Get your garden gloves ready! 🌱

Vancouver Public School’s High School Annual Plant Sales are just a few weeks away! Whether you’re looking for vibrant flowers or fresh veggies, our horticulture and FFA students have got you covered.

Mark your calendars for these dates:
💛 Hudson's Bay: April 28, 29, 30 (8 AM - 6 PM)
💚 Flex Academy: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
💜 Columbia River: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
❤️ Fort Vancouver: May 7, 8 (8:30 AM - 5 PM) & May 9 (9 AM – 12 PM)

We'll be updating our website soon with plant lists and prices - stay tuned!

Get your garden gloves ready! 🌱

Vancouver Public School’s High School Annual Plant Sales are just a few weeks away! Whether you’re looking for vibrant flowers or fresh veggies, our horticulture and FFA students have got you covered.

Mark your calendars for these dates:
💛 Hudson's Bay: April 28, 29, 30 (8 AM - 6 PM)
💚 Flex Academy: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
💜 Columbia River: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
❤️ Fort Vancouver: May 7, 8 (8:30 AM - 5 PM) & May 9 (9 AM – 12 PM)

We'll be updating our website soon with plant lists and prices - stay tuned!

Join Clark County Public Works Volunteer team for a Large Litter pick up event at the Blu Rock Beach along the Columbia River

• What to Wear: Event will happen rain or shine. Please wear closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather.

• Food and Water: Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks for the day. We will have some snacks too.

• What to Bring: All tools will be supplied by Clark County Public Works. 

• Project Description: Picking up litter at Blurock Landing. Expect to walk on uneven terrain.

• Participant Eligibility: Only volunteers18 years of age or older may attend, due to potential hazards found on-site. 

• Register HERE for the event

• Questions: Contact us at 564.397.1679 or pwvolunteering@clark.wa.gov

Liability release forms will be emailed to each volunteer prior to the event. 

Pollinators & Pints: Community Hangout + Mason Bee Check-In

Join the Vancouver Bee Project for a relaxed, community-focused evening at Pollinators & Pints. This gathering is all about connection—no formal presentation, just a chance to meet others who care about pollinators, native plants, and creating habitat in our community.

We’ll spend some time checking in on how mason bees are doing this spring—what people are seeing, what’s working, and what questions are coming up. Whether you’re hosting bees for the first time or have been doing it for years, this is a great opportunity to share experiences and learn from each other.

We also want your input. What topics are you most interested in? What would you like to learn at future events? Your feedback helps shape the direction of our programs and ensures these gatherings remain useful and relevant.

Come connect with your community and be part of building a stronger pollinator movement in Clark County.

Starting with May 1 climbs, Climb Registration Fee includes Mt. St. Helens Permit Fee ($22/person).

This route is open year round from the Marble Mountain Snow Park, so it's usually used for early season ascents. It's about 1,000 more vertical feet than Monitor ridge. Snow can be soft early season due to the low starting elevation, so bring skis or snowshoes in case. St. Helens is one of the lower and technically easier glaciated peaks in the Pacific NW, but still a strenuous climb as the starting elevation is relatively low. The peak is often underestimated; exposure and route finding challenges in low visibility can make this peak a serious as any in the Northwest. Watch out for the cornices on the summit crater!

This is a classic NW ski climb, with long open runs, minimal avy danger, and no crevasses. This can be a nice overnight trip as well - ski in, make camp, and hike up for some tele turns.

Permits and Stuff: St Helens is one of the most heavily regulated peaks in the US. See the Gifford Pinchot National Forest web site for current permit regulations, SnoPark permit required between Nov 15 and April 30.

Activity Notes

Let's Climb! This is the winter route of Mt. St. Helens. It's a great first snow climb. Conditions are ever changing and may require and ice axe and crampons. 

Registration required HERE

The Mazamas are a Portland-based community who hike, climb, host classes, and more. Members have been inspiring others to love and protect the mountains for more than 130 years through adventure, learning, leadership development, and stewardship.

vancouver.audubon

Spring birding with the Vancouver Audubon Society!

Check the VAS web page for event locations and details for this trip.

Bird Walks are meant to be a casual, local morning of birding. They are a great time to enjoy birds with others, find new areas to visit, and/or work on bird identification by sight and sound or to practice your eBird app with help when needed. These walks are usually easy to join or depart at any time during the morning, no commitment to participate in the entire walk if you have limited time.

Registration is strongly encouraged to make sure you can stay in the loop on updates such as those caused by unpredictable weather this time of year. In order to sign up visit Vancouveraudubon.org/bird-walks-field-trips or tap the link in our bio and navigate to "Bird Walks and Field Trips."

Register: Cindy at vas@vancouveraudubon.org
The Vancouver Audubon Society team can't wait to see you there!

Join the students and staff from Woodland HS for their FFA (Future Farmers of America) annual plant sale!

What are the dates and times of the plant sale?

The 36th Annual WHS FFA Plant Sale will be open to the public on Friday, May 1, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Where can I find out what types of plants will be sold this year?

Our 2026 Plant List will be available in the middle of April and will include names, descriptions, and prices of our ornamentals, vegetables, baskets, and more!

Check out the FAQ to answer many of the frequently asked questions!

Join the Mazamas for this “A” level (easy) hike!

Falls Creek Falls is a beautiful 200 foot, three-tiered waterfall in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Our hike will begin at the Falls Creek Falls Trailhead . We’ll follow the upper trail to a viewpoint overlooking the valley and then descend to the base of the falls. We’ll return by way of the lower trail which traces the creek through old-growth forest.

6 miles / 1100 feet elevation gain / 120 drive miles

Registration required HERE

[Photo source WTA]

Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for a kayak class!

Come paddle through the winding waterways of the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  Experience the beauty and fun of paddling Lake River in the Bachelor Island area. 

You will practice paddling skills with the help of an experienced guide. A variety of birds and wildlife are seen as we slip around the puzzle pieces of land and explore paths once traveled by Native America tribes and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We look for bald eagles and blue herons and so much more!  As part of the tour, we cover  basic paddling skills including launching, strokes, maneuvering, and how to stay safe on the water. This is a great way to get on the water and learn paddling fundamentals!

No previous experience required!

• Enjoy a nice flat water paddle trip 

• View wildlife and experience the river's wonders

• Recieve coaching on paddling skills, safety and technique

Registration for this class is required.

Join the Camas Earth Day Society (CEDS) at Round Lake for a leisurely Spring stroll, enjoying the local treasure of blooming Camas fields!

We’ll learn how to recognize various plants by observing flowers, leaves and other key features, and discover why native plants are essential to a healthy ecosystem.

The walk is suitable for ages 8 and older.

Cost is FREE, and registration is limited to the first 25 people that sign up

To register, please click the following link: EVENT SIGN UP

Paddle a Dragon Boat in Ridgefield!

Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boat paddling but didn't know where to start? You've found the place! Join the exciting sport that is growing in the United States and is especially big in the Pacific Northwest.

Ridgefield Dragon Boat community paddling is your opportunity to join a fun, team oriented activity at no cost from April 17 through October 3. Paddlers must be 14 years of age or older to participate. No experience is needed.

2026 Community Paddling Schedule:

Regular Season: April 17 - October 3
Weekly Paddles held on Fridays at 5:30 PM.

Location:
Ridgefield Waterfront

Fee: FREE! Registration required, spots fill quickly!
Sign up for all community events on Meetup

No experience is needed and equipment is provided.

Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for the popular evening paddle class to experience the sunset glow. Paddle north to the Columbia River to enjoy the magic of the setting sun and the rising moon while sharing snacks on the beach. 

This is a three-hour guided tour, and all skill levels are welcome. Reservations are required to attend.

Join the Mazamas for this scenic hike in the Columbia River Gorge!

Starting from Beacon Rock State Park's equestrian trailhead, hike up Hardy Ridge to Phlox Point, then take the Bridge Trail and Don's Cutoff to the Saddle, then go up to Hamilton Mountain and return on Equestrian Trail. 

Starting from Equestrian Trailhead, ascend Phlox Point, then descend to a bridge across a creek and re-ascend to the windy saddle on the way to Hamilton Mountain. Summit the mountain and return via the more direct route on the Equestrian Trail. Lunch spot may depend on where we can stand the wind. Total hike will be 12.9 miles with 2,950' of elevation gain. 

Every vehicle parked at the trailhead must display a Washington Discover Pass.

Save the date for spring 2026 district plant sales

Battle Ground High School FFA plant sale

• Saturday, May 2 - 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Battle Ground High School greenhouses

  300 W. Main Street

If you have any questions about the sales, please reach out to:

lee.julie@battlegroundps.org (BGHS greenhouse)

WSU Clark County Extension – Small Acreage Program will celebrate our 19th Annual Small Acreage Expo on May 2nd, 2026.

• For more details and to register, visit: https://SA2026Expo.eventbrite.com (Early bird discounts for $28 plus fees are available until April 18th.)

• General admission is $35 plus fees. Walk-ins are welcome ($35/person by cash or check, lunch not included)

• A light lunch is included.

• Scholarships are available to all whom the registration cost is a barrier to attend. Contact Terry.Koper@wsu.edu to inquire.

This one-day opportunity features workshops, live demonstrations, a guided farm tour, and opportunities to connect with experts and fellow small acreage community members. Participants can choose from a variety of topics including workshops on forest conservation planning, septic system maintenance, livestock management and grazing, weeds management by author Tao Orion, soil health, land conservation planning tools, responsible use of pesticides/herbicides and soil amendments. Exhibitor displays will showcase local services and resources, and attendees will have chances to win door prizes donated by event sponsors. 

For questions: contact WSU Clark County Small Acreage Program Coordinator at terry.koper@wsu.edu or 564-397-5729

Sessions (subject to change):

• Session A (9:00 am-10:15am) A1. Forest Management A2. Septic System Maintenance

• Session B (10:30am-11:45am): B1. Livestock and Pasture Management B2. Weeds Management

• Lunch (11:45am-12:45pm): Network and visit with exhibitors

• Session C (12:45pm-2:00pm): C1. Soil Health/Demo C2. Conservation Planning Tool

• Session D (2:15pm-3:30): D1. Soil Amendments D2. Protecting Soil and Water

• Door Prize Raffle (3:30pm-3:45pm)

• 78th St. Heritage Farm Tour (4:00pm to 5:00pm) by Master Gardeners

WSU Extension events are open to all without discrimination. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact 564-397-5729 prior to the event.

