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 Some information on this page may be out of date, so connect with the Partner for the most up to date information.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!

  • 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.

Filtering by: “FREE”
Learn about native WA Bats!
Jul
12

Learn about native WA Bats!

Nature’s Haven Nursery invites you to learn about our native BATS in southwest Washington

In this FREE class, you’ll learn about some of our local bat species and their vital roles in our ecosystem. We’ll learn about their preferred habitats, their role in pollination, and how you can help protect them!

Class is free but registration is required HERE.

Join these other classes, too

All are free but require registration

View Event →
ROAD TRIP: Haystack Rock Interpreter Talk about Sea Stars
Jul
14

ROAD TRIP: Haystack Rock Interpreter Talk about Sea Stars

Come join the Haystack Rock Awareness Program for an Interpreter Talk that will be focused on everything about Sea Stars!

Meet near our Red Truck at Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, OR.

Also, bring your binoculars as the Tufted Puffins are back and nesting on the rock.

If you have never been Tidepooling, visit this web page to make sure you have what you need for a day of fun adventures.

Getting there: Haystack Rock sits in the heart of Cannon Beach. The nearest public parking lot is situated at the junction of Hemlock and Gower Street, right beside City Hall on 163 E. Gower St. We recommend arriving early as parking can be a bit challenging during the busy summer months! To reach the rock, proceed westward along Gower Street from the parking lot to reach the beach access point. Once you arrive at the beach, look south - Haystack Rock will immediately come into view. The journey to the rock takes 12 to 15 minutes on foot. Before heading down, considering a restroom break might be wise – since there are no restroom facilities available on the beach. The closest public restroom is situated just across the street from the parking lot, on Hemlock Street. You can find it next to the American Legion at 1216 S Hemlock St.

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ROAD TRIP: Food Forests workshop
Jul
18

ROAD TRIP: Food Forests workshop

Are you interested in learning about community food forests, converting your yard into an edible perennial garden, creating abundant habitat, food security, and developing a relationship with the land?

Join Dan Sloan from the Portland Food Forest Initiative for an exploration into Urban Regenerative Agriculture, decentralized food systems, forest gardening, and habitat building. This class will cover the practical steps and considerations necessary to design and install an urban food forest.

Learn more about this FREE class and other upcoming workshops HERE.

View Event →
ROAD TRIP: ForestFest at the World Forestry Center
Jul
18

ROAD TRIP: ForestFest at the World Forestry Center

worldforestrycenter

Celebrate forests at ForestFest on July 18, 10am - 6pm!

We’ve partnered with the U.S. Forest Service for a free, family-friendly day of hands-on discovery, creativity, and outdoor fun in Washington Park. 🌲

Included:
🎶 Live music (@singerjermaine & @wildwood.creates)
📸 Photos with @smokeybear & Woodsy Owl
🛍️ Community vendors & artists
🍔 Food & drinks & s’mores from @marshandmallowco)
💃 Drag hikes with @dragmeoutside
🌕 Dedication of a Moon Tree (from seeds that went around the moon with @nasa)
📚 Storytime with @silpakona & @kidlitandsteam
🪵 Live demonstration traveling sawmill with @woodmizer
🎤 Forest Storybooth with @storyboothexperience capturing personal stories of the forest for a future podcast!

Plus enjoy free admission to the Discovery Museum and extended hours until 6 PM, thanks to @hamptonlumber!

What a day! Mark it on your calendars ~ we will see you there!! #worldforestrycenter #forestfest #pdxevents #kidfriendlypdx #forests250

View Event →
Intro to WA Native Frogs!
Jul
19

Intro to WA Native Frogs!

Nature’s Haven Nursery invites you to learn about our WA Native frogs!

The native Pacific chorus frog is less than 2” and can be solid or patterned greens and browns (they can change color in hours!). Their beautiful ‘chorus’ of songs can be heard particularly in spring. In this FREE class, learn about our native frogs and how you can welcome them to your yard. We’ll talk about supportive habitats, frog hotels, or maybe even building your own pond!

Class is free but registration is required HERE.

