Join the Cascade Forest Conservancy at the historic Kiggins theatre
in downtown Vancouver for a night featuring stories of adventure, conservation and our connection to the natural world.

Thursday MAY 28
6:30 pm doors at 5:30 pm

Save with Early bird tickets before may 15

Featuring:

The Grand Salmon: Following three women on a 78-day paddling expedition, The Grand Salmon explores the effects of four dams on the Lower Snake River and their impact throughout the watershed on rapidly dwindling wild salmon populations. For over 1,000 miles, these women navigate the same waterways wild salmon have for generations, connecting the source of the Salmon River to the Pacific Ocean. From high water to extreme temperatures, this team not only faces the same natural challenges the fish do each year, but brings viewers along to experience what the construction of these dams has done to our ecosystems and wildlife.

Speaking Eep!: Speaking Eep! follows a team of women scientists working to conserve one of North America’s most climate-sensitive species: the American pika. Using a combination of cutting-edge AI technology and traditional research techniques, population biologist Dr. Chris Ray and PhD student Rachel Billings hope to decode the iconic “eeps” of pika language and determine how communication between subspecies might help separate populations of pikas come together to adapt in the face of a warming climate. 

The Lost Fish: In the heavily dammed Columbia River Basin, millions have been spent on life support systems for Pacific Salmon. Yet, the little-known Pacific Lamprey has slipped through the cracks of conservation efforts and is now lost from most of its historic range in the Columbia Basin. Desperately, members of the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Yakama and Warm Springs Tribes have taken the management of Pacific lamprey into their own hands and are now fighting to bring political attention and social will to the struggle of a lost fish.

Living Legacies: Washington state’s Department of Natural Resources harvests and sells timber to fund Washington counties, junior tax districts, schools, penitentiaries, and government. But when their harvest plans catch the attention of local communities whose lives would be affected, a statewide movement is born to protect a special new classification of forests – Legacy Forests.

wa_nativebees

Coming up this month, join the Washington Bee Atlas team to learn about the Bee Stewards program from Oregon Extension!

Do you want to build bee habitat or take your existing habitat to the next level? The Bee Stewards program is an introductory course that will teach you about the diversity of bees and how to meet their various needs through careful landscape design and plant selection.

Learn more about this program with instructor and entomologist Dr. Jen Hayes:

Jen is a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Oregon State University Pollinator Health Lab and leads the Extension Bee Stewards program. She's been studying bees for over 10 years; she started as a field teach collecting bees on Vermont berry farms and then moved around to survey bees across different ecosystems, including Ecuadorean cloud forests, prairies in North Dakota, and the Oregon Coast Range. She received her PhD while working in Dr. Gail Langellotto's Garden Ecology Lab, evaluating pollinator visitation to native plants and native plant cultivars. 

Learn more HERE

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.

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 Oregon, Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, Humane World for Animals, Institute for Natural Resources, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Portland Urban Coyote Project

​In Partnership with:  Cascadia Wild, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Eco Outdoors, Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Metro, Oregon Zoo, People of Color Outdoors,  Portland Parks & Recreation, University of Oregon, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Supported by:   Humane World for Animals, Oregon Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

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

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

Registration required. Sign up today!

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

• All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

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

• Stairs descend from the street parking to the trailhead.

vancouver.audubon

Spring birding with the Vancouver Audubon Society!

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

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

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

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

“The Extraordinary Lives of Common Nighthawks” with Gretchen Newberry, author of The Nighthawk’s Evening

Join the Vancouver Audubon Society’s monthly meeting and guest speaker.

No program in July or August: Enjoy the summer break and we’ll see you in September!–

Social time and sharing bird sightings begins at 6:30pm May 5, 2026, announcements start at 6:45pm, and the program will start at 7:00pm.

Evergreen Public Schools District Office at 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive, Vancouver, WA.

Explore Washington's outdoors

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

This day celebrates Free Fishing Weekend - Fishing licenses are not required to fish for many species in Washington. See WDFW’s 2025 news release to learn more about the event. 

Best opportunities for anglers: Some great fishing opportunities available without a license on Free Fishing Weekend include:

• Rainbow trout and bass in lowland lakes across the state.

• Lingcod, cabezon, flounder, and sole in Puget Sound.

• Rockfish and surfperch on the Washington coast.

• Shad in the Columbia River.

• Fishing licenses are still required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish, including clams, crabs, mussels, oysters, and shrimp.

