NW Trail Sisters are answering your call for a beginner group ride! Join us at Gateway Green for a chill, guided ride.

This will be a chill, guided ride around the trails at Gateway Green, just east of I-205. Ride at your own pace, get comfy on your bike, learn from others, and maybe come away with a riding buddy or two!

Meet at the north end of the park near the entrances of Ted's Traverse and Meadow Loop. Your ride leaders will meet you there, go over bike safety, talk about route options, and show you around the park!

Note this is not a clinic, just an opportunity to come together and ride with other women who are just getting into mountain biking.

Please bring:

• A mountain bike in good working order (just front, or front and rear suspension, knobby tires, enough gears to get you up hills, flat handlebar, tires pumped, sealant checked, bolts tight, chain clean and lubed, brakes and shifters working)

• Snacks and water

• A multi-tool, hand pump, and extra tube are also good to have!

If you reigster but find that you are not able to make it, please cancel your Eventbrite registration so our ride leaders have a good idea of how many folks to expect.

Register HERE and please sign the waiver HERE.

Contact carriej@nw-trail.org with any questions.

Celebrate the beauty and importance of our region’s ecosystems at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Wildflowers & Watersheds Festival!

Enjoy guided wildflower walks, explore a hands-on stream table, and dive into interactive activities that bring watersheds to life. Investigate the world of pollinators, relax with a rejuvenating yoga session, and connect with local organizations offering engaging booths and activities for all ages.

FREE admission all day! No registration required.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

• 9:00 AM: Nature Yoga & Meditation at the Pond with Wild Bloom Yoga

• 11:00 AM: Festival Begins

• 11:30 AM: Botany Lesson in the Boardroom

• 1:30 PM: Botany Lesson in the Boardroom

• 2:00 PM: Gorge-Themed Tunes in the River Gallery with Trails & Tunes

• 3:00 PM: Festival Concludes

• 11:00-3:00: Hands-on activities, wildflower walks, booths, solar scopes, stream tables & more!

EVENT PARTNERS

Thank you to all of our event partners! We’re excited to share the incredible work of our local organizations.

• Angela Goldsmith (Chapbook Author)

• Columbia Gorge Stewardship Alliance

• Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC)

• David Gross (Botany Lessons)

• Friends of the Columbia Gorge

• Mario Catani (Author - Flowers of the Columbia River Gorge)

• OSU Extension Service's Oregon Naturalist Program

• Tom Myers (Author - Birds of the Pacific Northwest for Kids)

• Trailkeepers of Oregon

• Trails & Tunes

• US Forest Service

• Wild Bloom Yoga

Hey NWTrailsSisters! Ever felt nervous riding steep mountain bike trails and wished you had the skills (and confidence) to crush them? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there!

That’s why NWTA is stoked to announce two upcoming women’s clinics designed to help you nail the fundamentals of riding steeps — like proper braking, body position, and where to look.

Both clinics will be at Rocky Point and led by @brave.endeavors. We’ll be focusing on the trails Pillow Talk and Phil’s Shred Factory (conditions permitting).

👉 If you’re an intermediate rider ready to level up your steep-riding game, these clinics are for you! You should be comfortable riding the trail Gritty Kitty and able to handle climbing at least 1,000 ft.

❤️ The cost? Just $75 per clinic — NWTrailSisters is covering 50% of the entry fee ❤️

We’re also planning a third clinic at Gateway Green, sessioning intermediate jumps. For now, mark your calendars and sign up for the priority waitlist at the Brave Endeavors website.

More details and sign-ups are coming soon, join waitlist

20 May - 5:30p, Rocky Point
24 June - 5:30p, Rocky Point
25 August - 5:30p, Gateway Green

Help study and protect one of the Gorge’s squeakiest residents: the pika! Cascades Pika Watch engages volunteers to locate and map Oregon's pikas 

Pikas' particular habitat and temperature requirements make the species vulnerable to global warming trends — and of special interest to scientists studying the effects of climate change.

