wheelchair accessible

http://clark.wsu.edu/calendar/index.asp

The Watershed Stewards Program, a joint program of Clark County Environmental Services and WSU Clark County Extension, is presenting a very popular rain barrel workshop on Wednesday, June 5th (6:30-8:30 p.m.) at the 78th Street Heritage Farm. Rain barrels are a good way to divert some of your home's stormwater runoff and to save water for the garden on dry days.

The workshop includes instruction on assembly and installation, barrel, parts and snacks. At just $35, this is one of the best rain barrel deals in town!

Extension Programs are available to all without discrimination. If you need extra assistance, please contact us.

Register online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/324653 or with check or cash by contacting us.

Jenifer.naas@clark.wa.gov or 360-397-6060 ext 5712

Contact Name:

Jenifer Naas

Contact Phone:

360-397-6060 ext 5712

Contact Email:

watershed.stewards@clark.wa.gov

Contact Website:

Venue:

Washington State University Extension at 78th Street Heritage Farm

Cost:

$35 materials fee

Xeriscaping for Homeowners

Thursday, May 30, 2013 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Washington State University Clark County Extension

Address:

1919 NE 78th Street

Vancouver, WA 98665

United States

Categories:

educational course

gardening/farming

green living

http://clark.wsu.edu/calendar/index.asp

Xeriscaping for Homeowners

WSU Clark County Extension and Clark County Department of Environmental Services will host a Xeriscaping workshop on May 30, 2013 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the WSU Extension offices on NE 78th Street.

Learn from professionals how to use your sprinkler less! Learn about plants and watering techniques that save you time and water over the summer.

Xeriscaping, a concept for saving water in landscaped areas, involves planting with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce maintenance costs for your yard or garden. This workshop includes a discussion of native plants adapted to endure drought. Learn about choosing appropriate plants for your garden, grouping them together with other plants with the same watering needs, and planting them in areas that are favorable to their growth.

Jenifer Naas, Watershed Stewards Program Coordinator, says, "Why waste our valuable drinking water on a lawn? Save money and water by designing a water efficient landscape."

Xeriscaping Workshop
Thursday, May 30 2013, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
WSU Extension offices at the 78th Street Heritage Farm
1919 NE 78th Street, Vancouver

Learn more about Watershed Steward workshops at http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/ws/

Pre-registration is required: Register online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/374680

Call WSU Extension at (360) 397-6060 ext. 5712 or email watershed.stewads@clark.wa.gov

Class size is limited to 30 participants. This is a free workshop.

Contact Name:

Jenifer Naas

Contact Phone:

360-397-6060 ext 5712

Contact Email:

watershed.stewards@clark.wa.gov

Contact Website:

Venue:

Washington State University Extension at 78th Street Heritage Farm

Cost:

0

Metro's Family Nature Explorers at Oxbow Regional Park

Sunday, June 23, 2013 - 10:00am to 1:00pm

Metro

Address:

3010 SE Oxbow Parkway

Gresham, OR

United States

Park/Trail:

Oxbow Regional Park

Categories:

swimming

Family Nature Explorers - Oxbow Regional Park

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 23

Bring your family into the woods for nature games with Metro staff and volunteer naturalists. Kick off your shoes, run in the grass, use your "owl eyes," stalk like a fox and play "nutty squirrels." Suitable for ages 4 and older. $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee. Registration and payment of $11 per family required in advance. Register and pay online by visiting www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar. Find your event by searching or browsing and then follow the instructions.

Contact Phone:

503-663-4708

Contact Email:

parks@oregonmetro.gov

Contact Website:

Venue:

Oxbow Regional Park

Venue Details:

