wheelchair accessible

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

28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642; www.ridgefieldfriends.org

When: Sunday, May 8th, 2016

What: Take mom out for a stroll at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge to connect with wildlife and Native culture this Mothers' Day at 1:00pm. Learn how the traditional roles of Native women in Pacific Northwest helped maintain gender equality and how evidence of women's labor show up in the archaeological record. The Plankhouse will be open for visitors from 12pm-4pm, and there will be activities for the kids as well. 

1pm: Presentation "Where the Women Are: Gender and Power in the Archaeological Record of the Pacific Northwest"

The Pacific Northwest has a rich ethnographic record which details the lifeways of Native Americans at the time of Euro-American contact. Despite the wealth of data on gender division of labor in indigenous groups of the 19th-20th centuries, archaeological research on gender is rare. Activities traditionally associated with women such as plant gathering cooking, basketry, and mat making remain poorly understood in comparison to activities typically associated with men. In this presentation doctoral student, Tiffany Fulkerson, will explore the relationship between women's labor and their social power through evidence in the archaeological record.

2pm: Ethnobotany Hike
Join our speaker and a Refuge Naturalist for a walk on the Oaks to Wetlands Trail discussing spring plants and their relationship with Chinookan culture. Participants should be prepared for a 2 mile hike on moderately uneven terrain. Meet at the Plankhouse.

12pm - 4pm: Plankhouse Tours and Children's Activities
Tour the Plankhouse on your own or guided by our experienced volunteers. Children's activities exploring local nature and culture will be available as well.

Cost:   Refuge admission is $3 per vehicle - save money and carpool with a friend!

Contact:  Sarah Hill; 360.887.4106/Sarah_Hill@fws.gov For wheelchair access to events, please contact Sarah prior to the event date.

Join our free special presentation of springtime Native American stories and music by local musician Stephanie Baldridge, featuring Native American Flute and animal puppets! 

Columbia Springs is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donations and volunteers to help us give our community a place for educational, healthy, outdoor fun. Our fundraiser, Hooked on Nature, features live music, dinner, silent auction, live auction, and interactive displays about Columbia Springs' programs. If you want to have fun and support our efforts to get our community connected to nature and to get kids learning about the environment, then this event is for you! Mark your calendars - Registration opens in May. Visit columbiasprings.org.

Help restore an urban natural area and wildlife habitat by removing invasive Himalayan blackberry along Salmon Creek Greenway in Vancouver. Gloves, tools, and snacks provided. Ages 10 and up. Meet at trailhead on NW 36th Ave.  Registration for this free event is encouraged at www.parkhero.org.

Learn how to make a Scottish-style ribbed carrying basket out of locally available materials! Bring a sharp knife and hand pruners and keen ears and eyes for paying close attention to the teaching demonstrations. Learn the basic skills you need to weave while emphasizing the magic of the process and deepening your appreciation for the incredible strength and vitality of the plants in our area. Includes harvesting demonstration. Materials provided.  Ages 16 - adult.

Instructor:  Tracy Harrison

To register visit website (below) or call 503-681-5397. 

Program #: 49502

For general information on class call or email Steve Engel (below).