seasonal natural interest

Join the Vancouver Audubon Society for a guided bird watching tour at the La Center Bottoms Wetlands along the East Fork of the Lewis River in La Center, Washington. These wetlands are home to wide array of song birds, waterfowl and wildlife. Bring your binoculars and enjoy a short hike down the trail. Meet at the trailhead just south of Sternwheeler Park at 3rd St. just east of La Center Road.

Connect with local landscapes and Chinookan culture at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse! 

The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is a contemporary Chinookan style Plankhouse located on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The house was built in 2005 as a partnership with the Chinook Indian Nation, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Its mission is to share the lifeways, culture, and history of Chinookan Peoples of the Lower Columbia, and the natural resources of the Refuge. 

The Plankhouse is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 12pm-4pm from April 12th -October 4th. Volunteer guides will be available to answer questions and give Plankhouse tours, and visitors are able to take a hike on the 2 mile Oaks to Wetlands Trail loop. 

Every Second Sunday from April-Oct, the Plankhouse hosts a special event or lecture focusing on the natural and cultural resources of the Lower Columbia River. 

Plankhouse programs are coordinated by the Friends of The Ridgefield NWR. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, closed captioning, or other accommodations needs to Eric Anderson, 360-887-4106, Eric_Anderson@fws.gov. TTY 800-877-8339 with your request by close of business one week before the event. For wheelchair access arrangements for this program,  please contact Sarah Hill (360) 887-4106 or Sarah_Hill@fws.gov.

Learn to weave a basket from English ivy cleared from the arboretum by our hardworking Saturday Crew.

Hoyt Arboretum Friends is partnering with Rewild Portland to host this free, family-friendly workshop. The workshop will be held outside at the Stevens Pavilion. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and snacks. Gloves, garden clippers and basket materials will be provided.

This free workshop is limited to 20 participants; early registration is encouraged. To sign up, please contact Becky at info@hoytarboretum.org or 503-823-1649.

The Plankhouse is a very popular spring and summer destination, educating and inspiring visitors from all over the Nation and even the World.  Attend this training to gain skills to lead the public through this traditional Chinookan-style Plankhouse.  

Docents work on the weekends with visitors and/or during the week with school groups.  Topics include culture, history, and the everyday life of the indigenous people of the lower Columbia River.  

For more information contact the Plankhouse Coordinator Sarah Hill at 360-887-4106 or by email at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov. 

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