walking

Lichen and moss are all around, living on trees, rocks, houses and sidewalks. This class will focus on the natural history of lichen and moss and how to identify them. Magnification lenses and field guides will be provided. Put on your rain gear and let's take a walk in the woods! 

Ages:  12 and up

Take this class and begin a new chapter in your relationship with nature! Colorful, musical and always nearby, birds can teach you so much about the world around you once you begin to really notice them. This class not only shows why you should get started watching birds, it also shows you how to begin - introducing you to the tools, information and behaviors of a birdwatcher. Instructor Laura Whittemore has introduced hundreds of people to the fascinating world of birds with her enthusiastic and patient guidance. An indoor session is followed by a field trip into the Preserve. Binoculars provided.  Ages 16 -- Adult.

To register visit website (below) or call 503-681-5397.  Program #:  49508

For general program information contact Steve Engel.

When the leaves are missing, what can you rely on to identify our common deciduous trees and shrubs? All you need to know are the characteristics of their twigs, bark and fruit. This class begins indoors to learn some basic terminology and then ventures outside where you can put your new-found knowledge to the test - in a fun way!

12 -- Adult

Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center
Steve Engel
49500       Sat          1/9           1 -- 4 pm
Free, pre-registration required

Join us for a day of fun and learning at Family Fun on the Farm day. School is out for the day and you're invited to Sauvie Island Center's Family Farm Day on Friday, October 9th from 10 am to noon. We'll explore the 16-acre Sauvie Island Organics farm and the grounds of Howell Territorial Park while learning about food, farming and the land. Our staff will guide you and your family through an exploration of our curriculum, designed for elementary school-aged children, including:

• Soil Exploration. Dig in and learn about healthy soil.
• Seed to Harvest. Plant, tend and harvest the Grow Lunch Garden.
• Healthy Snacks. Taste fresh veggies that you can use at home to create yummy snacks!
• Plant Parts Investigation. Explore the farm and plants we can eat.
• Wildlife & Food web. Who else has been foraging on the farm?
• Pollination Station. Meet these hard-working farm friends.

The event is free, but pre-registration is requested.

Visitors can enjoy bird, plant and nature tours and presentations by regional experts who will share fun facts and information about Southwest Washington's unique ecoregion. Archeologist-led walks will follow in the footsteps of Native Americans and Lewis & Clark to notable sites within
the refuge. These include a visit to a replica of a Cathlapotle plankhouse built by hand using ancient techniques
and tools. A traditional salmon bake will be held Sunday afternoon with complimentary samplings.
Children's activities in downtown Ridgefield will include the Audubon Society Live bird show and birds on display,
craft stations, games, a storytelling tent and more. Special offerings on both days include guided kayak and canoe tours, a night hike, Kiwa Trail tour and the spectacular sandhill crane tours at dawn and dusk. These tours are offered on a limited basis and fill quickly, with reservations and fees required. Visitors can also get an early start on Christmas shopping. An expanded birders' marketplace will offer great buys
on garden items, pottery, art, photography, birdhouses, clothes, books and other items. Food booths will be open
throughout the weekend.
 

Birdfest and Bluegrass is a non-profit festival hosted by Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge to encourage
appreciation for the wonders of nature and this special wildlife refuge.