What’s Happening
Lo que está sucediendo
Help out, learn, build community and have fun!
¡Ayuda, aprende, construye una comunidad y diviértete!
Southwest Washington has so many opportunities to connect with nature. See the event calendar below for a wide range of opportunities with our regional partners.
Not seeing what you are looking for or want to schedule something special with a group? Contact the partner directly. Some information on this page may be out of date, so connect with the Partner for the most up to date information. Let’s get outside!
El suroeste de Washington ofrece muchísimas oportunidades para conectar con la naturaleza. Consulta el calendario de eventos para conocer la amplia gama de oportunidades con nuestros socios regionales.
¿No encuentra lo que busca o desea programar algo especial con un grupo? Ponte en contacto directamente con el socio. Es posible que parte de la información de esta página no esté actualizada; por ello, contacta con el socio para obtener la información más reciente. ¡Salgamos al aire libre!
Sort Event List by:
Accessible Supported | Adventure Sport | Agriculture | Art in Nature | Community Event | Elders | Healing | Hiking | Park Updates | Plants | Pollinators | Recreation | Road Trips | Sky Watch | Virtual Events | Volunteering | Water Fun | Wildlife | Workshops | Youth | FREE
LCNN is excited to share our Partner’s events, click each event for more detailed information - check with event host for most up to date information (LCNN does not lead these events).
NEW! For events that sound super fun but are just outside southwest Washington are listed as ROAD TRIPs.
LCNN's Seeds for Education - Seed sorting & packing event
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.
Educator Training: Many Places, Many Lives: Exploring Washington Wildlife Through Poetry and Science
Join us WDFW a two-evening virtual workshop featuring Habitats of Washington, a brand-new kindergarten unit from WDFW’s Wild Washington curriculum, where poetry, Washington wildlife, and science come together.
Many Places, Many Lives: Exploring Washington Wildlife Through Poetry and Science
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 &
Thursday, November 5, 2026
4:15–6:00 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom | 3.5 STEM Clock Hours
This playful, place-based unit is anchored in Many Places, Many Lives, an illustrated poetry collection featuring animals that live right here in Washington. Participants will explore Washington animals and habitats, poetry as a pathway into science, meaningful science and ELA connections, and hands-on learning experiences designed for kindergarten students.
Participants must attend both sessions in full to receive clock hours.
Registration Link: https://www.tfaforms.com/5235855
Stormwater Partners Symposium of SW WA
Save the date! Stormwater Partners Symposium
More information coming soon. Check out https://www.stormwaterpartners.com/ for updates
Take Learning Outside workshop: Nature Campus - Creating a Campus Field Guide Through Observation
Join Take Learning Outside Educator Training series for Session 2!
Every school campus has nature waiting to be discovered, even campuses that seem to be mostly lawn or pavement. Join us for an engaging panel session on using field observation techniques to help students explore the living things and natural features right outside their classroom doors.
Our guest panelists will share three practical approaches for building students’ observation skills, documenting what they find, and connecting outdoor discoveries to curriculum. Leave with ideas for helping students get up close to nature and begin creating a field guide unique to your school campus.
Rachel Robbins, Bay View Elementary School will share nature journaling techniques that invite students to ask: What do I notice? What do I wonder? What does it remind me of? Using words, numbers, colors, and shapes, students create meaningful records of what they observe and connect those observations to the place where they live and learn.
Rainy Rau, Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center leads the Student Watershed Monitoring Network, supporting students as they investigate creeks, streams, and bioretention areas. Learn how these investigations can help students understand what is living in and around local water systems and how those systems affect watershed health and water quality.
Suzanne Hebert, Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center helps students and community members explore the role healthy ecosystems play in our watersheds. She will share ways to use apps and other tools to identify the plants, birds, animals, and insects that call school campuses home, creating a growing database that students can compare with other places in their community.
To earn STEM Clock hours, required pre-session prep:
Using a satellite map, print a color map of your school campus. Spend about 30 minutes walking the campus (on your own or with students) and notice the natural areas you find. Jot down a few observations:
What natural features, plants, or animals do you notice?
What seems established, and what might be newer?
Where do you see opportunities for students to observe nature?
Even a campus with mowed grass has nature to investigate: birds, insects, mammals, weather, soil, and seasonal changes are all part of its story. Bring your map and notes to help guide your learning during the session.
