wildlife watching

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

Join a naturalist for free guided hikes at three of Metro's destinations. Explore vibrant inner city wetlands at Smith and Bybee, majestic Douglas fir forests at Scouters Mountain, and beautiful white oak woodlands at Mount Talbert.

Register: Registration not required

Where: Smith and Bybee Wetlands (8/6), Mt. Talbert (8/13), Scouters Mountain (8/20)

When: 10a.m. to noon

Cost: FREE

Ages: all ages

Wheelchair accessible: NO

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

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

Looking for a great spot to bird watch? Wondering how to attract them to your backyard? Learn all about both at a Columbia Springs Backyard Birding Workshop! Join us for a presentation from local experts, and a guided walk around Columbia Springs to spot a wide variety of exciting local birds. You'll also get your own chickadee birdhouse to take home (limit 1 birdhouse per household). Space is limited, register today!

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

Forum in the Field

Topic: Crouching damsel, hidden dragon – the Odonata of Westmoreland Park

Presenters: Celeste Searles Mazzacano, CASM Environmental, LLC, and representatives of the Crystal Springs Partnership

More details to come.