What’s Happening
Lo que está sucediendo
Help out, learn, build community and have fun!
¡Ayuda, aprende, construye una comunidad y diviértete!
Southwest Washington has so many opportunities to connect with nature. See the event calendar below for a wide range of opportunities with our regional partners.
Not seeing what you are looking for or want to schedule something special with a group? Contact the partner directly. Some information on this page may be out of date, so connect with the Partner for the most up to date information. Let’s get outside!
El suroeste de Washington ofrece muchísimas oportunidades para conectar con la naturaleza. Consulta el calendario de eventos para conocer la amplia gama de oportunidades con nuestros socios regionales.
¿No encuentra lo que busca o desea programar algo especial con un grupo? Ponte en contacto directamente con el socio. Es posible que parte de la información de esta página no esté actualizada; por ello, contacta con el socio para obtener la información más reciente. ¡Salgamos al aire libre!
Sort Event List by:
Accessible Supported | Adventure Sport | Agriculture | Art in Nature | Community Event | Elders | Healing | Hiking | Park Updates | Plants | Pollinators | Recreation | Road Trips | Sky Watch | Virtual Events | Volunteering | Water Fun | Wildlife | Workshops | Youth | FREE
LCNN is excited to share our Partner’s events, click each event for more detailed information - check with event host for most up to date information (LCNN does not lead these events).
NEW! For events that sound super fun but are just outside southwest Washington are listed as ROAD TRIPs.
OutdoorAfro’s Little CampOut - virtual campfire storytelling
The campfire is coming home. 🔥🏕️
Join Outdoor Afro for the very first Little CampOut, a live virtual campfire experience where families from across the country can gather for an evening of stories, laughter, curiosity, and connection.
They're looking for engaging storytellers who can share a short, five-minute story that campers of all ages will enjoy. Whether it's a funny camping memory, a folktale, a piece of Black history, or an original story inspired by nature, we'd love to hear it. Selected storytellers will receive a special thank you gift for sharing their talents with our community.
✨ The first 50 households to register will also receive a special Outdoor Afro memento.
Visit this link to apply as a storyteller or to register your household 🔗 👆🏾
Science on Tap: How to think like a Volcano
🌋When/how will a volcano erupt in the future?🌋
Say…Mount Baker (a very-high-threat volcano in Washington State)?
Volcanic eruptions are fueled by the magmas stored beneath the surface, so if we want to better prepare, we have to dig deep (literally). In this talk, we will explore “how to think like a volcano” by looking closely at how ‘magma factories’ operate.
When a magma cools and solidifies, it can form crystals that can sometimes preserve zones like the rings of a tree. Zoning patterns can therefore record the changing magmatic environment, including temperature changes, physical interactions between magmas, and time.
Using crystal cargo in erupted material, we will address:
What causes magmas to escape the crust and erupt on the surface?
How long does it take for magma to exit the crust?
Can we improve our “stopwatches” between the moment volcanic unrest is detected, and the moment we need to respond to an impending eruption?
We’ll take a close look at the Cascade volcanoes in our very own backyard, zooming in on the active Mount Baker in WA state.
Dr. Hannah Shamloo works at Central Washington University as an Assistant Professor where she has taught igneous petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, and science communication for the past 5 years. Her research is on both active and extinct volcanic systems in Washington state and beyond. She is originally from the Midwest where the corn is aplenty and the volcanoes nonexistent. She is currently loving her volcanic life in the PNW alongside her husband and mini blue heeler dog, Fuji.
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Join Science on Tap - Get Tickets HERE - @kigginstheatre in #vanwa
VAS BirdBlitz 2026 on iNaturalist
Team up with Vancouver Audubon Society as we seek to find and document all birds across Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties in the week leading up to the Migratory Bird Celebration!
Participate in community science by uploading your photos and recordings of birds to iNaturalist. Observations of birds in Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat Counties submitted by project members during the set time period are added to the project automatically!
Log In to iNaturalist or Create an Account if you don’t already have one.*
Join the Project - Click on the link or search “Vancouver Audubon BirdBlitz”
Add Observations using either the iNaturalist app or your desktop browser, upload birds.
(make sure to hit “Join” on the project page as well)
Don’t have time to find and upload observations? You can still participate by contributing identifications on observations from others!
*New to iNaturalist? Here’s a handy guide for Getting Started
Nature Days at Columbia Springs: Fire, Fungi & Other Community Builders
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!
Federal Public Lands Fee Free Day - Constitution Day
Explore federal Public Lands across the U.S. for free today!
In honor of Constitution Day, entrance fees will be waived. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Most of the sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit, but some require an entrance pass. You may also need a reservation at a few high-traffic sites.
America the Beautiful Lands Pass
Frequent visitors, seniors, military, and others may save money on entrance fees with an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, also known as an America the Beautiful or interagency pass. Review all pass options below and decide which pass is best for you.
EOCF Battle Ground Garden Grand Opening
🌱 Join Educational Opportunities for Children & Families (EOCF) on Friday, to celebrate and tour EOCF's inaugural outdoor classroom and educational garden!
Located right next to our Battle Ground Early Learning Center, this new space will give our early learning scholars hands-on experience with nature, nutrition, and sustainability.
What to expect:
🍔 Free community BBQ
🏡 Tours of our new greenhouses
🌸 Interactive sensory play areas
🌱 Raised garden beds
📲 Please RSVP by September 9th HERE
We are thrilled to invite you to the grand opening of our primary garden at our Battle Ground Early Learning Center. We will be firing up the grill for a community BBQ to celebrate this exciting new outdoor learning initiative for children and families.
Explore the Garden Bring your family and friends to tour the grounds and see firsthand where our Head Start and ECEAP scholars will engage in hands-on learning that connects nature, nutrition, and early childhood education. The new space features:
Vibrant Growing Spaces: 3 fully-functioning greenhouses, 17 raised fruit and vegetable garden beds, and a perennial flower bed.
Outdoor Learning Facilities: Shaded gazebos, a sensory activity area, and dedicated spaces for physical and imaginative play.
Pacific NW Native Landscapes: A beautiful walking trail winding through local trees and native foliage designed for environmental education.
EOCF Mission in Action At EOCF, our mission is to connect, empower, and transform the lives of children and families in Southwest Washington. This garden provides true seed-to-table experiences, allowing scholars to actively participate in the growing cycle by planting seeds, nurturing them, and harvesting fresh foods to incorporate into classroom meals and our ongoing nutrition curriculum.
27th Annual Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic (2026)
Mark your calendars for this year’s Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, September 18th-20th. Registration is filling up fast, but if you didn't manage to snag a spot, we encourage you to join the waitlist.
See you at the Classic! 🏄♂️
Vancouver Audubon's 3rd annual Migratory Bird Celebration
Fall migration is just around the corner which means it's almost time for Vancouver Audubon's 3rd annual Migratory Bird Celebration!