Discover Oxbow Regional Park, a 1,000-acre natural area park nestled in the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge.  Online camping reservations now available - Reservations can now be made online using a MasterCard or Visa. Pets and alcohol are not allowed in Metro parks or natural areas. Reserve your spot now, go to http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Oxbow_Regional_Park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OR&parkId=402500&topTabIndex=CampingSpot.  Located within the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge, Metro's Oxbow Regional Park offers rare access to many of the region’s natural wonders while providing a variety of unique recreational opportunities. The river draws swimmers, rafters, kayakers and drift boats carrying anglers. Twelve miles of trails invite you to explore an ancient forest with centuries-old trees and ridges and ravines carved by volcanic and glacial flows.  Oxbow is a great place to see wildlife and animal tracks. The area’s natural habitat makes an ideal home for wildlife such as mink, beaver, raccoon, fox, deer, osprey, songbirds, salmon, elk, black bear, cougar and many others.More about wildlife and tracking  The park also offers a wooded campground, reservable picnic shelters, playgrounds, equestrian trails, and a number of environmental education opportunities.   Nature activities and field trips Visit upcoming events at Oxbow below, including animal tracking, ancient forest walks, salmon viewing, wildflower and mushroom identification classes, and programs especially for kids and teens. You can also plan your own field trip with a Metro naturalist especially for your classroom, group or organization.  Location; From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light and turn right on 257th. Go 3 miles to Division Street and turn left. Continue east for 5 miles following the signs. Turn left on Oxbow Parkway and drive 1.6 miles to the park entrance.

Cost:

Registration and payment of $11 per adult required in advance plus $5 per vehicle fee, $7 per bus

Metro's Animal tracking workshop

Saturday, May 25, 2013 - 10:00am to 1:30pm

Metro

Address:

3010 SE Oxbow Parkway

Gresham, OR

United States

Park/Trail:

Oxbow Regional Park

Categories:

swimming

Animal tracking workshop

10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25

Oxbow Regional Park is a tracker's paradise in spring, when beavers, otters, fox, mink, mice and deer leave their stories in the sand. With practice, beginners can learn to read the ground like an open book. Seasoned tracker Terry Kem covers basics of track identification and awareness skills needed to watch wildlife at close range. Suitable for all ages. $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee. Registration and payment of $11 per adult required in advance. Register and pay online by visiting www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar. Find your event by searching or browsing and then follow the instructions.

Contact Phone:

503-663-4708

Contact Email:

parks@oregonmetro.gov

Contact Website:

Venue:

Oxbow Regional Park

Venue Details:

Discover Oxbow Regional Park, a 1,000-acre natural area park nestled in the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge.  Online camping reservations now available - Reservations can now be made online using a MasterCard or Visa. Pets and alcohol are not allowed in Metro parks or natural areas. Reserve your spot now, go to http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Oxbow_Regional_Park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OR&parkId=402500&topTabIndex=CampingSpot.  Located within the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge, Metro's Oxbow Regional Park offers rare access to many of the region’s natural wonders while providing a variety of unique recreational opportunities. The river draws swimmers, rafters, kayakers and drift boats carrying anglers. Twelve miles of trails invite you to explore an ancient forest with centuries-old trees and ridges and ravines carved by volcanic and glacial flows.  Oxbow is a great place to see wildlife and animal tracks. The area’s natural habitat makes an ideal home for wildlife such as mink, beaver, raccoon, fox, deer, osprey, songbirds, salmon, elk, black bear, cougar and many others.More about wildlife and tracking  The park also offers a wooded campground, reservable picnic shelters, playgrounds, equestrian trails, and a number of environmental education opportunities.   Nature activities and field trips Visit upcoming events at Oxbow below, including animal tracking, ancient forest walks, salmon viewing, wildflower and mushroom identification classes, and programs especially for kids and teens. You can also plan your own field trip with a Metro naturalist especially for your classroom, group or organization.  Location; From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light and turn right on 257th. Go 3 miles to Division Street and turn left. Continue east for 5 miles following the signs. Turn left on Oxbow Parkway and drive 1.6 miles to the park entrance.

Cost:

Registration and payment of $11 per adult required in advance plus $5 per vehicle fee, $7 per bus

Metro's Sandy River Spey Clave

Friday, May 17, 2013 - 9:00am to Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 5:00pm

Metro

Address:

3010 SE Oxbow Parkway

Gresham, OR

United States

Park/Trail:

Oxbow Regional Park

Categories:

swimming

All day Friday to Sunday, May 17, 18 and 19

Come to Oxbow Regional Park for the largest gathering of anglers devoted to two-hand fly rod fishing in the western hemisphere. Enroll in the free Spey casting college. View on-the-water demonstrations. Meet Northwest fly fishing legends. Free with a $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee. Want to camp at Oxbow? Visit www. oregonmetro.com/oxbow for details about online reservations. Pets and alcohol are not allowed in Metro parks or natural areas. For event information, visit www. flyfishusa.com/spey-clave.