Join these other classes, too

All are free but require registration

View Event →
Clark County Play Day: Orchards Community Park
Jul
23

Clark County Play Day: Orchards Community Park

clarkcowa_pw

Clark County Parks and Nature is starting a project to improve Orchards Community Park.

The community is invited to an event at the park to learn about the project and provide feedback. Enjoy lawn games and light refreshments while you discuss the project with parks planners!

🌼 Join us any time between 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday, July 23 at the picnic shelter at Orchards Community Park.
🌷Can’t make it in person? Parks and Nature will host an online presentation from 4 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 28 with project details followed by a Q&A session. Meeting Link HERE (PW: trees)

📝 Project Survey: Whether you’re able to attend one of the project kickoff events or not, we want to hear from you via our online survey! Take the survey to let us know what features and improvements you’d like to see. The survey is open and will close on Thursday, Aug. 6:

 For more information, visit the project webpage at clark.wa.gov/public-works/orchards

View Event →
Intro to Bokashi Composting
Jul
25

Intro to Bokashi Composting

Nature’s Haven Nursery invites you to learn about Bokashi composting method

Discover how to turn your food scraps into nutrient-rich soil - even in the smallest of yards! In this hands-on class, Jennifer “Bokashi Jen” Posivak will introduce you to bokashi composting: a simple, mess-free method that lets you compost nearly all food waste, including cooked food, meat, and dairy. You’ll see how to load a bokashi bin, what a finished bin looks like, and how to build a bokashi soil factory using a simple potted planter. A discreet setup that even the pickiest neighbor or HOA won’t notice! Bring a small container of refrigerated food scraps to take part in the live demo.

Class is free but registration is required HERE.

Join these other classes, too

All are free but require registration

View Event →
Edible Plant Walks @ Nature’s Haven Natives
Jul
26

Edible Plant Walks @ Nature’s Haven Natives

Nature’s Haven Nursery invites you to learn about edible native plants: Wildlife aren’t the only ones who can eat native plants - you can, too!

In this class, you’ll join Nature’s Haven’s Allie as they lead a tour of the property to explore our edible native plants. See examples of established plants in their native habitat and learn how to incorporate them into your diet. Afterward, shop the nursery to take home your favorites!

Class is free but registration is required HERE.

Join these other classes, too

All are free but require registration

View Event →
Camas’ Rain in the Park event
Aug
1

Camas’ Rain in the Park event

cityofcamas

Mark your calendars now for the 2nd annual Rain in the Park event in Camas, WA!

Cool off with the help of the CWFD from 2 -2:30 p.m., at Hathaway Elementary School in Washougal, on the school playground adjacent to E. St.

The Camas-Washougal Firefighters invite you to cool off this summer. The firefighters will make it rain at the school using a fire engine and water cannon. Feel free to stop by the engine to say hello, kids can get fire hat and stickers.

A Kona Ice truck will be on-site from 1:30-2:30pm selling save ice.

Thanks to the Washougal School District for your support of the event!

View Event →
2026 Second Saturday Summer Series: Molly Coston Community Garden Celebration
Aug
8

2026 Second Saturday Summer Series: Molly Coston Community Garden Celebration

  • Molly Coston Community Garden, 2036 Main Street, Washougal (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The City of Washougal invites residents and visitors to explore local parks, learn new skills, and connect with neighbors through the 2026 Second Saturday Summer Series, a three-month lineup of free, family-friendly events highlighting different ways the community can enjoy and engage with public spaces.

Hosted through the City’s Parks Passport Program, the summer series will feature hands-on activities focused on water safety, youth recreation, community stewardship, and local legacy. Each event is designed to showcase a unique aspect of park use while encouraging residents of all ages to discover Washougal’s parks and community resources.

“Second Saturday is about creating opportunities for people to connect with their parks and with one another,” said Corinthia Barnhart, Parks and Cemetery Program Manager for the City of Washougal. “Each event highlights a different way our parks serve the community—from recreation and safety education to environmental stewardship and neighborhood connections. We’re excited to bring people together throughout the summer and celebrate the many ways public spaces enrich our lives.”

August 8: Molly Coston Community Garden Celebration

Community members are invited to celebrate the newly named garden through a ribbon-cutting ceremony, garden swap, and stewardship activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring plants, seeds, starts, or gardening supplies to exchange, or simply come explore the garden, meet neighbors, and learn more about this shared community space. The event honors the legacy of Molly Coston while fostering community involvement and environmental stewardship.