Every year tens of millions of birds migrate through Southwest Washington travelling thousands of miles as they make their way from their wintering grounds to nesting grounds and back again. Whether you're an avid birder or just looking for a free and family-friendly Saturday morning, we're inviting you to come join us as we celebrate these remarkable birds and their journey. Expect games, crafts, plenty of hands on fun, and experienced guides leading bird outings around Marine Park!
Admission: Free! All ages and all are welcome!
Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery Open House & anniversary celebration
Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery holds an annual Open House each September for the public to view adult salmon, watch spawning, see adults jumping up the fish ladder, and learn the important role hatcheries play. Educational activities such as Migration Golf, fish printing, and chalk art are available to kids of all ages.
2026 Native Plant & Seed Library Opening Day w/VBP
Join the Vancouver Bee Project for the opening of our 2026 Native Plant & Seed Library
Stop by to pick up free native plants, seeds, and resources to help create habitat for native bees and other pollinators in your yard, patio, school, or community. Whether you're new to native plants or already growing a pollinator garden, everyone is welcome!
Help us put science into action and grow more native habitat throughout our community. Plants and seeds are available while supplies last.
Dragon boat racing for visually impaired
Join the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes for a Dragonboat Clinic - learn more at their Dragon Boat race team HERE.
All of the events are at no-cost for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Contact NWABA for specific time and location information.
At NWABA, Everybody is an Athlete: they believe that any individual who is blind or visually impaired is an athlete and deserves the opportunity to participate in regular physical activity.
The programming is available for athletes of all ages and ability levels. Do you have a sport or activity that you want to get involved with or pick up again? We have a variety of sports available throughout the year.
For more information contact: Anneliese Hugo
Email: pdxvanprogramsteam@nwaba.org
Text: 360.448.7254
Call: 360.682.1662
Washington State Parks Fee Free Day - National Public Lands Day
Explore Washington's outdoors
This is a FEE FREE day! No Discover pass needed.
This day celebrates National Public Lands Day 2026. Since 1994, this annual event on the fourth Saturday of September has been the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort in parks.
The Washington State Discover Pass gives you unlimited access to millions of acres of unforgettable nature across Washington state. When you buy a Discover Pass, you help preserve and conserve our public lands for everyone—from the first-time visitor to the expert adventurer—and for the generations yet to come.
Learn more at these websites about where Discover Passes are required at other times throughout the year:
Fee Free Days for Washington Public Lands 2026
2026 Native Plant & Seed Library Opening Day w/VBP
Join the Vancouver Bee Project for the opening of our 2026 Native Plant & Seed Library
Stop by to pick up free native plants, seeds, and resources to help create habitat for native bees and other pollinators in your yard, patio, school, or community. Whether you're new to native plants or already growing a pollinator garden, everyone is welcome!
Help us put science into action and grow more native habitat throughout our community. Plants and seeds are available while supplies last.
Cedar Creek Grist Mill Cornbread Day
Join the Cedar Creek Grist Mill for Cornbread Day!
The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a historical, water-powered, grain-grinding mill. Volunteers provide demonstrations and bags of fresh-milled flour and cornmeal to guests. Read more
Grist Mill Events: The Grist Mill hosts many free special events during the year — such as the popular cider press — and they all include some good eats! Take a look at our special event list.
What will you see at the mill? Our volunteers work the mill, answer questions about the old style milling process and welcome visitors from around the globe. School field trips and senior tours are scheduled for weekdays and the mill is open to visitors on weekends. You can watch the millers mill grain the way it was done in 1876, and take home a bag of fresh flour or cornmeal.
BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival in Ridgefield
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!
Downtown Longview Harvest Fest
Join the Downtowners for Harvest Fest on the first Saturday in October 2026.
Check back for details on location and planned events.
www.downtownlongview.com/event-details/downtown-longview-harvest-fest
Vancouver's Old Apple Tree Festival
Celebrate the Old Apple Tree Festival on the first Saturday of October at Old Apple Tree Park, located on Columbia Way just east of Interstate 5 Bridge.
The annual Old Apple Tree Festival is a celebration centered on the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest, planted at Fort Vancouver in 1826.
Providing fun, food, music, and history of Vancouver’s Old Apple Tree, the festival celebrates our community and its rich heritage. Throughout the day, Urban Forestry Commissioners give away cuttings from the Old Apple Tree; cuttings are limited and will be given out until they are gone.
This free, family-friendly event, features activities for children, food for sale, apple tastings and sales, live music, cider pressing and walking tours of Fort Vancouver Village, the Fort Vancouver Historic Orchard and the Land Bridge. Local musical groups will provide live music throughout the day.
The festival features community apple cider pressing. Bring your own apples and a clean container to catch your fresh cider, or purchase apples and a container at the event. Approximately 15 lbs of apples will make a quart of cider. Volunteers needed for the cider pressing station, contact Urban Forestry to learn more.
Learn more about the storied history of the Old Apple Tree
Contact: Urban Forestry at urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8308
ROAD TRIP - Hood River Valley Harvest Festival
CELEBRATE THE bounty of fall in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge!
For over 40 years, the Hood River Valley Harvest Festival has brought together farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, local food and drink, and live entertainment for three days of autumn magic along the Hood River waterfront.
With family-friendly activities, kids’ play areas, and the breathtaking backdrop of the Gorge’s fall colors, it’s the perfect way to welcome the season.
Visit their web page for a full event schedule and more information HERE.
Washington State Parks Fee Free Day - World Mental Health Day
Explore Washington's outdoors
This is a FEE FREE day! No Discover pass needed.
This day celebrates World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. Studies have shown that time spent outdoors, in nature, have positive effects on our mental and emotional health.
The Washington State Discover Pass gives you unlimited access to millions of acres of unforgettable nature across Washington state. When you buy a Discover Pass, you help preserve and conserve our public lands for everyone—from the first-time visitor to the expert adventurer—and for the generations yet to come.
Learn more at these websites about where Discover Passes are required at other times throughout the year:
Fee Free Days for Washington Public Lands 2026
Clark County Parks & Nature - Fee Free Day: National “Take a Hike” day
Ready to celebrate the National Take a Hike Day?
Join Clark County Public Works Park & Nature team to enjoy FREE access to your regional parks. Find a trail near you!
Yes, the days are getting shorter and cooler, and getting outside isn't always easy during the week, but getting outside is rewarding. On National Take a Hike Day, we like to remind folks hiking can be simple—no heavy pack or rugged mountain required. You can enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of hiking right in your neighborhood. Grab a few essentials and head outside. A short stroll along a tree-lined street is a great way to celebrate National Take a Hike Day. Happy Hiking!
Most of the year, the daily parking fees at these four parks is $5.
There is no charge for people who walk or bicycle into any of these four parks. Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass holders are also exempt from parking fees. Click here for more information.
Annual passes are available for $40.
Learn more about Clark County regional park parking fees HERE.
