tour

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.

South of West Linn, the Willamette River flows through a stretch of cliffs and rocky islands called the Willamette Narrows - a perfect place to explore by kayak. Join Metro's science team and eNRG Kayaking on this half-day paddling expedition, which introduces you to Metro's restoration work in the Narrows. The area can feel remote; it's home to deer, coyote, frogs, osprey, owls, heron and songbirds. All minors must be accompanied by an adult (no children under 12). Expect Class 1 river conditions - moving water, riffles and no rapids. $25 per person; kayak provided with registration. Details will follow registration. If you have questions, call 503-797-1545. 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. To register by phone, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22

Oxbow Regional Park is rich in tracks at this time of year, when mink, beaver, otter and black bear often leave clear footprints in the sand. Learn to read the ground like a book. Metro naturalist and tracker Dan Daly introduces you to basic track identification and interpretation, and the stealth skills needed to watch wildlife up close. Suitable for adults and children 10 and older. Bring water and a snack and meet at the floodplain parking area. Leave pets at home. Registration and payment of $11 per adult or family required in advance. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle payable at the park. 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.

Beginning mushroom classes 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 13, and 20 Spicy scents of autumn trees, giant golden leaves on maples and the silvery chatter of American dippers in the river. These are the smells, sights and sounds of Oxbow Regional Park in the autumn. Witness the return of wild salmon to one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier rivers – the glacier-fed Sandy – just 45 minutes from downtown Portland.

Celebrate the abundance of fall by exploring the incredible diversity of fungi in Oxbow’s ancient forest. In this beginners mushroom class learn the basics of mushrooms and other fungi and how to go about identifying this complicated group of strange and fascinating life forms. This hands-on introduction will get you started identifying mushrooms and deepen your appreciation of the amazing variety of shapes, colors, textures and smells that make these life forms so intriguing. Suitable for adults and children age 12 and older. Meet at Alder Shelter (group picnic area A) at 1:45 p.m. Free with a $5 parking fee per vehicle and registration is not required. Leave pets at home. For more information, call 503-797-1650 option 2

Cathlapotle Plankhouse and the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge present: Archaeology in the Northwest

Another Second Sunday event is fast approaching! This month's theme: Archaeology in the NW.At 1:00 Dr. Ken Ames, anthropology professor at PSU and one of the lead investigators of the Cathlapotle Archaeological site, will be speaking on recent findings in archeology along the lower Columbia river. A Q&A will follow the presentation.From 12-4 there will be hands on activities for aspiring archaeologists and their families, our GPS guided Geo Adventure, and of course the Plankhouse will be open for visitation.There are ways for everyone to connect to the past this Sunday!

Contact Sarah Hill at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or call (360) 887-4106 for more info.

Directions: Exit 14 off of I-5, head west towards downtown Ridgefield. Go through Ridgefield and take a right at the light (turning onto Main Ave). Proceed north for 1 mile, the refuge entrance road is located on the left side of the road. The event is free, but there is a $3.00 per vehicle parking fee.