We’re growing—and you’re invited to be part of it. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, the Community Garden is a place to learn, connect, and help cultivate a healthier Washougal.

Lease/Renew a Garden Plot
Gardeners have the opportunity to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables in privately leased plots, while also working together to care for shared community spaces within the garden.

Gardening is one of the most popular recreational activities in the country, offering opportunities for physical activity, stress relief, and access to fresh, nutritious food. The City of Washougal recognizes community gardening as a valuable activity that supports the health and well-being of the entire community.

By gardening together, participants gain opportunities for:

  • Education and skill-building

  • Environmental awareness and sustainability

  • Social connection among neighbors of all ages and backgrounds

  • Intergenerational and cross-cultural engagement

The Community Garden is more than a place to grow plants—it’s a place to grow community.

View Event →
Vancouver Audubon guest speaker Annie Cahill from the Wildlife Center of the North Coast
Oct
1

Vancouver Audubon guest speaker Annie Cahill from the Wildlife Center of the North Coast

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

View Event →

2026 Second Saturday Summer Series: Skatepark Pop-Up
Jul
11

2026 Second Saturday Summer Series: Skatepark Pop-Up

  • Riverside Bowl Skatepark, 2900 NE 3rd Avenue, Camas (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The City of Washougal invites residents and visitors to explore local parks, learn new skills, and connect with neighbors through the 2026 Second Saturday Summer Series, a three-month lineup of free, family-friendly events highlighting different ways the community can enjoy and engage with public spaces.

Hosted through the City’s Parks Passport Program, the summer series will feature hands-on activities focused on water safety, youth recreation, community stewardship, and local legacy. Each event is designed to showcase a unique aspect of park use while encouraging residents of all ages to discover Washougal’s parks and community resources.

“Second Saturday is about creating opportunities for people to connect with their parks and with one another,” said Corinthia Barnhart, Parks and Cemetery Program Manager for the City of Washougal. “Each event highlights a different way our parks serve the community—from recreation and safety education to environmental stewardship and neighborhood connections. We’re excited to bring people together throughout the summer and celebrate the many ways public spaces enrich our lives.”

July 11: Skatepark Pop-Up

Partnering organizations include Rose City Rollers, 360 Grindz, and the City of Camas.

  • Rose City Rollers will bring its Skatemobile, offering gear and skating support for participants,

  • 360 Grindz will provide a community table, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with local skaters.

  • The event is designed to promote positive skatepark culture, skate etiquette, confidence-building, and youth engagement in a welcoming environment for skaters of all experience levels.

View Event →
Marine Park Beach Cleanup
Jul
8

Marine Park Beach Cleanup

  • Marine Park Marine Park, 4501 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the Water Resources Education Center in helping clean up our beaches and waterways after the July 4th holiday.

We will walk the shoreline collecting litter, plastic, Styrofoam, and other debris to help prevent pollution from entering the Columbia River.

  • All tools will be provided.

  • Expect to walk 2.5 miles on uneven sandy beach areas.

  • Volunteers will collect litter with litter pickers and carry it in buckets while walking the beach and surrounding area.

  • All ages welcome. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form. Youth under 13 must have an adult guardian present.

Registration is required. Sign up today!

Contact: Water Center staff at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111

View Event →
Intro to WA Native Butterflies & Caterpillars
Jul
5

Intro to WA Native Butterflies & Caterpillars

Nature’s Haven Nursery invites you to learn about Bokashi composting method

Meet some of our Northwest butterfly species and what native plants best support them and their caterpillars. Since caterpillars are an essential food source for many birds, native gardeners should consider the plants they're evolved to eat equally essential. Whether you're growing a butterfly garden or want to attract more birds to your yard, don't miss this opportunity to learn how to make your property a key component of the food web!

Class is free but registration is required HERE.

Join these other classes, too

All are free but require registration

View Event →
Crown Park is reopening celebration!
Jul
2

Crown Park is reopening celebration!

camasparksandrecreation & cityofcamas

Crown Park is reopening — and we’re throwing the whole community a party!

