seasonal natural interest

At the juncture of suburban neighborhoods and rolling farmland, Metro's Cooper Mountain Nature Park isn't a typical jazz venue - but it's the perfect place to discuss the value of risk, collaboration and individual voice in this highly democratic art form. Scholar and musician Tim DuRoche will look at the literature, economics and history of jazz. This discussion continues a special series of The Conversation Project, with Oregon Humanities and Metro unplugging this summer to bring some of Oregon's most fascinating thinkers to voter-protected natural areas. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy; Metro will bring the pie. Conversation is free, no registration required.

There are more different kinds of insects and other arthropods on Earth than all other living things combined. From pollinators to decomposers, predators to parasites, and pests or even human food, they are “the little creatures who run the world” (E.O. Wilson). Yet many people find them icky and scary and wonder what good they are.

The 12th annual Bug Fest, a partnership between the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District and Metro, is a celebration of invertebrates and the critical roles they play in our environment. The event combines interactive discovery stations, crafts, games, and family entertainment with a range of activities that help attendees experience the boneless/spineless creatures that keep the world going. There are also plenty of live bugs to inspect and admire. Catch your own or bring them with you from home and have them identified by experts.

This year’s theme is “Meet the Beetles” and the discovery lab will have plenty of live examples of local beetles. Appropriate for all ages. Allow a couple of hours to see everything! Come to the Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center in Beaverton. $3 per person; free for ages 2 and under. For more information, visit www.thprd.org.

Come to Graham Oaks Nature Park to make candles using an old-fashioned method. Learn the technique and then make yours unique. Suitable for ages 5 and older; children 16 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult. Free. Advance registration required. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Dusk is one of the best times to see wildlife, especially in summer. On this relaxing walk, a Metro naturalist teaches basic techniques of wildlife watching and identification. Some mammals you may see: rabbits, deer, coyote, raccoon and bats. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair on site. Meet at the Nature House. Suitable for ages 10 and older; participants must be able to be quiet, sneaky and patient. Registration and payment of $10 per person required in advance; call 503-629-6350.

Cool your toes in the clear and clean, wild and scenic Sandy River at Oxbow Regional Park. Spend time catching and releasing bugs in the water and looking for animal tracks in the sand with Metro naturalist Deb Scrivens. $5 per vehicle parking fee.

Family Nature Explorers brings kids and adults together for open-ended nature exploration in Metro natural areas. Families meet other families with the same interests in nature and the outdoors. Kids meet other kids who love to touch, smell and study all things natural. Led by Metro naturalists and volunteers, each adventure explores a special theme – but trip leaders seize the moment when nature presents any unexpected learning opportunity. Bring a sack lunch. Children 4 and older are welcome with a parent, grandparent or guardian. $11 per family per program. Register for each program separately; come to one or come to all. Register online or call 503-797-1650 option 2.