Meadow & Pollinator Hedgerow Care Workshop

Join the Vancouver Bee Project for a hands-on morning of habitat care and learning at Flat Tack Farm.

We’ll spend time working in the meadow and pollinator hedgerow while talking about what healthy spring habitats look like and how to support them. Activities will include;

• weeding,

• removing invasive blackberries,

• spreading wood chips in the hedgerow, and

• replanting select areas to strengthen pollinator habitat.

Along the way, we’ll share tips on spring meadow management and how these practices support native bees and other pollinators. No experience needed—just come ready to learn and get your hands a little dirty.

When: Saturday, May 2nd at 9:00 AM
Where: Flat Tack Farm
Registration: No sign-up needed—just show up!

Battle Ground Public Schools plant and greenhouses sales start this month

Get your green thumbs ready, Battle Ground Public Schools’ annual plant and greenhouse sales kick off ! A variety of annual and perennial bedding and flowering plants will be available, along with vegetable starts and hanging baskets. All items are grown by district students and staff.

All sales will be drop-in, with no prior registration required. The bare root trees, shrubs and perennial sale on the CASEE campus will have hours set aside for NatureScaping Northwest members. Visit their website for details.

Money raised from these sales supports the district's horticulture and FFA programs and welding teams. Students and staff from Battle Ground High School, Prairie High School and the FFA program grow tens of thousands of plants each year. Some of these plants are used in landscaping projects on school campuses, while the rest are sold at annual public sales.

Get your garden gloves ready! 🌱

Vancouver Public School’s High School Annual Plant Sales are just a few weeks away! Whether you’re looking for vibrant flowers or fresh veggies, our horticulture and FFA students have got you covered.

Mark your calendars for these dates:
💛 Hudson's Bay: April 28, 29, 30 (8 AM - 6 PM)
💚 Flex Academy: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
💜 Columbia River: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
❤️ Fort Vancouver: May 7, 8 (8:30 AM - 5 PM) & May 9 (9 AM – 12 PM)

We'll be updating our website soon with plant lists and prices - stay tuned!

Good Year Farms workshop series

Join Good Year Farms nursery manager and backyard habitat builder extrordinaire Chelsea teach us all about gardening with the wet. 

Rain gardens: how to determine location and design ideas, assess soil infiltration, connect impervious surfaces, dig the thing, and of course, what to plant. 

Ponds: determine location options, shade, size, liner tips, plants to plant, FROG FUN and other animals you can expect, and a free raccoon-destruction grieving schedule.

The Backyard Habitat Breakfast Club is a time to get together and learn about stewarding habitat in our time and space. These sessions are designed to be informal and relaxed, so you can bring specific questions or just listen and learn.

Registration is required: $31/person - regardless of size or age - catered breakfast* included. It's always incredibly tasty and filling. *Dietary restrictions will be broadly considered, i.e., there will be GF and vegan options, but we are unable to cater to specific needs.

CLASS STARTS AT 9AM.

ridgefieldgc

SAVE THE DATE!
Mark your calendars for May 2nd.
We'd love to see you at our Annual Plant Sale Fundraiser at
the Greely Building in downtown Ridgefield.

If you want to combine fresh air with art and community, come out for the Washougal Studio Artists’ Tour on May 2nd and 3rd from 10–4. Take a drive to the Washougal River Valley and visit the Treehouse Art Studio. Local artists will gather for nature inspired art!

Learn more at https://www.washougalstudioartists.org

Simply going outside: Nature regulates our systems. It helps us reset. When we step out for a walk or spend time near the water or in the mountains, we can feel more grounded and clear. And we remember—we are nature. If you’ve been feeling stretched or overloaded, this is your nudge to get outside this week. Even a short walk can make a difference, or simply sitting outside and stopping to notice what’s around you.

Learn more about this event and other offerings at the Tree House Art Studio HERE.

Join volunteers from the City of Vancouver’s Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of invasive plant removal. We will be removing ivy with a focus on the trees.

• Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided.

• This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

• Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

• Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is wheelchair accessible, and work is primarily done in a quiet natural area with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds. For mulching projects, volunteers may be shoveling, twisting and turning, and pushing wheelbarrows. For invasive removal projects, volunteers may be kneeling, pulling, and twisting as well as possibly lifting plants overhead to load into a dumpster. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

(Registration will close three days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Advance registration is requested. Sign up today!

• Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Celebrate over a decade of community, creativity, and fun at the 10th Anniversary of Ridgefield First Saturdays at our annual celebration of spring.

For over ten years, downtown Ridgefield has come alive with music, food, art, and family-friendly activities that bring locals together in a vibrant atmosphere. From themed events and athletic challenges to local artists showcasing their work, each First Saturday is a unique celebration. 

Enjoy the lively vendor market, sidewalk sales, outdoor concerts, delicious food from local vendors, and so much more. Join us for this milestone event and make memories with friends and family as we toast to 10 incredible years of Ridgefield First Saturdays!

Planning is still happening so visit the web page for more updates!

columbiasprings

Two new dates added for the Resin Jewelry Studio with Bri Graw!

Join artist and educator, Bri Graw, in this fun, hands-on class exploring UV resin techniques, experimenting with pigments and polymer clay, and embedding natural elements to design unique pendants, earrings, or keychains. Everyone will leave with three finished pieces of jewelry that celebrate creativity and nature.

Dates:

• Sunday, April 19, 10am - 12pm

• Saturday, May 2, 10am - 12pm.

Each two-hour studio will be held at Columbia Springs and include a short nature walk to inspire creativity!

The cost is $30 per person (+ tax). Each person will leave with three pieces of finished jewelry!)

Spots are limited! Register here: https://www.columbiasprings.org/events/community-experiences/

Learn more about Bri: https://www.old-growth-studio.com/about

Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for the popular evening paddle class to experience the sunset glow. Paddle north to the Columbia River to enjoy the magic of the setting sun and the rising moon while sharing snacks on the beach. 

This is a three-hour guided tour, and all skill levels are welcome. Reservations are required to attend.

Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for a kayak class!

Come paddle through the winding waterways of the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  Experience the beauty and fun of paddling Lake River in the Bachelor Island area. 

You will practice paddling skills with the help of an experienced guide. A variety of birds and wildlife are seen as we slip around the puzzle pieces of land and explore paths once traveled by Native America tribes and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We look for bald eagles and blue herons and so much more!  As part of the tour, we cover  basic paddling skills including launching, strokes, maneuvering, and how to stay safe on the water. This is a great way to get on the water and learn paddling fundamentals!

No previous experience required!

• Enjoy a nice flat water paddle trip 

• View wildlife and experience the river's wonders

• Recieve coaching on paddling skills, safety and technique

Registration for this class is required.

Everybody is an Athlete: At NW Association of Blind Athletes, we believe that any individual who is blind or visually impaired is an athlete and deserves the opportunity to participate in regular physical activity.

NWBA programming is available for athletes of all ages and ability levels. Do you have a sport or activity that you want to get involved with or pick up again? We have a variety of sports available throughout the year.

Register as an Athlete: To ensure you are registered as an athlete in the correct area, please email programsteam@nwaba.org.

Volunteer to support: NWABA is an athlete-centered, volunteer driven organization. Submit the registration form Volunteer Registration

Get Involved With NWABA! If you’d like to be involved with NWABA as an athlete, volunteer or just want to learn more, please contact us and we’ll reach out to you shortly.

HOLD THE DATE!

The USFWS Ridgefield Complex team is excited to bring together our community and partners, marking the successful completion of the Community Nature Center. We aim to showcase the center as a vibrant asset for nature connection and accessible outdoor learning, while educating attendees on current offerings and how they can contribute to future programs and facilities. The ribbon cutting will highlight a fully functional classroom and community room, and the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge will have launched a portion of the outdoor classroom components.

• Ribbon cutting ceremony @ 1pm

• Partner showcases and engagement stations

• Self-led exploration of temporary displays in the exhibit area

• Information about upcoming additions to the outdoor classroom and interpretive displays

More details will be coming soon…..stay tuned.

Join Kristin Currin and Missy Rohs on a morning plant walk at Sam’s Walker Day Use Area near Skamania, WA to learn about the wide variety of non-native invasive plants and their uses for foods and medicine.

The surge of interest in foraging and wildcrafting has brought people closer to nature, but has also had a negative impact on native plant populations in the Columbia Gorge. Increasing demand has led to unsustainable extraction of some of our region’s most important native species that were once protected by their obscurity. However, many local non-native plant species introduced to North America offer wonderful alternatives and their harvesting can help control the spread of invasive plants.

• This is a WA Native Plant Society sponsored event

• Easy 1.2 mile gravel walking trail with very little elevation gain.

• Meet at the Sam’s Walker Day Use Area Parking lot at 8:45 a.m.  

• A National Forest Pass is required for parking, or pay $5/day/vehicle at the trailhead.  

• Walk is limited to 12 people.

• Registration is required: to sign up, or for more information contact Kim Gilmer at gilmerno.1@gmail.com.  

ABOUT THE TOUR:

Kristin Currin is the coauthor of The Pacific Northwest Native Plant Primer  (Timber Press, 2023) and cofounder of Humble Roots Nursery in Mosier, Oregon.  Missy Rohs is a community herbalist and educator in Portland, Oregon and owner of the Arctos School of Herbal Studies, focusing on sustainable plant medicine, pragmatic skill-building, and community care.  

What can you do to combat a changing climate at home?

This presentation breaks down a typical suburban yard into its component parts and gives you actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint.

Accommodations

Library events and programs are open to the public and provided at no cost. Special accommodations may be requested using our Disability Accommodation Request Form no later than 15 days prior to the event.

Los eventos y programas de la biblioteca están abiertos al público y se brindan sin costo. Se pueden solicitar adaptaciones especiales utilizando nuestro formulario de solicitud de adaptaciones para personas con discapacidades (en inglés) hasta 15 días antes del evento.

Особые условия могут быть запрошены с помощью нашей формы запроса на предоставление условий для людей с инвалидностью не позднее чем за 15 дней до мероприятия.