Join the City on Thursday, July 2nd from 11 AM–4 PM for a full day of food, games, history, and bikes, all part of our America 250 Celebration.

• Free Street Parking workout (9:30 registration, 10 AM start)
• Cowlitz Tribe blessing & land acknowledgement
• Remarks from the Mayor + a Commissioners vs. Council relay race
• Bike Rodeo with Camas Bikes + e-bike safety class for teens & parents
• 12-station History & Nature Trivia Trail
• Letters to the Future writing station
• Coffee from Kaffae, Kona Ice, Razo’s Tacos, the VFW & more local vendors
• Lawn games with Parks staff all day long

This is your park. Come celebrate it with us!

Crown Park | Free & family-friendly | All ages welcome

View Event →
Blurock Beach Cleanup
Jun
30

Blurock Beach Cleanup

Join Clark County Public Works volunteer team as they clean up one of our favorite local beaches!
 Register Here

  • Check In Location: Event check-in at park entrance

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

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

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

  • Project Description: Picking up litter at Blurock Landing

  • Participant Eligibility: Only volunteers 18 years of age or older may attend, due to potential hazards found on-site. 

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

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

View Event →
Edible Plant Walks @ Nature’s Haven Natives
Jun
28

Edible Plant Walks @ Nature’s Haven Natives

Nature’s Haven Nursery invites you to learn about edible native plants: Wildlife aren’t the only ones who can eat native plants - you can, too!

In this class, you’ll join Nature’s Haven’s Allie as they lead a tour of the property to explore our edible native plants. See examples of established plants in their native habitat and learn how to incorporate them into your diet. Afterward, shop the nursery to take home your favorites!

Class is free but registration is required HERE.

Join these other classes, too

All are free but require registration

View Event →
Summer Promenade @ Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Jun
27

Summer Promenade @ Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Join Fort Vancouver NHS on Saturday for Fort Vancouver's annual Summer Promenade, a lively celebration of history, fashion, and community.

Experience 100 years of historic clothing and style as participants showcase fashions spanning 1845 to 1945 while strolling through the historic Parade Ground and along Evergreen Boulevard. From Victorian elegance to early 20th-century attire, the Summer Promenade brings history to life through clothing, conversation, and fun.

Fees: This event is free to attend.

Location: Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 East Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661

Contact Information: Aaron Ochoa, 360-816-6230

View Event →
Intro to Bokashi Composting
Jun
27

Intro to Bokashi Composting

Nature’s Haven Nursery invites you to learn about Bokashi composting method

Discover how to turn your food scraps into nutrient-rich soil - even in the smallest of yards! In this hands-on class, Jennifer “Bokashi Jen” Posivak will introduce you to bokashi composting: a simple, mess-free method that lets you compost nearly all food waste, including cooked food, meat, and dairy. You’ll see how to load a bokashi bin, what a finished bin looks like, and how to build a bokashi soil factory using a simple potted planter. A discreet setup that even the pickiest neighbor or HOA won’t notice! Bring a small container of refrigerated food scraps to take part in the live demo.

Class is free but registration is required HERE.

Join these other classes, too

All are free but require registration

View Event →
ROAD TRIP - Fairy Fest at Hoyt Arboretum
Jun
27

ROAD TRIP - Fairy Fest at Hoyt Arboretum

hoytarboretum

Build lasting connections to nature with your family at Fairy Fest! A free celebration at Steven’s Pavilion at the Hoyt Arboretum.

Saturday, June 27, 9:30am-12:30pm

We’ll be using play and imagination to explore trees and wildlife at Hoyt Arboretum with special community partners including @energyinmotionmovementlab @nicolesfacepainting and @alberta_coop

View Event →
Friends of Fort Vancouver NHS Heritage Garden Fair
Jun
20

Friends of Fort Vancouver NHS Heritage Garden Fair

Meet the Friends of Fort Vancouver NHS in the Heritage Garden & adjacent Exhibit Hall

  • Exhibits, Seeds, Artworks, Baskets, Costumed Interpreters, Hanging Baskets, Books, Snacks & More!

