wildlife watching

OSU Extension 4-H Partners with US Fish and Wildlife to form Nature Clubs in Local Neighborhoods

Exploring Nature  . . . Backyards and Beyond  - New Leaders Needed

4-H teams up with the USFWS to bring a new and exciting youth program to the Portland Metro area.

Nature Clubs...

• Engage students in outdoor nature-focused exploration, discovery, play, conservation, and learning
• Provide youth opportunities  to lean in and about the natural world around them
• Involve students in their community through citizen sciences and civic engagement, and discussion about current environmental concerns and issues
• Are open to 3-5 grade students
• Meet all over the Greater Portland Metro region, and explore their own neighborhoods, local parks and the Oregon Zoo with mentoring from US Fish and Wildlife Service.
• design and implement community service projects focused on animals in their homes not only in our own region but from around the world
• present their projects and share their research with others at a 4-H Nature Club Summit

Sessions for the Nature Clubs will be scheduled around the four seasons, with activities identified for exploring nature during each. Nature Clubs is a pilot program in 2013 implementing the Backyards and Beyond curriculum developed for nature-focused 4-H programs in Arizona. We are adapting this fabulous curriculum for our area.

The program includes the new national 4-H curriculum developed in partnership with the USFWS, 4H Neighborhood Nature Clubs.  All club leaders receive a copy of the curriculum.

Upcoming 4-H Nature Club Leader Trainings

To become a 4-H Nature Club Leader, attend one of these upcoming trainings
 
Date: Thursday, October 3rd
Time: 4-7 pm
Location:  at Holy Redeemer 127 N Rosa Parks Way Portland Oregon
 
Date: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 9-noon
Location: at Holy Redeemer 127 N Rosa Parks Way Portland Oregon

Please help us spread the word by publishing the above information, if you have any questions please contact Aliesje King.

Volunteer at  the 14th Annual Birdfest at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge!

This huge two day festival is put on by the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and is almost entirely run by volunteers!  There is something to do for all ages and interests including:

* Welcome and direct visitors on the Refuge and in town.

* Help children with environmental and culturally focused crafts and activities.

* Teach visitors about birds and other wildlife found on the refuge.

* Share your interest in the outdoors with people of all ages and backgrounds!

Come enjoy the festivities and make your volunteers shift just part of the fun! 

No experience necessary.  Short shifts are available.