Learn more about:
Outdoor Solstice Activities in southwest WA:
Attend Community Events: Join the Summer Solstice Celebration at the O.O. Howard House on the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Celebrate the 2026 summer solstice in Vancouver, WA, by attending The Historic Trust's free celebration at O.O. Howard House (June 21, 5:30–8:30 PM), featuring yoga, poetry, and crafts.
Embrace Nature: Take a nature walk at Columbia Springs, or visit local parks to watch the longest sunset of the year.
Picnic and BBQ: Host a backyard barbecue or enjoy a sunset picnic along the Columbia River at Vancouver Waterfront Park.
Nearby Festivals: Attend the 103rd Annual Woodland Planters Days (typically held mid-June) in nearby Woodland for parades, carnival rides, and fireworks.
Creative Rituals: Make flower crowns, collect herbs, or create sun-inspired art to celebrate the season.
Water Activities: Take advantage of the long day by going fishing or spending time on the water.
Other options include exploring nature at Columbia Springs, watching the sunset at Waterfront Park, or visiting the nearby Woodland Planters Days festival.
Autumn Stitching on the Farm workshop
Back by popular demand! Last winter’s stitching event was a delight, and we’re so thrilled to welcome Nicki Eybel back to the farm for some autumn stitching!
Gathered around the workshop table, participants will stitch an 8”x8” landscape with an autumn palette. Think sky, river and land (just like PN Farm!) We will spend the morning creating our backgrounds and practicing some stitches (new and/or familiar). In the afternoon we will add details to our background (sky…rain? Clouds? Sun?) River and land (trees, leaves etc) Your piece of art will be yours…abstract? Realistic? The instructor will provide examples.
All levels of stitcher welcome!
If you have a youngster in your life who is interested, please reach out to Abby at arts@pnfarm.com to discuss!
A materials fee of $5.00 is incorporated in your ticket.
Coffee, tea, water and light snacks will be provided. Participants should plan on bringing a water bottle, lunch, and any specific snacks needed.
Accessibility Note: This workshop takes place in an historic farmhouse that is not currently wheelchair accessible, as well as out on the landscape of a working farm. We will work to accommodate access however we can, but please email arts@pnfarm.com to confirm that the space will work for you before you commit to the workshop!
Full and partial scholarships available. Please email Abby for more information. Register HERE
About our teacher: Nicki Eybel is a newly retired early childhood educator. She is now an abstract mixed media collage artist, focused on stitching. As a member of the Columbia Fiber Arts Guild, she is active in the Handstitching Group and has enjoyed a daily stitching practice for the last 3 years. She has exhibited in local galleries and group shows. She earned her Stitching Badge as a Girl Scout long, long ago.
Nature Days at Columbia Springs
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!
Federal Public Lands Fee Free Day - Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday
Explore federal Public Lands across the U.S. for free today!
In honor of President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, entrance fees are waived. Roosevelt was the "conservation president" who established much of the National Parks System, protecting over 230 million acres of public land, created five National Parks (like Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Mount Rainier), 18 National Monuments (like Devil's Tower and Muir Woods), and 51 bird sanctuaries, including the first National Wildlife Refuge at Pelican Island, making his birthday a day to honor his legacy of preserving America's natural heritage for future generations.
Most of the sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit, but some require an entrance pass. You may also need a reservation at a few high-traffic sites.
America the Beautiful Lands Pass
Frequent visitors, seniors, military, and others may save money on entrance fees with an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, also known as an America the Beautiful or interagency pass. Review all pass options below and decide which pass is best for you.
ROAD TRIP: Science on Tap - K9 Conservationists: Dogs Helping Wolf Research
K9 Conservationists: Dogs Helping Wolf Research
In the 1960s, biologists introduced wolves to Coronation Island in Alaska after deer overran it and decimated the forest understory. The wolves ate all the deer and, with nothing left to eat, starved. About 50 years later, the wolves of Pleasant Island Alaska found themselves in a similar situation: living on an island in the Pacific with no deer left to eat. The wolves of Pleasant Island, however, have not died out. Instead, they’ve broadened their palate to include sea otters.
What scientists don’t know is how widespread this surf-and-turf phenomenon is. How does the complex web of wolf, deer, sea otter, hundreds of islands and a massive logging industry interact?
In 2024, a rescued border collie named Barley joined the investigation. Employed with K9 Conservationists, Barley is a professional scat detection dog with three field seasons under his belt. With the “understudy” dogs Tooma, Niffler, and Skipper, they have located over 1,500 wolf scats across 25 islands. Back at OSU, Kayla Fratt works to extract the DNA of the wolves and their prey from the fecal samples. She then uses cutting-edge genetic techniques, lasers shot from airplanes, and an awful lot of math to tell the story of the Tongass National Forest through the bum of a wolf.
Bonus ending: This talk will conclude with a live demonstration from one of Kayla’s trained conservation detection dogs in the theater!!
More information about this and other events, as well as registration HERE.
Kayla Fratt is a PhD student at Oregon State University and a co-founder of K9 Conservationists. She has dedicated her life to training rescue dogs to help conservation biologists. Her research in Alaska is funded by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and her PhD studies are funded in part by the National Science Foundation.
Cedar Creek Grist Mill Apple Cedar Press Day
Join the Cedar Creek Grist Mill for Cornbread Day!
The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a historical, water-powered, grain-grinding mill. Volunteers provide demonstrations and bags of fresh-milled flour and cornmeal to guests. Read more
Grist Mill Events: The Grist Mill hosts many free special events during the year — such as the popular cider press — and they all include some good eats! Take a look at our special event list.
What will you see at the mill? Our volunteers work the mill, answer questions about the old style milling process and welcome visitors from around the globe. School field trips and senior tours are scheduled for weekdays and the mill is open to visitors on weekends. You can watch the millers mill grain the way it was done in 1876, and take home a bag of fresh flour or cornmeal.
Washington & National State Parks Fee Free Day - Veteran’s Day
Explore Washington's & Federal Public Lands
This is a FEE FREE day! No Discover pass needed.
This day celebrates Veteran’s Day, honoring all military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces, a day to thank living veterans for their service and sacrifices, distinct from Memorial Day which honors those who died in service. It originated as Armistice Day in 1919, marking the end of World War I, and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to include all who served in any war or peacetime period.
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:
Fee Free Days for Washington Public Lands 2026
Science on Tap: Archaeology of Ice Age Oregon
Archaeology of Ice Age Oregon
Imagine Oregon more than 12,000 years ago. The coastline stretched miles farther west, vast lakes filled today’s high desert, and megafauna like mammoths, giant ground sloths, and camels still roamed the land. People were raising families, sewing clothing with bone needles and thread, harvesting plants, caring for one another, and adapting to a rapidly changing world.
How do archaeologists uncover stories as old as the Ice Age? Join archaeologist Dr. Katelyn McDonough for a behind-the-scenes look at how researchers piece together the past using clues like stone tools, pollen, campfires, animal bones, microscopic plant remains, proteins preserved on tools, and even ancient poop. Hear some of archaeology’s biggest misconceptions and explore how discoveries at every scale—from molecules under a microscope to entire ancient landscapes—are transforming our understanding of the past.