Take Learning Outside - Session 1: Birds as a Window to Science
Hey Educators! Earn free STEM clock hours while meeting community partners and other educators who love to teach outside!
Join the Vancouver Audubon’s Cameraderie Youth Program for Session 1 of TLO 26-27 - Birds as a Window to Science: Observing, Understanding, and Teaching the Local Avian World
Binoculars and field guides open up a new world of outdoor learning for students. In this session, teachers will get hands-on experience using binoculars and field guides in the field while building their skills in bird identification and learning about the species most commonly seen in Southwest Washington. Through exploration of migration patterns and environmental challenges, participants will gain insight into how bird studies can support NGSS-aligned instruction.
The workshop includes ready-to-use classroom activities and strategies for engaging students in authentic observation and data collection outdoors. Participating teachers will be able to borrow free birding kits for classroom use after attending the workshop.
Registration is required HERE
Learn more about Take Learning Outside FREE educator workshops and resources HERE
"Take Learning Outside" Kick Off event - educators workshop w/ clock hours
Hey teachers, educators and school communities!
The partners of the Lower Columbia Nature Network are ready to start the school year with a the Take Learning Outside series Kick-Off event.
This will be Year 4 of the workshop series to connect educators with outdoor teaching and learning ideas, activities and community partners.
This is a FREE event for educators to earn up to 2 clock hours while meeting community partners who are ready to help you teach outside. Visit partner tables, join one of many 10-minute outdoor activities, sign up for raffle prizes and more.
Most importantly, join a community of educators and partners who are building the movement to diversify learning opportunities for all students. We hope to build this network and keep it growing.
Stay tune for more upcoming workshops. We hope you can join the kick off in the beautiful new USFWS Ridgefield NWR Community Nature Center. See you there!
Starting with the Earliest Years: Advancing Nature in Pre-Natal - 3yo
Join the Children & Nature Network for an initial look at nature in the prenatal-to-three years, including a preview of emerging findings from an upcoming Research Digest and a broader conversation about this developing area of work. We’ll also share why C&NN is increasing its focus on early childhood and some of the questions guiding our exploration.
The prenatal-to-three period is a critical window for healthy development, and nature has an important role to play in supporting young children, caregivers and families during these earliest years.
What does current research tell us about this connection? Where is nature already showing up within the programs, practices and systems that support families? And what possibilities might be worth exploring more deeply?
This webinar is the beginning of a larger conversation. Participants will learn about opportunities to join follow-up listening sessions designed to help C&NN better understand the field’s interests, experiences and needs and consider how we might contribute to advancing equitable access to nature from the earliest years of life.
REGISTER HERE
Follow-up Listening Session dates:
Thurs, September 3, 2026, 1 – 2 PM CT
Wed, September 9, 2026, 11 – 12 PM CT
Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop - Part 2
Attention WA State certificated educators! 📍Earn 5 STEM Clock Hours: Free Seeds to Salmon (S2S) Curriculum Workshop
Workshop Details: Attendance at BOTH sessions is required
Wednesday, May 27th | 4:30–6:30 PM
Saturday, May 30th | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
The Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group are excited to invite local educators to participate in a special S2S Curriculum Workshop focused on piloting and strengthening our newly revamped environmental education curriculum!
Participants will explore hands-on, classroom-ready lessons from the Seeds to Salmon curriculum series that can be directly implemented in educational settings. The curriculum is an open educational resource aligned with Washington State NGSS standards, designed to support engaging, place-based learning around salmon, watersheds, and environmental stewardship.
Cost: Free! Snacks and light beverages will be provided.
Register HERE for both sessions
While STEM clock hours are available only for Washington State certificated educators, we warmly welcome any interested community educators, environmental educators, informal learning staff, and partners to attend.
Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop - Part 1
Attention WA State certificated educators! 📍Earn 5 STEM Clock Hours: Free Seeds to Salmon (S2S) Curriculum Workshop
Workshop Details: Attendance at BOTH sessions is required
Wednesday, May 27th | 4:30–6:30 PM
Saturday, May 30th | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
The Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group are excited to invite local educators to participate in a special S2S Curriculum Workshop focused on piloting and strengthening our newly revamped environmental education curriculum!