Join the Vancouver Audubon Society at the in-person Program & Meeting where VAS is delighted to host Steven Clark who will be speaking about the evolutionary processes that led to the birds we love!

Steven is a professor emeritus of biology at Clark College and currently manages Clark’s Bee Campus. Throughout his career, he shared his passion for teaching to students from kindergarten through college. He has degrees in psychology, religion, Deaf education, and environmental science.

Steven researched the endangered western pond turtle in the Columbia Gorge. Since 2010, he has participated in research led by preeminent pika scientist, Dr. Erik Beever, and helps lead Oregon Zoo’s Cascade Pika Watch. Steven isVice President of the Washington Native Plant Society, and he loves his volunteer work with University of Washington Rare Plant Care. For Oregon Fish and Wildlife, he and his wife, Cherie Kearney, survey sage grouse leks each spring. Left with free time he can be found running on a steep, wooded trail with his dog, Phoebe.

MEETING :

• 6:30 pm – 6:45 pm - Social time, share bird sightings.

• 6:45 pm – 7:00 pm - Announcements

• 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm - Program

Programs are held the first Tuesday of the month except Jan, July, & August. All are welcome, we hope you will join us!

Contact our Program Chair for more information at scable@vancouveraudubon.org. Have ideas for a speaker? Please send all topic, speaker, and program suggestions to the above address

When faced with environmental changes, organisms can either adapt, move, or perish.

In this workshop with Clark College's David Zonana, PhD, participants will learn about how land use changes, introduced species, and climate change are presenting new challenges to local wildlife populations. We will also dive into the biological processes that allow these populations to respond (adaptation through natural selection, migration, changes in the timing of reproduction, and more). We will also highlight the unique role the refuge plays in supporting wildlife in a rapidly changing region.   

Link to register HERE

What is the program? The Ridgefield NWR Complex Workshop Series is a monthly series of workshops facilitated by community members to engage the entire community with the Refuge in various ways. Any and all are welcome!

Photo by Washington Audubon

Join the Mazamas for a hike with beautiful views, amazing spring wildflowers, and a relatively short effort, this is one of the most popular hikes in the Gorge. On a good day, you can get a view of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River.

The famous flowers on Dog Mountain peak on Mother's Day, but four days before on a Thursday we won't have to tend with permits or crowds. This should be nobody's first hike of spring, as parts of our 2,750' ascent over 6.9 miles are steep. We will take the easternmost fork on the way up and then take the Augspurger Trail down, for the typical counterclockwise loop. 

Every vehicle parked at the trailhead will need to display a federal pass (NW Forest, America the Beautiful, or senior).

Good resources: WTA Portland Hikers

Get your garden gloves ready! 🌱

Vancouver Public School’s High School Annual Plant Sales are just a few weeks away! Whether you’re looking for vibrant flowers or fresh veggies, our horticulture and FFA students have got you covered.

Mark your calendars for these dates:
💛 Hudson's Bay: April 28, 29, 30 (8 AM - 6 PM)
💚 Flex Academy: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
💜 Columbia River: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
❤️ Fort Vancouver: May 7, 8 (8:30 AM - 5 PM) & May 9 (9 AM – 12 PM)

We'll be updating our website soon with plant lists and prices - stay tuned!

Get your garden gloves ready! 🌱

Vancouver Public School’s High School Annual Plant Sales are just a few weeks away! Whether you’re looking for vibrant flowers or fresh veggies, our horticulture and FFA students have got you covered.

Mark your calendars for these dates:
💛 Hudson's Bay: April 28, 29, 30 (8 AM - 6 PM)
💚 Flex Academy: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
💜 Columbia River: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
❤️ Fort Vancouver: May 7, 8 (8:30 AM - 5 PM) & May 9 (9 AM – 12 PM)

We'll be updating our website soon with plant lists and prices - stay tuned!

2026 Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale

The WSU Master Gardeners & Clark County Master Gardener Foundation greenhouse teams are busy growing plants for this year’s plant sale. The link to sign up for shopping appointments will be posted here on April 24, 2026.

“If you pay attention, you can tell time by the forest canopy—twigs and seeds, branches and leaves marking seasons with color, fullness, sway.”  – Abby Braithwaite, A Portrait of the Artist as a Crone Tree. 

Canopy Time walks are mostly monthly walks/rolls/rides on Plas Newydd Farm (register at this link). Hosted by Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan (and some surprise guests), these adventures give us the chance to explore some of the most beautiful places on the farm, and provide a deeper opportunity to feel the rhythms of the land, observe the comings and goings of migratory birds, watch the bud and bloom of native and invasive plants, swat mosquitoes, and dodge raindrops! 

Part nature journaling, part phenological record-keeping, these explorations are a great way to spend more time out on the land than some of our workshops allow. 

Bring your journal, your sketchbook, your camera and your senses. 

Suggested Donation of $10 collected on the farm. We’ll take cash, check, Venmo or a smile, if cost is a barrier! 

Paddle a Dragon Boat in Ridgefield!

Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boat paddling but didn't know where to start? You've found the place! Join the exciting sport that is growing in the United States and is especially big in the Pacific Northwest.

Ridgefield Dragon Boat community paddling is your opportunity to join a fun, team oriented activity at no cost from April 17 through October 3. Paddlers must be 14 years of age or older to participate. No experience is needed.

2026 Community Paddling Schedule:

Regular Season: April 17 - October 3
Weekly Paddles held on Fridays at 5:30 PM.

Location:
Ridgefield Waterfront

Fee: FREE! Registration required, spots fill quickly!
Sign up for all community events on Meetup

No experience is needed and equipment is provided.

Starting with May 1 climbs, Climb Registration Fee includes Mt. St. Helens Permit Fee ($22/person).

This route is open year round from the Marble Mountain Snow Park, so it's usually used for early season ascents. It's about 1,000 more vertical feet than Monitor ridge. Snow can be soft early season due to the low starting elevation, so bring skis or snowshoes in case. St. Helens is one of the lower and technically easier glaciated peaks in the Pacific NW, but still a strenuous climb as the starting elevation is relatively low. The peak is often underestimated; exposure and route finding challenges in low visibility can make this peak a serious as any in the Northwest. Watch out for the cornices on the summit crater!

This is a classic NW ski climb, with long open runs, minimal avy danger, and no crevasses. This can be a nice overnight trip as well - ski in, make camp, and hike up for some tele turns.

Permits and Stuff: St Helens is one of the most heavily regulated peaks in the US. See the Gifford Pinchot National Forest web site for current permit regulations, SnoPark permit required between Nov 15 and April 30.

Activity Notes

Let's Climb! This is the winter route of Mt. St. Helens. It's a great first snow climb. Conditions are ever changing and may require and ice axe and crampons. 

Registration required HERE

The Mazamas are a Portland-based community who hike, climb, host classes, and more. Members have been inspiring others to love and protect the mountains for more than 130 years through adventure, learning, leadership development, and stewardship.

Ready to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day?

Join Clark County Public Works Park & Nature team to enjoy FREE access to your regional parks. Learn more about IMBD below and at their web page.

Most of the year, the daily parking fees at these four parks is $5.

There is no charge for people who walk or bicycle into any of these four parks. Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass holders are also exempt from parking fees. Click here for more information.

Annual passes are available for $40.

Learn more about Clark County regional park parking fees HERE.

Learn more about:

• Frenchman’s Bar Park

• Lewisville Park

• Salmon Creek Greenway / Klineline Pond

• Vancouver Lake Park

Spend a day or the weekend to help support Washington Trail Assocation's quest to maintain all of Beacon Rock!

Camping is available on Saturday evening if you would like to volunteer both days.

Beacon Rock State Park is one of the most popular destinations in the Columbia River Gorge. Over the past 8 years WTA volunteers have built three new trails at the park: Hardy Ridge, Bridge Trail, and the River To Rock Trail.

Hamilton Mt. was built by the Civilian Conversation Corps and is now largely maintained by volunteer crews.

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.

Project Description: You will meet at the Equestrian Trailhead at 8:30 then consolidate vehicles to pass through the locked gate to get closer to Upper Hardy Creek trail. There are multiple trees down as well as many tread issues to fix. Depending on what State Parks needs, a small crew may also peel off to help fix a washout on the Hamilton Mountain trail.

Hiking Information

Our hike to the project site will depend, but should not be more that 3 miles round trip.

Schedule

• 8:25 AM: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine!

• 8:30 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then caravan in to the project site

• Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day

• 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail

• Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work

• 3:30 PM: Enjoy refreshments at the trailhead before making your way home

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

• No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need

• Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain

• For ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18

What to Wear - Required:

• Sturdy closed-toe shoes

• Work gloves

• Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)

• Long pants

Recommended:

• Sturdy work or hiking boots

• Long sleeved shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.

What to Bring

• Lunch and plenty of water

• Rain jacket and pants

• Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather

• A pack to carry your personal gear

• A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

• Frequently Asked Questions

• WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do

• Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367

From the Hiking Guide: See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.

Join Waitlist

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs department, Vancouver’s Downtown Association, the Hilton, Kindred Vancouver, and the Parks Foundation of Clark County for our annual Spruce the ‘Couve event.

Volunteers will be planting flowers in Esther Short Park and working in teams to clean up downtown. Training, gloves, tools, water and snacks will be provided. This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens – people of all ages are welcome. We also accept group registration so bring your friends, families and coworkers for a morning of volunteer service. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form. Youth under 13 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please make sure to check the box next to the project you would like to register for- Downtown Cleanup, Uptown Cleanup or Flower Planting.

Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is wheelchair accessible and is in a high-traffic area for both pedestrians and cars and can get noisy. For planting projects, you may need to bend, stoop or kneel on the ground and use a small hand tool. For downtown cleanup projects, you may be using a litter grabber and other tools and lifting up to 10 pounds. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

Thank you to partners, Vancouver’s Downtown Association, the Hilton, Kindred Vancouver, and the Parks Foundation! And thank you to our ongoing sponsors, Waste Connections of Washington, Inc. and Simply Sweets!

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

2026 Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale

The WSU Master Gardeners & Clark County Master Gardener Foundation greenhouse teams are busy growing plants for this year’s plant sale. The link to sign up for shopping appointments will be posted here on April 24, 2026.