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:

Join Outdoor Afro Portland for fishing with I'm Hooked, at Hagg Lake in Gaston, Oregon

• All equipment, including life jackets, rods and reels, and lessons are provided free of charge.

• Families are welcome.

• Food and t-shirts are free for children.

• There is a $5 fee for adults. Pay the vendor directly by going here:

• Register for the event HERE‍ ‍so they will have your name for your t-shirt and lunch.

• Meet at Boat Ramp C. Arrive no later than 8am if you want to fish from a boat. You have a better chance of catching fish earlier in the morning. If you don't mind fishing from the shore, you can arrive later.

Trip Leader: Shirley Jackson

Join Ron Escano for a birding walk at the Ridgefield NWR1

Ron has years of experience guiding local birding groups. Whether you are new to birding, are looking to sharpen your skills, or just hope to find a group to bird with, Ron is a great person to spend a morning with. His pace is relaxed, but thorough, making sure everyone has seen or heard each species.  Ron will help new birders focus on key identification points to build their bird knowledge while sorting through the nuances of sparrow calls for more advanced birders.

Upcoming walks meet at the Carty Unit of the Refuge at 8 am and are limited to 15 people. These generally until noon but you are welcome to stay as long or short as works for you. Walks are free but the $3 refuge daily fee does apply. For more information about the fee and rules of the refuge click here. 

• May 2nd

• June 6th

• July 4th (TBD)

• August 1st

Volunteers make it possible to offer public naturalist-led walks about a variety of topics. The following opportunities are listed by walk leader and topic.

For questions and to sign up for the following opportunities send an email to email RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov with the following information: 

1. Name, date, and site of the walk.

2. Names of all participants.

3. Phone number.

If a walk is listed as "FULL", you can still email to request to be put onto the waitlist for that walk.

For groups looking for guided tours see the Education Page

Questions that are not answered here or just can't get something to work? Call our office at 360-887-4106. 

Explore Washington's outdoors

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

This day celebrates Free Fishing Weekend - Fishing licenses are not required to fish for many species in Washington. See WDFW’s 2025 news release to learn more about the event. 

Best opportunities for anglers: Some great fishing opportunities available without a license on Free Fishing Weekend include:

• Rainbow trout and bass in lowland lakes across the state.

• Lingcod, cabezon, flounder, and sole in Puget Sound.

• Rockfish and surfperch on the Washington coast.

• Shad in the Columbia River.

• Fishing licenses are still required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish, including clams, crabs, mussels, oysters, and shrimp.

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:

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

Join the Bird Alliance of Oregon to learn about the life histories and adaptations of this diverse group of insects, from caterpillar chemical defenses to mimicry and reproduction.

You’ve seen butterflies flying around at the park and watched them pollinate and feed on flowers in your yard. But how much do you know about these ephemeral beauties? How do you tell butterflies apart from moths? When did they first evolve? Join us to learn about the life histories and adaptations of this diverse group of insects, from caterpillar chemical defenses to mimicry and reproduction.

Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly, Photo by Ted Thomas, USFWS

Take a deep dive into the natural history of butterflies!

Join this on-line workshop to learn about the life histories and adaptations of this diverse group of insects, from caterpillar chemical defenses to mimicry and reproduction.

Register

Online Class Details

• Class: June 10, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

• Class fee: $20 members / $30 non-members

• Note: Class recordings will be sent out automatically to everyone who registered post-class. Thank you!

Meet the Instructor Brian Magnier

My name is Brian Magnier, and I live in La Grande, Oregon. I studied ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell University and got a Master of Professional Science degree in Exploration Science at the University of Miami. As was the case for so many people, birds were the gateway to my passion for wildlife. I have been an avid birder since elementary school and a nature photographer for almost as long.
I have been fortunate to be able to travel the world both for pleasure and for academic research. I have done fieldwork on mammals and insects in Alaska and New York and on birds in Borneo and Papua New Guinea. I have journeyed to Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Iceland, photographing wildlife in dense jungles and rugged deserts. I have led hiking and kayaking tours in Alaska and snorkel tours in Belize and Indonesia. I aim to inspire people to get outside, talk a walk, flip over some logs, and take a closer look at the world around them. I now live in La Grande, Oregon, where I can often be found wandering through deserts and forests, camera in hand, to find everything from birds to fungi to fossils.