Participants will explore hands-on, classroom-ready lessons from the Seeds to Salmon curriculum series that can be directly implemented in educational settings. The curriculum is an open educational resource aligned with Washington State NGSS standards, designed to support engaging, place-based learning around salmon, watersheds, and environmental stewardship.
Cost: Free! Snacks and light beverages will be provided.
Register HERE for both sessions
While STEM clock hours are available only for Washington State certificated educators, we warmly welcome any interested community educators, environmental educators, informal learning staff, and partners to attend.
For Educators PD - Take Learning Outside: Session #6: Schoolyard Stewardship
Schoolyard Stewardship: Connecting Gardens, Students, and Community
Celebrate the end of the school year and learn strategies for turning your garden into a hub of learning, connection, and stewardship. This session will explore ways to engage students, families, and local partners through community garden days, picnics, and student-led showcases. Learn how collaborative events can strengthen student learning, foster environmental stewardship, and build lasting support for your garden programs. Participants will leave with practical tools, planning ideas, and inspiration to make their schoolyard a thriving space for learning and community connection.
Join the team from the Lower Columbia School Gardens and environmental educators, for this interactive session.
Register for TLO Session #6 HERE
All sessions are free to register
Up to 2 FREE STEM Clock Hours upon completion for this workshop
Each session includes presentations by topic matter experts, discussion, and 1/2 hour planning time for teachers (walk out with action items for your school)
Sign up for one session, or sign up for multiple sessions!
Taking Learning Outside 2025-26 Courses:
Discover how to turn your schoolyard into a dynamic space for curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning. Taking Learning Outside is a year-long professional learning series designed to help educators integrate outdoor experiences into everyday instruction. Each session explores practical ways to teach science, stewardship, and sustainability through topics such as birds, native plants, school gardens, and urban tree canopy.
Over the 2025-26 academic year, the Taking Learning Outside Series offers six sessions (both in-person and online) that cover a wide range of topics and grade levels. In-person sessions will happen at various locations across SW Washington.
The Taking Learning Outside Series is a partnership of the Lower Columbia Nature Network, Pacific Education Institute, Lower Columbia School Gardens, Master Gardener Program at Washington State University Extension, Washington Science Teachers Association, and ESD 112.
For Educators PD - Take Learning Outside: Session #5: Branching Out
Branching Out: Exploring Trees and Urban Ecosystems
Celebrate Arbor Day by diving into the vital role trees play in our urban ecosystems. In this session, we’ll explore how to integrate tree-based learning into your curriculum through mapping, data collection, and observation tools like iNaturalist and iTree. Learn how trees support biodiversity, mitigate climate impacts, and connect students to broader environmental systems. With support from urban forestry experts and community partners, you’ll leave with practical strategies, digital tools, and engaging classroom activities to bring the story of trees to life on your campus.
Join location tree experts, Portland-Vancouver Canopy Collective and environmental educators, for this interactive session.
Register for TLO Session #5 HERE
All sessions are free to register
Up to 2 FREE STEM Clock Hours upon completion for this workshop
Each session includes presentations by topic matter experts, discussion, and 1/2 hour planning time for teachers (walk out with action items for your school)
Sign up for one session, or sign up for multiple sessions!
Taking Learning Outside 2025-26 Courses:
Discover how to turn your schoolyard into a dynamic space for curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning. Taking Learning Outside is a year-long professional learning series designed to help educators integrate outdoor experiences into everyday instruction. Each session explores practical ways to teach science, stewardship, and sustainability through topics such as birds, native plants, school gardens, and urban tree canopy.
Over the 2025-26 academic year, the Taking Learning Outside Series offers six sessions (both in-person and online) that cover a wide range of topics and grade levels. In-person sessions will happen at various locations across SW Washington.
5/21/26 - Session #6: Schoolyard Stewardship: Connecting Gardens, Students and Community (In-person, Northlake Elementary School, Longview, WA). Register HERE
The Taking Learning Outside Series is a partnership of the Lower Columbia Nature Network, Pacific Education Institute, Lower Columbia School Gardens, Master Gardener Program at Washington State University Extension, Washington Science Teachers Association, and ESD 112.
Volcano Outdoor School (VOS) online workshop
Attention, educators! Curious about bringing your students to Mount St. Helens?