Contact Phone:

503-663-4708

Contact Email:

parks@oregonmetro.gov

Contact Website:

Venue:

Oxbow Regional Park

Venue Details:

Discover Oxbow Regional Park, a 1,000-acre natural area park nestled in the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge.  Online camping reservations now available - Reservations can now be made online using a MasterCard or Visa. Pets and alcohol are not allowed in Metro parks or natural areas. Reserve your spot now, go to http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Oxbow_Regional_Park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=OR&parkId=402500&topTabIndex=CampingSpot.  Located within the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge, Metro's Oxbow Regional Park offers rare access to many of the region’s natural wonders while providing a variety of unique recreational opportunities. The river draws swimmers, rafters, kayakers and drift boats carrying anglers. Twelve miles of trails invite you to explore an ancient forest with centuries-old trees and ridges and ravines carved by volcanic and glacial flows.  Oxbow is a great place to see wildlife and animal tracks. The area’s natural habitat makes an ideal home for wildlife such as mink, beaver, raccoon, fox, deer, osprey, songbirds, salmon, elk, black bear, cougar and many others.More about wildlife and tracking  The park also offers a wooded campground, reservable picnic shelters, playgrounds, equestrian trails, and a number of environmental education opportunities.   Nature activities and field trips Visit upcoming events at Oxbow below, including animal tracking, ancient forest walks, salmon viewing, wildflower and mushroom identification classes, and programs especially for kids and teens. You can also plan your own field trip with a Metro naturalist especially for your classroom, group or organization.  Location; From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light and turn right on 257th. Go 3 miles to Division Street and turn left. Continue east for 5 miles following the signs. Turn left on Oxbow Parkway and drive 1.6 miles to the park entrance.

Cost:

$5 per vehicle fee, $7 per bus

Metro's Blue Lake Natural Discovery Garden

Saturday, June 1, 2013 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Metro

Address:

20500 NE Marine Drive

Fairview, OR

United States

Park/Trail:

Blue Lake Regional Park

Categories:

educational course

family friendly

gardening/farming

Drop-in family fun at Blue Lake Natural Discovery Garden

1 to 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, June 1 through Sept. 1

Gather ideas to make your yard pesticide-free, safe and fun for kids, songbirds, lakes and streams. All ages can explore an active worm bin, dig for "fossils," discover, rub and sniff plants, find the softest leaves, and see what wildlife have to say about natural gardening. Come for the garden and stay to enjoy the park's many recreational activities. Free with $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee, free for bicycles and pedestrians.

Contact Phone:

503-665-4995 option 0

Contact Email:

parks@oregonmetro.gov

Contact Website:

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Venue:

Blue Lake Regional Park

Venue Details:

Metro's Blue Lake Regional Park, located just 20 minutes from downtown Portland, offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for people of all ages.  Blue Lake is a 64-acre natural lake fed by underground springs. Children under 5 years of age are not allowed in the lake to help keep the water clean, but there is a spray ground for all ages with colorful features that shower, gush, dump and pour water (opens after Memorial Day). Visitors can also rent a paddle boat, row boat or canoe to explore Blue Lake or play a round of disc golf.  Blue Lake Regional Park provides opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming, and makes a beautiful backdrop for hundreds of family picnics, community events and special programs throughout the year.

Cost:

$5 per vehicle fee, $7 per bus

Lewis and Clark Wildflower Discoveries

Sunday, May 12, 2013 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Address:

28908 NW Main Ave

Ridgefield, WA 98642

United States

Park/Trail:

Categories:

celebration

http://www.ridgefieldfriends.org

The Cathlapotle Plankhouse will be kicking off its 2013 Second Sunday Series on Mother's Day, May 12.

Garden Historian and Humanities WA speaker Joan Hockaday will be presenting The Lewis and Clark Wildflower Discoveries in the Cathlapotle Plankhouse. She will discuss the lasting legacy of Lewis and Clark in the exploration of the American West, and the contributions that Native Americans have made to the expedition and western science. This presentation will speak to the question: "What do we discover today from Lewis and Clark's daily accounts about our early Washington landscape, natural history and native peoples?"

Guided tours of the Plankhouse and children's activities will be available from 12-4pm. Those feeling up for it can also join Joan on the trail after the talk to explore some of the plants along the adjacent Oaks To Wetlands Trail.