Cascades Pika Watch volunteers conduct 1-2 monthly sitting surveys to track and log pika presence in the Columbia River Gorge and across the region. Sites are accessed via public hiking trails, and no special skills are required, other than a willingness to learn and a desire to contribute to scientific knowledge. Volunteers can opt to receive in-person or virtual training on identifying pikas in the field. They will then choose survey sites, where they will scan the boulders for signs of movement while listening for the pika’s calls.

Sign up for training:

Select an in-person or virtual training. Refresher training is available for returning volunteers. 

• Thursday, May 14, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo

• Friday, May 15, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo

• Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

• Virtual Training (available now!)

• Refresher training (for returning volunteers)

Pika Watch gear: Shop now

Columbia Land Trust is hosting a volunteer stewardship event at our conserved Raistakka site in Wahkiakum County, Washington.

Raistakka is adjacent to the Grays River and the site of a potential restoration project. We will take a short walk through the lowland area, before heading to the site of an old gravel mine in the upland section of the property. 

Join CLT for a morning of land tending consisting of litter pickup and manual weed removal. We will be prioritizing the removal of Scotch broom and English holly which crowd out native vegetation and spread seed.

Sign up below! You will receive a confirmation email with event details and directions to our work site.

What to Expect: The event will begin at 9:30am with a quick orientation, followed by volunteer work from 10:00am until 12:30 pm. This activity involves manually removing litter and pulling weeds with gloves, shovels, and weed wrenches that Columbia Land Trust will provide.  

Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, snacks, work boots, and attire suitable for physical work outdoors. Supplemental water and some light snacks will be available. Restrooms are not available on site but can be accessed nearby at the gas station in Naselle. We plan to work rain or shine!  

Restoration Context: This site connects conserved lands along the first 4.5 river miles of the north bank of the Grays River. The restoration work we envision here would connect the Devil’s Elbow area (which was tidally reconnected 20 years ago) to a rare intact Sitka Spruce swamp called Secret River, which was also conserved by Columbia Land Trust.

For more information, please contact kpierson@columbialandtrust.org.

• Click here to register!

Help study and protect one of the Gorge’s squeakiest residents: the pika! Cascades Pika Watch engages volunteers to locate and map Oregon's pikas 

Pikas' particular habitat and temperature requirements make the species vulnerable to global warming trends — and of special interest to scientists studying the effects of climate change.

Cascades Pika Watch volunteers conduct 1-2 monthly sitting surveys to track and log pika presence in the Columbia River Gorge and across the region. Sites are accessed via public hiking trails, and no special skills are required, other than a willingness to learn and a desire to contribute to scientific knowledge. Volunteers can opt to receive in-person or virtual training on identifying pikas in the field. They will then choose survey sites, where they will scan the boulders for signs of movement while listening for the pika’s calls.

Sign up for training:

Select an in-person or virtual training. Refresher training is available for returning volunteers. 

• Thursday, May 14, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo

• Friday, May 15, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo

• Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

• Virtual Training (available now!)

• Refresher training (for returning volunteers)

Pika Watch gear: Shop now

Join the Washington Native Plant Society for a presentation by Adam Lieberg, the Natural Area Manager with Columbia Land Trust, to discuss managing forest fires in the Mt. Adams region.

At CLT, Adam primarily stewards natural areas in Klickitat and White Salmon watersheds. Adam is an expert wildlife tracker and a well-rounded field biologist and ecological forester.  Adam recently obtained his certified burn manager status with WA DNR and is passionate about restoring dry forests.

Columbia Land Trust stewards approximately 16,000 acres of conserved lands in the south Mt. Adams region.  A significant portion of these natural areas have been previously managed as industrial timberlands.  Historically, these lands were dominated by a variety of dry forest and woodland systems that experience frequent low severity fire.  Current forest conditions have departed from the historic range of variability in significant ways that pose threats to forest health, wildlife habitat, human communities and more.  In 2024-25, Columbia Land Trust’s stewardship staff compiled a variety of data from site visits, timber inventory, historic photos, WA DNR forest health models, and other data sets to prioritize forest restoration treatments over the next 10 years.

• Refreshments will be provided; please bring your water bottle for refilling to reduce waste.

• Bring a friend and your questions about fire!