Join Mt. St. Helen’s Institute’s education team for a FREE one-hour virtual info session on Tuesday, April 14 at 4 p.m. Whether you're a teacher, principal, youth-serving nonprofit, or homeschool group we'll cover everything you need to know:
• Program variety (day vs. overnight or virtual field trips)
• What to expect during a Volcano Outdoor School (VOS) visit
• Activity options tailored to learning goals
• Financial aid opportunities
Learn more and sign up for the info session HERE
Parents and guardians, want to see your own child at VOS?
Send the educators you know the link to the info session registration!
Already ready to book? We still have some openings for day and overnight programs from mid-June through fall. Secure your spot, contact MSHI today!
Gardening in Tight Spaces workshop with WSU Ext. Master Gardener
Discover creative ways to garden when space is tight – join us for a journey through the world of small space gardening!
WSU Extension Master Gardener Teresa Moore will discuss ideas to help you get started with vertical gardens, container gardening and hanging baskets. Learn tips and tricks to make the most of your small-space garden. Turn your balcony, patio, or windowsill into a thriving garden!
This FREE presentation will be followed by the opportunity to ask questions about the topic. No need to register, just pop in.
𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄! 𝐖𝐒𝐔 𝐙𝐎𝐎𝐌 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐀 𝐙𝐎𝐎𝐌 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 (𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐝) 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐒𝐔 𝐙𝐎𝐎𝐌 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒.
Steps to join the meeting:
**1. Sign in to your personal zoom account you created at zoom.com (using your email and the password you created).
**2. Join the meeting —-Join by video https://tinyurl.com/WSUZoomLink —-Join by phone: 1-253-215-8782, Meeting ID: 939 8526 5246, Password: 12345 (no Zoom account required)
For help, call Stephanie Bjerke 360-577-3014 Ext. 0 or stephanie.bjerke@wsu.edu. The workshop is sponsored by Washington State University Extension Master Gardeners.
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension Office
Prune Hill Elementary School Living Lab work party
Help the Camas Earth Day Society at the Prune Hill Elementary School Living Lab outdoor classroom.
Pull weeds, clip blackberries, wood chip mulch and prepare planting circles to help 5th grade Earth Science class with their March planting bonanza. We have tools and gloves for you, so it's easy to just show up.
RSVP to molly@camasearthdaysociety.com (510)332-0872 or just pick a date and come join us!
For Educators PD - Take Learning Outside: Session #4 - Spring Into the School Garden
Spring Into the School Garden: Planning, Planting, and Growing Together
Get your hands dirty and your garden plants growing! This session will cover everything from companion planting and salad gardens to cut flowers and seed starting. Whether you’re new to school gardening or looking to expand, you’ll walk away with practical skills, resources, and inspiration to launch a vibrant spring growing season with your students.
Join Mandi Atkinson (Hough ES School Garden Horticultural Therapist), WSU Ext. Master Gardeners and environmental educators, for this interactive session.
Register for TLO Session #4 HERE
All sessions are free to register
Up to 2 FREE STEM Clock Hours upon completion for this workshop
Each session includes presentations by topic matter experts, discussion, and 1/2 hour planning time for teachers (walk out with action items for your school)
Sign up for one session, or sign up for multiple sessions!
Taking Learning Outside 2025-26 Courses:
Discover how to turn your schoolyard into a dynamic space for curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning. Taking Learning Outside is a year-long professional learning series designed to help educators integrate outdoor experiences into everyday instruction. Each session explores practical ways to teach science, stewardship, and sustainability through topics such as birds, native plants, school gardens, and urban tree canopy.
Over the 2025-26 academic year, the Taking Learning Outside Series offers six sessions (both in-person and online) that cover a wide range of topics and grade levels. In-person sessions will happen at various locations across SW Washington.
4/22/26 - Session #5: Branching Out: Exploring Trees and Urban Ecosystems (In-person, Frontier Middle School, Vancouver, WA). Register HERE
5/21/26 - Session #6: Schoolyard Stewardship: Connecting Gardens, Students and Community (In-person, Northlake Elementary School, Longview, WA). Register HERE
The Taking Learning Outside Series is a partnership of the Lower Columbia Nature Network, Pacific Education Institute, Lower Columbia School Gardens, Master Gardener Program at Washington State University Extension, Washington Science Teachers Association, and ESD 112.