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VIRTUAL BAT CLASSES

Join speaker Brandon Burger to earn about the diversity in bats and why they are the most amazing and beneficial animals on earth. Get tips on how to invite bats into your own yard.

This class will be held via Zoom.

Call 503-445-2699 ext. 4 to register - Registration Deadline:  June 9th at 4:30PM

Join Robert Vanderkamp for a Birding Walk at the Ridgefield NWR!

Before moving here from Michigan, Robert led bird walks as the President of his Audubon Chapter for 17 years.  He has been watching birds for most of his adult life and lives by the motto “care and share”. He loves talking to people about birds and is excited to host bird walks at the Carty Unit every second Saturday of the month. We will post these a few months at a time to accommodate any needed changes in the schedule. 

Upcoming walks meet at the Carty Unit of the Refuge at 8 am and are limited to 12 people. These generally last two to three hours but you are welcome to stay as long or short as works for you. Walks are free but the $3 refuge daily fee does apply. For more information about the fee and rules of the refuge click here. 

• June 13th

• July 11th

• August 8th

Volunteers make it possible to offer public naturalist-led walks about a variety of topics. The following opportunities are listed by walk leader and topic.

For questions and REGISTER for walks send an email to email RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov with the following information: 

1. Name, date, and site of the walk.

2. Names of all participants.

3. Phone number.

If a walk is listed as "FULL", you can still email to request to be put onto the waitlist for that walk.

For groups looking for guided tours see the Education Page

Questions that are not answered here or just can't get something to work? Call our office at 360-887-4106

This annual event, traditionally held on the second Saturday in June, encourages people to lead healthy, active lifestyles and connect with nature. To celebrate, the U.S. Forest Service often waives standard day-use fees at national forests and grasslands to increase public access. 

The day is coordinated by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and the U.S. Forest Service. Activities can include fishing, kayaking, hiking, archery, and bird watching. 

Window Collisions & Human Intervention - Add your touch to the NEW USFWS Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center!

With windows comes bird collisions, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Join the Migratory Birds unit of the Region 1 US Fish & Wildlife Service for an informational and hands-on workshop explaining the importance of migration, the hazard that window panes pose, and how you as a renter/homeowner can help the migrating birds of our region.

For the last half hour, practice applying window film and other application options to the windows of the Community Nature Center. Leave your mark on our brand new building for visitors to admire and use.

• Take home information about immediately doable options for your own windows.

• Help your local migrating birds as they journey up and down the Pacific Flyway! 

• All ages, please join!

• Link to register: Window Collisions & Human Intervention Registration Link

Join Fort Vancouver Regional Library for a guided nature walk through Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge and discover how to identify local plants and animals with naturalist Rebecca Lexa.

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.

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

In honor of Flag Day, there are no entrance fees to federal public lands. Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag by the Continental Congress on that day in 1777, honoring American unity, freedom, and patriotism through displays of the flag, parades, and patriotic ceremonies.

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.

You're invited! Join us for a Forest Walk at Columbia Springs.

Have you ever wondered what wildlife call Columbia Springs or what types of native plants you can find along the trails? Find the answers to these questions and more on a guided forest walk!

Come along with knowledgeable Columbia Springs staff, or expert volunteer, as they lead you on a walk on one of our trails to discover the magic of our site.

• Forest walks are great for all ages!

• Please note that our trails are not stroller friendly. 

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

• We will meet at 3:30pm. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather!

In this class, the Bird Alliance of Oregon will discuss not only how to identify Oregon’s butterflies but also what time of year they emerge and what plants they like to associate with.

With over 18,000 species, butterflies are one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth. They have spread and adapted to almost every terrestrial habitat and are found pretty much everywhere except Iceland and Antarctica. Oregon has about 150 species of these delicate insects, and together we will go through many of the common species that can be found here. We will discuss not only how to identify Oregon’s butterflies but also what time of year they emerge and what plants they like to associate with.

Pale Swallowtail, photo by Tara Lemezis

Take a deep dive into the natural history of butterflies!

In this digital class, we’ll discuss not only how to identify Oregon’s butterflies but also what time of year they emerge and what plants they like to associate with.

Register

Online Class Details

• Class: June 17, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

• Class fee: $20 members / $30 non-members

• Note: Class recordings will be sent out automatically to everyone who registered post-class. Thank you!