  • Heritage Garden & Exhibit Hall are open 10:00 AM to 4 PM

  • Beer & Wine Garden is open Noon to 5 PM

  • Thank you to the growing list of sponsors this year!

View Event →
Whipple Creek Regional Park Trail Maintenance
Jun
20

Whipple Creek Regional Park Trail Maintenance

  • North Parking area off NE 179th street and 21st Ave. (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the Whipple Creek Restoration Committee to maintain the trails at Whipple Creek Regional Park. Tasks usually include brush cutting and adding gravel to trails. 

*Meet at main North Parking area off NE 179th street and 21st Ave. 

Email whipplecreekproject@gmail.com for more information and to sign up.

View Event →
Campus Community Garden Flora & Fauna Friday
Jun
19

Campus Community Garden Flora & Fauna Friday

  • Campus Community Garden NE Campus Dr Vancouver, (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Registration will close 24 hours prior to the event. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.

View Event →
Birding Hike with VAS
Jun
14

Birding Hike with VAS

vancouver.audubon

All are welcome to come explore the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site with the Vancouver Audubon Society

An oasis of green in the midst of suburban sprawl, this location has a history of attracting unexpected migrants and year-round residents alike. Migration is coming to a close, but nesting season is well underway. With fledglings popping up, we are hoping to hear the buzzy song of Savannah Sparrows in the fields, the bubbling warbles of Lazuli Buntings in the brambles, and the sustained trill of Chipping Sparrows in the oaks.

Our route will cover a total distance of around 1.6 miles at a leisurely pace on pavement, packed dirt, and one section on short grass. The path slopes very gently with the second half being uphill over a ~5% grade at the steepest portion. There are benches and picnic tables spaced infrequent intervals, and folks are welcome to come and go as their time, energy, and ability allows.

To register tap on the link and on our bio and navigate to "Bird Walks & Field Trips" or go directly to vancouveraudubon.org/bird-walks-field-trips
--
Photos: Chipping Sparrow, Barn Swallow, Savannah Sparrow, and American Goldfinch by Ken Pitts/Vancouver Audubon

View Event →
ROAD TRIP - Slough Celebration 2026!
Jun
13

ROAD TRIP - Slough Celebration 2026!

columbiaslough

Join the summer fun at Slough Celebration!

The Columbia Slough Watershed Council team will be celebrating our community with an afternoon of free summer fun. Enjoy food from local vendors, cold drinks, and music. Paddle out in a bimaran, join birdwatching, yard games, or win our awesome raffle prizes.

The Columbia Slough stretches the length of east Portland from Fairview Lake ending at Kelly point park. It is home to wildlife and botanicals within the city limits. The Columbia Slough Watershed Council cleans, protects, and facilitates riparian recreation. The annual slough celebration is our chance to say thank you for your participation and support in these efforts.

Feeling like you want to be more involved? Join as a volunteer!

RSVP Here (no fee, just let us know you are coming)

Venue Location: The Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District.

Getting there: Carpooling or public transportation is a great option. We will have parking available on site and off-site.

Public Transportation: Bus line #70 will drop you at NE 21st & Riverside Way. From drop off, a .4 mile walk to get to venue grounds.

Parking: Parking will be available on venue grounds, as well as the grass lot across from the venue grounds. Limited parking available at Hydro on NE 21st St. As well as free street parking on NE 21st St. and/or Riverside Way.

View Event →
2026 Second Saturday Summer Series: Water Safety Day
Jun
13

2026 Second Saturday Summer Series: Water Safety Day

  • Lower Hathaway Park, 799 25th Street, Washougal (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The City of Washougal invites residents and visitors to explore local parks, learn new skills, and connect with neighbors through the 2026 Second Saturday Summer Series, a three-month lineup of free, family-friendly events highlighting different ways the community can enjoy and engage with public spaces.

Hosted through the City’s Parks Passport Program, the summer series will feature hands-on activities focused on water safety, youth recreation, community stewardship, and local legacy. Each event is designed to showcase a unique aspect of park use while encouraging residents of all ages to discover Washougal’s parks and community resources.

“Second Saturday is about creating opportunities for people to connect with their parks and with one another,” said Corinthia Barnhart, Parks and Cemetery Program Manager for the City of Washougal. “Each event highlights a different way our parks serve the community—from recreation and safety education to environmental stewardship and neighborhood connections. We’re excited to bring people together throughout the summer and celebrate the many ways public spaces enrich our lives.”

