wildlife watching

Join a REI Outdoor School Instructor for a guided hike to one of Portland's natural gems. We'll teach you about the 10 essentials of backcountry travel and introduce you to the 7 Leave no Trace principles. In addition, we'll share a few tips to making hiking more comfortable and help you hike at your own pace. We will cover the following material on this hike:

• Learn about Portland's best local hiking venues
• Learn about the 10 essentials
• Learn the 7 Leave no Trace principles
• Learn tips for making hiking more comfortable
• Learn a bit of natural and cultural history

Every track has a story to tell. Can you tell what type of animal it was? What was it doing? How fast was it traveling? Put your newly acquired tracking skills to the test to find out. A great chance for parents to have a night out while the kids get to experience the Nature Park in a way few others ever do.  Gather in the Interpretive Center, have dinner (pizza and veggies), then head out into the Park after dark to explore and look for wildlife. No flashlights needed! Suitable for ages 6-12 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350. $25 per patron.

Explore Cooper Mountain Nature Park in search of birds high and low. We will be on the lookout for birds-of-prey, woodpeckers, and maybe even Western Bluebirds.  Join a naturalist on a guided hike through one of the many different habitats at Cooper Mountain Nature Park. All ages.  Preregistration required for participants 11 years old and older, call 503/629-6350.  Up to two children (0-10) are welcome to accompany each registered adult. Strollers are discouraged due to terrain.

We will explore their habitat and make our own deer. This series of classes is geared toward preschoolers and kindergartners. They will learn about an exciting new topic each week. Classes may include a walk, stories, hands-on activities, games and crafts.  Suitable for ages 4 - 6 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.  $14 per session.

September 27: Dancing Deer, October 4: Meadow Meander, October 11: Scampering Squirrels, October 18: Silly About Seeds, October 25: Batty about Bats, November 1: Magnificent Moles, November 8: Amazing Animal Homes.

Newts love the damp days of winter.  Expore the trails in search of newts. Hear stories, meet other parents and kids, and see natural treasures up close.  Each class includes a simple craft or coloring project. Weather permitting, we’ll take a short hike into the forest.  Parent participation required.  Suitable for ages 3-5 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.  $8 per session.