Join the Southwest Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance to conduct maintenance on Thrillium Trail tread in the Yacolt Burn forest, improve water management, and fine tune some features.

This event is hosted by the Southwest Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

What to Bring

Volunteers should bring water and lunch, and dress for working in the outdoors. Boots are recommended. 

Directions

Larch Mountain trailhead in the Yacolt Burn State Forest.

Contacts

Sean Callaghan

(360) 623-9478

sean.callaghan@dnr.wa.gov

Resources

• This event is eligible for a voucher toward a complimentary Discover Pass

• To learn more about volunteering on DNR-managed lands, click here

• To learn more about the latest volunteer guidelines for working on DNR-managed lands, click here

Get your garden gloves ready! 🌱

Vancouver Public School’s High School Annual Plant Sales are just a few weeks away! Whether you’re looking for vibrant flowers or fresh veggies, our horticulture and FFA students have got you covered.

Mark your calendars for these dates:
💛 Hudson's Bay: April 28, 29, 30 (8 AM - 6 PM)
💚 Flex Academy: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
💜 Columbia River: May 2 (9 AM - 2 PM)
❤️ Fort Vancouver: May 7, 8 (8:30 AM - 5 PM) & May 9 (9 AM – 12 PM)

We'll be updating our website soon with plant lists and prices - stay tuned!

Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for a kayak class!

Come paddle through the winding waterways of the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  Experience the beauty and fun of paddling Lake River in the Bachelor Island area. 

You will practice paddling skills with the help of an experienced guide. A variety of birds and wildlife are seen as we slip around the puzzle pieces of land and explore paths once traveled by Native America tribes and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We look for bald eagles and blue herons and so much more!  As part of the tour, we cover  basic paddling skills including launching, strokes, maneuvering, and how to stay safe on the water. This is a great way to get on the water and learn paddling fundamentals!

No previous experience required!

• Enjoy a nice flat water paddle trip 

• View wildlife and experience the river's wonders

• Recieve coaching on paddling skills, safety and technique

Registration for this class is required.

HOLD the date for the Lower Columbia School Gardens Plant Sale!

The LCSG serve all of the elementary schools in the Longview AND Kelso school districts with school gardens.

Visit their website for updates and volunteer opportunities.

Held the day before Mother’s Day, the Camas Plant & Garden Fair draws in thousands of people to enjoy and explore the amazing selection of plants, trees, garden art and supplies, and much more provided by our dedicated local growers and vendors.

The Camas Plant & Garden Fair is presented by the Downtown Camas Association and 2026 will be the 27th year of the Fair. Every year the fair provides an opportunity for local nurseries and vendors to interact with the community by offering a wealth of products, goods, services and information. Things you’ll find no where else! It also provides the greater community a chance to explore and enjoy our local downtown merchants and restaurants, and see all that downtown has to offer.

Kids’ activities, raffle prizes, live music, fresh food, and the shops and restaurants of Downtown Camas all add to the community experience. Come make a day of it!

Click Here to see all the photos from the 2025 Camas Plant & Garden Fair. We’re looking forward to another great event in 2026!

You’ll find the highest quality plants, trees, bedding plants, vegetable starts, herbs, hanging baskets, planters, and of course local growers and vendors that can show you how to make your garden the healthiest and most beautiful it can be. As well as plants, you can explore unique hand-made offerings of garden art, bird houses, garden furniture, fountains, wind chimes, iron works, and a wealth of other products. This plant fair is known for it’s quality products! It’s a great opportunity to get something special for mom or to pick up something for your own yard or garden.

We also have a Kids’ Zone including crafts, garden activities, petting zoo, face painting, and Rosie the larger-than-life puppet! (all as current conditions allow) Make sure to buy a ticket for our annual Plant & Garden Fair Raffle which include the Famous Grand Wheelbarrow Prize and many others!

Volunteering at the Jane Weber Arboretum

Monthly, we have our Second Saturday Work Party from 9am to noon. We often work on bigger projects and refreshments are always served.

Generally, our volunteers work on an area that is special to them or they just see a need to spruce things up.

We have three main volunteer areas. The Arboretum which encompasses the property grounds, The Stanger House restoration and the Caboose restoration.

• Our volunteers show up rain or shine. Extreme weather can cancel plans.

• For more information, email us at weberarboretum@gmail.com

Overview: The E. Jane Weber Arboretum is devoted to preserving this treasured natural resource and historic site in honor of Dr. Vinson and E. Jane Weber, who dedicated their homestead and lovely botanical garden to being a learning experience and inspiration – a legacy for others to cherish. To fulfill their dream, an entity was set up to oversee the arboretum and subsequently a non-profit to manage, protect and enhance this revered property along the Columbia River with outreach to the community, offering education and related activities that will be a shared commitment to the vision and purpose of the E. Jane Weber Arboretum. Watch this video for more information.

Accessibility note: the trails and grounds are natural surface and not always ADA compliant.

Join members of the City of Vancouver’s volunteer Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of beautifying St Helens Park. We will be removing ivy and spreading mulch around trees and landscape beds.

• Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided.

• This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

• Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

• Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is wheelchair accessible, and work is primarily done in a quiet park with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds. For mulching projects, volunteers may be shoveling, twisting and turning, and pushing wheelbarrows. For invasive removal projects, volunteers may be kneeling, pulling, and twisting as well as possibly lifting plants overhead to load into a dumpster. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Advance registration is required and space is limited. RSVP today!

• Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

The Willard Springs Foot Trail is a 3.8-mile loop along the edge of the open marsh and into the pines.  Beginning at the refuge headquarters, it parallels the west shore of  Conboy Lake, with views across the lakebed and north to Mount Adams. 

The trail is mostly flat with a couple gentle grades on the return, but is not considered ADA accessible.  The different habitats along the trail provide a diverse variety of wildflower species.  In addition to the wildflowers, we may possibly see sandhill cranes, which nest in the refuge. 

• This is a joint hike with the Suksdorf Chapter of the WA Native Plant Society (WNPS) and the Portland Chapter (NPSO). 

• To sign up for the hike or for more info contact Ron Klump at klumpron@gmail.com 

From Recreation.gov: The refuge is a haven for plants and animals, supporting Washington's largest and healthiest populations of Oregon coyote-thistle, rosy owl-clover, Kellogg's rush, dwarf rush and long-bearded sego lily. A blend of oak, pine and aspen forests, wetlands, grassy prairies and streams supports a diverse and plentiful wildlife community. The rich habitat diversity sustains thriving populations of migrating waterfowl and songbirds. The rare Oregon spotted frog breeds in wetlands throughout the refuge. Elk are plentiful and frequently seen along refuge roads. And Conboy Lake supports the only breeding population of greater Sandhill cranes in Washington, around 25 pairs.

While the scenery and the plentiful, charismatic wildlife are what draw people in, visitors soon discover that Conboy Lake NWR offers hidden treats, esoteric gems that will keep them returning for years. Elk and deer may be the stars, but visitors soon learn about—and come to appreciate—Oregon spotted frogs, nesting greater Sandhill cranes and the variety of rare plants found on the refuge. A quiet place outside of hunting seasons, solitude is an easily found commodity and greatly appreciated by those coming from bustling metropolitan areas. As a national wildlife refuge, this living system will satisfy your longing for splendor and serenity, just as it did for the indigenous peoples, explorers, loggers and ranchers who were first drawn to the valley’s plentiful resources.

And history is an important part of Conboy Lake. Native Americans once depended on the area's plentiful resources; in fact, they still do, collecting plants for food and religious purposes. These same resources drew settlers to the area, arriving in the 1870s. One of the early homes, the Whitcomb-Cole Hewn Log House, still stands and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You are invited to stroll through the house and imagine the struggles these early settlers faced.

Wild Grief Online is an opportunity to come together for grief peer support and nature connection from the comfort of your own home.

We will start with an opening circle via video chat, similar to the opening circle on our in person hikes. We will introduce ourselves, share who we are carrying in our hearts, and offer some activities for your individual walk/hike. We will then ask everyone to find a place close by to be in nature for 30-45 minutes. This could be a walk around your neighborhood, a sit spot in your yard, or even just opening a window to feel the fresh air and see the sky. After our time in nature, we will reconvene for a closing circle.

This event is free and open for anyone to participate. Please register below!

Click here to register!

This event is from 11 AM - 1 PM Pacific time. We are located in Olympia, Washington, but love it when folks join from other time zones! Find your local time.

Join us for a short walking field trip to Jewett Creek.

Local author, Ashley Erdely, will introduce you to our local wildflowers. Meet at White Salmon Valley Community Library and walk 1/2 mile to Jewett Creek Park. 

Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest for Kids

Library events and programs are open to the public and provided at no cost. Special accommodations may be requested using our Disability Accommodation Request Form no later than 15 days prior to the event.

Los eventos y programas de la biblioteca están abiertos al público y se brindan sin costo. Se pueden solicitar adaptaciones especiales utilizando nuestro formulario de solicitud de adaptaciones para personas con discapacidades (en inglés) hasta 15 días antes del evento.

Особые условия могут быть запрошены с помощью нашей формы запроса на предоставление условий для людей с инвалидностью не позднее чем за 15 дней до мероприятия.

Spend a day or the weekend to help support Washington Trail Assocation's quest to maintain all of Beacon Rock!

Camping is available on Saturday evening if you would like to volunteer both days.

Beacon Rock State Park is one of the most popular destinations in the Columbia River Gorge. Over the past 8 years WTA volunteers have built three new trails at the park: Hardy Ridge, Bridge Trail, and the River To Rock Trail.

Hamilton Mt. was built by the Civilian Conversation Corps and is now largely maintained by volunteer crews.

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.

Project Description: You will meet at the Equestrian Trailhead at 8:30 then consolidate vehicles to pass through the locked gate to get closer to Upper Hardy Creek trail. There are multiple trees down as well as many tread issues to fix. Depending on what State Parks needs, a small crew may also peel off to help fix a washout on the Hamilton Mountain trail.

Hiking Information

Our hike to the project site will depend, but should not be more that 3 miles round trip.

Schedule

• 8:25 AM: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine!

• 8:30 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then caravan in to the project site

• Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day

• 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail

• Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work

• 3:30 PM: Enjoy refreshments at the trailhead before making your way home

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

• No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need

• Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain

• For ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18

What to Wear - Required:

• Sturdy closed-toe shoes

• Work gloves

• Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)

• Long pants

Recommended:

• Sturdy work or hiking boots

• Long sleeved shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.

What to Bring

• Lunch and plenty of water

• Rain jacket and pants

• Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather

• A pack to carry your personal gear

• A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

• Frequently Asked Questions

• WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do

• Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367

From the Hiking Guide:

See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.

Join Waitlist

Enjoy a 10 mile kayak paddle around Bachelor Island!

The Columbia River Water Trail is a wonderful place to explore by kayak.  Join Alder Creek Ridgefield team to paddle through the winding waterways around Bachelor Island on this full day tour!  A variety of birds and wildlife are often seen as we slip around the puzzle pieces of land and explore paths once traveled by native tribes and Lewis and Clark. 

This full day flat water tour is a terrific way to experience the beauty of the river and cover a little more distance. 

• Previous experience required.

• Paddle from our boathouse on the Lake River out to the Columbia River and around Bachelor Island.

• Total paddle length is about 10 miles.

• We stop on the beach along Bachelor Island to stretch our legs and have a snack.

• Hosted by Alder Creek Ridgefield, registration required HERE

Join the Washington Native Plant Society at the Cape Horn trail, to hike from Salmon Falls Rd Park-n-Ride lot to Nancy Russell Overlook and back.

This is a moderate to strenuous hike of 5.0 miles round trip with 700’ elevation gain and some difficult footing.

Lush woods, fantastic views and a wealth of spring wildflowers.

To register, just email Ron Klump at klumpton@gmail.com

2026 Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale

The WSU Master Gardeners & Clark County Master Gardener Foundation greenhouse teams are busy growing plants for this year’s plant sale. The link to sign up for shopping appointments will be posted here on April 24, 2026.

WSU Master Gardener Terrie Phillips will show you how to plant, grow and harvest the most popular herbs that you can enjoy fresh from your own garden. What to do with herbs after harvest will be discussed such as in preserving, storage and easy usage of these flavorful plants.

Accommodations

Library events and programs are open to the public and provided at no cost. Special accommodations may be requested using our Disability Accommodation Request Form no later than 15 days prior to the event.

Los eventos y programas de la biblioteca están abiertos al público y se brindan sin costo. Se pueden solicitar adaptaciones especiales utilizando nuestro formulario de solicitud de adaptaciones para personas con discapacidades (en inglés) hasta 15 días antes del evento.

Особые условия могут быть запрошены с помощью нашей формы запроса на предоставление условий для людей с инвалидностью не позднее чем за 15 дней до мероприятия.

Waste Connections of WA

Move towards a fertilizer free garden using compost (ideally home produced!) to amend your soil, creating a healthy and robust soil ecosystem.  

Understand how to apply and time various different types of compost (Bokashi, vermicompost, backyard bin compost, trench compost and leaf mulch).

Register HERE

Spend a day or the weekend to help support Washington Trail Assocation's quest to maintain all of Beacon Rock!

Camping is available on Saturday evening if you would like to volunteer both days.

Beacon Rock State Park is one of the most popular destinations in the Columbia River Gorge. Over the past 8 years WTA volunteers have built three new trails at the park: Hardy Ridge, Bridge Trail, and the River To Rock Trail.

Hamilton Mt. was built by the Civilian Conversation Corps and is now largely maintained by volunteer crews.

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.

Project Description: You will meet at the Equestrian Trailhead at 8:30 then consolidate vehicles to pass through the locked gate to get closer to Upper Hardy Creek trail. There are multiple trees down as well as many tread issues to fix. Depending on what State Parks needs, a small crew may also peel off to help fix a washout on the Hamilton Mountain trail.

Hiking Information

Our hike to the project site will depend, but should not be more that 3 miles round trip.

Schedule

• 8:25 AM: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine!

• 8:30 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then caravan in to the project site

• Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day

• 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail

• Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work

• 3:30 PM: Enjoy refreshments at the trailhead before making your way home

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

• No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need

• Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain

• For ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18

What to Wear - Required:

• Sturdy closed-toe shoes

• Work gloves

• Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)

• Long pants

Recommended:

• Sturdy work or hiking boots

• Long sleeved shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.

What to Bring

• Lunch and plenty of water

• Rain jacket and pants

• Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather

• A pack to carry your personal gear

• A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

• Frequently Asked Questions

• WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do

• Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367

From the Hiking Guide:

See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.

Join Waitlist

Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for a kayak class!

Come paddle through the winding waterways of the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  Experience the beauty and fun of paddling Lake River in the Bachelor Island area. 

You will practice paddling skills with the help of an experienced guide. A variety of birds and wildlife are seen as we slip around the puzzle pieces of land and explore paths once traveled by Native America tribes and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We look for bald eagles and blue herons and so much more!  As part of the tour, we cover  basic paddling skills including launching, strokes, maneuvering, and how to stay safe on the water. This is a great way to get on the water and learn paddling fundamentals!

No previous experience required!

• Enjoy a nice flat water paddle trip 

• View wildlife and experience the river's wonders

• Recieve coaching on paddling skills, safety and technique

Registration for this class is required.

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces for our mid-day volunteer event series: Flora and Fauna Fridays!

We’re excited to host our weekly work parties that allow you to roll up your sleeves and contribute to our community projects. These events offer a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a sustainable environment while learning about the local ecosystem. Each session will feature hands-on service to help build and support natural systems, along with snacks and the chance to connect with fellow volunteers. You’ll also receive valuable insights into the importance of the project you’re working on. We invite you to join us for one or all the Flora and Fauna Fridays this spring. Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment!

• Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided.

• This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

• Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

• Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is wheelchair accessible, and work is primarily done in a quiet park with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds and nearby traffic. For mulching projects, volunteers may be shoveling, twisting and turning, and pushing wheelbarrows. For invasive removal projects, volunteers may be kneeling, pulling, and twisting as well as possibly lifting plants overhead to load into a dumpster. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is already closed and you still want to register, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Advance registration is required. RSVP today! *This is an outside work party* where volunteers will distribute mulch, pick up litter and pull invasive plants at Campus community garden!

• Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Paddle a Dragon Boat in Ridgefield!

Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boat paddling but didn't know where to start? You've found the place! Join the exciting sport that is growing in the United States and is especially big in the Pacific Northwest.

Ridgefield Dragon Boat community paddling is your opportunity to join a fun, team oriented activity at no cost from April 17 through October 3. Paddlers must be 14 years of age or older to participate. No experience is needed.

2026 Community Paddling Schedule:

Regular Season: April 17 - October 3
Weekly Paddles held on Fridays at 5:30 PM.

Location:
Ridgefield Waterfront

Fee: FREE! Registration required, spots fill quickly!
Sign up for all community events on Meetup

No experience is needed and equipment is provided.

You're invited! Join us for our annual Kids Fishing Fest!

Fishing for kids ages 5-14 with one of our expert fishing mentors

• Fishing pole for registered fishers

• Opportunity for registered fishers to catch and take home up to two fish

• Hands-on science and nature activities for all attendees

• BBQ lunch for all attendees (veggie options available)   

• Registration opens March 14! Advance registration for a fishing time slot and ticket purchase is required for all fishers and adults. Tickets are $8 per person. Kids under 5 are free. All ticket sales are final. 

• To register, please visit our website and purchase tickets for a one-hour time slot between 8am and 3pm. This time slot is the time that registered kids can line up to fish. All attendees are welcome to enjoy the rest of the festival for the duration of the event.

• Spots are limited! Register here: https://www.columbiasprings.org/KFF

• Note: the 10am-11am time slot is reserved for kids with disabilities and their families.

• Thank you to the event sponsors Neil Jones Food Company and Tidewater. In partnership with Clark Public Utilities and WDFW.

• Questions? Email events@columbiasprings.org

Columbia Land Trust is hosting a volunteer stewardship event at our conserved Raistakka site in Wahkiakum County, Washington.

Raistakka is adjacent to the Grays River and the site of a potential restoration project. We will take a short walk through the lowland area, before heading to the site of an old gravel mine in the upland section of the property. 

Join CLT for a morning of land tending consisting of litter pickup and manual weed removal. We will be prioritizing the removal of Scotch broom and English holly which crowd out native vegetation and spread seed.

Sign up below! You will receive a confirmation email with event details and directions to our work site.

What to Expect: The event will begin at 9:30am with a quick orientation, followed by volunteer work from 10:00am until 12:30 pm. This activity involves manually removing litter and pulling weeds with gloves, shovels, and weed wrenches that Columbia Land Trust will provide.  

Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, snacks, work boots, and attire suitable for physical work outdoors. Supplemental water and some light snacks will be available. Restrooms are not available on site but can be accessed nearby at the gas station in Naselle. We plan to work rain or shine!  

Restoration Context: This site connects conserved lands along the first 4.5 river miles of the north bank of the Grays River. The restoration work we envision here would connect the Devil’s Elbow area (which was tidally reconnected 20 years ago) to a rare intact Sitka Spruce swamp called Secret River, which was also conserved by Columbia Land Trust.

For more information, please contact kpierson@columbialandtrust.org.

• Click here to register!

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site presents a special program about Mount St. Helens After the Eruption, Fort Vancouver Visitor Center Theater. This presentation will be given by Fort Vancouver volunteer Alex Lennox and will explore what happened after the transformative 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

While the eruption itself dramatically changed the region in a single day, the story of what followed is equally compelling. This program examines how the blast reshaped forests, rivers, and wildlife habitat across the surrounding landscape and how nearby communities experienced and responded to the event in the days, months, and years that followed.

Through an engaging discussion, visitors will explore the long-term environmental and human impacts of the eruption and learn how scientists, land managers, and local communities have observed the remarkable recovery and renewal of the landscape over the decades since the eruption. The program highlights themes of change, resilience, and adaptation, offering a deeper understanding of how people and nature respond to dramatic environmental events.

No registration required.

[Photo source: Another 1960s color morning photo taken on calm Spirit Lake showing the incredible Mount St. Helens with its glaciers, snow which lasts well into the summer and the heavily forested Hemlocks on what would become Harry's Ridge after May 18, 1980. MSHB1980}

Ready to celebrate “Kids to Parks” Day?

Join Clark County Public Works Park & Nature team to enjoy FREE access to your regional parks. Learn more about National Park Trust’s annual celebration below and at their web page.

Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through hundreds of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors. 

Most of the year, the daily parking fees at these four parks is $5.

There is no charge for people who walk or bicycle into any of these four parks. Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass holders are also exempt from parking fees. Click here for more information.

Annual passes are available for $40.

Learn more about Clark County regional park parking fees HERE.

Learn more about:

• Frenchman’s Bar Park

• Lewisville Park

• Salmon Creek Greenway / Klineline Pond

• Vancouver Lake Park

Want to go on a road trip to visit statewide parks?

Check out these ideas from Buddy Bison:

Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for a kayak class!

Come paddle through the winding waterways of the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  Experience the beauty and fun of paddling Lake River in the Bachelor Island area. 

You will practice paddling skills with the help of an experienced guide. A variety of birds and wildlife are seen as we slip around the puzzle pieces of land and explore paths once traveled by Native America tribes and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We look for bald eagles and blue herons and so much more!  As part of the tour, we cover  basic paddling skills including launching, strokes, maneuvering, and how to stay safe on the water. This is a great way to get on the water and learn paddling fundamentals!

No previous experience required!

• Enjoy a nice flat water paddle trip 

• View wildlife and experience the river's wonders

• Recieve coaching on paddling skills, safety and technique

Registration for this class is required.

Everybody is an Athlete: At NW Association of Blind Athletes, we believe that any individual who is blind or visually impaired is an athlete and deserves the opportunity to participate in regular physical activity.

NWBA programming is available for athletes of all ages and ability levels. Do you have a sport or activity that you want to get involved with or pick up again? We have a variety of sports available throughout the year.

Register as an Athlete: To ensure you are registered as an athlete in the correct area, please email programsteam@nwaba.org.

Volunteer to support: NWABA is an athlete-centered, volunteer driven organization. Submit the registration form Volunteer Registration

Get Involved With NWABA! If you’d like to be involved with NWABA as an athlete, volunteer or just want to learn more, please contact us and we’ll reach out to you shortly.

mshinstitute

Mark your calendars: the 46th Eruptiversary is right around the corner, and Views & Brews is back!

Join the Mt. St Helen’s Institute as we commemorate the 46th anniversary of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens with an evening of stories, science, and community.

USGS Scientist Emerita Carolyn Driedger will share her personal memories of being in the field during the eruption and explore how that single cataclysmic event reshaped volcano science, emergency planning, and public education around the world. Whether you were there in 1980 or are just now connecting with the mountain's story, this is an evening of reflection and connection you won't want to miss.

📍 In-Person: Heathen Brewing & Kitchen, Vancouver, WA
💻 Virtual option available too!
🎟️ Tickets: $10 per attendee (in-person) | $10 per household (virtual)

Registration is required HERE
About the Venue: We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Heathen Brewing, now in their Salmon Creek location. The team is graciously opening just for us on a day they’re usually closed, so we encourage you to show your thanks by enjoying Heathen's delicious food and drinks during the event!

Join us for an interactive writing workshop with local author, Ashley Erdely, where kids will learn all about the mighty powers of pollinators and create pro-pollinator poetry in the form of a haiku.

Accommodations

Library events and programs are open to the public and provided at no cost. Special accommodations may be requested using our Disability Accommodation Request Form no later than 15 days prior to the event.

Los eventos y programas de la biblioteca están abiertos al público y se brindan sin costo. Se pueden solicitar adaptaciones especiales utilizando nuestro formulario de solicitud de adaptaciones para personas con discapacidades (en inglés) hasta 15 días antes del evento.

Особые условия могут быть запрошены с помощью нашей формы запроса на предоставление условий для людей с инвалидностью не позднее чем за 15 дней до мероприятия.

You're invited! Join us for a Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs.  

Have you ever wondered how old the fish are out in our round ponds, or how the hatchery works? What temperature do you think the springwater is as it comes out of the ground? Find the answers to these questions and more on a tour of our unique historic hatchery! 

Come along with knowledgeable Columbia Springs staff, or expert volunteer, as they trace the path of spring water through our unique site, and learn about the trout and salmon that grow up here along the way. 

• While all ages are welcome, tour content may be most engaging for older kids and adults. 

• We will meet at 3:00pm. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather! 

• Accessible parking and paved pathways are available to the main portion of the campus

Let us know you’re coming in advance by registering at https://www.columbiasprings.org/events/guided-tours/ 

Photo by Paul Peloquin

Hey NWTrailsSisters! Ever felt nervous riding steep mountain bike trails and wished you had the skills (and confidence) to crush them? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there!

That’s why NWTA is stoked to announce two upcoming women’s clinics designed to help you nail the fundamentals of riding steeps — like proper braking, body position, and where to look.

Both clinics will be at Rocky Point and led by @brave.endeavors. We’ll be focusing on the trails Pillow Talk and Phil’s Shred Factory (conditions permitting).

👉 If you’re an intermediate rider ready to level up your steep-riding game, these clinics are for you! You should be comfortable riding the trail Gritty Kitty and able to handle climbing at least 1,000 ft.

❤️ The cost? Just $75 per clinic — NWTrailSisters is covering 50% of the entry fee ❤️

We’re also planning a third clinic at Gateway Green, sessioning intermediate jumps. For now, mark your calendars and sign up for the priority waitlist at the Brave Endeavors website.

More details and sign-ups are coming soon, join waitlist

20 May - 5:30p, Rocky Point
24 June - 5:30p, Rocky Point
25 August - 5:30p, Gateway Green

Join the Mazamas for this spectacular hike in the Gorge!

Cook Hill, just to the east of Dog Mountain, serves as the latter’s poor cousin, but if you want solitude and an abundance of wildflower species in the spring, this is the place to go to avoid Dog’s crowds although it cannot quite replicate the spectacular meadow displays. The hike is all on unofficial trails and old road beds on public land save for a section of the ridge at the Cook Hill Saddle, which belongs to Broughton Lumber. There are two meadows to cross, a steep smaller meadow and the lengthy summit meadow, which has seen some grazing in the past. While all of the slopes were logged sometime in the 20th century, the forest wildflowers match those of the meadows in abundance and diversity. Note that the trail section which leads to the summit, constructed by Gorge activist Russ Jolley, can disappear in places as new growth engulfs it in the spring. The first time you're here, hike the loop counterclockwise as described to avoid the chance of losing Russ Jolley’s trail. When you return, you can go clockwise to get full frontal views of the Gorge as you descend from the summit of Cook Hill. There is no signage, but the routes are cleared by volunteers, usually every year.

http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Cook_Hill_Loop_Hike

Activity Notes: We'll hopefully enjoy some beautiful views of the Gorge in the golden light of the evening sun. We'll maintain a steady 2-2.5 mph pace uphill.

Registration is required HERE.

[Photo source: WTA trail report]

Schoolyard Stewardship: Connecting Gardens, Students, and Community

Celebrate the end of the school year and learn strategies for turning your garden into a hub of learning, connection, and stewardship. This session will explore ways to engage students, families, and local partners through community garden days, picnics, and student-led showcases. Learn how collaborative events can strengthen student learning, foster environmental stewardship, and build lasting support for your garden programs. Participants will leave with practical tools, planning ideas, and inspiration to make their schoolyard a thriving space for learning and community connection.

Join the team from the Lower Columbia School Gardens and environmental educators, for this interactive session.

• Register for TLO Session #6 HERE 

• All sessions are free to register

• Up to 2 FREE STEM Clock Hours upon completion for this workshop

• Each session includes presentations by topic matter experts, discussion, and 1/2 hour planning time for teachers (walk out with action items for your school)

• Sign up for one session, or sign up for multiple sessions!

Taking Learning Outside 2025-26 Courses:

Discover how to turn your schoolyard into a dynamic space for curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning. Taking Learning Outside is a year-long professional learning series designed to help educators integrate outdoor experiences into everyday instruction. Each session explores practical ways to teach science, stewardship, and sustainability through topics such as birds, native plants, school gardens, and urban tree canopy.

Over the 2025-26 academic year, the Taking Learning Outside Series offers six sessions (both in-person and online) that cover a wide range of topics and grade levels. In-person sessions will happen at various locations across SW Washington.

The Taking Learning Outside Series is a partnership of the Lower Columbia Nature Network, Pacific Education Institute, Lower Columbia School Gardens, Master Gardener Program at Washington State University Extension, Washington Science Teachers Association, and ESD 112. 

Washington Trails Association staff help you find and plan your next great adventure! Come away with 10+ hike ideas and tips for having a great hiking year.

Join WTA online to get inspiration for your summer hiking season. With 10 hike recommendations and hiking tips from WTA staff, there's something for everyone at Hike the State.

The WTA team is excited to help you find hikes and adventures that range from stunning views and alpine lakes to easygoing, lush river walks. In one jam-packed hour, we'll share plenty of ideas you'll want to add to your hiking list and help you prepare for the hiking season ahead. 

Register today!

Hike the State is a free, annual event hosted by WTA, a nonprofit committed to a future with trails for everyone, forever.

This year, attendees will hear from these four WTA staff member experts: 

• Nicole Masih-Théberge (she/her) - Senior Community Engagement Coordinator - Nicole grew up hiking and camping all around the Pacific Northwest. She has spent her career working in a variety of roles for nonprofits in youth development, volunteer management and grant writing. Leading several camping and hiking trips while working for Girl Scouts of Western Washington further ignited her excitement for increasing access to nature and outdoor recreation. Nicole is passionate about environmental and social justice and is thrilled to be working with WTA to support and grow community engagement with the outdoors. When she’s not working, you can usually find her on a walk, reading, or cooking. 

• Maryjo "MJ" Mahan (she/her) - Senior Community Partnerships and Leadership Development Coordinator - Maryjo, also known as MJ, was born and raised in the Bay Area but is now settling into her PNW roots. After graduating from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Physiology and Neuroscience she worked in academic research for several years. She is a certified Environmental and Outdoor Educator from California’s Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE) and has worked with various nonprofit organizations focused on environmental justice and empowering BIPOC youth through the outdoors. Her true passion is to continuously create equitable and accessible outdoor programs for underrepresented youth and communities. MJ's hobbies include reading, running, hiking, birding, silly dancing, playing ultimate frisbee, and talking about and watching sports (Golden State Warriors specifically). If she's not doing any of those, you can likely find her drinking kombucha and sitting in a camp chair by a body of water. 

• Brandon Tigner - Senior North Puget Sound Trails Coordinator - Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Brandon discovered his passion for the outdoors first as a volunteer and then as an assistant crew leader with the Maine Appalachian Trail Crew. Making his way to the Pacific Northwest he WWOOFed on an organic farm, conducted salmonid life cycle surveys and worked construction. Jumping back into the trail world, Brandon spent two incredible seasons with WTA as the Southwest Regional Trail Crew Leader before joining Trailkeepers of Oregon as their North Coast Stewardship Coordinator. Brandon is excited to be back with WTA working in the majestic Cascade Mountains as well as the North Puget Sound Region! Brandon’s other passions include playing guitar, eating pizza, and adventuring with his family! 

• Cassidy Giampetro (she/her) - Advocacy Manager - Cassidy experienced a true calling to the mountains when she moved to Washington in 2017 from flat Miami, Florida. She has served in a number of roles leveraging partnership-based work for community development and environmental policy outcomes, including previously leading a King County coalition and mobilizing voters during elections. Cassidy is passionate about environmental justice and strengthening equitable access to nature. She is excited to bring this experience to WTA to get more voices active and heard in the hiking community. She is a lover of biodiversity, wildlife, and sweets! 

Join the Washington Trails Association to get inspiration for your outdoor adventures this year!

WTA staff will share fresh hiking recommendations and pro tips for planning great hiking experiences. There’s a little something for everyone at Hike the State. Whether you’re a multi-day backpacker or a neighborhood wanderer, join us and add something new to your hiking list.

Register HERE for this free on-line workshop

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces for a work party or educational event in our spring mid-day volunteer event series: Flora and Fauna Fridays!

We’re excited to host our weekly work parties that allow you to roll up your sleeves and contribute to our community projects. These events offer a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a sustainable environment while learning about the local ecosystem. Each session will feature hands-on service to help build and support natural systems, along with snacks and the chance to connect with fellow volunteers. You’ll also receive valuable insights into the importance of the project you’re working on. We invite you to join us for one or all the Flora and Fauna Fridays this spring. Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment!

• Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided.

• This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

• Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is wheelchair accessible, and work is primarily done in a quiet park with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds and nearby traffic. For mulching projects, volunteers may be shoveling, twisting and turning, and pushing wheelbarrows. For invasive removal projects, volunteers may be kneeling, pulling, and twisting as well as possibly lifting plants overhead to load into a dumpster. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is already closed and you still want to register, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Advance registration is required. RSVP today! *This is an outside work party* at the Downs neighborhood park where volunteers will distribute mulch, pick up litter and pull invasive plants.

• Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Paddle a Dragon Boat in Ridgefield!

Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boat paddling but didn't know where to start? You've found the place! Join the exciting sport that is growing in the United States and is especially big in the Pacific Northwest.

Ridgefield Dragon Boat community paddling is your opportunity to join a fun, team oriented activity at no cost from April 17 through October 3. Paddlers must be 14 years of age or older to participate. No experience is needed.

2026 Community Paddling Schedule:

Regular Season: April 17 - October 3
Weekly Paddles held on Fridays at 5:30 PM.

Location:
Ridgefield Waterfront

Fee: FREE! Registration required, spots fill quickly!
Sign up for all community events on Meetup

No experience is needed and equipment is provided.

Located around the town of Ridgefield, Washington, this wildlife refuge is a great place to see throngs of wintering Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, Sandhill Cranes and many raptors.

To accompany Elaine on the bird walk, we ask that you register in advance by phoning the Vancouver shop at 503-445-2699, press 5.  We’ll meet at the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.  The walk will last 2 – 3 hours.  Advance reservations are required—we limit the number of participants to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and educational experience.  Dress for the weather, and, please, no pets!

Ridgefield NWR – Carty Unit (*$3 parking fee) – 28908 NW Main Ave. Ridgefield WA 98642: Meet in the parking lot at 8am.

Exploring the intersection of cosmology, ecology, and spirituality

We hope you’ll join us for this first-of-its-kind retreat. Portland poet Jeff Howard has become a Soup & Words regular over the past few months, and he is offering up a day that is unlike anything we have done out here. We’re pretty excited!

Register HERE

From Jeff:

The science of the past century provides startling insights into how the Earth and its intricate life systems—including our own minds—have arisen through the physical processes of the universe.

Learning to dwell in the realization that we have been “knitted from the void” and are profoundly home in one of the Milky Way’s vast spiral arms means learning to see our world, our lives, our very consciousness in Deep Time. This six-hour retreat will use science, poetry, and guided meditation to explore the path from the Big Bang to the world we know today. We will consider how this perspective can inform our understanding of the mounting ecological crisis, our major social challenges, and Plas Newydd Farm itself.

We’re hoping to get out on the landscape for this one, so come prepared for some all-weather tromping! A $20 materials fee is included in the ticket price. 

Coffee, tea, water and light snacks will be provided. Please bring sack lunch and any special snacks you need (you will have access to fridge, stove and microwave if needed).

This is a free event, but we welcome a donation if you are able. Ticket options below, or you can donate on the day with cash, check or card. Thanks for your support!

Accessibility Note: This workshop takes place in an historic farmhouse that is not currently wheelchair accessible. We will work to accommodate access however we can, but please email arts@pnfarm.com to confirm that the space will work for you before you commit to the workshop!

About our teacher

Jeff Howard is an interdisciplinary social scientist whose career has focused on environmental policy and technology policy. He’s also a poet and photographer whose work has been published in literary and environmental journals. Prayers of the New Earth, a collection of framed photos and poems, has been displayed in Portland, Snohomish, and Pittsburgh. As a Buddhist and activist, his creative and intellectual fascination now focuses on humanity coming to recognize its position in deep time, that is, recognize itself—body, mind, soul—as a creature of the cosmos, a creature of ecosystems, a creature of Earth. He lives in Portland.

You can find his work around the web. Here are links to several recent poems:

• “Gathering Day” and “Ritual of the curvature,” Unearthed 

• “Come Back,” The Fourth River

• “Steady State,” Amethyst Review

• “Portents,” Consilience

Join the Southwest Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance to conduct maintenance on Thrillium Trail tread in the Yacolt Burn forest, improve water management, and fine tune some features.

This event is hosted by the Southwest Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

What to Bring

Volunteers should bring water and lunch, and dress for working in the outdoors. Boots are recommended. 

Directions

Larch Mountain trailhead in the Yacolt Burn State Forest.

Contacts

Sean Callaghan

(360) 623-9478

sean.callaghan@dnr.wa.gov

Resources

• This event is eligible for a voucher toward a complimentary Discover Pass

• To learn more about volunteering on DNR-managed lands, click here

• To learn more about the latest volunteer guidelines for working on DNR-managed lands, click here

Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for a kayak class!

Come paddle through the winding waterways of the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  Experience the beauty and fun of paddling Lake River in the Bachelor Island area. 

You will practice paddling skills with the help of an experienced guide. A variety of birds and wildlife are seen as we slip around the puzzle pieces of land and explore paths once traveled by Native America tribes and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We look for bald eagles and blue herons and so much more!  As part of the tour, we cover  basic paddling skills including launching, strokes, maneuvering, and how to stay safe on the water. This is a great way to get on the water and learn paddling fundamentals!

No previous experience required!

• Enjoy a nice flat water paddle trip 

• View wildlife and experience the river's wonders

• Recieve coaching on paddling skills, safety and technique

Registration for this class is required.

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs staff and volunteers from our Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of beautifying LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park’s natural area. We will be removing ivy and other non-native plants and spreading mulch.

• Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided.

• This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

• Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

• Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is wheelchair accessible, and work is primarily done in a quiet natural area with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds. For mulching projects, volunteers may be shoveling, twisting and turning, and pushing wheelbarrows. For invasive removal projects, volunteers may be kneeling, pulling, and twisting as well as possibly lifting plants overhead to load into a dumpster. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Advance registration is required. Sign up today!

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Enjoy a 10 mile kayak paddle around Bachelor Island!

The Columbia River Water Trail is a wonderful place to explore by kayak.  Join Alder Creek Ridgefield team to paddle through the winding waterways around Bachelor Island on this full day tour!  A variety of birds and wildlife are often seen as we slip around the puzzle pieces of land and explore paths once traveled by native tribes and Lewis and Clark. 

This full day flat water tour is a terrific way to experience the beauty of the river and cover a little more distance. 

• Previous experience required.

• Paddle from our boathouse on the Lake River out to the Columbia River and around Bachelor Island.

• Total paddle length is about 10 miles.

• We stop on the beach along Bachelor Island to stretch our legs and have a snack.

• Hosted by Alder Creek Ridgefield, registration required HERE

NW Trail Sisters are answering your call for a beginner group ride! Join us at Gateway Green for a chill, guided ride.

This will be a chill, guided ride around the trails at Gateway Green, just east of I-205. Ride at your own pace, get comfy on your bike, learn from others, and maybe come away with a riding buddy or two!

Meet at the north end of the park near the entrances of Ted's Traverse and Meadow Loop. Your ride leaders will meet you there, go over bike safety, talk about route options, and show you around the park!

Note this is not a clinic, just an opportunity to come together and ride with other women who are just getting into mountain biking.

Please bring:

• A mountain bike in good working order (just front, or front and rear suspension, knobby tires, enough gears to get you up hills, flat handlebar, tires pumped, sealant checked, bolts tight, chain clean and lubed, brakes and shifters working)

• Snacks and water

• A multi-tool, hand pump, and extra tube are also good to have!

If you reigster but find that you are not able to make it, please cancel your Eventbrite registration so our ride leaders have a good idea of how many folks to expect.

Register HERE and please sign the waiver HERE.

Contact carriej@nw-trail.org with any questions.

Explore federal Public Lands across the U.S. for free today!

In honor of Memorial Day, there are no entrance fees to federal public lands. Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday on the last Monday in May, honoring military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, originating from Civil War traditions of decorating fallen soldiers' graves as "Decoration Day". It's a day for remembrance, with traditions like laying wreaths at monuments, attending services, and placing flags on graves, serving as a solemn occasion to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made for the country

Most of the sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit, but some require an entrance pass. You may also need a reservation at a few high-traffic sites.