This talk also explores what archaeology looks like today. Discover how archaeologists collaborate with Tribal Nations, geologists, paleoecologists, and many other specialists to better understand the past while respecting Indigenous histories and knowledge.
Why is central Oregon important for studying the Ice Age?
How can everyone help protect cultural heritage?
What do you do if you ever find an artifact?
Learn more about this and other upcoming events, as well as tickets HERE
Dr. Katelyn McDonough is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Curator of Great Basin Archaeology, and Affiliated Faculty in Native American and Indigenous Studies at the University of Oregon. She is passionate about teaching, food (past and present), exploring the microscopic world, and making archaeology more accessible for everyone.
Stormwater Partners Symposium of SW WA
Save the date! Stormwater Partners Symposium
More information coming soon. Check out https://www.stormwaterpartners.com/ for updates
Nature Days at Columbia Springs
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!
Clark County Parks & Nature - Fee Free Day: Green Friday
Ready to celebrate the Green Friday?
Join Clark County Public Works Park & Nature team to enjoy FREE access to your regional parks. Find a trail near you!
Welcome to the holiday season. What better way to celebrate than to head out to one our your FAVORITE county parks for a walk with family and friends. See you there!
Most of the year, the daily parking fees at these four parks is $5.
There is no charge for people who walk or bicycle into any of these four parks. Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass holders are also exempt from parking fees. Click here for more information.
Annual passes are available for $40.
Learn more about Clark County regional park parking fees HERE.
Learn more about:
Outdoor Solstice Activities in southwest WA:
Attend Community Events: Join the Summer Solstice Celebration at the O.O. Howard House on the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Celebrate the 2026 summer solstice in Vancouver, WA, by attending The Historic Trust's free celebration at O.O. Howard House (June 21, 5:30–8:30 PM), featuring yoga, poetry, and crafts.
Embrace Nature: Take a nature walk at Columbia Springs, or visit local parks to watch the longest sunset of the year.
Picnic and BBQ: Host a backyard barbecue or enjoy a sunset picnic along the Columbia River at Vancouver Waterfront Park.
Nearby Festivals: Attend the 103rd Annual Woodland Planters Days (typically held mid-June) in nearby Woodland for parades, carnival rides, and fireworks.
Creative Rituals: Make flower crowns, collect herbs, or create sun-inspired art to celebrate the season.
Water Activities: Take advantage of the long day by going fishing or spending time on the water.
Other options include exploring nature at Columbia Springs, watching the sunset at Waterfront Park, or visiting the nearby Woodland Planters Days festival.
Clark County Parks & Nature - Fee Free Day: International Volunteer Day
Ready to celebrate the International Volunteer Day?
Join Clark County Public Works Park & Nature team to enjoy FREE access to your regional parks. Find a trail near you!
Most of the year, the daily parking fees at these four parks is $5.
There is no charge for people who walk or bicycle into any of these four parks. Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass holders are also exempt from parking fees. Click here for more information.
Annual passes are available for $40.
Learn more about Clark County regional park parking fees HERE.
Learn more about:
Outdoor Solstice Activities in southwest WA:
Attend Community Events: Join the Summer Solstice Celebration at the O.O. Howard House on the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Celebrate the 2026 summer solstice in Vancouver, WA, by attending The Historic Trust's free celebration at O.O. Howard House (June 21, 5:30–8:30 PM), featuring yoga, poetry, and crafts.
Embrace Nature: Take a nature walk at Columbia Springs, or visit local parks to watch the longest sunset of the year.
Picnic and BBQ: Host a backyard barbecue or enjoy a sunset picnic along the Columbia River at Vancouver Waterfront Park.
Nearby Festivals: Attend the 103rd Annual Woodland Planters Days (typically held mid-June) in nearby Woodland for parades, carnival rides, and fireworks.
Creative Rituals: Make flower crowns, collect herbs, or create sun-inspired art to celebrate the season.
Water Activities: Take advantage of the long day by going fishing or spending time on the water.
Other options include exploring nature at Columbia Springs, watching the sunset at Waterfront Park, or visiting the nearby Woodland Planters Days festival.
Nature Days at Columbia Springs
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!
Pollinator Festival 2027
From Green Thumbs to Curious Minds—Everyone’s Invited!
Join the Vancouver Bee Project and community partners for a Free, Family-Friendly Celebration…the 2027 Pollinator Festival!
Pollinators are essential to our ecosystems—and they need our help! This festival is your chance to learn, celebrate, and take action to protect these amazing creatures while having fun with your community.
Community Connection: Discover the fascinating lives of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and learn how to create habitats that help them thrive.
Fun for All Ages: Kids will love the crafts, games, and face painting, while adults can enjoy local vendor booths and expert-led talks.
Engaging Tours: Meet others who share your passion for nature and sustainability in a warm, welcoming atmosphere
The planning team is pulling together another great list of speakers, vendors and activities for all ages.
Stay tuned for more information but mark you calendar for this one of a kind event in the heart of Vancouver, WA!
Celebrate National Park Week!
Join in celebrating America’s stories during National Park Week August 22-30, 2026!
Love national parks? There’s a holiday for that! Join the weeklong celebration of all things “national parks” happening August 22 to 30, 2026. Wrap up summer by coming out to explore nature and history, join ranger programs, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and more. Entrance fees are waived for US citizens and residents on August 25, 2026, for our 110th birthday.
Celebrate America’s Story
This year's National Park Week theme is “Celebrate America’s Story” in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Come visit where many of America’s important stories are shared—in our national parks. Make your own stories exploring stunning natural landscapes, reflecting on our nation's inspiring history and rich culture, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Share your national park stories on social media using #NationalParkWeek, #NationalJuniorRangerDay, and #NPSBirthday.
Kayaking Clinic for visually impaired
Join the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes for a Kayaking Clinic
All of the events are at no-cost for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Contact NWABA for specific time and location information.
At NWABA, Everybody is an Athlete: they believe that any individual who is blind or visually impaired is an athlete and deserves the opportunity to participate in regular physical activity.
The programming is available for athletes of all ages and ability levels. Do you have a sport or activity that you want to get involved with or pick up again? We have a variety of sports available throughout the year.
For more information contact: Anneliese Hugo
Email: pdxvanprogramsteam@nwaba.org
Text: 360.448.7254
Call: 360.682.1662
Cedar Creek Grist Mill Treat Day
Join the Cedar Creek Grist Mill for Treat Day!
The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a historical, water-powered, grain-grinding mill. Volunteers provide demonstrations and bags of fresh-milled flour and cornmeal to guests. Read more
Grist Mill Events: The Grist Mill hosts many free special events during the year — such as the popular cider press — and they all include some good eats! Take a look at our special event list.
