wheelchair accessible

The birds are talking. Are you listening? Learn to unravel the mysterious communications of the birds and how their various calls and alarms move across the landscape.  Join a naturalist on a slow, quiet walk through the reclaimed wetlands of Blue Lake Regional Park, where coyotes, weasels and raptors share space with waterfowl and songbirds.

Register:  www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar

Where: Blue Lake Regional Park

When: 10:00 a.m  to 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Cost: $6/person, $11/family

Ages: All ages

Difficulty:   easy

Wheelchair accessible:   Yes

Pets policy: To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at most regional parks and natural areas. Pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife the region has worked to protect. In natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and get closer to it. Seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are allowed. Please bring cleanup materials.  http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/pets-policy

Have you ever seen a mushroom in the woods and wondered what it was?  In this talk, mushroom enthusiast Leah Bendlin will teach you the basics of mushroom identification.  Learn how to start sorting species by their physical characteristics and ecology.  Bring in your own finds for hands-on practice.

Where:  Metro Regional Center

When:  6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cost:  $6 per person

Ages:  12 and older

Wheelchair accessible:  Yes

Pet Policy:  To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at most regional parks and natural areas.  Pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife the region has worked to protect.  In natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and get closer to it.  Seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are allowed.  Please bring cleanup materials.  http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/pets-policy

Want access to farm fresh eggs right in your own home? Learn the basics of raising your own chickens at a Columbia Springs Backyard Chickens Workshop! Chickens are a great way to provide your own food, and can help you reduce waste by consuming some of your kitchen scraps. Whether you have a few feet, or a few acres, you can raise chickens effectively. Join us to receive resources and tips on coops, feed and feeders, rules and regulations, flock health and size, caring for eggs, and more.

When: Thursday, September 1st, 6-8pm
Where: Columbia Springs Swift Classroom, 12208 SW Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA
Cost: $5 suggested donation

Pre-registration is required for workshops. To learn more and register, visit columbiasprings.org. For questions, email workshops@columbiasprings.org or call 360-882-0936 x224

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

As the sun begins its descent in the sky, many animals go out to forage for one last meal. At the same time, nocturnal animals begin to awaken and move across the landscape. Join a naturalist on a hike to explore the magical space between day and night. 

Advanced Registration Required

When:  August 18 Smith and Bybee Wetlands, 7 to 9p.m.

Cost: $6/person, $11/family

Ages: 6 and older

Wheelchair accessible: YES

No-dogs policy: To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at most regional parks and natural areas. Pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife the region has worked to protect. In natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and get closer to it. Seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are allowed. Please bring cleanup materials. http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/dogs-hunting-policies