• Upcoming meetings: Wednesday June 10 in Vancouver

Join the Washington Native Plant Society Suksdorfia Chapter for Upper Swale Creek Canyon hike (from Harms Road Trailhead)

Beginning from Harms Road the trail takes you into the heart of Swale Canyon, one of the most remote sections of the Klickitat Rail Trail.  Follow the banks of Swale Creek as it heads west through a wide, flat landscape to the narrower confines of Swale Canyon. Here the creek flows quietly between canyon rimrock and balsamroot-carpeted slopes to the cascading calls of canyon wrens. This beautiful trail is a wildflower paradise…camas, numerous varieties of desert-parsley, rabbitbrush, sedge, oak, elderberry and so much more.

• Moderate walking route, 5 miles roundtrip with 200’ elevation gain.  

• Meet at the Klickitat Trailhead in Lyle, WA at 8:30 a.m. and plan to caravan to the trailhead.  

• Trip is limited to 12 people.

• To sign up for the trip or for more information contact Kim Gilmer at gilmerno.1@gmail.com.

Please join us in visiting French’s farms in Lyle after the hike to check out their wonderful selection of native plants and homemade ice cream.

The Willard Springs Foot Trail is a 3.8-mile loop along the edge of the open marsh and into the pines.  Beginning at the refuge headquarters, it parallels the west shore of  Conboy Lake, with views across the lakebed and north to Mount Adams. 

The trail is mostly flat with a couple gentle grades on the return, but is not considered ADA accessible.  The different habitats along the trail provide a diverse variety of wildflower species.  In addition to the wildflowers, we may possibly see sandhill cranes, which nest in the refuge. 

• This is a joint hike with the Suksdorf Chapter of the WA Native Plant Society (WNPS) and the Portland Chapter (NPSO). 

• To sign up for the hike or for more info contact Ron Klump at klumpron@gmail.com 

From Recreation.gov: The refuge is a haven for plants and animals, supporting Washington's largest and healthiest populations of Oregon coyote-thistle, rosy owl-clover, Kellogg's rush, dwarf rush and long-bearded sego lily. A blend of oak, pine and aspen forests, wetlands, grassy prairies and streams supports a diverse and plentiful wildlife community. The rich habitat diversity sustains thriving populations of migrating waterfowl and songbirds. The rare Oregon spotted frog breeds in wetlands throughout the refuge. Elk are plentiful and frequently seen along refuge roads. And Conboy Lake supports the only breeding population of greater Sandhill cranes in Washington, around 25 pairs.

While the scenery and the plentiful, charismatic wildlife are what draw people in, visitors soon discover that Conboy Lake NWR offers hidden treats, esoteric gems that will keep them returning for years. Elk and deer may be the stars, but visitors soon learn about—and come to appreciate—Oregon spotted frogs, nesting greater Sandhill cranes and the variety of rare plants found on the refuge. A quiet place outside of hunting seasons, solitude is an easily found commodity and greatly appreciated by those coming from bustling metropolitan areas. As a national wildlife refuge, this living system will satisfy your longing for splendor and serenity, just as it did for the indigenous peoples, explorers, loggers and ranchers who were first drawn to the valley’s plentiful resources.

And history is an important part of Conboy Lake. Native Americans once depended on the area's plentiful resources; in fact, they still do, collecting plants for food and religious purposes. These same resources drew settlers to the area, arriving in the 1870s. One of the early homes, the Whitcomb-Cole Hewn Log House, still stands and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You are invited to stroll through the house and imagine the struggles these early settlers faced.

Join Kristin Currin and Missy Rohs on a morning plant walk at Sam’s Walker Day Use Area near Skamania, WA to learn about the wide variety of non-native invasive plants and their uses for foods and medicine.

The surge of interest in foraging and wildcrafting has brought people closer to nature, but has also had a negative impact on native plant populations in the Columbia Gorge. Increasing demand has led to unsustainable extraction of some of our region’s most important native species that were once protected by their obscurity. However, many local non-native plant species introduced to North America offer wonderful alternatives and their harvesting can help control the spread of invasive plants.

• This is a WA Native Plant Society sponsored event

• Easy 1.2 mile gravel walking trail with very little elevation gain.