What will you see at the mill? Our volunteers work the mill, answer questions about the old style milling process and welcome visitors from around the globe. School field trips and senior tours are scheduled for weekdays and the mill is open to visitors on weekends. You can watch the millers mill grain the way it was done in 1876, and take home a bag of fresh flour or cornmeal.
Saturday Volunteer Day at LUYF Farm
Saturday Volunteer Day! Come spend the morning with Latinos Unidos Y Floreciendo as we prepare our community farm for the fall season!
The LUYF farm is more than a place where food grows. It’s a space where our community comes together, connects with the land, learns, and helps grow fresh food that supports local families.
No matter your experience, your helping hands make a difference. Bring your family, bring a friend, and come grow with us!
Sign up through GivePulse:
www.givepulse.com/event/900123-community-farm-days
Food is medicine. Land is healing. Culture is resilience.
Kayaking Clinic for visually impaired
Join the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes for a Kayaking Clinic
All of the events are at no-cost for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Contact NWABA for specific time and location information.
At NWABA, Everybody is an Athlete: they believe that any individual who is blind or visually impaired is an athlete and deserves the opportunity to participate in regular physical activity.
The programming is available for athletes of all ages and ability levels. Do you have a sport or activity that you want to get involved with or pick up again? We have a variety of sports available throughout the year.
For more information contact: Anneliese Hugo
Email: pdxvanprogramsteam@nwaba.org
Text: 360.448.7254
Call: 360.682.1662
BARK Ranger Led Tour @ Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Join Fort Vancouver National Historic Site BARK Ranger Ambassador for a guided walk through Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and discover how you and your four-legged companion can safely enjoy the park while helping protect park resources, wildlife, and other visitors.
These volunteer-led tours provide an opportunity to learn about the history of the park through the lens of our canine friends. Participants will learn about the BARK Ranger program, explore the park's history and landscapes, and discover ways to be responsible stewards of public lands with their dogs. Tours begin at the Visitor Center and take participants on a journey down to the reconstructed fort.
Program starts at the Visitor Center.
Learn more: Where pets are welcome on the campus HERE
Fees: This event is free to attend.
Accessibility: The NHS has packed crushed gravel paths and sidewalks throughout the campus. Restrooms available in the Visitor Center.
Starting with the Earliest Years: Advancing Nature in Pre-Natal - 3yo
Join the Children & Nature Network for an initial look at nature in the prenatal-to-three years, including a preview of emerging findings from an upcoming Research Digest and a broader conversation about this developing area of work. We’ll also share why C&NN is increasing its focus on early childhood and some of the questions guiding our exploration.
The prenatal-to-three period is a critical window for healthy development, and nature has an important role to play in supporting young children, caregivers and families during these earliest years.
What does current research tell us about this connection? Where is nature already showing up within the programs, practices and systems that support families? And what possibilities might be worth exploring more deeply?
This webinar is the beginning of a larger conversation. Participants will learn about opportunities to join follow-up listening sessions designed to help C&NN better understand the field’s interests, experiences and needs and consider how we might contribute to advancing equitable access to nature from the earliest years of life.
REGISTER HERE
Follow-up Listening Session dates:
Thurs, September 3, 2026, 1 – 2 PM CT
Wed, September 9, 2026, 11 – 12 PM CT
Federal Public Lands Fee Free Day - 110th Birthday of the National Parks Service
Explore federal Public Lands across the U.S. for free today!
In honor of the 110th birthday of the National Park Service, entran e fees will be waived. The National Park Service was created on August 25, 1916 to "preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." Over the hundred plus years, we've grown into more than 400 national parks and many programs that reach communities around the country!
Most of the sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit, but some require an entrance pass. You may also need a reservation at a few high-traffic sites.
America the Beautiful Lands Pass
Frequent visitors, seniors, military, and others may save money on entrance fees with an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, also known as an America the Beautiful or interagency pass. Review all pass options below and decide which pass is best for you.
“Hooked on Nature” Invasive Species Cook-off
Save the Date! 💚
Columbia Springs annual Hooked on Nature fundraiser is coming up on Saturday, August 22.
Join us at Columbia Springs for good food and fun company as we celebrate 25 years of being Vancouver's Best Kept Secret! Don't miss the return of the exciting Invasive Species Cook-Off where local chefs serve up unique dishes for guests to try!
Tickets go on sale this month.
Art & Nature in the Park summer series
Art & Nature in the Park is BACK for 2026! 🎨🌿
Fourth Plain Forward can't wait to bring free art and nature activities to Vancouver Flex Academy and Downs Neighborhood Park this summer. A huge thank you to our amazing partners Wellpoint, Molina, City of Vancouver NatureSpace, and all of our community partners for making these special moments possible. Come join us for a summer full of fun, creativity, and connection! 🌸☀️
👉🏽 Saturdays 11am–2pm | July & August
📅 July 11 at Flex Academy Park
📅 July 25 at Flex Academy Park
📅 August 8 at Downs Neighborhood Park
📅 August 22 at Downs Neighborhood Park
¡Arte y Naturaleza en el Parque está DE VUELTA en 2026! 🎨🌿 No podemos esperar para traer actividades gratuitas de arte y naturaleza a Vancouver Flex Academy y Downs Neighborhood Park este verano. Un enorme agradecimiento a nuestros increíbles socios Wellpoint, Molina, City of Vancouver NatureSpace, y todos nuestros socios comunitarios por hacer posibles estos momentos tan especiales. ¡Ven a disfrutar de un verano lleno de diversión, creatividad y conexión! 🌸☀️
👉🏽 Sábados 11am–2pm | Julio y Agosto
📅 11 de julio en Flex Academy Park
📅 25 de julio en Flex Academy Park
📅 8 de agosto en Downs Neighborhood Park
📅 22 de agosto en Downs Neighborhood Park
ROAD TRIP -Community Lake Day with Adventures Without Limits!
YOU’RE INVITED! Community Lake Day with Adventures Without Limits!
WHO: Friends, supporters, community members, all are welcome!
WHAT: A summer gathering at Hagg Lake to celebrate adaptive and inclusive recreation - enjoy good food, live music, kayaking, and community!
WHERE: Hagg Lake Sain Creek Pavilion
WHY: We love our community!
HOW: Registration required HERE
After celebrating 30 years of adventure with our community in 2025, Adventures Without Limits is thrilled to get outside with you again! We invite you to join us at Hagg Lake for an afternoon of paddling, community building, food, and live music at our 2nd Annual Community Lake Day!
Since its founding in 1995, Adventures Without Limits (AWL) has worked with thousands of children and adults of all abilities to experience the thrill of adventure and health benefits of time spent in nature.
AWL is a registered non-profit that was founded to address the region's shortage of options for adaptive recreation. We specialize in working with individuals with disabilities to find adaptive solutions for a range of activities. Our program mission has since expanded to address many common barriers to outdoor recreation, such as access to transportation, outdoor apparel, skills training, and financially accessible price points. We're committed to creating a safe community for folks to learn new skills, build confidence, make social connections, overcome obstacles, and enjoy the beautiful natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest.