Meet the Instructor Brian Magnier

My name is Brian Magnier, and I live in La Grande, Oregon. I studied ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell University and got a Master of Professional Science degree in Exploration Science at the University of Miami. As was the case for so many people, birds were the gateway to my passion for wildlife. I have been an avid birder since elementary school and a nature photographer for almost as long.
I have been fortunate to be able to travel the world both for pleasure and for academic research. I have done fieldwork on mammals and insects in Alaska and New York and on birds in Borneo and Papua New Guinea. I have journeyed to Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Iceland, photographing wildlife in dense jungles and rugged deserts. I have led hiking and kayaking tours in Alaska and snorkel tours in Belize and Indonesia. I aim to inspire people to get outside, talk a walk, flip over some logs, and take a closer look at the world around them. I now live in La Grande, Oregon, where I can often be found wandering through deserts and forests, camera in hand, to find everything from birds to fungi to fossils.

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Join the FVRL and learn about the wild, weird, and wonderful world of animals! Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies that help make our world go around.

May contain strong smells.

Facebook.com/creatureteachersoregon

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 Fort Vancouver Regional Library for a Goat Happy Hour™ by Original Goat Yoga®, also called goat therapy. Petting these sweet animals can decrease anxiety, depression, and loneliness, increasing feelings of comfort and happiness. Goat Happy Hour will be held outside and the goats will be on leads. Dress accordingly. This event is intended for adults, no adult beverages will be served. Children 8 and up may be admitted with an adult.

Goat owner Tammy Whipp has been operating the Original Goat Yoga Oregon City location since 2017. She owns Beaver Lake Stables and Pixie Dust Farms. Her love and passion for using her animals as a therapy for people is what fuels her.

Program generously paid for by Friends of Cascade Park Community Library.

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.

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:

• June 20, 2026 – Cultural Ecosystems

• July 25, 2026 – Wild Neighbors

• September 12, 2026 – Fire, Fungi & Other Community Builders

• 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!

Youth Nature Photography Awards with the Vancouver Audubon Society: Nature Photography both Urban and Wild: AWARD CEREMONY

Vancouver Audubon Society (VAS) and HD Aluminum Prints are teaming up to sponsor the 2026 Youth Nature Photo Contest. In this photo contest’s 11 year history, this will be the first time photographs of nature will not be limited to Steigerwald Lake NWR, except in the Steigerwald category. VAS wishes to expand the boundaries where contest photos can be taken and invite a wider diversity of participants. Three of the four categories can be of nature found within the three counties VAS serves (Clark, Klickitat & Skamania).

Youth, ages 8-18 years of age, are invited to submit up to five photos of nature to be judged and be eligible for up to three cash prizes, 12″ by 18″ prints of their photos, and a free family membership to Vancouver Audubon Society (VAS). Photos must have been shot during the time period from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 and within the boundaries of Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat Counties.

Division Categories and Prizes:

• Honorable Mention in the SmartPhone Category by Ammon Caine “Licking Up Nectar”

• Participants can enter a total of 5 JPEG formatted images to any of the following 4 categories:

Steigerwald Lake NWR Nature – This category is for nature photos taken on trails at Steigerwald Lake NWR. Photos can include wildlife, beautiful landscapes, or people enjoying nature.

Wildlife, Plants, & Nature – This category showcases native wildlife (birds, mammals, fish, insects, or spiders for example), plants, fungi, and other life found in Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties. Photos can be taken in backyards, parks, or wild areas like Ridgefield NWR, Salmon Creek, or Burnt Bridge Creek Greenways.

People in Nature – This category highlights how people interact with nature. It’s not about portraits of people posing, but capturing candid moments of people enjoying and engaging with the natural world in positive ways. Photos can be taken anywhere people appreciate nature in Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties.

Smartphone Nature – This category is for photos taken with smartphones or tablets of any nature in Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties. It includes photos suitable for all the other categories. If the photo was taken at Steigerwald, then the rules of Steigerwald Lake NWR Nature category apply here too.

Join the Fort Vancouver Regional Library team and partners to learn about the wild, weird, and wonderful world of animals! Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies that help make our world go around.

May contain strong smells.

Facebook.com/creatureteachersoregon

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.

Perhaps more than any other branch of wildlife photography, macro / closeup photography offers the highest number of photo subjects in any given area. Armed with a macro lens and a little curiosity, you could spend days photographing the tiny ecosystems present in just your yard! But getting sharp, aesthetically pleasing images of all these subjects can be a bit tricky.