June 13: Water Safety Day

In partnership with the Washington State Parks Boating Program and Girl Scout Troop 45703, Water Safety Day will provide families with valuable information and activities focused on safe recreation around local waterways. Participants can learn about proper life jacket fit, water safety practices, and summer preparedness through hands-on demonstrations, educational activities, and family-friendly crafts.

Photo source: WA State Parks

View Event →
Homestead Park Volunteer Work Party
Jun
12

Homestead Park Volunteer Work Party

  • Homestead Neighborhood Park, 1800 SE 160th Ave, (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs for a work party at Homestead Park!

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

  • This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens – people of all ages and abilities are welcome! Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

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

  • Activities may include spreading mulch around tree trunks, removing blackberry vines and roots, pulling noxious weeds (yellow sedge), removing ivy and other vines from around tree trunks, and creating 3-foot mulch-zones around established trees.

Please sign up using the Homestead Park volunteer work party RSVP form.

Registration will close 24 hours prior to the event. If registration is already closed and you still want to sign up, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know and you may be able to sign in on-site.

View Event →
Emerald Ash Borer and Emerging Pests Workshop
Jun
11

Emerald Ash Borer and Emerging Pests Workshop

  • Marshall/Luepke Community Center 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd. Vancouver (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Urban Forestry for a workshop with Cassie Knavel of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, an opportunity to learn about the arrival of Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive pests to our region.

Reserve your spot.

Discover the threats invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer, bring to your trees and your community. Learn how to use the new emerald ash borer’s new management guide, including how to recognize signs and symptoms and report potential detections. Explore pest biology to understand response efforts for the emerging Japanese beetle, the rapidly spreading spotted lanternfly, and invasive hornets.

Should these pests become established in Washington, they could threaten many communities, crops, and result in costly quarantines and increased pesticide use to manage these pests. You can help detect, prevent the spread, and protect Washington’s resources from invasive species.

Cassie’s early career, coupled with a degree in restoration, supported Natural Resource Districts by coordinating habitat improvement programs. She instructed with Teach for America in a Sovereign Nation and co-created a district-wide curriculum. Currently, Cassie advocates to protect our environment by supporting national priorities surrounding invasive species. Cassie’s been honored as Washingtonian of the Day twice and in her free time, she recreates outdoors or serves in her community.

Light refreshments and snacks will be available; please feel free to bring your own meal to eat during the presentation.

  • Contact: Urban Forestry at trees@cityofvancouver.us

View Event →
Hamllik Park Improvements Celebration
Jun
11

Hamllik Park Improvements Celebration

washougalgov

Join the City of Washougal on Thursday, June 11, at 4 p.m. as we celebrate the completion of the Hamllik Park Basketball Court Improvements.

This community celebration marks the completion of several upgrades designed to improve accessibility, recreation opportunities, and park amenities for residents of all ages. Come see the improvements, connect with neighbors, and help us celebrate this investment in the Washougal community.

Project improvements include:
• A new multi-use basketball court striped for pickleball play
• ADA-compliant ramps
• Improved walking paths
• New baseball and softball dugouts

Attendees can also enter a raffle for a chance to win one of 12 free basketballs or a pickleball kit.

This project was made possible through Community Development Block Grant funding, with engineering services provided by Robertson Fick and construction completed by Clark and Sons.

View Event →
Marine Park Beach Cleanup
Jun
10

Marine Park Beach Cleanup

  • Marine Park 4501 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the Water Resources Education Center to help remove plastic, styrofoam, and litter from the beaches and prevent it from entering and polluting the Columbia River.

All tools will be provided. Expect to walk 2.5 miles on uneven sandy beach areas. Volunteers will collect litter with litter pickers and carry it in buckets while walking the beach and surrounding area.

Registration is required. Sign up today!

All ages welcome. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form. Youth under 13 must have an adult guardian present.

