seasonal natural interest

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge's annual celebration BirdFest is the weekend of October 13 &14. Every year it concludes with a traditional Chinookan-style salmon bake, complete with free tastings. You can also sample some delicious seafood soup, learn about Chinook culture in the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, attend talks, presentations, and there are activities for the kiddos too. Samples will be given out beginning at 2:30, and will be on a first come, first serve basis. Check out the schedule of events here: http://ridgefieldfriends.org/birdfest/schedule-of-events/. Hope to see you on this wonder filled weekend!

We would love to invite you to this Saturday's Rewild Skill-Share, our afternoon rewilding social networking picnic.  Make new friends and hang out with old while sharing skills, ideas and strategies for creating new cultures based on humanities prehistoric past. We welcome all levels of experience.This month's theme is: Fire by Friction! We haven't had a fire-focused rewild skill-share in a while. We'll be playing with bow-drills, hand drills, maybe a fire plow and if anyone sh...

ows up with a bamboo fire saw, you'll get a dozen high-fives!Materials to bring:• Carving Knife• Nylon Cord• Natural Cord• Cedar, Cottonwood or other soft heart wood• Any other wood cutting and carving tools• Jute or other tinder materialOther stuff to bring is your family & friends, water, healthy paleo snacks to share, a carving knife, a blanket or chair to sit on, materials for your project, a musical instrument to play and a $5-10 suggested donation to support our efforts. Remember: “dress to impress”. This is a social event after all!See you there! http://www.rewildportland.com/educational-programs/rewildcamp/ https://www.facebook.com/#!/rewildportland   

Take time to celebrate the simple gifts of nature at Oxbow Regional Park with Metro naturalist Dan Daly and Terry Kem from Deerdance School. While walking along the Sandy River, open your senses and notice how wildlife responds to the changing season. Then gather around the campfire circle as naturalists share the "Thanksgiving Address" passed down by the Iroquois Nation. Hot drinks provided. Consider bringing a sack lunch for after the program. Suitable for adults and families. Meet at the boat ramp at 10:15 a.m. Free, but registration is required in advance. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. Leave pets at home. You can now register online for Metro activities. Go to Metro's online calendar (www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar), find your event by searching or browsing, and follow the instructions. For questions or to register by phone, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Join mycologist Gary Slone for a two-hour class that ends with a walk on an easy trail in the old-growth forest at Oxbow Regional Park. Gary discusses mushroom classification and edibility, and then participants gather, identify and compare specimens. Beginning and experienced "shroomers" ages 12 and older are welcome. Bring your own mushroom specimens for ID. Meet at Alder Shelter (picnic area "A"). Registration and payment of $11 per adult or family required in advance. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle payable at the park. Leave pets at home. You can now register and pay online for Metro activities. Go to Metro's online calendar (www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar), find your event by searching or browsing, and follow the instructions. For questions or to register by phone, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Clear Creek Natural Area is a 580-acre jewel not yet open to the public, but you and your family can have a behind-the-scenes tour now with a Metro naturalist. There's plenty to discover in this large and diverse natural area. Explore the rolling hills and prairies - and Clear Creek - for interesting plants and animals and climb on a real beaver dam. The program covers specific topics but be ready to explore any cool nature experience. Some walking off trails. Family Nature Explorers programs are for parents and children 4 years or older. Advance registration and payment of $11 per family required. Details will follow registration. You can now register and pay online for Metro activities. Go to Metro's online calendar (www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar), find your event by searching or browsing, and follow the instructions. For questions or to register by phone, call 503-797-1650 option 2.