The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is a modern Chinookan Plankhouse built to interpret the Chinookan village of Cathlapotle that once existed on what is today Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge property. At the time Lewis and Clark visited Cathlapotle, it had 14 large plankhouses and over 900 people living there. The modern Cathlapotle Plankhouse is used to provide educational programs to youth and the general public through our Lifeways, Landscapes, and Wildlife Interpretive Program. To learn more about the plankhouse visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org or contact Sarah Hill at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or (360) 887-4106.

Contact Name:

Sarah Hill

Contact Phone:

(360) 887-4106

Contact Email:

sarah_hill@fws.gov

Contact Website:

Venue:

Cathlapotle Plankhouse

Venue Details:

The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is located on the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in Ridgefield, WA, 20 minutes away from downtown Vancouver.

Cost:

$3.00/ vehicle parking fee at the refuge

National Get Outdoors Day at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Saturday, June 8, 2013 - 10:00am to 3:00pm

National Park Service

Address:

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

1501 Evergreen Blvd.

Vancouver, WA 98661

United States

Park/Trail:

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Categories:

bicycling

celebration

http://www.nps.gov/fova/planyourvisit/event-details.htm

On Saturday, June 8th, 2013, celebrate healthy, active, outdoor fun in your urban national park! Experience all kinds of outdoor activities at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site - your Gateway to the Great Outdoors. Partners from federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry are again teaming up to host the fifth annual National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day) to encourage outdoor fun at sites across the nation.

GO Day at Fort Vancouver includes the annual free Brigade Encampment, where costumed interpreters re-enact the springtime return of Hudson's Bay Company fur brigades to Fort Vancouver.

Prime goals of GO Day are reaching currently underserved populations and first-time visitors to public lands, and reconnecting youth to the great outdoors.

Contact Name:

Cassie Anderson

Contact Phone:

(360) 816-6247

Contact Email:

cassie_anderson@nps.gov

Contact Website:

Venue:

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Venue Details:

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is at the heart of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve. The Vancouver National Historic Reserve brings together a national park, a premier archaeological site, the region's first military post, an international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields, the first national historic site west of the Mississippi River, and a waterfront trail and environmental center on the banks of the Columbia River. The partners of the Reserve teach visitors about the fur trade, early military life, natural history, and pioneers in aviation, all within the context of Vancouver's role in regional and national development. The Reserve's vast array of public programs -- including living history events, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, active archaeology, and other special events and activities -- create a dynamic, fun, and unique tourist destination for people of all ages.

Cost:

Free

Clone of New Education Volunteer training at the Ridgefield NWR

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 - 9:00am to 3:00pm

Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Address:

911 N 65th Avenue

Ridgefield, WA 98642

United States

Park/Trail:

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Categories:

http://ridgefieldfriends.org/friends-of-the-refuge/volunteer/

April 16&17 9am-3pm.

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is seeking new volunteers to join thier team of environmental and cultural educators.

Every year the refuge hosts over 4,000 students, along with hundreds of teachers and parents to learn about the rich natural and cultural resources of the area. The Refuge only has one staff person and one Friends employee that are dedicated to public cultural and environmental education programs, and they just cannot do it all themselves. Luckily, it is not only fun but easy to engage youth in this beautiful outdoor classroom! We will start off at the Fire Station by the Ridgefield/I5 junction for indoor presentations and activities, then move to the refuge in the afternoon.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Learn how to work with youth of many ages and backgrounds, the basic ecological concepts that they are learning and can see on the refuge, and the cultural and natural resources that make this place a thriving historical and natural destination.

To register or for more info contact Josie Finley at (360) 887 4106 or josie_finely@fws.gov

Check out the flyer here: http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/ridgefield/pdf/Education%20Training...

Contact Name:

Josie Finely

Contact Phone:

(360) 887 4106

Contact Email:

josie_finley@fws.gov

Contact Website:

Venue:

Clark County Fire & Rescue

Venue Details:

We will begin our day at in a meeting room at the Fire House, and then spend the afternoon out on the nearby trails of the Refuge.

Cost:

Free

New Education Volunteer training at the Ridgefield NWR

Tuesday, April 16, 2013 - 9:00am to 3:00pm

Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Address:

911 N 65th Avenue

Ridgefield, WA 98642

United States

Park/Trail:

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Categories: