Embark on a remarkable single-day non-technical scramble to the summit of Mount St. Helens with our professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards.

These hikes are carefully designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic active Cascade volcanoes. Our knowledgeable and experienced guide teams will enrich your experience with insights into the area's natural and cultural history as well as expert technical advice on outdoor equipment, attire and techniques.

For detailed information, visit our summit climbs program description.

Register today!

• WHERE:   Mount St. Helens Summer or Winter Climbing Routes

• DURATION:   10-12 hours, depending on conditions

• DISTANCE:   8-10 miles, depending on season

• PERMITS:   Fee includes a climbing permit.

• GUIDE TEAM:   Two professional mountain guides and two certified volunteer mountain stewards.

• MINIMUM AGE:   10. If your climber is younger, please contact us to discuss.

• COST:   $299

• MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE:   10

OMSI Public Star Party - Autumn Night Sky

OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, and Oregon Parks and Recreation invite you to our free public OMSI Star Parties. The Star Parties provide a great opportunity to meet other people that share your interest in astronomy, and to view the planets, moon, stars, and other celestial sights through telescopes and binoculars of all sizes.

• From beginners to experts, all ages are invited.

• The scheduled viewing will be held at Stub Stewart State Park.

• Parking is $10/vehicle for guests.

• We recommend visiting OMSI's website on the day of the party for possible weather-related cancellations.

• Warm clothing and a flashlight with red light are recommended. Personal telescopes and binoculars are welcome.

Location Information: 
L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park, take US-26 west of Portland and turn right on OR-47. The park is located 23 miles west of Portland.

Embark on a remarkable single-day non-technical scramble to the summit of Mount St. Helens with our professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards.

These hikes are carefully designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic active Cascade volcanoes. Our knowledgeable and experienced guide teams will enrich your experience with insights into the area's natural and cultural history as well as expert technical advice on outdoor equipment, attire and techniques.

For detailed information, visit our summit climbs program description.

Register today!

• WHERE:   Mount St. Helens Summer or Winter Climbing Routes

• DURATION:   10-12 hours, depending on conditions

• DISTANCE:   8-10 miles, depending on season

• PERMITS:   Fee includes a climbing permit.

• GUIDE TEAM:   Two professional mountain guides and two certified volunteer mountain stewards.

• MINIMUM AGE:   10. If your climber is younger, please contact us to discuss.

• COST:   $299

• MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE:   10

cityofcamas

Camas Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Leadbetter Walk & Roll event! The event will take place along Leadbetter Road, which will be closed to vehicular traffic from the Lacamas Lake Boat Launch to Camp Currie.

Through the Clark County Legacy Lands master planning process, Leadbetter Road has been identified as the future home of the North Shore Trail. This event will provide residents with the opportunity to experience the future trail, and community members are invited to explore the one-mile lakeside stretch of road by foot, bike or other mobility device.

Learn tips to protect your plants, enrich your soils and care for your irrigation systems to prepare your gardens for a long winter’s nap!

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.

fbc.pdx & queer_flockers

If you haven't been keeping up with the Vaux's Swifts behaviors over the last couple of years, you might be surprised to know that Chapman Elementary isn't the largest roost anymore.

Instead, they seem to have split into smaller groups and scattered to various locations. Please come out and join us this year at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral located at 3131 NE Glisan St.

• NO ALCOHOL will be permitted on the church campus.

• Dress for the weather and consider packing a picnic for yourself.

• The church was kind enough to allow us to use the space again and asked that we use street parking only if arriving by vehicle as they have an event ending at 6pm. Consider carpooling or using public transit.

• Accessibility notes: There is a ramp entrance to the parking lot, which leads to the plaza from here: 45.5271512, -122.6325019

• Trimet: Bus 19, Stop at Glisan & 32nd (Stop ID: 2109)

Join the Adaptive Sports Northwest summer adaptive cycling series is back again!

Everyone is welcome to join us at the Portland International Raceway on Monday evenings from 6 to 8pm, June through September. Volunteers will be on site to provide training and assistance.

Bring your own bike or try one of ours. Helmets are required for participation - bring your own if possible, ASNW staff may have some as well.

It's also a good idea to bring water as it can get warm in the evenings.

All participants need to complete a General Waiver. If you plan to attend more than once and are not yet an ASNW member, please become a member today!

Cycling dates:

• Sept 14, 21, 28

Portland International Raceway: 1940 N Victory Blvd., Portland, OR 97217

(503) 823-7223

wsuclarkcountymastergardeners

Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program for an On the Road Tour and leave the driving to us!

Our day will include exploring the rich history, native restoration, serene landscapes, and vibrant flora of the Columbia River Gorge.

• Our first stop is the St. Cloud Day Use Area. Discover the history of the land and learn about the orchard rehabilitation efforts, including DNA genetic testing of the fruit trees. Explore areas actively being restored with native plant species.

• Next, we’ll visit Sams Walker Day Use Area where we will learn about a historic homestead that is being restored back into a thriving native flower habitat. We will also explore the surrounding oak tree forest and learn about the role of controlled burns in ecosystem management.

• Bring a sack lunch to unwind and enjoy amidst the dramatic backdrop of Beacon Rock and the Columbia River Gorge.

• After lunch we’ll visit Columbia Gorge Landscape where we will learn about the soothing practice of Forest Bathing (Forest Therapy). Descend a winding downhill path to a magnificent 400-year-old Douglas Fir, explore garden spaces, and learn about future conservation goals. (Perennials may be available for purchase).

• We will wrap up the trip with a visit to J & J Flowers, a local dahlia farm. Hear the story behind the creation of the farm and, if available, pick up fresh cut dahlias or tubers to take home!

Accessibility: Terrain will be uneven and bumpy, with steep steps — please wear sturdy, supportive walking shoes or hiking boots. Weather in the Gorge can change quickly! Dress in layers and bring sunhat.

Registration required HERE.

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, experts, and volunteers, 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.

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

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

• Accessibility: Columbia Springs has ADA parking and paved pathways with access to the visitor center and fish ponds. The nature trails are not ADA accessible. Learn more HERE.

• Contact Information: Kristine Jacobs, events@columbiasprings.org, 360-882-0936 x 230 

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

In honor of Constitution Day, entrance fees will be waived. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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.

adaptivesportsnw in Portland, Oregon

🛶 Get on the water with CROCC Adaptive Paddling!

The Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club (CROCC) is hosting its 2026 Adaptive Paddling Clinic on September 19 in Portland! CROCC is also hosting a Volunteer Training on September 17 for OTs, PTs, RTs, adaptive sports staff, and anyone interested in learning more about supporting adaptive athletes.

Participants will learn paddling techniques on dry land before hitting the water for short sessions to experience outrigger canoe paddling firsthand. Paddles, life jackets, and seat cushions will be available, along with snacks and water.

Whether you’re ready to try adaptive paddling or interested in volunteering, come experience a morning of recreation, community, and fun on the water!

👉 Register today:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZKKdZQtsKDv6hDgBmax1p7yNmT3u2Kgz4f_YqhTjr7R4emA/viewform

Image description: A group of participants paddle outrigger canoes together on the water during an adaptive paddling event with the Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club (CROCC).

Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener Program

Not enough space to garden? It is possible to grow vegetables from seedling to harvest with only a container and a nutrient solution!

Learn more about this and other garden workshops here

Registration is required

Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time excursions are mostly monthly walks/rolls/rides on Plas Newydd Farm. 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! 

“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

• 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. 

• Accessibility Note: This event takes place out on the land. We work to accommodate access however we can, and routinely customize the outing but please reach out if you have concerns so we can strategize together. You can email arts@pnfarm.com and we’ll take it from there.

• Learn more about this and other upcoming events as well as register HERE

About our teacher: Regular Canopy Time hosts are Abby Braithwaite, PN Farm Arts Initiator, and her husband David Morgan, 3rd generation manager of Plas Newydd Farm. They both love little more than sharing stories of this place with visitors. Occasionally other farm arts volunteers and/or guest presenters join as well.

eocfwa

🌱 Join Educational Opportunities for Children & Families (EOCF) on Friday, to celebrate and tour EOCF's inaugural outdoor classroom and educational garden!

Located right next to our Battle Ground Early Learning Center, this new space will give our early learning scholars hands-on experience with nature, nutrition, and sustainability.

What to expect:
🍔 Free community BBQ
🏡 Tours of our new greenhouses
🌸 Interactive sensory play areas
🌱 Raised garden beds
📲 Please RSVP by September 9th HERE

We are thrilled to invite you to the grand opening of our primary garden at our Battle Ground Early Learning Center. We will be firing up the grill for a community BBQ to celebrate this exciting new outdoor learning initiative for children and families.

Explore the Garden Bring your family and friends to tour the grounds and see firsthand where our Head Start and ECEAP scholars will engage in hands-on learning that connects nature, nutrition, and early childhood education. The new space features:

• Vibrant Growing Spaces: 3 fully-functioning greenhouses, 17 raised fruit and vegetable garden beds, and a perennial flower bed.

• Outdoor Learning Facilities: Shaded gazebos, a sensory activity area, and dedicated spaces for physical and imaginative play.

• Pacific NW Native Landscapes: A beautiful walking trail winding through local trees and native foliage designed for environmental education.

EOCF Mission in Action At EOCF, our mission is to connect, empower, and transform the lives of children and families in Southwest Washington. This garden provides true seed-to-table experiences, allowing scholars to actively participate in the growing cycle by planting seeds, nurturing them, and harvesting fresh foods to incorporate into classroom meals and our ongoing nutrition curriculum.

eocfwa

??️ Save the Date: Battle Ground Garden Grand Opening! 🌱

Join us on Friday, September 18th (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM) to celebrate GiveMore24! and tour EOCF’s (Educational Opportunities for Children and Families) inaugural outdoor classroom and educational garden!

Located right next to our Battle Ground Early Learning Center, this new space will give our early learning scholars hands-on experience with nature, nutrition, and sustainability.

What to expect:

• 🍔 Free community BBQ

• 🏡 Tours of our new greenhouses

• 🌸 Interactive sensory play areas

• 🌱 Raised garden beds

• 📲 Please RSVP by September 9th HERE

Explore the Garden Bring your family and friends to tour the grounds and see firsthand where our Head Start and ECEAP scholars will engage in hands-on learning that connects nature, nutrition, and early childhood education. The new space features:

• Vibrant Growing Spaces: 3 fully-functioning greenhouses, 17 raised fruit and vegetable garden beds, and a perennial flower bed.

• Outdoor Learning Facilities: Shaded gazebos, a sensory activity area, and dedicated spaces for physical and imaginative play.

• Pacific NW Native Landscapes: A beautiful walking trail winding through local trees and native foliage designed for environmental education.

Our Mission in Action At EOCF, our mission is to connect, empower, and transform the lives of children and families in Southwest Washington. This garden provides true seed-to-table experiences, allowing scholars to actively participate in the growing cycle by planting seeds, nurturing them, and harvesting fresh foods to incorporate into classroom meals and our ongoing nutrition curriculum.

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.

wcghumane

Hike on the Dike is back in Washougal on September 19th, and we want YOU and your dog to be part of it.

Gorge Views. Great Dogs. Good Cause.

This beloved Pacific Northwest tradition brings together hundreds of dog lovers and community members for a morning on the dike—complete with a Police K-9 Demonstration, Dog Costume Contest, Doggy Kissing Booth, DJ, raffle prizes, and face painting.

But it's more than just a great morning out. Every dollar raised supports the lifesaving work of West Columbia Gorge Humane Society and the animals who depend on us every single day.

Come for the walk. Stay for the community. Leave knowing you made a difference.

For details and registration, click HERE.

Become a Nature Detective

Engineers are problem solvers! Curious kids in this class will work with their families to build, test, design, and improve across a variety of playful hands-on challenges.

About OMSI Curiosity Kids

At OMSI, we love experimenting, learning, and creating together!

Curiosity Kids programs at OMSI allow children ages 3-5 years old, along with their families, to explore early science and engineering concepts. These bilingual programs are designed to build STEAM skills and nurture the special connection between adults and children.
We hope you and your curious kids will join our stellar educators to experiment, ask questions, and build amazing structures!

Practice your new skills right after your workshop — your ticket includes same-day general Museum Admission!

Questions? For the basic details and FAQs about this event, please visit the Curiosity Kids webpage or email info@omsi.edu.

Chiquitines curiosos: Conviértete en detective de la naturaleza

Conviértete en detective de la naturaleza

¡Los naturalistas estudian las pistas que dejan atrás los animales! En esta clase, los niños curiosos trabajarán y jugarán con sus familias para observar, describir y recopilar pruebas que les permitan entender qué animales dejaron huellas, pelo, excrementos y mucho más.

Sobre Chiquitines curiosos

¡En OMSI, nos encanta experimentar, aprender y crear juntos!
Chiquitines curiosos es una serie de programas en OMSI que permiten que niños(as) de 3 a 5 años, y sus familias, exploren conceptos básicos de ciencia e ingeniería. Estos programas bilingües están diseñados para desarrollar sus habilidades STEAM y fortalecer el vínculo especial entre adultos y niños(as).
¡Esperamos que tú y tus pequeños curiosos se unan a nuestros excelentes educadores para experimentar, hacer preguntas y construir estructuras increíbles!

¡Practica tus nuevas habilidades después de terminar la clase, ya que tu boleto incluye la admisión general al museo para el mismo día!

¿Tiene preguntas? Para obtener más información sobre este evento, así como respuestas a preguntas frecuentes, visita el sitio web de Chiquitines curiosos o manda un correo electrónico a info@omsi.edu.

naturescapingofswwa

Perennial Propagation Workshop!🌿
Want to grow your garden for free? Learn to multiply your favorite perennials through stem cuttings and root division. Master Gardener Julie Carlsen will demonstrate the techniques and timing for success.

• Cost: $15 (FREE for NatureScaping Members)

• Membership: $25/yr ($15 for seniors)

• 📍 Space is limited—Registration Required!

• Web: naturescaping.org; Email: info@naturescaping.org;Phone: 360-737-1160

Join SOLVE for a day of community and giving back, beginning at our beautiful Waterfront Park in Vancouver, WA! No better way to celebrate community than by rolling up our sleeves and helping to keep the spaces we love clean and safe for all to enjoy. We will be meeting at the waterfront across from Evoke Winery for check-in, supply distribution, and safety, before dispersing into downtown and the Renaissance Trail to collect litter. 

• Advanced Registration: Is highly suggested but not required. Please sign up (green button below) ahead of time to guarantee your spot.

• Meeting Location: We will be meeting at the Vancouver Waterfront across from Evoke Winery. Look for the SOLVE tables!

• Address: 560 Waterfront Wy Vancouver, WA 98660 | Map Link

• What to Bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a backpack for hands-free convenience. Feel free to bring your personal tools if available and a reusable water bottle to support our sustainability efforts.

• What's Provided: Bags, grabbers, vests, and gloves.

• Restrooms: Public bathrooms are available close to our check-in location along the waterfront.

• Parking: There are spots available in the parking lot.

• Transit: Bus #105 runs express from Downtown Portland to Downtown Vancouver.

• Accessibility: This area is accessible for folks with mobility concerns.

• Translation Services: There will not be a Spanish speaker present at this event.

• Participant Age Guidelines: All Ages Welcome

• Groups: If you'd like to register a group, please create a team first. For detailed instructions, review our Teams Guide.

• Participant Age Guidelines: All Ages Welcome

Opportunity Leader: Abby Boyle Click here to email this contact

Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up.

Register Myself  Help Register My Group Help

adaptivesportsnw in Portland, Oregon

🛶 Get on the water with CROCC Adaptive Paddling!

The Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club (CROCC) is hosting its 2026 Adaptive Paddling Clinic on September 19 in Portland!

Participants will learn paddling techniques on dry land before hitting the water for short sessions to experience outrigger canoe paddling firsthand. Paddles, life jackets, and seat cushions will be available, along with snacks and water.

CROCC is also hosting a Volunteer Training on September 17 for OTs, PTs, RTs, adaptive sports staff, and anyone interested in learning more about supporting adaptive athletes.

Whether you’re ready to try adaptive paddling or interested in volunteering, come experience a morning of recreation, community, and fun on the water!

👉 Register today:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZKKdZQtsKDv6hDgBmax1p7yNmT3u2Kgz4f_YqhTjr7R4emA/viewform

Image description: A group of participants paddle outrigger canoes together on the water during an adaptive paddling event with the Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club (CROCC).

vancouver.audubon

Fall migration is just around the corner which means it's almost time for Vancouver Audubon's 3rd annual Migratory Bird Celebration!

Every year tens of millions of birds migrate through Southwest Washington travelling thousands of miles as they make their way from their wintering grounds to nesting grounds and back again. Whether you're an avid birder or just looking for a free and family-friendly Saturday morning, we're inviting you to come join us as we celebrate these remarkable birds and their journey. Expect games, crafts, plenty of hands on fun, and experienced guides leading bird outings around Marine Park!

• Admission: Free! All ages and all are welcome!

Mulch is like giving your plants a protective hug, keeping them safe from temperature changes and thirsty days. Mulch keeps your soil cozy and damp, making for happy plants. It’s not just about making your garden look neat—it’s about creating a healthy space where your plants can thrive! Learn about the many benefits of mulching.

This is a free workshop

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.

Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery holds an annual Open House each September for the public to view adult salmon, watch spawning, see adults jumping up the fish ladder, and learn the important role hatcheries play. Educational activities such as Migration Golf, fish printing, and chalk art are available to kids of all ages.

wsuclarkcountymastergardeners

Clark County Master Gardeners

👩🏽‍🌾WSU Extension Master Gardener program trains volunteers to be effective community educators in gardening and environmental stewardship.🌱 campsite.bio/wsuclarkcomastergardener

https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/2026-harvest-celebration/

Join the Vancouver Bee Project for the opening of our 2026 Native Plant & Seed Library

Stop by to pick up free native plants, seeds, and resources to help create habitat for native bees and other pollinators in your yard, patio, school, or community. Whether you're new to native plants or already growing a pollinator garden, everyone is welcome!

Help us put science into action and grow more native habitat throughout our community. Plants and seeds are available while supplies last.

vistahouseatcrownpoint

Celebrate the Bridge of the Gods turning 100!

Cascade Locks Marine Park will have food, vendors, music, beer garden, fireworks, and Sternwheeler rides… fun for everyone!

Saturday, September 19, 2026 -12pm-8pm (ending with fireworks!)

Image description- local artist Paul Lanquist’s work shows the Bridge of the Gods crossing the Columbia River while a barge travels the river below and a train passes through the trees.

Get a head start on next year’s garden now! In this Master Gardener class you'll learn the steps to put your garden to bed this fall, including successful tips to reduce work next year and ensure next year’s successful crops.

Join this Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop for FREE, not registration required.

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.

Hey bike racers! Ride close to home at scenic Vancouver Lake.

Interested in trying cyclocross? Learn more at OBRA.org for racing 101
There are races for all ages and abilities. This is a great event to learn more about this fun sport.

Register Now!

COURSE DESCRIPTION

You can expect multiple barriers with long stretches of grass, dirt, gravel, pavement, and last but not least, the fan favorite sand pit! You will be forced off your bike so those who can run a little usually do well here.

Visit the race organizer web page for more information when we get closer to the date: www.harvestcx.com/events/het-meer-cx/

[Photo source bikeportland.org]

Join the fun at the 8th Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Conference: Sept. 15-19, 2026, Live Online

“My start in nature journaling and drawing came through workshops with John Muir Laws, president of the Wild Wonder Foundation. I not only learned to draw, I discovered I could live more deeply in the moment, with curiosity, awe, and gratitude. It was restorative in a time of turmoil. I hope you can join me and share the joy.” —Amy Tan, avid nature journaler, birder, bird artist, bestselling author of The Backyard Bird Chronicles, and speaker at the 2025 Conference

The annual Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Conference一the largest international event of its kind一gathers people who are passionate about nature, art, science, curiosity, awe, and wonder to share ideas, learn from each other, inspire each other, and have fun together in nature’s beauty.

Your Live Pass includes access to 30 classes, panels, and talks, and you can look forward to learning from more than 30 teachers, journalers, writers, artists, authors, and thought leaders in nature, nature journaling, visual thinking, and conservation, including:

• Ed Yong, avid birder, bestselling author of An Immense World and I Contain Multitudes, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for journalism

• Amy Tan, avid birder, artist, nature journaler, and bestselling author of many books including The Backyard Bird Chronicles and The Joy Luck Club

• Austin Kleon, avid notebook keeper and bestselling author of many books including Steal Like an Artist,‍ ‍Show Your Work,‍ ‍Keep Going, and Don’t Call It Art

• Robert Macfarlane, bestselling author of numerous books including The Book of Birds,Is a River Alive?,Underland,and others.

• John Muir Laws, award-winning artist, educator, author of several books including The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling

• Rosemary Mosco, comic artist and bestselling author of The Birding Dictionary, A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching, and Birding is My Favorite Video Game

• Daisy Fancourt, researcher, professor, and author of Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Saves Lives

• Tony Foster, British plein air artist and explorer who has had work exhibited around the world and at The Foster Museum

• Sushma Hegde, artist and author of Wildflower Watercolor

• Grant Snider, artist and author of several books including Poetry Comics

• Rosalie Haizlett, artist and author of Watercolor in Nature and Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains

• Jean Mackay, artist and author of The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook

PLUS: Kathleen Baraan, Ryan Burnett, Charlotte Belland, Maria Coryell-Martin, Michael Forsberg, Lara Gastinger, Sofia Gazarian, Casey Girard, Roseann Hanson, Merel Hoekstra, Marjorie Leggitt, Kristin Link, Eric Losh, Chloe Peters, Kate Rutter, Mark Simmons, Kristal Stoner, Lisa Spangler, Laura Watson, Bird Warde, and more!

NOTE: The speaker list and schedule are subject to change.

BUY YOUR LIVE PASS NOW

BUY YOUR VIDEO PASS NOW

Join the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes for a Dragonboat Clinic - learn more at their Dragon Boat race team HERE.

All of the events are at no-cost for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Contact NWABA for specific time and location information.

At NWABA, Everybody is an Athlete: they believe that any individual who is blind or visually impaired is an athlete and deserves the opportunity to participate in regular physical activity.

The 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.

• For more information contact: Anneliese Hugo

• Email: pdxvanprogramsteam@nwaba.org

• Text: 360.448.7254

• Call: 360.682.1662

Mushroom foraging is a popular pursuit in the Northwest! More than just a slideshow of edible mushrooms, this beginner-friendly class emphasizes skills and tools needed for accurate identification of mushrooms to determine edibility.

This is a FREE Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop and open to all to attend. No registration is required.

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.

mt.hood.dirt.divas @ Gateway Green

Gateway Greens
Monday, Sept. 21st
Meet up @ 5:30pm

Who’s in?

If it’s raining hard, we’ll post another date

Join the Adaptive Sports Northwest summer adaptive cycling series is back again!

Everyone is welcome to join us at the Portland International Raceway on Monday evenings from 6 to 8pm, June through September. Volunteers will be on site to provide training and assistance.

Bring your own bike or try one of ours. Helmets are required for participation - bring your own if possible, ASNW staff may have some as well.

It's also a good idea to bring water as it can get warm in the evenings.

All participants need to complete a General Waiver. If you plan to attend more than once and are not yet an ASNW member, please become a member today!

Cycling dates:

• Sept 14, 21, 28

Portland International Raceway: 1940 N Victory Blvd., Portland, OR 97217

(503) 823-7223

Get a head start on next year’s garden now! In this Master Gardener class you'll learn the steps to put your garden to bed this fall, including successful tips to reduce work next year and ensure next year’s successful crops.

Join this Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop for FREE, not registration required.

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 HOPE Dementia Support for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and nature at the Wildlife Refuge!

Join HOPE Dementia Support for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and nature at the beautiful Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge.

This outing is designed for individuals living with dementia and their care partners and families to enjoy time together in a relaxed, supportive environment. We'll take in the sights and sounds of the refuge, observe local wildlife, enjoy fresh air, and connect with others.

Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or simply looking for a way to spend time outdoors, this experience offers an opportunity to slow down, be present, and enjoy the beauty around us.

This is a FREE event. Please RSVP Here or call HOPE dementia Support at 360-513-5754

Mushroom foraging is a popular pursuit in the Northwest! More than just a slideshow of edible mushrooms, this beginner-friendly class emphasizes skills and tools needed for accurate identification of mushrooms to determine edibility.

This is a FREE Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop and open to all to attend. No registration is required.

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.

mshinstitute

Can you imagine flying into the aftermath of the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens?

This is your chance to hear Michael Cairns' firsthand account: As a Washington Army National Guard helicopter pilot, he flew numerous search, rescue, and recovery missions in the days following the eruption.

Michael will be sharing his experience of those high-stakes operations in a presentation based on his book, Under the Ash, featuring powerful (and previously unseen) images of the devastation he witnessed through his 35mm camera.

Grab a craft brew, hear incredible stories of bravery and survival, and connect with fellow volcano enthusiasts!

🗓 Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:30 p.m. –8:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Heathen Brewing & Kitchen (2225 NE 119th St, Vancouver, WA)
🎟 Admission: $10
⚠️ Note: Presentation includes some graphic historical images.

Get your tickets online: see the linktr.ee 👆

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.

Explore Washington's outdoors

This is a FEE FREE day! No Discover pass needed.

This day celebrates National Public Lands Day 2026. Since 1994, this annual event on the fourth Saturday of September has been the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort in parks.

The Washington State Discover Pass gives you unlimited access to millions of acres of unforgettable nature across Washington state. When you buy a Discover Pass, you help preserve and conserve our public lands for everyone—from the first-time visitor to the expert adventurer—and for the generations yet to come.

Learn more at these websites about where Discover Passes are required at other times throughout the year:

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. 

• Please register in advance: https://www.columbiasprings.org/volunteer/  Spots are limited! 

• Accessibility: Columbia Springs has ADA parking and paved pathways to the buildings and hatchery. Some volunteer work may occur on nature trails that may not be suitable for mobility assistance devices. Contact staff for more specific questions and updates.

Questions? Email jamie@columbiasprings.org

Join NWTA’s Trail Sisters for a guided ride on the spectacular Falls Creek trail.

Join the NW Trail Sisters for a day in the Gifford Pinchot to experience this gem of a Washington trail. We will shuttle to Oldman Pass, connecting to McCLellan Meadows and then to Falls Creek Trail for a partial loop. We divide into groups based on ability, fitness, and riding goals. All groups will have the opportunity to session a few technical parts of the descents. There are many spots to test your technical skills in climbing and descending. Roots and rocks! Maybe huckleberries, along with geological features unique to the Gifford Pinchot.

We stop to enjoy the view and a longer snack break before our longest descending opportunities. Bring your sense of adventure and join us for a day on the trail!

Please assess your riding skills honestly. This ride requires fitness and technical skills and is as close to backcountry riding as we get.

The trails we will ride are rated blue on Trailforks and have gotten more challenging over time. If you enjoy riding 44 Trails area, Roger’s camp, Tiger Mountain, or can comfortably ride a couple of loops (to the top and down again) at Sandy Ridge or Post Canyon, this will be a good fit for you. Please reach out and inquire whether this ride is for you! We want everyone to be safe, relaxed, and have a good time. If we feel safety is at risk, we may ask that you stay behind and join us next year.

There will be snacks and beverages afterward. Stay to spend time to chat with the other participants and make more ride plans! Make sure to bring your camp chair or find a log to sit on.

register here

We are not meeting at an established trailhead, please use these coordinates to get to our meeting spot: 45.922321, -121.947033 on Wind River Road. Expect spotty cell phone service in this area.

What: NW Trail Sisters Guided Falls Creek Ride.; Intermediate to Advanced skill level ride. It will be 23 miles and 1,500 ft of technical and punchy climbing; descending is technical with roots and rocks and some exposure.

When: Sunday, September 26st (9:00-9:30 shuttle organization and ride by 10:00; expect to be on the trail for 5 hours (3 pm) and hang out afterward).

Where: Wind River Road dropped pin at creek crossing.

Who: Trail Sisters, non-binary, and trans Trail Sisters welcome!

How: Please bring what you need to ride for a long day (comfortable riding clothes, snacks, sandwich, water, sunscreen, repair kit, tube, helmet, gloves, etc.).

PLEASE HAVE YOUR BIKE READY TO GO! Be sure your shocks and brakes are properly working! If you think something is off or your bike hasn’t had a service in a while, stop into a bike shop no later than one week prior to the ride. They can assess what your needs are with any major work needed (brakes, drivetrain, shocks, etc.). There will not be a mechanic at the start for any last minute emergencies. Using tubes? Check out this video on changing a flat trailside!

**Spotty cell phone service in this area. Members of the ride will have an Inreach for emergencies.**

Please sign this waiver in order to participate.

Please contact Janelle with any questions: jlynnebickford@gmail.com

Events like these are made possible through funds generated by NWTA membership dollars. If you are digging this opportunity and are not yet a member or need to renew, please do so HERE.

Save the date for National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26!

The City of Vancouver’s Volunteer program will be hosting a work party to remove ivy from the natural areas around the Covington Historical House in preparation for a future Naturespace planting.

More information will be available in August.

cityofcamas

Save the date! The annual Lacamas Lake Cleanup will take place,

Join Lacamas Watershed Council and the City of Camas for their annual Lake Cleanup Day on September 26th! 

Come out to litter pick and ivy pull around some of Clark County's most beloved lakes: Round, Fallen Leaf, and Lacamas Lake. Registration is required!

Shirts will be available for purchase on cleanup day. All proceeds will go to support Lacamas Watershed Council programs to monitor and advocate for the health of Clark County's lakes. Filling out the registration ahead of time also helps guarantee that they’ll have your size on cleanup day.

• Volunteers can sign up here:https://www.lacamaswatershed.org/volunteer

• Meeting location is Heritage Park.

• Remember to dress for the weather and bring your own gloves, snacks and water!

• https://www.lacamaswatershed.org/

mshinstitute

Ready to get your hands dirty for a good cause? 🧤 Join our "weed rodeo" and help restore our wild spaces!

MSHI is excited to be part of three amazing events at the Science and Learning Center in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

Spend the morning removing invasive species, then explore the Hummocks Trail with an Mt. St. Helen’s Institute staff member on a FREE guided hike. Snacks and beverages provided 🙂

Where: Science and Learning Center at Coldwater
When: Saturday, September 26
Who: Anyone! Recommended for ages 10+ (under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)

National Public Lands Day is a celebration of our public lands, including the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument! September 26 is a fee-free day for all federal public lands.

The following events are free to attend; please pre-register for the two volunteer events.

Time:

• Volunteering: 10 am - 1 pm

• Lunch: 1 pm - 2 pm

• Guided walk: 2 pm - 4 pm

Location:

• Volunteering: Science and Learning Center

• Guided Walk: Hummocks Trail (5 minute drive from the building)

What we’ll do together: This activity requires walking on uneven, sloping terrain and performing tasks that involve bending, pulling, and lifting. We will be working a short 10-15 minute walk from the Science & Learning Center, which has bathrooms and running water. We will use hand tools to cut and bag noxious weed species.

Optional Guided Hike: Join us for a post-service guided hike on the Hummocks Trail. This 2.4-mile hike will take us through remnants of the 1980 eruptions and the forests that are returning.

What to bring:

• Wear long pants and sturdy shoes

• Come prepared with layers for the weather. This may include sun protection (such as a hat and sunscreen) and/or rain gear.

• Plenty of water. Water will be available to fill water bottles.

• Sack lunch. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

• If you have work gloves, loppers, and eye protection (glasses, safety glasses, or sunglasses), please bring them.

Learn more and register today

Join the Vancouver Bee Project for the opening of our 2026 Native Plant & Seed Library

Stop by to pick up free native plants, seeds, and resources to help create habitat for native bees and other pollinators in your yard, patio, school, or community. Whether you're new to native plants or already growing a pollinator garden, everyone is welcome!

Help us put science into action and grow more native habitat throughout our community. Plants and seeds are available while supplies last.

Join the Cedar Creek Grist Mill for Cornbread Day!

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a historical, water-powered, grain-grinding mill. Volunteers provide demonstrations and bags of fresh-milled flour and cornmeal to guests. Read more

Grist Mill Events: The Grist Mill hosts many free special events during the year — such as the popular cider press — and they all include some good eats! Take a look at our special event list.

Find Events

What will you see at the mill? Our volunteers work the mill, answer questions about the old style milling process and welcome visitors from around the globe. School field trips and senior tours are scheduled for weekdays and the mill is open to visitors on weekends. You can watch the millers mill grain the way it was done in 1876, and take home a bag of fresh flour or cornmeal.

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi with the Mt. St. Helen’s Institute!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.
For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Register today!

• WHERE:   Pine Creek Information Center

• DURATION:   Approximately 6 hours

• DISTANCE:   Approximately 1 mile of off-trail forest walking

• GUIDE TEAM:   Mycology instructor, professional guide and three volunteers

• MINIMUM AGE:   8 (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• COST:   $125/person

• PERMITS:   Each participant needs to bring their own free mushroom permit. Instructions provided.

mt.hood.dirt.divas & wednesdaywrippers

Timberline Ladies Ride Days
Sunday, Sept.27th

• Meet up @10:45am gate entrance

• Bring a friend and get buy-one-get-one half off day ticket

• There will be light instruction from Timberline’s Bike School and tours of the bike park with @mt.hood.dirt.divas & @wednesdaywrippers

• 3pm raffle in Y’Bar sponsored by @timberlinelodge@mt.hood.dirt.divas@groundkeepercustom@oregonterritoryoutfitters@handupco@shredly

• Group rides usually last 2-3+ hrs, we recommend bringing water and snacks

Join Melissa Felsenstein, the founder of Inner Sounds Meditation for a therapeutic sound bath and nature walk to soothe your nervous system.

Take a moment of calm for yourself! Rediscover the joy of slowing down and truly noticing the world around you. As the soothing tones of crystal bowls, chimes, and gongs wash over you, feel your body release tension, your mind grow quiet, and your senses gently awaken. This therapeutic sound bath will calm your nervous system and open a doorway to deeper presence. Participants are encouraged to do a short, optional mindful walk with journaling prompts to extend the experience. No yoga is practiced – simply sit or lie down and listen.

Accessibility information for Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Sanctuary

Register!

Class Details

• Location: Bird Alliance of Oregon, 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97210

• Fee: $25 members / $35 non-members

Melissa Felsenstein

Melissa Felsenstein is the founder of Inner Sounds Meditation with over a decade of experience. She has guided thousands of people out of chaos and into a deep state of calm through her live events, on-demand sound healing library, and therapeutic sound healing training for both self-healing and professional certification. Learn more at www.innersoundsmeditation.com.

Organizer: Tara Lemezis, Phone: 971-222-6131, Email: tlemezis@birdallianceoregon.org

Audiobook listeners need not walk alone!

Bring your audiobook of choice and meet the Camas Library each month at a new outdoor location for a community walk. We’ll walk for 60 minutes and wrap up with an optional 30 minutes of social time to chat with other book lovers and audio fans.

Walkers of all paces and experience levels are welcome — whether you’re a power walker, stroller pusher, or leisurely listener, there’s space for you here.

Walks are weather-dependent, so please check our social media channels or this event page for updates or cancellations.

Accommodations: The library strives to ensure our events are accessible to everyone. If you require special accommodations to join us, please call 360.834.4692 or email library@cityofcamas.us at least two weeks before the event.

Location Details:

Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave, Camas, WA 98607

See map: Google Maps

Contact Info

Name: Stacy Yakouba

Email: library@cityofcamas.us

Phone Number: (360) 834-4692

Join the Adaptive Sports Northwest summer adaptive cycling series is back again!

Everyone is welcome to join us at the Portland International Raceway on Monday evenings from 6 to 8pm, June through September. Volunteers will be on site to provide training and assistance.

Bring your own bike or try one of ours. Helmets are required for participation - bring your own if possible, ASNW staff may have some as well.

It's also a good idea to bring water as it can get warm in the evenings.

All participants need to complete a General Waiver. If you plan to attend more than once and are not yet an ASNW member, please become a member today!

Cycling dates:

• Sept 14, 21, 28

Portland International Raceway: 1940 N Victory Blvd., Portland, OR 97217

(503) 823-7223

friendsoftrees & friendssharecommunityspace

Join us for a Backyard Ecology Workshop Series at @friendssharecommunityspace! Learn from our staff and connect with other plant lovers.

We have three workshops planned:

• DIY Seed Ball Crafting: July 28
  Seed balls are a fun way to spread native plants! Get your hands dirty and make some to bring home!

• Plant Nerd Q&A: Aug 25
  Tree care and gardening got you stumped? Looking for advice on plant selection and design? Bring your questions and a panel of industry professionals and community partners will do our best to share some advice!

• Planting for Pollinators (+ Plant Giveaway): Sep 29
  Looking to turn part of your landscape into a pollinator paradise? Come learn about pollinators and how to establish a pollinator garden. Participants will take home several native plants!

All events at 14814 SE Powell Blvd. Register here or link in bio: tinyurl.com/1foteco26

Join Wild Camp Goods founder, Leland Duck, as he takes you through the items needed for a basic “bugout” bag.

Whether preparing for the Zombie apocalypse or just need some piece of mind we’ll help you create a bag that will give you the essentials for survival.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT AND SPACE IS LIMITED SO PLEASE Register HERE

Pacific Crest Trail Association - Trail Work Project @ Big Huckleberry, Elev. 3,982’

Join the Mount Hood Chapter in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest: Mt. Adams RD

Project Leader Info: Steven Jones sttjones@gmail.com

Maximum Number of Volunteers: 6

Hiking Miles per Day: 4

Registration Required HERE

Hike 1.8 miles climbing about 1,000 feet to our work. At an elevation of just over 4,000 feet we will be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Portland. Round trip is 3.6 miles.
Located near Carson, Washington, we will work north of FR68, just below Big Huckleberry Mountain on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Dig More Drains - Help prepare the trail for fall deluges. There is also a lot of huckleberries that are growing into the trail which need to be trimmed back. Have lunch under shady trees at the edge of a mountain meadow. Nearby are great views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.

Tools, gloves, and hard hats will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots are required. Please also bring rain gear, water, lunch, and a daypack large enough for your personal gear plus a couple of small tools.

Come work in a nice old second growth forest that is poison-oak free.
I'll have chocolate chip cookies and cold soft-drinks afterwards to celebrate National Homemade Cookies Day.

Physical Requirements: Moderate. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routine. Most people who are physically active can participate at this level. The components of this project may include one or more of the following: hiking 1-5 total miles each day, elevation change of 1000 ft or less over the course of the hike, and moderately physical work activities.

Trail Maintenance Experience Required: No

Volunteer 4x4 High Clearance Vehicle: No

Are you new to PCT Volunteering? Learn more HERE!

Visit the PCT volunteer page (search for Central Cascades) for more upcoming events

vancouver.audubon

You're invited! Join VAS on Tuesday, September 1st for a free and in-person program about the Wildlife Center of the North Coast (Astoria) with speaker Annie Cahill.

Wildlife rehabilitation centers are not just a lifeline for injured or orphaned wildlife, they are in a crucial position to monitor disease outbreaks and other environmental events of concern while providing unique approaches to environmental education and science communication. This presentation will talk about the role of wildlife rehabilitation in the larger conservation landscape and provide an overview of the variety of programming offered by the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, programs that innovate on more traditional methods of environmental and science communication.

Annie Cahill is the Education and Volunteer Coordinator for the Wildlife Center of the North Coast. WCNC is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education center in Astoria. The center is the only wildlife rehabilitation center serving Oregon’s north coast and is the only dedicated conservation education center in the region.

• This event is free and all are welcome!

• For more details visit the link in our bio and tap "Calendar of Events" or go directly to vancouveraudubon.org/monthly-programs

• Registration is not required
  
  --
  Photos: Double-crested Cormorant by Brian Rivera/Audubon Photography Awards; Annie Cahill courtesy of the Wildlife Center of the North Coast

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.

Pacific Crest Trail Association - Trail Work Project @ Big Huckleberry, Elev. 2,778’

Join the Mount Hood Chapter in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest: Mt. Adams RD

Project Leader Info: Steven Jones sttjones@gmail.com

Maximum Number of Volunteers: 7

Hiking Miles per Day: 6

Registration Required HERE

Hike 3 miles climbing about 900 feet then clean the trail drains and cut some vine maple on the way back. At an elevation of just over 4,000 feet we will be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Portland. Hiking round trip is 6 miles.
Located near Carson, Washington, we will work north of FR68, just below Big Huckleberry Mountain on the Pacific Crest Trail.

There are a couple patches of vine maples that are growing into the trail which need to be trimmed back. Have lunch under shady trees along the trail.

Tools, gloves, and hard hats will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Long pants, shirts with sleeves, and sturdy shoes are required. Over-the-ankle boots are required to handle tread tools. Please also bring sun screen, rain gear, an extra shirt, at least 2 liters (1/2 gallon) of water, lunch, and a daypack large enough for your personal gear plus a couple of small tools.

Come work in a nice old second growth forest that is poison-oak free.
Snacks and cold soft-drinks available afterwards.

Physical Requirements: Moderate. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routine. Most people who are physically active can participate at this level. The components of this project may include one or more of the following: hiking 1-5 total miles each day, elevation change of 1000 ft or less over the course of the hike, and moderately physical work activities.

Trail Maintenance Experience Required: No

Volunteer 4x4 High Clearance Vehicle: No

Are you new to PCT Volunteering? Learn more HERE!

Visit the PCT volunteer page (search for Central Cascades) for more upcoming events

Join the NW Trails Alliance for a fun filled day for kids! More information coming soon, check there web page HERE

Join the Washington Trails Association for this BIPOC work party, for folks identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color. We will meet at Beacon Rock State Park to learn about the trail building process, the tools of trail work, and then put that knowledge to use on trail!

About the Area: 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.

What to Expect: We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference with a BIPOC Crew. No experience is necessary.

Project Description: We will meet at the shelter at Hamilton Mountain trailhead to learn about the trail building process, the tools of trail work, and then we will put that knowledge to use on trail! Activities may include pruning back overgrown vegetation, digging new paths for water to flow off the trail, or repairing/replacing old structures. We may also restore the tread - this involves digging the trail surface to the proper width and slope as well as removing organic material, protruding rocks and roots.

Hiking Information: Our hike to the project site is expected to be 2-4 miles roundtrip over moderately steep terrain.

Schedule:

• 8:30 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew, rain or shine

• 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 BIPOC work party is for folks identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color. 

More information will be added to this page as we get closer to the event.

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

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Join Work Party

This BIPOC work party is for folks identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color. We will meet at Beacon Rock State Park to learn about the trail building process, the tools of trail work, and then put that knowledge to use on trail!

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.

No experience is necessary.

Project Description: We will meet at the shelter at Hamilton Mountain trailhead to learn about the trail building process, the tools of trail work, and then we will put that knowledge to use on trail! Activities may include pruning back overgrown vegetation, digging new paths for water to flow off the trail, or repairing/replacing old structures. We may also restore the tread - this involves digging the trail surface to the proper width and slope as well as removing organic material, protruding rocks and roots.

Hiking Information: Our hike to the project site is expected to be 2-4 miles roundtrip over moderately steep terrain.

Schedule

• 8:30 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew, rain or shine

• 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 BIPOC work party is for folks identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color. 

More information will be added to this page as we get closer to the event.

Planning Information

Get ready for a great day outside with a BIPOC Crew!

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

BirdFest and Bluegrass is the main event every year that the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge & the City of Ridgefield put on to bring awareness to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and all that it has to offer.

We celebrate the Sandhill Crane returning to the Refuge, a huge stately bird that is endangered in Washington State, and we celebrate everything the Refuge is and what it brings to the community. With endangered species, hundreds of migratory species, an auto tour route, photo blind, walking trails, habitat restoration programs, and so much more – there is a lot to celebrate, and a lot to learn.

We are uniquely fortunate to have the Refuge as a resource right in our own backyard, and by learning not only how to appreciate the beauty, but the necessity of it, you come one step closer to being able to support it.

Whether you head downtown to jam with bluegrass bands, shop, or do crafts, take a drive around the Refuge’s Auto Tour, or head to the Carty Unit for family crafts, guided hikes, or a walk on the trail- there is something for everyone, and lots to learn!

Visit the Friends web page for updates on schedules, performances and activities!

Join the Downtowners for Harvest Fest on the first Saturday in October 2026.

Check back for details on location and planned events.

www.downtownlongview.com/event-details/downtown-longview-harvest-fest

Join Adventures Without Limits for a Fall Foliage Kayak Tour of the Willamette River! 

This event is open to the public, inclusive, and accessible to people of all abilities. We specialize in creating a welcoming space for a diverse sets of needs.

Register Now!

Program: Fall Foliage Kayak Tour

• Difficulty: Beginner 

• Trip Date: 10/3/26

• Group Size: Min: 6  Max: 12

• Ages: 6+  *Participants under 18 years old MUST be accompanied by an adult

• Cost: sliding scale ($50, $85, $115 options) - What is a sliding scale?Free for Pacific University Students & Faculty

Transportation: Participants can meet our team on-site at the Willamette Park, West Linn (1100 12th St, West Linn, OR 97068) or at a centralized pick-up location (Target Tanasbourne - 11095 NE Evergreen Pkwy, Hillsboro, OR 97006). Transportation is $10/person. If you would like to use AWL's transportation and meet us a centralized pick-up location, please select a "Transportation Included" ticket when registering.

Learn more about this event on the AWOL web page HERE

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi with the Mt. St. Helen’s Institute!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.
For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Register today!

• WHERE:   Pine Creek Information Center

• DURATION:   Approximately 6 hours

• DISTANCE:   Approximately 1 mile of off-trail forest walking

• GUIDE TEAM:   Mycology instructor, professional guide and three volunteers

• MINIMUM AGE:   8 (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• COST:   $125/person

• PERMITS:   Each participant needs to bring their own free mushroom permit. Instructions provided.

Celebrate the Old Apple Tree Festival on the first Saturday of October at Old Apple Tree Park, located on Columbia Way just east of Interstate 5 Bridge.

The annual Old Apple Tree Festival is a celebration centered on the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest, planted at Fort Vancouver in 1826.

Providing fun, food, music, and history of Vancouver’s Old Apple Tree, the festival celebrates our community and its rich heritage. Throughout the day, Urban Forestry Commissioners give away cuttings from the Old Apple Tree; cuttings are limited and will be given out until they are gone.

This free, family-friendly event, features activities for children, food for sale, apple tastings and sales, live music, cider pressing and walking tours of Fort Vancouver Village, the Fort Vancouver Historic Orchard and the Land Bridge. Local musical groups will provide live music throughout the day.

The festival features community apple cider pressing. Bring your own apples and a clean container to catch your fresh cider, or purchase apples and a container at the event. Approximately 15 lbs of apples will make a quart of cider. Volunteers needed for the cider pressing station, contact Urban Forestry to learn more.

Learn more about the storied history of the Old Apple Tree

Contact: Urban Forestry at urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8308

Join the Vancouver Bee Project as we care for a local pollinator garden!

In partnership with the City of Vancouver’s Naturespaces program, VBP is committed to caring for this unique pollinator garden.

With a mix of native and pollinator beneficial blooms, it is a great stop over site for pollinators in the local area. But we do grow weeds well here, so it is time to reclaim some space for the flower blooms. Bring some gloves and digging tools and be apart of this amazing community.

Light refreshments provided.

No registration necessary, just show up!

Forest Therapy at Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Sanctuary

Enhance your wellbeing! Join Andrea Kreiner, a certified nature and forest therapy guide, for a slow and mindful sensory journey to connect with nature at the Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Sanctuary.

Forest Therapy is the practice of spending time in the forest to enhance one’s health, wellness, and happiness. Research has shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, can boost the immune system, and restores mental energy. 

During the short walk, you will receive a series of invitations to help slow down, engage your senses, release stress, and be more present as you connect with the natural world and experience the restorative qualities of nature.

Accessibility information for Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Sanctuary

Register!

Class Details

• Location: Bird Alliance of Oregon, 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97210

• Fee: $25 members / $35 non-members

• Limited to 10 participants.

Guide - Andrea Kreiner

Andrea has had a lifelong connection to the Earth and the natural world. She comes to forest therapy guiding after a 30-year career in climate change and sustainability, working with governments and businesses worldwide. Now, she gets to blend her facilitation, strategic planning, and team-building skills with her joy in sharing the forest with participants on her walks.

Andrea wrote her first poem after being inspired by the rocky coast in Maine as an 11-year-old and now enjoys composing poems in partnership with trees. She loves spending time in the forest; on any given day, you will find her walking her dog, wandering, running, or sitting along the forest trails by her home. When she is not in the forest, she is busy with her husband and five children (four human, one canine) or working on her second cookbook.

ORGANIZER- Tara Lemezis, Phone: 971-222-6131, Email: tlemezis@birdallianceoregon.org

vancouver.audubon

Our fall series continues with "Amazing Adaptations: how birds survive stormy weather" by speaker Dr. Jamie Cornelius on October 6th!

Jamie is an associate professor at Oregon State University in the integrative biology department. Her research includes investigation of the behavioral and physiological strategies that birds use to cope with unpredictable change in their environments such as storms, fire, drought, urbanization, and unpredictable food resources. The goal is to inform conservation efforts, resource management, and policies that can more efficiently and effectively protect our wild birds. Jamie is a National Geographic Society Explorer, Fulbright Fellow and National Science Foundation CAREER fellow. She also grew up in Vancouver and attended Columbia River High School (Class of ’97)!

Vancouver Audubon’s programs are free and open to the public. Join us at 6:30pm on the first Tuesdays of the month at 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive in Vancouver, WA.
--
Photos: Ken Archer/Audubon Photography Awards; Ken Pitts/Vancouver Audubon

Join the Vancouver Audubon Society’s monthly speaker for a presentation from “Amazing Adaptations: How Birds Survive Stormy Weather” with Dr. Jamie Cornelius
Associate Professor of Biology at Oregon State University, Little Bird Lab.

More information to be provided soon!

This event is free and all are welcome! (ADA parking, pathways and restrooms are available on site)

If you’re just getting started with birdwatching, look no further! In this class you’ll learn what sort of equipment might be helpful, safe and ethical bird feeding, identification tools and some common backyard birds to look for, and other useful tips and resources for birdwatching both in your yard and beyond.

Join this FREE Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop, no registration is required.

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.

Gardeners are thrilled when they find worms while working in their soil beds because of the critical role these wiggly friends play in producing rich, healthy soil needed to grow vigorous plants. Discover the many benefits and learn how to attract worms to your garden.

Join the Fort Vancouver Regional Library for this FREE workshop, no registration is required.

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.

Discover the rich legacy of the Pacific Northwest’s premier mountaineering organization with the Mazamas. Join Matthew Brock, Mazama Library & Historical Collections Manager, for a captivating journey through the 133-year history of the Mazamas. Whether you are a climber, history buff, or nature lover, this presentation offers a rare look at the archive of Northwest exploration.

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.

Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time excursions are mostly monthly walks/rolls/rides on Plas Newydd Farm. 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! 

“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

• 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. 

• Accessibility Note: This event takes place out on the land. We work to accommodate access however we can, and routinely customize the outing but please reach out if you have concerns so we can strategize together. You can email arts@pnfarm.com and we’ll take it from there.

• Learn more about this and other upcoming events as well as register HERE

About our teacher: Regular Canopy Time hosts are Abby Braithwaite, PN Farm Arts Initiator, and her husband David Morgan, 3rd generation manager of Plas Newydd Farm. They both love little more than sharing stories of this place with visitors. Occasionally other farm arts volunteers and/or guest presenters join as well.

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.

Explore Washington's outdoors

This is a FEE FREE day! No Discover pass needed.

This day celebrates World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. Studies have shown that time spent outdoors, in nature, have positive effects on our mental and emotional health.

The Washington State Discover Pass gives you unlimited access to millions of acres of unforgettable nature across Washington state. When you buy a Discover Pass, you help preserve and conserve our public lands for everyone—from the first-time visitor to the expert adventurer—and for the generations yet to come.

Learn more at these websites about where Discover Passes are required at other times throughout the year:

Become a Nature Detective

Engineers are problem solvers! Curious kids in this class will work with their families to build, test, design, and improve across a variety of playful hands-on challenges.

About OMSI Curiosity Kids

At OMSI, we love experimenting, learning, and creating together!

Curiosity Kids programs at OMSI allow children ages 3-5 years old, along with their families, to explore early science and engineering concepts. These bilingual programs are designed to build STEAM skills and nurture the special connection between adults and children.
We hope you and your curious kids will join our stellar educators to experiment, ask questions, and build amazing structures!

Practice your new skills right after your workshop — your ticket includes same-day general Museum Admission!

Questions? For the basic details and FAQs about this event, please visit the Curiosity Kids webpage or email info@omsi.edu.

Chiquitines curiosos: Conviértete en detective de la naturaleza

Conviértete en detective de la naturaleza

¡Los naturalistas estudian las pistas que dejan atrás los animales! En esta clase, los niños curiosos trabajarán y jugarán con sus familias para observar, describir y recopilar pruebas que les permitan entender qué animales dejaron huellas, pelo, excrementos y mucho más.

Sobre Chiquitines curiosos

¡En OMSI, nos encanta experimentar, aprender y crear juntos!
Chiquitines curiosos es una serie de programas en OMSI que permiten que niños(as) de 3 a 5 años, y sus familias, exploren conceptos básicos de ciencia e ingeniería. Estos programas bilingües están diseñados para desarrollar sus habilidades STEAM y fortalecer el vínculo especial entre adultos y niños(as).
¡Esperamos que tú y tus pequeños curiosos se unan a nuestros excelentes educadores para experimentar, hacer preguntas y construir estructuras increíbles!

¡Practica tus nuevas habilidades después de terminar la clase, ya que tu boleto incluye la admisión general al museo para el mismo día!

¿Tiene preguntas? Para obtener más información sobre este evento, así como respuestas a preguntas frecuentes, visita el sitio web de Chiquitines curiosos o manda un correo electrónico a info@omsi.edu.

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 the official Backyard Habitat Certification Program outreach staff at Good Year Farms to learn about edible native and introduced plants already abundant in our yards!

We will learn ethical harvest practices, preparation techniques, and how to help edible native plants thrive.

Attendees will sample a variety of plant inspired dishes, get recipes and resources, and learn more about how the Backyard Habitat Certification program can assist you in your gardening goals.

These classes are 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 required HERE: $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 10:00AM.

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.

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi with the Mt. St. Helen’s Institute!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.
For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Register today!

• WHERE:   Pine Creek Information Center

• DURATION:   Approximately 6 hours

• DISTANCE:   Approximately 1 mile of off-trail forest walking

• GUIDE TEAM:   Mycology instructor, professional guide and three volunteers

• MINIMUM AGE:   8 (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• COST:   $125/person

• PERMITS:   Each participant needs to bring their own free mushroom permit. Instructions provided.

Join the Lower Columbia Nature Network at Good Year Farms for our 2nd annual Seeds for Education seed sorting & packing event!

LCNN Partners support educators and students in many ways to connect with outdoor, hands-one learning. Whether it is our Take Learning Outside workshops for educators throughout the school year or specialized programs for regional field trips, we are excited to connect schools with resources.

The Seeds for Education program brings local gardeners together to share seeds, sort and package to distribute to area schools. We invite all interested gardeners to share part of your harvest with us!

What kinds of seeds are needed, you ask? All kinds:

• Vegetables - learning how to source local foods is an important life skill (plus, fresh food always tastes better!)

• Cut flowers - perennial cut flowers means that you plant once, and you have flowers from spring to fall. Cut flower gardens are great for those hands on projects such as small flower vases, teacher appreciation gifts, art projects, science observations (think petals, symmetry, parts of the plant, etc. - like NGSS K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.). They also add beauty and bring joy.

• Native plants for pollinator patches - Some of the most important plants to add to schools include native plants that are low maintenance and are high value to our local and regional ecosystems. Native plants support local butterflies, bees, beetles and so much more. In turn, our local birds and mammals then thrive when the insects they eat are plentiful.

Registration here helps us estimate how many snacks and tables to set up.

Ready to celebrate the National Take a Hike Day?

Join Clark County Public Works Park & Nature team to enjoy FREE access to your regional parks. Find a trail near you!

Yes, the days are getting shorter and cooler, and getting outside isn't always easy during the week, but getting outside is rewarding. On National Take a Hike Day, we like to remind folks hiking can be simple—no heavy pack or rugged mountain required. You can enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of hiking right in your neighborhood. Grab a few essentials and head outside. A short stroll along a tree-lined street is a great way to celebrate National Take a Hike Day. Happy Hiking!

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

Outdoor Solstice Activities in southwest WA:

• Attend Community Events: Join the Summer Solstice Celebration at the O.O. Howard House on the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Celebrate the 2026 summer solstice in Vancouver, WA, by attending The Historic Trust's free celebration at O.O. Howard House (June 21, 5:30–8:30 PM), featuring yoga, poetry, and crafts.

• Embrace Nature: Take a nature walk at Columbia Springs, or visit local parks to watch the longest sunset of the year.

• Picnic and BBQ: Host a backyard barbecue or enjoy a sunset picnic along the Columbia River at Vancouver Waterfront Park.

• Nearby Festivals: Attend the 103rd Annual Woodland Planters Days (typically held mid-June) in nearby Woodland for parades, carnival rides, and fireworks.

• Creative Rituals: Make flower crowns, collect herbs, or create sun-inspired art to celebrate the season.

• Water Activities: Take advantage of the long day by going fishing or spending time on the water.

• Other options include exploring nature at Columbia Springs, watching the sunset at Waterfront Park, or visiting the nearby Woodland Planters Days festival.

Grab a friend and join Adventures Without Limits for a stroll through scenic Silver Falls State Park! This park has meandering paths through dense Douglas Fir forest and offers stunning waterfall views. The trip is open to the public, inclusive, and accessible to people of all abilities. We specialize in creating a welcome space for diverse sets of needs.

Accessibility: The trip is open to the public, inclusive, and accessible to people of all abilities. We specialize in creating a welcome space for diverse sets of needs. We plan to explore the North Rim trail, which is the park's accessible (compacted gravel) trail, and continue on from there. 

 Sat Oct 17, 2026 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM PDT Silver Falls State Park North Canyon Day Use Area, 97385

Sign-Up!

Program: Hiking with AWL!

• Difficulty: Beginner

• Trip Date: 10/17/2026

• Ages: All ages  *participants under 18 years old MUST be accompanied by an adult

• Cost: Free without shuttle (Suggested donation $10), $20 with shuttle
  Free for Pacific University Students and Faculty.

Transportation: Participants can meet our team on-site at the North Canyon Day-Use Area, or shuttle with AWL from the Beaverton Transit Center (4108 SW Lombard Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005) to the park for a $20 fee. Please note that our bus is lift-equipped with space for 2 wheelchair users.

If you would like to ride with AWL to Silver Falls State Park, please register for the "General Admission - WITH shuttle" option.

Learn more about this AWOL event HERE

Lead by Erin of Frog & Twig; learn about locally harvested fiber plants suitable for twining, including willow, rattan reed cane, cattail and iris. Learn basketry techniques like Pairing Weave, 3-rod wale weave, securing a basket to a wooden base, soft fiber twining & twined handle. 

Your handmade basket may be tiny but this class is designed to introduce you to a large variety of materials and techniques that will give you a solid start to continue pursuing basketry on your own, including a hand out of exactly where to find and how to prepare all of the materials that we use! 

Register HERE, 10 spots only.

Group class instruction from 10am-12pm with a third hour of 1:1 hands-on help from the instructor to complete your basket without feeling rushed! You will leave with a mini-basket of your very own.

Looking to get involved this fall? Join Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group & Partners in the field at one of our upcoming volunteer events.

Join LCFEG, Cascade Forest Conservancy, and the Mount St. Helens Institute on the North Fork Toutle River for a hands-on day of riparian and instream restoration at Bear Creek! Volunteers will help plant native vegetation and build Beaver Dam Analog (BDA) structures that slow water, improve habitat, and support recovery of ESA-listed salmonid species.

Work Conditions: Volunteers will help plant native trees and shrubs, use shovels and loppers, cut willow and other live stakes, and weave branches into BDA structures. LCFEG & partners will provide instruction and all necessary tools and gloves.

Please be prepared for lifting and carrying pots and tools, repetitive motions, bending and digging, and walking across uneven terrain. Work will take place outdoors, and conditions may be wet or muddy depending on the weather.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots. Bring a daypack for your personal supplies, food for lunch, and your own water bottle. We will provide light snacks and water refills.

Transportation & Site Access: The restoration site is accessed via logging roads with limited parking. Due to road conditions and limited parking, we will consolidate vehicles and travel together from Eco Park to the work site.  Transportation may also be provided from Vancouver if needed. Please indicate on the registration form if you will need a ride or plan to drive separately so we can coordinate transportation and ensure we have enough space for everyone.

Meeting & Schedule: Please arrive at Eco Park by 10:00 AM. We will organize transportation and travel together to the restoration site, with work ending around 3:00 PM.

An Important Note about Communication: Please register with an email you check frequently. In the unlikely event that we need to change the meeting location or time or cancel the trip, we will contact you via the email on your registration. You will receive a confirmation email after registering. If you do not see it, or have additional questions, please contact us at ekitali@lcfeg.org.

Registration is required to attend! Please sign up using this form!

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi with the Mt. St. Helen’s Institute!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.
For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Register today!

• WHERE:   Pine Creek Information Center

• DURATION:   Approximately 6 hours

• DISTANCE:   Approximately 1 mile of off-trail forest walking

• GUIDE TEAM:   Mycology instructor, professional guide and three volunteers

• MINIMUM AGE:   8 (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• COST:   $125/person

• PERMITS:   Each participant needs to bring their own free mushroom permit. Instructions provided.

Back by popular demand! Last winter’s stitching event was a delight, and we’re so thrilled to welcome Nicki Eybel back to the farm for some autumn stitching!

Gathered around the workshop table, participants will stitch an 8”x8” landscape with an autumn palette.  Think sky, river and land (just like PN Farm!)  We will spend the morning creating our backgrounds and practicing some stitches (new and/or familiar).  In the afternoon we will add details to our background (sky…rain? Clouds? Sun?)  River and land (trees, leaves etc)  Your piece of art will be yours…abstract? Realistic?  The instructor will provide examples.

• All levels of stitcher welcome!

• If you have a youngster in your life who is interested, please reach out to Abby at arts@pnfarm.com to discuss! 

• A materials fee of $5.00 is incorporated in your ticket.

• Coffee, tea, water and light snacks will be provided. Participants should plan on bringing a water bottle, lunch, and any specific snacks needed.

Accessibility Note: This workshop takes place in an historic farmhouse that is not currently wheelchair accessible, as well as out on the landscape of a working farm. 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!

Full and partial scholarships available. Please email Abby for more information. Register HERE

About our teacher: Nicki Eybel is a newly retired early childhood educator. She is now an abstract  mixed media collage artist, focused on stitching. As a member of the Columbia Fiber Arts Guild, she is active in the Handstitching Group and has enjoyed a daily stitching practice for the last 3 years. She has exhibited in local galleries and group shows. She earned her Stitching Badge as a Girl Scout long, long ago.

Join professional Photographer Patrick Aalto and the Mt. St. Helen’s Institute Guides on a photography hike amongst the massive hummocks deposited by the 1980 eruption.

You will explore this marvelous ecosystem, teaming with life, before leaving the trees to join the Boundary Trail in view of the vast open expanse of the Pumice Plain and the breach of the volcanic crater itself. You will ascend to the groups' comfort up Johnston Ridge where you will train your cameras on the amazing vistas and brilliant colors of Fall foliage below.

For detailed information, visit our Photography Hike program page.