Contact: Water Center staff at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111

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ROAD TRIP - Bird Watching at Whittaker Ponds
Jun
7

ROAD TRIP - Bird Watching at Whittaker Ponds

thimbleberrycollaborativefarm

Come catch the end of spring migration with nature artist, amateur bird watcher, native-plant enthusiast, and Thimbleberry Ambassador Board member Bryan Quintanilla at Whitaker Ponds.(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1413967)This is the first of a series of late spring/ early summer Thimbleberry events that will take place all around the Portland metro area.

This event is FREE! Learn about the incredible natural ecosystem right in our own backyard that regenerative farms like ours aim to protect through responsible land and water management.

Portland Public Park’s Whitaker Ponds is known for its incredible transformation from junkyard to a thriving and diverse wetlands. Unique birds you may find include black phoebes, blue-winged teals, wood ducks, great egrets, great blue herons and more!

Bring your own binoculars though we’ll have a few extra for sharing.

Sign up HERE

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Adopt-A-Park Ellsworth Springs East Ivy Pull
Jun
6

Adopt-A-Park Ellsworth Springs East Ivy Pull

  • Ellsworth Springs East 1200 SE 98th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98664 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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

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

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

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

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

Advance registration is requested. Sign up today!

Registration will close 24 hours prior to the event. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.

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Washington Trails Day BINGO game (due June 30th)
Jun
1
to Jun 30

Washington Trails Day BINGO game (due June 30th)

washingtontrails

Celebrate Washington Trails Day on June 27 with trails bingo!⁠

Washington Trails Day is a Washington state holiday to commemorate the many trails that connect us to Washington’s outdoors. Submit your bingo card by June 30 for the chance to win trail-themed prizes.⁠

From city neighborhoods to the backcountry, trails:

  • Benefit our health

  • Support local economies.

  • Help protect the landscapes they pass through.

Celebrate Washington Trails Day with a game of bingo:

Complete any five consecutive squares (row, column or diagonal) to get a bingo. Submit your card by June 30 for a chance to win trail-themed prizes.

Get your bingo card

Submit your bingo

⁠Happy trails!⁠

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Nature Journaling prompts for June!
Jun
1
to Jun 30

Nature Journaling prompts for June!

wildwonderfoundation

Nature Journaling Challenge 🎨🖌️📚

Join the Wild Wonder Foundation for #NatureJournalingJune for a celebration of nature and “pencil miles”!* Each day in June, create a page in your nature journal based on the daily prompt from this list. Visit our website for more info and free resources for each prompt. We can’t wait to see your work!

BONUS: Sofia Gazarian (@printyourbird) has a free recorded class, Sketching Birds. Free registration required. Sign up at wildwonder.org/events and we’ll send you the replay!

WHAT NATURE JOURNALING PROMPTS?
Join in the fun! See the full year of prompts at wildwonder.org/nj25
The Wild Wonder Foundation is dedicated to encouraging nature connection and conservation through attention, curiosity, art, science, and community. Learn more and join the global nature journaling community at the link in bio or at wildwonder.org

* “Drawing is not a gift—it is a skill. You can learn to draw. You just have to put in the pencil miles.”
-John Muir Laws @johnmuirlaws

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Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop - Part 2
May
30

Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop - Part 2

  • WSDOT SW Region Headquarters 11018 NE 51st Circle Vancouver, WA 98682 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

lowercolumbiafisheg

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.

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Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs
May
30

Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs

  • Columbia Springs (12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA 98683)  (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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

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

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

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

Spots are limited! 

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

Questions? Email jamie@columbiasprings.org 

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ROAD TRIP - Portland Rose Festival
May
30
to Jun 7

ROAD TRIP - Portland Rose Festival

The Portland Rose Festival is a multi-week annual celebration in Portland, OR as one of the city’s biggest events of the year. Established in 1907, the festival was created to promote the region and brand Portland as the "summer capital of the world". It features parades, a waterfront fair, floral shows, and competitive sporting events, attracting over 2 million attendees annually.

  • Parades: Historically known for hosting three separate parades (Grand Floral, Starlight, and Junior), the festival is making a major change in 2026 by combing the Grand Floral and Starlight parades into a single "Grand Floral Starlight Parade".

  • CityFair: An urban fair on the Portland waterfront featuring carnival rides, fair food, fireworks, and live entertainment.

