walking

Volunteer For Trails!

Washington Trails Association (WTA) is hosting a day work party out on the Bridge Trail at Beacon Rock State Park. The Bridge Trail is at the north end of the park, or the Backcountry side. It links the Hardy Ridge area to the Hamilton Mt. side of the park and has a really cool bridge across Hardy Creek. WTA volunteers completed the tread construction back in 2012.

We'll be headed in to do routine annual maintenance to make sure the drainages and culverts are clear to handle winter storms and spring melt. If the weather is too cold and wet to get up there (1,800 ft.) we've got an alternate project lined up on the Lacamas Heritage Trail in Camas.

No experience in trail work necessary, just a willingness to pitch in and help trails. Volunteers park for free and earn credit towards a complimentary Discover Pass.

Saturday Dec. 13th
8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Beacon Rock State Park - Equestrian Camp
RSVP at: http://vols.wta.org/web/web.pl?sm+21966+WP

- Thank You!, Ryan

Differentiate between evergreens, and identify a tree in winter by looking at the bark and buds. Join naturalist Alice Froelich for a walk at Graham Oaks to unravel these mysteries and more. The forest at this natural area is a living laboratory of Northwest trees.  Ages: 11 and older. Preregistration required. $6/person, $11/family.

Join Metro naturalists Sheilagh Diez and Ashley Conley on a trip through the geologic history of the Metro region. This two-part class begins with an evening filled with maps and stories to illustrate basic regional geology (Thurs. 1/15, 6-8:30pm at Lucky Labrador Hawthorne Pub, 915 SE Hawthorne).  Then take a day-long journey to Metro natural areas and parks for a hands-on investigation of local geologic features (Saturday 1/17, 9am-4pm, begin at Canemah Bluffs, other sites include Mount Talbert and Newell Creek Canyon). Transportation provided from Canemah Bluff Natural Area. Age 15 and older.

Enjoy and celebrate the gifts of nature at Oxbow Regional Park with Metro naturalist Dan Daly, Deerdance School's Terry Kem and others. Walk along the Sandy River while opening the senses, and noticing how wildlife respond to the changing seasons. Afterwards, gather around the campfire to hear the "Thanksgiving Address" passed down by the Iroquois Nation. Hot drinks provided. Bring a sack lunch. 10:30-12:30.

Venture out with a park guide for a free, nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area.  Topics will vary from week to week but will be appropriate for all ages.  Parents must accompany kids on all hikes.  No groups please- if you are interested in bringing a group please call the ranger at least two weeks in advance to make arrangements for alternate time.   For more specific information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 225.