Registration Required HERE. Cost: Event admission: $15/adult, $10/youth (6-18), children under 6 free
The cost of this event will support our continued accessible and inclusive outdoor programs.
Itinerary:
Join us for an afternoon of listing to live music, enjoying food, being with community, and paddling on Hagg Lake. Kayaking and paddleboarding will be available first come first served!
Inclusions:
Catered lunch
Live music
Kayaks, paddleboards, PFDs, paddles, and other paddling equipment
Exclusions:
Parking fees ($7/vehicle)
Kayaking/Paddleboarding:
No additional registration for paddling is required. Kayaking and paddleboarding will be first come, first served, and participants will be asked to limit their paddling time to 30 minutes to give everyone an opportunity to get out on the water. Paper liability waivers need to be completed onsite before you paddle. We are not able to accommodate children under 6 for kayaking and paddle boarding at this event. Youth under 18 should be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Essential Eligibility Criteria (for paddling):
Our team is trained to accommodate a variety of needs while on our trips, however, some trips and activities require certain requirements and abilities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Please review our Essential Eligibility Criteria to determine if our trips would be appropriate for you.
The Essential Eligibility Criteria can be found here: https://awloutdoors.org/helpfulinfo
Accessibility:
ADA parking is limited at the Sain Creek Boat Ramp. There are paved paths from the parking lot to the pavilion, and connecting to accessible restrooms. To request additional accommodations, including ASL interpreter, please email info@awloutdoors.org by August 1st, 2026.
ROAD TRIP: Willamette RiverFest
Check out the Willamette River Festival coming up on August 22 🚣
Folks will gather at the River House Beach in Eugene to experience the Willamette. Join a Paddle Parade, try out paddlecraft, watch (or enter!) a river competition, take a guided rafting trip, or just spend the day along the water.
Events like this are a reminder that a healthy river is more than a resource—it’s a place to explore and build a lasting connection to our waterways. We hope that connection can inspire all of us to be better stewards of the water we share.
The Willamette River Festival is a one-day celebration of recreation and community directly on the banks of Oregon’s iconic river. This event is a collaborative passion project for a variety of organizations in the Eugene-Springfield area, and it provides an opportunity to connect new people to the river in an accessible and fun-filled setting. This year’s festival will feature both on-land and on-water activities, spirited paddling competitions, music, food, and more. We invite you to browse the tabs below to learn more about the River Fest — and we hope to see you out on the river on August 22nd!
Learn more on @willametteriverfest's website.
Celebrate National Junior Ranger day at all NPS sites, including Fort Vancouver NHS
Celebrate Junior Ranger Day!
No matter what age you are, you are invited to explore, learn, and protect U.S. National Parks on National Junior Ranger Day. You can participate in the Junior Ranger program year-round and join this one-day celebration on August 22, 2026, that is part of the annual National Park Week.
Here are a couple of ways you can celebrate National Junior Ranger Day:
Look to see if a park near you is hosting any Junior Ranger Day activities. View Junior Ranger events by state or event type in the calendar below. For SW WA, visit Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Mt. Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument or Crater Lake National Park (OR)
Participate in an online Junior Ranger program such as Junior Paleontologist and Night Explorers (see links below).
Visit the NPS Kids Portal to plan a park experience, learn about free 4th Grader access, and groove out to Junior Ranger Radio.
Find a Junior Ranger Day Event
National Junior Ranger Day is August 22, 2026. Use the calendar below to view Junior Ranger Day programs at any of the more than 400 national parks around the country. Remember to check ahead for trip planning information and to recreate responsibly for a safe visit.
Some parks may host Junior Ranger Day celebrations on an alternate date from the official National Park Week schedule. Be sure to check the details for each park's programming.
Junior Ranger Day at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Kids can pick up a Junior Ranger scavenger hunt and set out on a journey through the reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company Fort Vancouver, exploring the spaces where people lived and worked during the 1840s. As they move through the fort, Junior Rangers will learn about the daily lives of traders, laborers, families, and communities who helped shape this important center of the Pacific Northwest fur trade. Along the way, participants will discover historic buildings, objects, and stories that bring the past to life while completing fun challenges and activities.
Activities will be available as self-guided experiences from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,
Be a Night Explorer J.R.!
Children can learn how to find the North Star, write their own creative mythology about the constellations, track the phases of the moon, learn about stars and galaxies, and use all their senses to explore the night environment at a national park.
Explore magnificent and beautiful caves. You will find an amazing underground world just beneath your feet! Learn about caves and karst systems and the work that cave scientists do.
Junior Cave Scientist Activity Booklet—English
Guardabosques Juvenil de Cuevas—Spanish
Become a Junior Paleontologist!
Explore the ways that paleontologists work, and the methods and tools they use to understand ancient life. Learn about Earth's history, ancient plants and animals, and changes to past climate and environments.
Junior Paleontologist Activity Booklet—English
Paleontólogo Juvenil Libreto de Actividades (versión definitiva)—Spanish
Plant & Seed Swap!
Plant & Seed Swap! It's always the perfect time to grow your garden and your community!
Join Kindred Home for a joyful Plant & Seed Swap where you can share, discover, and celebrate the abundance of nature.🎉
What to Bring: Plant starts 🌿 Seeds you’ve saved or extras you no longer need 🌻Plants you no longer want (but someone else might love!) 🪴🎯
What to Take: Find new-to-you plants and seeds to kickstart your garden.
No plants or seeds to bring? No problem! Everyone is welcome to browse and take part.🌟
Why Join?This free event is all about sharing, connecting, and celebrating abundance. Bring what you can, take what you need, and leave with a greener thumb and a fuller heart.
All leftover plants and seeds will be donated to Little Free Libraries, schools, and community spaces to spread the joy of gardening even further.
🌿 Let’s swap, chat, and grow together! 🌿
When
August 21 10:00 AM - August 23 04:00 PM
Family Storytime at Ridgefield NWR
Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Exciting news for families looking for summer fun at the Refuge's new Community Nature Center building!
On July 23, August 6, and August 20, the crew from the Ridgefield Community Library will be on the Carty Unit, hosting Storytime from 10:30-11 AM, and the center will be open from 10 AM - 12 PM, with refuge wandering open all day. No registration required; refuge daily entrance fee applies.
https://www.fws.gov/.../vis.../activities/education-programs
— at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (Carty Unit).
WSU Ext. Master Gardeners: On the Road Tour Savory, Seeds & Spores
WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener Program
Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program for an immersive "Savory, Seeds & Spores" On the Road Tour on Thursday, August 20, and leave the driving to us.
Your botanical adventure begins at Garden Delight Herb Farm. Visiting their herb gardens, you will learn practiced cultivation tips from this mom and daughter duo. There will also be time to explore their unique herbal products - topical and edible.