In this Bird Alliance of Oregon program, wildlife photographer Brian Magnier will discuss the gear, camera settings, framing, and animal behavior associated with getting high-quality closeup photos of small subjects – including the difference between a true “macro” photo and other close-up photography.

A macro photography portrait of a Katydid, photo by Tara Lemezis

Learn how to shoot macro photography!

In this program, wildlife photographer Brian Magnier will discuss the gear, camera settings, framing, and animal behavior associated with getting high-quality closeup photos of small subjects - including the difference between a true “macro” photo and other close-up photography.

Register!

Online Class Details

• Class: July 2, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

• Class fee: $20 members / $30 non-members

• Note: Class recordings will be sent out automatically to everyone who registered post-class. Thank you!

Meet the Instructor: Brian Magnier

My name is Brian Magnier, and I live in La Grande, Oregon. I studied ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell University and got a Master of Professional Science degree in Exploration Science at the University of Miami. As was the case for so many people, birds were the gateway to my passion for wildlife. I have been an avid birder since elementary school and a nature photographer for almost as long.
I have been fortunate to be able to travel the world both for pleasure and for academic research. I have done fieldwork on mammals and insects in Alaska and New York and on birds in Borneo and Papua New Guinea. I have journeyed to Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Iceland, photographing wildlife in dense jungles and rugged deserts. I have led hiking and kayaking tours in Alaska and snorkel tours in Belize and Indonesia. I aim to inspire people to get outside, talk a walk, flip over some logs, and take a closer look at the world around them. I now live in La Grande, Oregon, where I can often be found wandering through deserts and forests, camera in hand, to find everything from birds to fungi to fossils.

View More Classes

Join Ron Escano for a birding walk at the Ridgefield NWR1

Ron has years of experience guiding local birding groups. Whether you are new to birding, are looking to sharpen your skills, or just hope to find a group to bird with, Ron is a great person to spend a morning with. His pace is relaxed, but thorough, making sure everyone has seen or heard each species.  Ron will help new birders focus on key identification points to build their bird knowledge while sorting through the nuances of sparrow calls for more advanced birders.

Upcoming walks meet at the Carty Unit of the Refuge at 8 am and are limited to 15 people. These generally until noon but you are welcome to stay as long or short as works for you. Walks are free but the $3 refuge daily fee does apply. For more information about the fee and rules of the refuge click here. 

• May 2nd

• June 6th

• July 4th (TBD)

• August 1st

Volunteers make it possible to offer public naturalist-led walks about a variety of topics. The following opportunities are listed by walk leader and topic.

For questions and to sign up for the following opportunities send an email to email RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov with the following information: 

1. Name, date, and site of the walk.

2. Names of all participants.

3. Phone number.

If a walk is listed as "FULL", you can still email to request to be put onto the waitlist for that walk.

For groups looking for guided tours see the Education Page

Questions that are not answered here or just can't get something to work? Call our office at 360-887-4106. 

Uncover the world of snails, slugs and salamanders of Mt. St. Helen’s volcano with an MSHI Wildlife Biologist.

See the forest in a new light as we identify common and rare species, explore the habitats unique to species, and learn about their role in forest ecology. If we're lucky, we will find rare Van Dyke’s Salamanders and Malone Jumping Slugs!

For detailed information, visit our Forest Floor Ecology Hike description.

• Register today!

• GUIDE TEAM:   Two professional guides, including a professional wildlife biologist, and two certified volunteer mountain stewards, all with extensive knowledge of Mount St. Helens

• MINIMUM AGE:   Any age; 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult

• COST:   $75/person

• PERMITS:   MSHI provides all permits

• MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE   8

Join Robert Vanderkamp for a Birding Walk at the Ridgefield NWR!

Before moving here from Michigan, Robert led bird walks as the President of his Audubon Chapter for 17 years.  He has been watching birds for most of his adult life and lives by the motto “care and share”. He loves talking to people about birds and is excited to host bird walks at the Carty Unit every second Saturday of the month. We will post these a few months at a time to accommodate any needed changes in the schedule. 

Upcoming walks meet at the Carty Unit of the Refuge at 8 am and are limited to 12 people. These generally last two to three hours but you are welcome to stay as long or short as works for you. Walks are free but the $3 refuge daily fee does apply. For more information about the fee and rules of the refuge click here. 

• June 13th

• July 11th

• August 8th

Volunteers make it possible to offer public naturalist-led walks about a variety of topics. The following opportunities are listed by walk leader and topic.

