wildlife watching

Tired of seeing English Ivy take over natural areas and push out native plants? Wish it could be used to make something both beautiful and useful? You’re in luck! Rewild Portland will be holding a special ivy pull and ivy basketry workshop during Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge's annual celebration, BirdFest. The restoration event will be on the Saturday, October 13th, on the Carty Unit of the Refuge. From 9am to 11am, join the folks from Rewild Portland as they pull English Ivy and help restore refuge habitat. From 12 - 4, they will be teaching workshop participants how to turn the ivy pulled into artful and utilitarian baskets. Both the pull and the workshop are on a drop in basis, so feel free to join for the pull, the workshop, or both!

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge's annual celebration BirdFest is the weekend of October 13 &14. Every year it concludes with a traditional Chinookan-style salmon bake, complete with free tastings. You can also sample some delicious seafood soup, learn about Chinook culture in the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, attend talks, presentations, and there are activities for the kiddos too. Samples will be given out beginning at 2:30, and will be on a first come, first serve basis. Check out the schedule of events here: http://ridgefieldfriends.org/birdfest/schedule-of-events/. Hope to see you on this wonder filled weekend!

Spicy scents of autumn trees, giant golden leaves on maples and the silvery chatter of American dippers in the river. These are the smells, sights and sounds of Oxbow Regional Park in the autumn. Witness the return of wild salmon to one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier rivers – the glacier-fed Sandy – just 45 minutes from downtown Portland.

Naturalists are on hand at the river’s edge to help spot spawning salmon and interpret their behavior and life cycle. Special salmon-viewing glasses are available on loan. Salmon viewing proceeds rain or shine. The trail is unpaved and fairly level; wear good walking shoes. Inquire at the entry booth for starting location of the salmon viewing then follow the signs to the salmon! Suitable for all ages.  Free with a $5 parking fee per vehicle and registration is not required. Leave pets at home. For more information, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

South of West Linn, the Willamette River flows through a stretch of cliffs and rocky islands called the Willamette Narrows - a perfect place to explore by kayak. Join Metro's science team and eNRG Kayaking on this half-day paddling expedition, which introduces you to Metro's restoration work in the Narrows. The area can feel remote; it's home to deer, coyote, frogs, osprey, owls, heron and songbirds. All minors must be accompanied by an adult (no children under 12). Expect Class 1 river conditions - moving water, riffles and no rapids. $25 per person; kayak provided with registration. Details will follow registration. If you have questions, call 503-797-1545. You can now register and pay online for Metro activities. Go to Metro's online calendar (www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar), find your event by searching or browsing, and follow the instructions. To register by phone, call 503-797-1650 option 2.

Love to snowshoe? Interested in the animals that live on Mt Hood?  Join the Wolverine Tracking Project, a volunteer survey program through Portland-based Cascadia Wild. Develop animal tracking skills while helping us survey for rare carnivores such as wolverine on Mt Hood. Season cost is $50; family friendly. First training session is on Oct 30th. Please visit our website for more information: www.cascadiawild.org. Or contact us at info@cascadiawild.org or 503-235-9533.