Next, we will travel to the historic Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum for a guided tour across five and a half beautiful acres, featuring a specialized lesson on the art of seed collecting. The site is also home to the Stanger House. Believed to have been constructed in 1867 on the banks of the Columbia River, the John Stanger House is a rare example of Pioneer Plank construction. The house is historically significant for its close association with the earliest period of settlement in Clark County, and is believed to be the county’s second-oldest standing building.
Our final destination brings us to The Pacific Spore, a fascinating urban warehouse farm where grower Payne Taylor will lead an exclusive tour into the world of indoor mushroom cultivation.
We will break for lunch "on your own" at the Vancouver Station food carts.
Meet at 9:45 AM at the 78th Street Heritage Farm, located at 1919 NE 78th Street, Vancouver, WA 98665. The tour van will return to the Heritage Farm at approximately 4:45 PM. Participants should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, bring a walking stick if needed, and dress appropriately for the changing weather.
For more information: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu. Learn more at http://extension.wsu.edu/clark/gardening/workshops-events/.
NEW Silver Trails Community Walk
Parks Foundation of Clark County is with Community in Motion and Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services at Luepke Senior Center to launch the new Silver Trails launches May 27!
PFCC is excited to kick off this new walking program for adults 65+ in partnership w/ Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services & Community in Motion. The first walk takes place at Orchards Park, w/ monthly outings all summer featuring easy 1–2 mile walks through some of our community’s beautiful parks & trails.
Transportation included
Easy-paced walks
Scenic local destinations
Great company
Email sean@parksforclark w/ questions.
REGISTRATION Required with the City of Vancouver (use the code listed in the table below for the date and location of your choice)
ROAD TRIP - Washington State International Kite Festival
Get ready for a sky-filled celebration this summer during the 2026 Washington State International Kite Festival.
From graceful choreographed kite ballets and mass ascensions to workshops, competitions, and interactive activities for all ages, this festival transforms the shoreline into a vibrant outdoor gallery of imagination and motion.
Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or a beachgoer looking for high-flying fun, this event offers unforgettable views, community spirit, and a perfect summer escape. Pair your visit with a stop at the nearby World Kite Museum to explore kite history and culture, and make a full weekend of colorful fun on the coast!
Learn more about the event and schedules HERE.
CamasPride Hike at Round Lake
Welcome to the first of many Queer All Year meetups, brought to you by Camas PRIDE 🌈✨
If you've been craving more queer community and low-key ways to meet each other, this is for you. All LGBTQIA+ members and allies welcome. The Round Lake loop is fairly hilly and unpaved, while Bookish is wheelchair accessible!
9am - walk at Round Lake (meet in the overflow parking lot on 35th)
10am - coffee/snacks and more chats at Bookish
ROAD TRIP: Forest Walk the Lower Macleay Trail with BirdHersPDX
Join Birdhers and Portland Parks and Rec for a birding outing in Forest Park and enjoy the Forest & Washington Park FREE SHUTTLE that is running on Fridays and Saturdays through the summer with stops in outer Portland neighborhoods and an Express shuttle loop that circles the park. This is a really great community service that supports getting more people access to the park, the largest urban forest in the states. Get all the shuttle information at www.portland.gov/parks/park-shuttle.
Event Details:
This walk will be co-facilitated by Bo and disability activist, Roxy Allen. The shuttles are ADA equipped and the first .5 mile of the trail are paved and ADA accessible trail. We will move slowly and with intention to observe the world around us. At a half mile in there is a place to sit and observe, we’ll also have the option to continue another ¼ mile to a bridge that overlooks the creek. Total length between 1-1.5 miles. Find all the details of this trail at https://www.portland.gov/parks/trail-lower-macleay
Meet at the Peninsula Park Community Center at 10:20 (shuttle leaves at 10:30!)
Or meet at the trail, Lower Macleay at 11 am.
The shuttle is a 20 minute ride and will make a return journey to arrive back at PPCC at 1:30.
This is a free event, no rsvp or registration for walk or shuttle. This is an affinity space for trans, non-binary, and women people to learn together in nature.
Sunflower Festival
The O'Keefe Farms Sunflower Festival is back!
Celebrate summer with two beautiful weekends of blooming sunflowers, fresh country air, delicious food, local vendors, live music, and unforgettable memories at O'Keefe Farms!
Whether you're planning a family outing, a date, a girls' day, or just looking for a relaxing afternoon outdoors, you'll love exploring acres of vibrant sunflower fields and taking home your own fresh-cut blooms.
Festival Highlights:
Stroll through stunning sunflower fields
Admission includes 2 U-cut sunflowers (kids 5 & under receive 1 flower)
Beautiful photo opportunities throughout the farm
Local food vendors
Handmade goods from local artisans
Live music on select days
Hayrides available for just $1 per rider
Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome
Saturday, August 8, Sunday, August 9
Saturday, August 15, Sunday, August 16
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: O'Keefe Farms
17604 NE 182nd Ave
Brush Prairie, WA 98606
Reserve your tickets today! Visit our Eventbrite page to purchase tickets before your preferred date sells out.
Safe Routes to School Summer Fair
Get ready to walk, roll and bike to school at the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Summer Fair! Work with SRTS staff to plan your walk, roll, bike route to school; participate in the Bike Rodeo to practice your skills; get help learning how to ride a bike; and more.
Visit the program website and sign up for the email list for event updates: cityofvancouver.us/srts
What to bring
Bicycle, tricycle or kick-scooter if you want to participate in the bike rodeo or ride in the bike garden.
Helmets are required for anyone biking, scooting or skating. Visit the City of Vancouver booth if your child needs one.
Water
Sun protection
Using the bike garden
All users must follow posted safety rules and requirements for use per Vancouver Municipal Code 15.04.
Learn more about the Heights Bike Garden!
Getting here
Limited free parking is available on-site. Parking is located on Blandford Drive off Mill Plain Boulevard.
C-TRAN’s The Vine Red Line Devine Rd. stop also provides direct access to the garden.
Contact: Safe Routes to School Vancouver at vancouvermoves@cityofvancouver.us
ROAD TRIP: Waterfront walk on the East Esplanade w/Outdoor Afro
Join Outdoor Afro leaders Shirley & Raina for a walk along the Eastside Espalande where we can see Portland’s downtown from the opposite river bank. Specific meeting place and info on the registration form.
This is a free BIPOC event. Register for this and other Outdoor Afro outings with their free App.
Goat Adventure at Your Library
Get to know some new goat friends in this mobile petting zoo!
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.
ROAD TRIP: Stationary Birding - all inclusive
Join Shae (they/them) and others for a relaxed, accessible morning of stationary birding at the beautiful Necanicum Estuary in Seaside, OR.
Look for the pride flag! 🏳️🌈This affinity event is for queer, BIPOC, and/or neurodivergent birders looking to connect with birds, nature, and community at a slower pace.
Rather than covering miles of trail, we'll spend our time watching the estuary from an accessible viewing area with options for short journeys nearby, giving us the chance to slow down, notice more, and enjoy shorebirds, waterbirds, raptors, and whatever else the tide brings. Late summer is one of the best times to visit the estuary, with migrating shorebirds moving through the area.