Oak Gall Inkmaking Workshop

White Salmon Wildflower Festival Art Workshop

Oak Gall Inkmaking WorkshopMolly Holmlund
Cost: $50
Ages: 12+
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Columbia Land Trust will be hosting local artist Molly Holmlund again for an Oak Gall Ink Making Workshop. Our staff will share local hiking opportunities in oak landscapes, information about oak understory and wildflowers, while Molly offers a hands on demonstration making ink from oak galls and other local natural ingredients. Participants will glean knowledge on natural ink making, and get to paint multiple gall ink creations!

Guests will begin with the ink-making process, then during the 20 minutes time it takes for their oak galls to soak, Columbia Land Trust staff will give a presentation on local oak ecosystems including discussions of the wonderful wildflowers and forbs that make up the oak understory.

Leave with cards that you make as well as a bottle of ink!

All attendees will receive native wildflower seed packets.

Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for a kayak class!

Come paddle through the winding waterways of the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  Experience the beauty and fun of paddling Lake River in the Bachelor Island area. 

You will practice paddling skills with the help of an experienced guide. A variety of birds and wildlife are seen as we slip around the puzzle pieces of land and explore paths once traveled by Native America tribes and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We look for bald eagles and blue herons and so much more!  As part of the tour, we cover  basic paddling skills including launching, strokes, maneuvering, and how to stay safe on the water. This is a great way to get on the water and learn paddling fundamentals!

No previous experience required!

• Enjoy a nice flat water paddle trip 

• View wildlife and experience the river's wonders

• Recieve coaching on paddling skills, safety and technique

Registration for this class is required.

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces for a work party or educational event in our spring mid-day volunteer event series: Flora and Fauna Fridays!

We’re excited to host our weekly work parties that allow you to roll up your sleeves and contribute to our community projects. These events offer a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a sustainable environment while learning about the local ecosystem. Each session will feature hands-on service to help build and support natural systems, along with snacks and the chance to connect with fellow volunteers. You’ll also receive valuable insights into the importance of the project you’re working on. We invite you to join us for one or all the Flora and Fauna Fridays this spring. Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment!

• Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided.

• This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

• Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

• Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is wheelchair accessible, and work is primarily done in a quiet park with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds and nearby traffic. For mulching projects, volunteers may be shoveling, twisting and turning, and pushing wheelbarrows. For invasive removal projects, volunteers may be kneeling, pulling, and twisting as well as possibly lifting plants overhead to load into a dumpster. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is already closed and you still want to register, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Registration is required. Sign up today!

• Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Paddle a Dragon Boat in Ridgefield!

Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boat paddling but didn't know where to start? You've found the place! Join the exciting sport that is growing in the United States and is especially big in the Pacific Northwest.

Ridgefield Dragon Boat community paddling is your opportunity to join a fun, team oriented activity at no cost from April 17 through October 3. Paddlers must be 14 years of age or older to participate. No experience is needed.

2026 Community Paddling Schedule:

Regular Season: April 17 - October 3
Weekly Paddles held on Fridays at 5:30 PM.

Location:
Ridgefield Waterfront

Fee: FREE! Registration required, spots fill quickly!
Sign up for all community events on Meetup

No experience is needed and equipment is provided.

Increase the beauty and productivity of your fruit trees with this informative, two-part, hands-on pruning class by locally renowned fruit tree expert, Monica Maggio.

Timely pruning can improve the shape, strength, and fruit set of your trees, and help reduce pest and disease pressure.

Part One is a lecture on a Friday evening, delivered via Zoom (at your home), that will cover general pruning theory. This will be Friday, May 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. You will be provided with a Zoom link a day or two prior to the class. Note: you must have a (free) Zoom account in order to attend.

Part Two is a Saturday in-field session that includes experiential instruction on specific techniques to help you learn how to make the best cuts on your fruit trees with confidence and skill. This will be held rain or shine on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA.

This portion will include standing and walking on uneven ground. Dress for the weather and bring water.

DATE/TIME: Friday, May 29, 2026 — 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm via Zoom and Saturday, May 30, 2025 — 10:00 a.m. to noon

LOCATION: Zoom for Friday evening and in East Vancouver on Saturday. More specifics will be provided on registration.

COST: $60.06 which includes tax and Eventbrite fee for both sessions. For the Friday evening online class only, $25.22 which includes Eventbrite fees and sales tax.

REGISTRATION Required. No admission without advance registration. Click here to register.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu.

Read about all Master Gardener upcoming events

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Erika Johnson at the above listed email, phone or mailing address at least two weeks prior to the event.

Join WTA for the first of three 2026 work parties tailored to those with a military background.

These work parties give veterans and service members from all branches a chance to form-up, build camaraderie, enjoy the outdoors, and maintain hiking trails. This is an opportunity for everyone to hang out, share stories, and even earn volunteer credit for those still in service.

Assistant Crew Leaders who are veterans are encouraged to register.

About the Area: Not sure what a whistle punk is? This hike will teach you! The lovely 1.2-mile interpretive loop trail takes you through several ecosystems including lush old growth and beautiful meadows, and will introduce you to some logging relics. Though the trail has seen better days, with a little love we can help restore it to its former accessible status.

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.

Project Description: Many veterans have successfully transitioned from military service into civilian life, but many others still face challenges. Additionally some members are nearing the end of their service obligation, service contract, or retirement date. This is a unique opportunity to share "TTPs" and hopefully help someone successfully transition. Your crew leader for this work party is also a 25-year veteran.

The work for the day will include using manual or power tools to remove vegetation, as well as digging tools to maintain the walking surface of the trail.

Hiking Information

Expect to hike no more than 1.2mi total, as long as the loop is.

Schedule

• 8:30 AM: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine (please make sure you've signed your digital waiver the the day or night before)

• 8:35 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site

• Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day

• 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail

• Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work

• 3:30 PM: Sign out after enjoying refreshments at the trailhead

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

Special Event

This is one of three WTA work parties geared toward past and present military members.

If the work party location requires or is made easier by camping the night prior, your crew leader will contact you.

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

• No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need

• Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain

• Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18

What to Wear -

Required:

• Sturdy closed-toe shoes

• Work gloves

• Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)

• Long pants

Recommended:

• Sturdy work or hiking boots

• Long sleeved shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.

What to Bring:

• Lunch and plenty of water

• Rain jacket and pants

• Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather

• A pack to carry your personal gear

• A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

Firearms and weapons are not allowed

More Information

• Frequently Asked Questions

• WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do

• Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367

From the Hiking Guide

See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.

Join Work Party

Girls on the Run Greater Oregon's 5k Celebration 

Each Girls on the Run season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K for all program participants in the region. This closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Everyone in our program receives a commemorative medal to celebrate this incredible achievement.

• Volunteer: Be a part of this special day bursting with positivity, fun dance moves, high fives, supportive spirit, and superstar energy. By volunteering with us, you are making this memorable day possible for GOTR youth and their running buddies! We rely on volunteers to support with set up/tear down, registration/check in, parking, water stations, and finish line support. 

• Participate in the Community Run: Community members are welcome to join the fun! You will run the same course as Girls on the Run participants and the event is untimed and non-competitive.

This event is perfect for volunteers who want to spend a couple of hours working outside in Columbia Springs' beautiful natural area.

Projects typically include removing invasive species, trail maintenance, and improving the accessibility and safety of the site. Columbia Springs will provide tools, gloves, and guidance.

Volunteers are asked to bring a water bottle, gloves (if you have them), wear closed-toe shoes, and dress in outdoor/work-appropriate clothing. 

Register in advance: www.columbiasprings.org/volunteer/ 

Spots are limited! 

Volunteer Requirements: Children under age 14 are welcome to volunteer with their parent or guardian. Teens under age 18 can volunteer independently with their guardian’s signed permission.  

Questions? Email jamie@columbiasprings.org 

Join the City of Vancouver staff for a springtime walk along Burnt Bridge Creek, where nature comes alive in May.

We will learn how to identify the flowering native plants along the trail while listening for the songs of migrating song birds. Learn how the health of the water plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems, from the flowers along the creek’s edge to the birds passing through.

Registration required. Sign up today!

• This walk is suitable for adults and families with youth ages 8 and older.

• All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

• Expect to walk 2.5 miles on mostly paved and flat pathways. 

• Stairs descend from the street parking to the trailhead.

Join the Latino Community Resource Group and several LCNN and other community partners at this year’s Fair!

In the past, the fair has featured a diverse lineup of performances, including music, dance, and cultural demonstrations, showcasing the talents and traditions of local artists and cultural groups. You'll also have the chance to connect with representatives from nonprofit organizations and state agencies, who will share information about resources and services available for the community.

Several partners, including LCNN, Clark County and Vancouver Bee Project, will be there to share how you can connect with nature!

Overall, the Multicultural Resource Fair is a unique and engaging experience that offers something for everyone. It's a chance to celebrate diversity, connect with others, and be a part of positive change in the community. So don't miss out on this opportunity - mark your calendar and make plans to attend the next Multicultural Resource Fair!

Increase the beauty and productivity of your fruit trees with this informative, two-part, hands-on pruning class by locally renowned fruit tree expert, Monica Maggio.

Timely pruning can improve the shape, strength, and fruit set of your trees, and help reduce pest and disease pressure.

Part Two is a Saturday in-field session that includes experiential instruction on specific techniques to help you learn how to make the best cuts on your fruit trees with confidence and skill. This will be held rain or shine on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA.

This portion will include standing and walking on uneven ground. Dress for the weather and bring water.

DATE/TIME: Friday, May 29, 2026 — 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm via Zoom and Saturday, May 30, 2025 — 10:00 a.m. to noon

LOCATION: Zoom for Friday evening and in East Vancouver on Saturday. More specifics will be provided on registration.

COST: $60.06 which includes tax and Eventbrite fee for both sessions. For the Friday evening online class only, $25.22 which includes Eventbrite fees and sales tax.

REGISTRATION Required. No admission without advance registration. Click here to register.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu.

Read about all Master Gardener upcoming events

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Erika Johnson at the above listed email, phone or mailing address at least two weeks prior to the event.