 
Rebecca Walker
Contact Phone: 
503-303-4372 x101
Contact Email: 
rebecca@clackamasriver.org
Venue: 
Milo McIver State Park
Venue Details: 
We'll be in the Riverside Day Use area, near the fish hatchery. When you enter the park, continue straight at the stop sign and follow the paved park road until its conclusion at a parking lot.
Cost: 
FREE

StreamTeam Knotweed Survey

Saturday, June 15, 2013 - 8:45am to 1:00pm
Clark Public Utilities StreamTeam
Address: 
United States

Do you hate Knotweed?  Well, help eradicate it!  Volunteers are needed to help Clark Public Utilities StreamTeam locate knotweed on our project sites. You will need to be able to navigate uneven terrain and sometimes through thick vegetation.  Training, equipment, and refreshments are provided.  If you are interested, please contact the StreamTeam Program Coordinator at StreamTeam@clarkpud.com or 360-992-8585 to register for the event.

Contact Name: 
Ashley King
Contact Phone: 
360-992-8585
Contact Email: 
StreamTeam@clarkpud.com
Venue: 
TBD
Venue Details: 
Please register for more details.
Cost: 
FREE

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