Register today!

• WHERE:   Hummocks Trail #229

• DISTANCE:   2.3 miles to 4 miles (3.7km - 6.2km)

• COST:   $150 per person

• ELEVATION GAIN:   250 feet to 700 feet (76m - 213m)

• PERMITS:   All permits provided

• MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE:   12

• MINIMUM AGE:   8. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Worm Bin Composting: Turn Scraps into Soil workshop with Master Composters & Recyclers

Worm bins are compact and low‑odor, making them ideal for garages, covered outdoor spaces, or other protected areas where you want a small composting system. Discover how worm bins can transform kitchen scraps into a nutrient‑rich soil addition for gardens and houseplants. This workshop covers bin setup, care, what materials to add, troubleshooting and how to harvest your finished compost. 

Registration is required for this FREE workshop HERE.

Hey bike racers! Ride close to home at scenic Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park.

Interested in trying cyclocross? Learn more at OBRA.org for racing 101
There are races for all ages and abilities, including the Kiddie Cross on their own separate course. This is a great event to learn more about this fun sport.

Register Now!

COURSE DESCRIPTION

You can expect multiple barriers with long stretches of grass, dirt, gravel, pavement, and last but not least, the fan favorite sand pit! You will be forced off your bike so those who can run a little usually do well here.

More information will be posted on the event web page as it gets closer to October. www.harvestcx.com/events/columbia-cx/

[Photo: Lance Heppler]

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi with the Mt. St. Helen’s Institute!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.
For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Register today!

• WHERE:   Pine Creek Information Center

• DURATION:   Approximately 6 hours

• DISTANCE:   Approximately 1 mile of off-trail forest walking

• GUIDE TEAM:   Mycology instructor, professional guide and three volunteers

• MINIMUM AGE:   8 (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• COST:   $125/person

• PERMITS:   Each participant needs to bring their own free mushroom permit. Instructions provided.

Columbia Springs Nature Days are an exploration of the natural world – right here in town!

Nature Days are free events to get community members outside into nature. Our goal is to inspire all people to see themselves as successful scientists, understand that they have ideas that matter, and appreciate that everyone belongs in nature. Upon arrival, stop by our check in tent to learn about the activities happening. From there, you can make your own adventure!

Some activities and presentations will be in buildings or under cover, but lots of the activities (such as the guided walks) will be outdoors. This is an event that celebrates nature, after all!

Upcoming Nature Days:

• October 24, 2026 – Plant Technologies

• November 21, 2026 – Fish

• December 19, 2026 – Evergreen Tree Communities

Dress appropriately to spend some time indoors, and some time outdoors; “layers” of clothing work best! A waterproof jacket is a good idea if rain is in the forecast. Good quality, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.

We recommend bringing a water bottle. We have water fountains for you to fill up at.

Is Columbia Springs stroller and wheelchair friendly?

Somewhat; while the area around the hatchery, our classroom, and some of the activities will be accessible, our nature trails are unpaved. You will be able to enjoy the majority of the activities with limited mobility.

What ages is this event appropriate for?

All ages! While most of the activities are designed with elementary-aged children in mind, adults and little ones are encouraged to participate! In fact, we often hear from adults that they learned just as much and had fun!

Interested in Volunteering at this event?

Sign up for a number of volunteer shifts HERE!

Just in time for Halloween!

Join Nature’s Haven Nursery to learn about the fascinating—and often underappreciated—bats of the Pacific Northwest. We’ll talk about the species that live here, what they eat, where they spend their time, why they’re so important to our ecosystems, and how we can make our yards more bat-friendly.  We'll also have new bat houses available for sale.

Learn more about this and other classes, as well as registration HERE.

Audiobook listeners need not walk alone!

Bring your audiobook of choice and meet the Camas Library each month at a new outdoor location for a community walk. We’ll walk for 60 minutes and wrap up with an optional 30 minutes of social time to chat with other book lovers and audio fans.

Walkers of all paces and experience levels are welcome — whether you’re a power walker, stroller pusher, or leisurely listener, there’s space for you here.

Walks are weather-dependent, so please check our social media channels or this event page for updates or cancellations.

Accommodations: The library strives to ensure our events are accessible to everyone. If you require special accommodations to join us, please call 360.834.4692 or email library@cityofcamas.us at least two weeks before the event.

Location Details:

Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave, Camas, WA 98607

See map: Google Maps

Contact Info

Name: Stacy Yakouba

Email: library@cityofcamas.us

Phone Number: (360) 834-4692

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

In honor of President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, entrance fees are waived. Roosevelt was the "conservation president" who established much of the National Parks System, protecting over 230 million acres of public land, created five National Parks (like Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Mount Rainier), 18 National Monuments (like Devil's Tower and Muir Woods), and 51 bird sanctuaries, including the first National Wildlife Refuge at Pelican Island, making his birthday a day to honor his legacy of preserving America's natural heritage for future generations.

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.

K9 Conservationists: Dogs Helping Wolf Research

In the 1960s, biologists introduced wolves to Coronation Island in Alaska after deer overran it and decimated the forest understory. The wolves ate all the deer and, with nothing left to eat, starved. About 50 years later, the wolves of Pleasant Island Alaska found themselves in a similar situation: living on an island in the Pacific with no deer left to eat. The wolves of Pleasant Island, however, have not died out. Instead, they’ve broadened their palate to include sea otters. 

What scientists don’t know is how widespread this surf-and-turf phenomenon is. How does the complex web of wolf, deer, sea otter, hundreds of islands and a massive logging industry interact?

In 2024, a rescued border collie named Barley joined the investigation. Employed with K9 Conservationists, Barley is a professional scat detection dog with three field seasons under his belt. With the “understudy” dogs Tooma, Niffler, and Skipper, they have located over 1,500 wolf scats across 25 islands. Back at OSU, Kayla Fratt works to extract the DNA of the wolves and their prey from the fecal samples. She then uses cutting-edge genetic techniques, lasers shot from airplanes, and an awful lot of math to tell the story of the Tongass National Forest through the bum of a wolf. 

Bonus ending: This talk will conclude with a live demonstration from one of Kayla’s trained conservation detection dogs in the theater!!

More information about this and other events, as well as registration HERE.

Kayla Fratt is a PhD student at Oregon State University and a co-founder of K9 Conservationists. She has dedicated her life to training rescue dogs to help conservation biologists. Her research in Alaska is funded by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and her PhD studies are funded in part by the National Science Foundation. 

Join the team from Clark County Composter Recyclers for the Backyard Composting workshop.

This is part of their Fall 2026 workshop series. Check out all of the FREE sessions here.

Learn about backyard composting methods including: fast (also called batch or hot composting), and slow (also known as you go or cold) composting. With the faster hot composting method, the end product can be made faster, but the amount of work needed to turn and monitor your pile is greater. With cold composting, not as much work is needed, but it can take up to a year to get usable compost.

Learn how to build and construct a hot compost pile using the SMART method.  

Learn more and registration required HERE

Backyard Composting: Find A Compost System to Fit Your Yard with Clark County Master Composters & Recyclers

Backyard composting is a flexible way to transform yard debris and food scraps into a valuable soil amendment that supports healthy gardens. Explore the essentials of outdoor composting using bins, piles, tumblers and layered systems. Learn how to balance materials, manage moisture, troubleshoot common issues and use finished compost in your landscape. 

Registration is required for this FREE workshop HERE.

Become a Nature Detective

Engineers are problem solvers! Curious kids in this class will work with their families to build, test, design, and improve across a variety of playful hands-on challenges.

About OMSI Curiosity Kids

At OMSI, we love experimenting, learning, and creating together!

Curiosity Kids programs at OMSI allow children ages 3-5 years old, along with their families, to explore early science and engineering concepts. These bilingual programs are designed to build STEAM skills and nurture the special connection between adults and children.
We hope you and your curious kids will join our stellar educators to experiment, ask questions, and build amazing structures!

Practice your new skills right after your workshop — your ticket includes same-day general Museum Admission!

Questions? For the basic details and FAQs about this event, please visit the Curiosity Kids webpage or email info@omsi.edu.

Chiquitines curiosos: Conviértete en detective de la naturaleza

Conviértete en detective de la naturaleza

¡Los naturalistas estudian las pistas que dejan atrás los animales! En esta clase, los niños curiosos trabajarán y jugarán con sus familias para observar, describir y recopilar pruebas que les permitan entender qué animales dejaron huellas, pelo, excrementos y mucho más.

Sobre Chiquitines curiosos

¡En OMSI, nos encanta experimentar, aprender y crear juntos!
Chiquitines curiosos es una serie de programas en OMSI que permiten que niños(as) de 3 a 5 años, y sus familias, exploren conceptos básicos de ciencia e ingeniería. Estos programas bilingües están diseñados para desarrollar sus habilidades STEAM y fortalecer el vínculo especial entre adultos y niños(as).
¡Esperamos que tú y tus pequeños curiosos se unan a nuestros excelentes educadores para experimentar, hacer preguntas y construir estructuras increíbles!

¡Practica tus nuevas habilidades después de terminar la clase, ya que tu boleto incluye la admisión general al museo para el mismo día!

¿Tiene preguntas? Para obtener más información sobre este evento, así como respuestas a preguntas frecuentes, visita el sitio web de Chiquitines curiosos o manda un correo electrónico a info@omsi.edu.