  • Rose Show: The festival's founding event, currently the largest and longest-running rose show in the United States, featuring over 4,000 blooms.

  • Rose Festival Court: Each year, a princess is selected from the senior class of Portland-area high schools, with one eventually crowned as the Rose Queen.

  • Sporting Events: Activities include dragon boat races on the Willamette River, the Rose Cup Races (amateur auto racing), and the Starlight Run (a 5k fun run).

  • Fleet Week: A tradition since 1907 where U.S. Navy and other military ships dock in Portland for public tours.

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ROAD TRIP - 3rd Annual Coyote-palooza!
May
30

ROAD TRIP - 3rd Annual Coyote-palooza!

  • North of the PSU Farmers Market (SW Park / SW Montgomery)​ (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Portland Coyote for a day of discovery and learning dedicated to one of nature’s most adaptable creatures!

Coyotes can survive and even thrive in many different kinds of environments – including in cities and our backyards.

Coyote-palooza is a family- and pet-friendly event that will feature booths where you can learn about coyote identification and biology, participate in hands-on activities for adults and kids, and discover ways to keep pets and people safe. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of coyotes, the role they play in our ecosystem, and how to coyote-proof your space.

Stop by for some fun and walk away with new knowledge and tools for coexisting with coyotes!

Organized by: Bird Alliance of OregonFeral Cat Coalition of OregonHumane World for AnimalsInstitute for Natural ResourcesOregon Department of Fish and WildlifePortland Urban Coyote Project

​In Partnership with:  Cascadia WildConfederated Tribes of Grand RondeEco OutdoorsOregon Humane SocietyOregon MetroOregon ZooPeople of Color Outdoors,  Portland Parks & RecreationUniversity of OregonUS Fish & Wildlife Service

Supported by:   Humane World for AnimalsOregon Chapter of the Wildlife SocietyOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

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Veterans' Trail Work Party at Whistle Punk Day Work Party
May
30

Veterans' Trail Work Party at Whistle Punk Day Work Party

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

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

Assistant Crew Leaders who are veterans are encouraged to register.

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

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

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

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

Hiking Information

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

Schedule

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

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

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

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail

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

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

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

Special Event

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

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

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

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

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

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

What to Wear -

Required:

  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes

  • Work gloves

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

  • Long pants

Recommended:

  • Sturdy work or hiking boots

  • Long sleeved shirt

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

What to Bring:

  • Lunch and plenty of water

  • Rain jacket and pants

  • Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather

  • A pack to carry your personal gear

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

Firearms and weapons are not allowed

More Information

From the Hiking Guide

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

Join Work Party

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Cameraderie Youth Birding Photography workshop at Conboy Lake NWR
May
30

Cameraderie Youth Birding Photography workshop at Conboy Lake NWR

Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge hosts many species of birds we don't get to see on the west side of the Cascades, including White-headed Woodpeckers, Black-backed Woodpeckers, Pygmy Nuthatches, Western Kingbirds, Grey, Dusky, and Hammond's Flycatchers, Gray Catbirds, Calliope Hummingbirds and Cassin's Finches.

Bring plenty of water snacks and a lunch to eat when we complete the three-mile loop trail. It's a fairly easy grade trail, but it is dirt, rocks, gravel and has tree roots and small obstacles in it.

Cameraderie (10-18 yrs): Learn how to take compelling photos of nature using the expertise of adult wildlife photographers and guides. Youth winners of the annual Youth Photo Contest are peer mentors for those wanting to take their photography skills to the next level. Photos taken during outings are then shared in an option Zoom meeting, a week or so later, so feedback can be given and youth can improve in editing skills. Any camera type can be used, from smartphones to DSLRs to Mirrorless with long lenses.

The Vancouver Audubon Society will meet at Steigerwald Lake NWR parking lot at 7:00am to travel together to Conboy Lake NWR, which is north and east of White Salmon, WA.

Please check back to this page for updates. Sign up to receive updates by email  with updated information as the time nears. If you have already signed up for Cameraderie, you do not need to sign up again.

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Ridgefield's Dragon Boat Paddles
May
29

Ridgefield's Dragon Boat Paddles

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.

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Put on your adventure hat and head outdoors