tour

August "Guided Hike" theme: Wildlife CSI. Be a nature detective! We'll show you how to see clues in the natural world around you to figure out who has been there and what they were doing. Then practice your new skills in a game of "wildlife CSI"! You'll also learn about real-life wildlife crime investigators and how they help protect our natural resources. Guided hikes are the third Wednesday of most months. All-ages are welcome to attend these strolls through our trails and facilities as our staff leads guests through activities on a variety of natural science topics.

Meets in the SWIFT classroom inside the large, white fish hatchery building near the round cement fish ponds; parking is located west of the hatchery (toward the I-205 bridge) in the lot marked "Public Parking."

No registration required and we do not take advanced reservations; spots are first come, first served.

Free; $5 suggested donation

Back by popular demand, Seaport Celebration is coming to a terminal near you! Join the fun on the waterfront at the family-friendly event of the summer!

On Saturday, August 13, the Port of Portland's Terminal 2 will open up for a unique opportunity to go inside the fences of a working marine terminal, normally closed to the public.

Experience Portland's thriving working harbor by jumping on a jet boat ride, or throw on a helmet and try your hand at welding. Enjoy interactive booths from harbor businesses. From great musicians and delicious food, to thrilling activities for all ages, Seaport Celebration is the event not to be missed! Best of all, parking and admission are free!

For more information or to register now, visit www.seaportcelebration.com  

Government issued photo ID required for all adults.

Where:           Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National                            Wildlife Refuge - Carty Unit

                         28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642

When:             Sunday, July 10th, 2016, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

What:             Contemporary Native Masks inspired by Cultures of the Columbia River - Mask Exhibit and Artist Talks with Lillian Pitt and Bill Rutherford

When renowned artist, Lillian Pitt (Wasco, Yakama, Warm Springs), challenged her friend Bill Rutherford, a Portland artist, to creatively explore his Native American heritage, neither knew what would emerge. Though part Chickasaw, Rutherford drew inspiration from childhood visits to Celilo Falls and reading about Chinookan legends to create a group of nine masks. These artworks, as well as pieces by Lillian Pitt, will be on display Sunday, July 10, at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse. Though mask making is not traditionally a part of Chinookan culture, it can be a powerful contemporary medium.   The artists will talk about how they were inspired by local Native cultures and why they use masks to express themselves.

12:00pm - 4:00pm:    Artwork on Display, Plankhouse Tours, Children's Activities

1:00pm:          Artist Talks

Lillian Pitt and Bill Rutherford share how Native cultures of the Columbia River influence their work, and why they use masks as a medium.

 2:30pm:         Ethnobotany Hike

Join a Refuge Naturalist to explore the relationship that the Cathlapotle People had with their landscape and the connection between environment and culture. Participants should be prepared for a 1 mile hike on moderately uneven terrain. Meet at the Plankhouse.

Cost:               Refuge admission is $3 per vehicle; Save resources                            carpool with a friend!

Contact:         Sarah Hill, Cathlapotle Plankhouse Coordinator;                                360.887.4106/Sarah_Hill@fws.gov

Johnson Creek Watershed Council and Tryon Creek Watershed Council will be hosting a kayak tour of the mouth of Johnson Creek, tributaries from the Riverview Natural Area, and Tryon Creek. Expert council staff will tell stories of the history of each creek, current restoration projects, and wildlife sittings in the area. You may have the opportunity to see wild river otter, fish, and bird life. Enjoy the serene and dynamic rivers in your neighborhood. 

The tour will run from 9am-12pm on Saturday July 16th and start/end at the mouth of Johnson Creek at Milwaukie Riverfront Park. The paddle is about 3 miles round trip. It is required that participants have previous experience paddling a kayak, are able to swim, and can perform somewhat strenuous physical labor for three hours. Tickets to rent a kayak and attend the tour are $50. If you plan to bring your own kayak, tickets are $15 for just the tour. If you bring your own kayak, you are required to also wear a lifejacket and have an invasive species permit if your boat is longer than 10'. (http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/licenses_regs/) .

If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please email info@jcwc.org with an explanation, we have 5 scholarships avaliable. 

Register today to reserve your space - this popular tour tends to sell out! 

The annual Ross Island Regatta, the culminating event in Great Blue Heron Week, is an opportunity to enjoy a morning on the Willamette River, paddling through the slow-no wake zone on the Holgate Channel and Ross Island lagoon, around Ross Island and back to Willamette Park. 

We will be looking at the bald eagle nest and the heron nesting colony on Ross Island, listening for birds and looking for river otter along the route. 

Meet no later than 9 a.m. at Willamette Park Boat Ramp to unload your canoe or kayak and get into the water by launch time at 9:30.

This trip is family-friendly. There will be a safety boat along, and the trip is for beginning and experienced paddlers.

Leaders include: Mike Houck, Urban Greenpaces Institute; Emily Roth, Portland Parks & Recreation; Bob Sallinger, Audubon Society of Portland.