For questions and REGISTER for walks send an email to email RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov with the following information: 

1. Name, date, and site of the walk.

2. Names of all participants.

3. Phone number.

If a walk is listed as "FULL", you can still email to request to be put onto the waitlist for that walk.

For groups looking for guided tours see the Education Page

Questions that are not answered here or just can't get something to work? Call our office at 360-887-4106

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Paul Peloquin

Join the FVRL and learn about the wild, weird, and wonderful world of animals! Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies that help make our world go around.

May contain strong smells.

Facebook.com/creatureteachersoregon

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.

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:

• July 25, 2026 – Wild Neighbors

• September 12, 2026 – Fire, Fungi & Other Community Builders

• 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!

Join Ron Escano for a birding walk at the Ridgefield NWR1

Ron has years of experience guiding local birding groups. Whether you are new to birding, are looking to sharpen your skills, or just hope to find a group to bird with, Ron is a great person to spend a morning with. His pace is relaxed, but thorough, making sure everyone has seen or heard each species.  Ron will help new birders focus on key identification points to build their bird knowledge while sorting through the nuances of sparrow calls for more advanced birders.

Upcoming walks meet at the Carty Unit of the Refuge at 8 am and are limited to 15 people. These generally until noon but you are welcome to stay as long or short as works for you. Walks are free but the $3 refuge daily fee does apply. For more information about the fee and rules of the refuge click here. 

• May 2nd

• June 6th

• July 4th (TBD)

• August 1st

Volunteers make it possible to offer public naturalist-led walks about a variety of topics. The following opportunities are listed by walk leader and topic.

For questions and to sign up for the following opportunities send an email to email RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov with the following information: 

1. Name, date, and site of the walk.

2. Names of all participants.

3. Phone number.

If a walk is listed as "FULL", you can still email to request to be put onto the waitlist for that walk.

For groups looking for guided tours see the Education Page

Questions that are not answered here or just can't get something to work? Call our office at 360-887-4106. 

Join Robert Vanderkamp for a Birding Walk at the Ridgefield NWR!

Before moving here from Michigan, Robert led bird walks as the President of his Audubon Chapter for 17 years.  He has been watching birds for most of his adult life and lives by the motto “care and share”. He loves talking to people about birds and is excited to host bird walks at the Carty Unit every second Saturday of the month. We will post these a few months at a time to accommodate any needed changes in the schedule. 

Upcoming walks meet at the Carty Unit of the Refuge at 8 am and are limited to 12 people. These generally last two to three hours but you are welcome to stay as long or short as works for you. Walks are free but the $3 refuge daily fee does apply. For more information about the fee and rules of the refuge click here. 

• June 13th

• July 11th

• August 8th

Volunteers make it possible to offer public naturalist-led walks about a variety of topics. The following opportunities are listed by walk leader and topic.

For questions and REGISTER for walks send an email to email RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov with the following information: 

1. Name, date, and site of the walk.

2. Names of all participants.

3. Phone number.

If a walk is listed as "FULL", you can still email to request to be put onto the waitlist for that walk.

For groups looking for guided tours see the Education Page

Questions that are not answered here or just can't get something to work? Call our office at 360-887-4106

Learn to ID Shorebirds like a PRO!

Join the Bird Alliance of Oregon for a class that will show you how to identify birds by size, shape, color patterns, choice of habitat, and behavior.

Late summer is a great time to study shorebirds as they stop to feed and rest on their way from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to wintering grounds in the southern hemisphere. At first glance, many species look alike. But with a little practice, you will find that each has their own unique characteristics. Join BAO as we show you how to identify all the regularly occurring species using shape, pattern, and behavior.

Enroll separately in the companion Birding Day to this class, where you’ll practice your shorebird identification on the Oregon Coast.

Sanderling, photo by Rhett Wilkins

Register!

Online Class Details

• Class: August 11, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

• Class fee: $20 members / $30 non-members

• Note: Class recordings will be sent out automatically to everyone who registered post-class. Thank you!

Meet the Instructor: John Rakestraw

Born and raised in Indiana, John worked as a naturalist in Kansas and Ohio before settling in Oregon. He is freelance writer, author of Birding Oregon, and leads classes and workshops.

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:

• September 12, 2026 – Fire, Fungi & Other Community Builders

• 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!

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!

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!

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:

• 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!

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!

• 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!