✨ No birding experience necessary
🦆 Beginners welcome
🔭 Loaner binoculars available if you need them
💚 Free to attend
RSVP is through Meetup—link & more details (or in our stories). It helps us get a head count, but is never intended to be a barrier. If it's a barrier for you, just show up!
♿✨ACCESSIBILITY:
This outing is designed to be highly accessible.
Mostly stationary with minimal walking required.
Paved pathways and boardwalks.
Mostly flat terrain.
Benches available.
Accessible restroom nearby.
Quiet setting with generally low crowds.
Reliable cell service.
Easy to enjoy from a single viewing location.
Clark County Parks & Nature - Fee Free Day: National Relaxation Day
Ready to celebrate the National Relaxation Day?
Join Clark County Public Works Park & Nature team to enjoy FREE access to your regional parks.
Walking in nature (or biking, hiking, flying a kite…..you know, anything) has been proven to improve your health and well-being. So get there! Take your binoculars and bird watch, put your paddleboard on the water, grab your skateboard and skate the trails or have a BBQ picnic with your family to watch the sunset. Head outside to your favorite park!
Most of the year, the daily parking fees at these four parks is $5.
There is no charge for people who walk or bicycle into any of these four parks. Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass holders are also exempt from parking fees. Click here for more information.
Annual passes are available for $40.
Learn more about Clark County regional park parking fees HERE.
Learn more about:
Outdoor Solstice Activities in southwest WA:
Attend Community Events: Join the Summer Solstice Celebration at the O.O. Howard House on the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Celebrate the 2026 summer solstice in Vancouver, WA, by attending The Historic Trust's free celebration at O.O. Howard House (June 21, 5:30–8:30 PM), featuring yoga, poetry, and crafts.
Embrace Nature: Take a nature walk at Columbia Springs, or visit local parks to watch the longest sunset of the year.
Picnic and BBQ: Host a backyard barbecue or enjoy a sunset picnic along the Columbia River at Vancouver Waterfront Park.
Nearby Festivals: Attend the 103rd Annual Woodland Planters Days (typically held mid-June) in nearby Woodland for parades, carnival rides, and fireworks.
Creative Rituals: Make flower crowns, collect herbs, or create sun-inspired art to celebrate the season.
Water Activities: Take advantage of the long day by going fishing or spending time on the water.
Other options include exploring nature at Columbia Springs, watching the sunset at Waterfront Park, or visiting the nearby Woodland Planters Days festival.
ROAD TRIP - PCT Trail Days at Cascade Locks
Don’t miss the 19th annual Pacific Crest Trail Days on August 14th & 15th, 2026 at the Marine Park of Cascade Locks, Oregon!
PCT DAYS celebrates and promotes hiking, camping, backpacking & outdoor stewardship and offers a bit of something for everyone, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or new to outdoor recreation.
Over 100 exhibiting sponsors will be offering the latest outdoor products at the Gear Expo & Marketplace. Attendees can participate in activities, games, presentations, gear raffles, and meet with old and new friends in an amazing setting. Rain or shine, it’s going to be a great time!
Learn more and see the event schedule at the website HERE.
Vendors will be offering great food, coffee, beer, cider and non-alcoholic beverages.
No drone cameras, non-service dogs, glass or alcohol may enter the fenced in festival area.
Daily attendance is free, with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item or monetary contribution to the Columbia Gorge Food Bank.
Camping is available on Thunder Island for a fee.
Connect with us on Instagram & Facebook for the latest festival news!
“Noticing”: A Conversation with Richard Louv and Sally Jewell
Join co-hosts Children & Nature Network and REI for an evening with Richard Louv, the internationally bestselling author of “Last Child in the Woods,” in conversation with Sally Jewell, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and CEO of REI. Rich and Sally will explore the ideas at the heart of Louv’s newest and most personal book, “Noticing: Intimate Encounters with the Natural World.”
Together, they’ll discuss what it means to cultivate what Louv calls “bioenchantment”: a deeper, more embodied relationship with the natural world that can restore our sense of wonder, ground our sense of self, and offer hope in a time that sorely needs it.
The event will also feature opening comments from Mary Beth Laughton, President and CEO of REI, and Monica Lopez Magee, incoming President and CEO of the Children & Nature Network — and followed by a book signing with Richard Louv.
This event will take place at: Town Hall Seattle, Wyncote NW Forum, 1119 8th Ave (Entrance off Seneca St.), Seattle, 98101
It will also be livestreamed from the Children & Nature Network YouTube at this link, where you can also find a recording after the event. The livestream is made possible by Algonquin Books.
Columbia Springs “Explore with the Interns” - Invasive & Native Species
It's a busy week at Columbia Springs! This week the interns will be highlighting all kinds of Invasive & Native Species.
Interns will be tabling on the lawn across from the fish feeding pond on Tuesday from 10 am - 12 pm. Stop by to explore hands on activities focused on plants. 🌿
Visitor Center hours
🔵 Tuesday/Wednesday, 10 am - 4 pm *
🔵Thursday, 9 am - 1 pm
🔵 Friday, 10 am - 1:30 pm
Columbia Springs is an environmental education nonprofit 501(c)(3) located on the Old Evergreen Highway in Vancouver, Washington. Our 100-acre urban natural site is an outdoor education center which offers events, programs, and workshops to teach people of all ages about stewardship and environmental science.
During the 25 years Columbia Springs has been in operation, we have reached well over 250,000 guests and taught a generation of Clark County residents about watersheds, biology, restoration, and engineering. The Columbia Springs community continues to grow each year to reach a wider audience of students and volunteers. Columbia Springs’ site is a beautiful community asset and our programs are sources of excellent educational and volunteer opportunities.
Columbia Springs “Explore with the Interns” - Macroinvertebrates & Insects
It's a busy week at Columbia Springs! This week the interns will be highlighting all kinds of Macroinvertebrates & Insects.
Interns will be tabling on the lawn across from the fish feeding pond on Tuesday from 10 am - 12 pm. Stop by to explore hands on activities focused on plants. 🌿
Visitor Center hours
🔵 Tuesday/Wednesday, 10 am - 4 pm *
🔵Thursday, 9 am - 1 pm
🔵 Friday, 10 am - 1:30 pm
Columbia Springs is an environmental education nonprofit 501(c)(3) located on the Old Evergreen Highway in Vancouver, Washington. Our 100-acre urban natural site is an outdoor education center which offers events, programs, and workshops to teach people of all ages about stewardship and environmental science.
During the 25 years Columbia Springs has been in operation, we have reached well over 250,000 guests and taught a generation of Clark County residents about watersheds, biology, restoration, and engineering. The Columbia Springs community continues to grow each year to reach a wider audience of students and volunteers. Columbia Springs’ site is a beautiful community asset and our programs are sources of excellent educational and volunteer opportunities.