Prune Hill Elementary School Living Lab work party
Help the Camas Earth Day Society at the Prune Hill Elementary School Living Lab outdoor classroom.
Pull weeds, clip blackberries, wood chip mulch and prepare planting circles to help 5th grade Earth Science class with their March planting bonanza. We have tools and gloves for you, so it's easy to just show up.
RSVP to molly@camasearthdaysociety.com (510)332-0872 or just pick a date and come join us!
Take Learning Outside: Session #3 - Planting With Purpose
Planting with Purpose: Native Species and Pollinator Connections professional development workshop for educators STEM clock hours
Discover how native plants can transform schoolyards into thriving ecosystems that support pollinators, wildlife, and student learning. This session will explore the benefits of native species, connections to Science as well as Environmental and Sustainability standards, and practical strategies for starting plants indoors or directly on campus. Participants will leave with resources, classroom-ready activities, and inspiration to grow purposeful plantings with their students.
Join Good Year Farm owner Hannah, Vancouver Bee Project, WA Department of Fish & Wildlife, and environmental educators, for this interactive session.
Register for TLO Session #3 HERE (p.s. there are heaters in the barn where we will be meeting)
All sessions are free to register
Up to 2 FREE STEM Clock Hours upon completion for this workshop
Each session includes presentations by topic matter experts, discussion, and 1/2 hour planning time for teachers (walk out with action items for your school)
Sign up for one session, or sign up for multiple sessions!
Taking Learning Outside 2025-26 Courses:
Discover how to turn your schoolyard into a dynamic space for curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning. Taking Learning Outside is a year-long professional learning series designed to help educators integrate outdoor experiences into everyday instruction. Each session explores practical ways to teach science, stewardship, and sustainability through topics such as birds, native plants, school gardens, and urban tree canopy.
Over the 2025-26 academic year, the Taking Learning Outside Series offers six sessions (both in-person and online) that cover a wide range of topics and grade levels. In-person sessions will happen at various locations across SW Washington.
3/10/26 - Session #4: Spring Into the School Garden: Planning, Planting & Growing Together (In-person, Hough Elementary, Vancouver, WA). Register HERE
4/22/26 - Session #5: Branching Out: Exploring Trees and Urban Ecosystems (In-person, Frontier Middle School, Vancouver, WA). Register HERE
5/21/26 - Session #6: Schoolyard Stewardship: Connecting Gardens, Students and Community (In-person, Northlake Elementary School, Longview, WA). Register HERE
The Taking Learning Outside Series is a partnership of the Lower Columbia Nature Network, Pacific Education Institute, Lower Columbia School Gardens, Master Gardener Program at Washington State University Extension, Washington Science Teachers Association, and ESD 112.
2026 Students for Clean Water Video Contest
Do you know any middle or high school students who like making videos?
Let them know about the Students for Clean Water Video Contest! They could win $500 for making a video about protecting water or other topics.
Hey awesome budding filmmakers!
Water connects us all, and we're about to make waves of positivity! 🌊✨ No matter where you live, we all live in a watershed, where rain or snow goes on an exciting journey, from our roofs, yards, and streets to local wetlands, streams, and lakes, to the Columbia River, and finally to the mighty Pacific Ocean. The water that bounces off roofs, streets and other hard surfaces and goes on this incredible journey to the ocean is what we call stormwater. Our rivers are home to incredible creatures like salmon, trout, and sturgeon, and they're where we play, fish, and paddle. But, guess what? Our actions can impact our waterways, and it's time for us to make a splash of inspiration for a cleaner, happier world with your creative videos! Learn more about Clark County watersheds here.
How to enter
Pick a theme - review the themes below and choose one you like.
Research - learn about your topic from resources provided, family members or others in your community.
Plan your video - create a storyboard so you can plan how you want to tell your story. Consider music, locations, props, camera angles, on-screen text/graphics and actors you may need.
Pre-check (optional) - submit your script or storyboard for review. We'll provide feedback so you can avoid being disqualified for misinformation.
Shoot it! - get the video shots you planned in your storyboard and remember it's better to have more than you need and cut than to not have what you need.
Edit - edit your shots to compose your video and add music or other effects.
Upload and submit your application - make sure the video is sharable and your application form is complete, including the form for your parent/guardian.
Entries due April 17, learn more at: https://www.stormwaterpartners.com/video-contest