• Meet at the Sam’s Walker Day Use Area Parking lot at 8:45 a.m.  

• A National Forest Pass is required for parking, or pay $5/day/vehicle at the trailhead.  

• Walk is limited to 12 people.

• Registration is required: to sign up, or for more information contact Kim Gilmer at gilmerno.1@gmail.com.  

ABOUT THE TOUR:

Kristin Currin is the coauthor of The Pacific Northwest Native Plant Primer  (Timber Press, 2023) and cofounder of Humble Roots Nursery in Mosier, Oregon.  Missy Rohs is a community herbalist and educator in Portland, Oregon and owner of the Arctos School of Herbal Studies, focusing on sustainable plant medicine, pragmatic skill-building, and community care.  

birdherspdx

Join us Saturday 5/2 for a birding walk at Kelley Point Park 9:30 am We’re back to summer hours 🌞

• All ages and experience levels encouraged!

• Park at the furthest parking lot and meet us nearby. We’ll be the smiling group of dorks with binoculars.

• Together, we’ll walk slowly about 1 mile on dirt and paved paths. This area is flat but bumpy in spots.

• Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours.

• The area is mostly shaded by large cottonwood trees but be prepared for sun and bring drinking water.

• There are accessible bathrooms and parking is free.

• This is an affinity space for non-binary, trans, and women people. Allow 2 ish hours.

• FREE, no registration, donations welcome.

• Please arrive on time and come as you are 💛

• Please reach out here or email birdhers@gmail with questions or accomodation needs.

This point is the confluence of two large rivers, the Willamette and Columbia. It is a significant place to Indigenous people.

📸: An Osprey sits on a branch of a snag overlooking the view

Join the Washington Native Plant Society Suksdorfia Chapter (SW WA) for a road trip to view A profusion of native plants awaits at the top of Stacker Butte.  

Walk a primitive road climbing to the top of the butte ridge-crest with stunning views of Mt. Adams to the north, Mt. Hood to the south, and the eastern Columbia River Gorge. Douglas’ buckwheat and many desert parsleys, Bitterroot, Sticky Penstemon, Frasera, and more.

• Moderate walking route 4.8 miles with 1200’ of elevation gain.  

• Meet at The Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead at Columbia Hills State Park at 9 a.m.  

• A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking.  

• Hike is limited to 12 people.

• To sign up for the hike or for more information contact Kim Gilmer at gilmerno.1@gmail.com.

• Please join us in visiting French’s farms in Lyle after the hike to check out their wonderful selection of native plants and homemade ice cream!

Join other volunteers at the annual Washington Coast Cleanup on April 25!

As a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, Washington State Parks teams up with Washington CoastSavers to put on three beach cleanups a year – and the Washington Coast Cleanup is coming up on April 25, 2026.  REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER HERE

Many other collaborating partners like Grassroots Garbage Gang, Port Townsend Marine Science Center and Surfrider Foundation help clean coastal beaches alongside State Parks. Volunteers come out yearly to remove several tons of marine debris from Washington’s Pacific Coast and Salish Sea. Beach cleanups allow family and friends to have fun and participate in a meaningful activity. 

Last year, volunteers picked up 13,203 pounds of trash during the Washington Coast Cleanup. Join us again this year on April 25, 2026 (time dependent on location and tidal differences). Registration info is available on the Washington CoastSavers website. 

The cleanup takes place at various locations along Washington’s Pacific Coast and Salish Sea, including eleven state parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Griffiths-Priday, Mystery Bay, Ocean City, Pacific Beach, Shine Tidelands and Twin Harbors.  

Please note that a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state-managed lands on April 25.

The harvesting of razor clams has been a long-standing tradition on the Long Beach Peninsula for many decades and has been the draw for many visitors to come west and explore the area while collecting their bounty of Pacific Razor Clams. It should be no surprise the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival has a long history.

Come enjoy the world's largest clam fritter cooked on the world's largest frying pan, with live music and vendors galore.  A celebration of everything clam, from free clam digging lessons to a chowder cookoff competition.

The Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) invites you to the annual Puffin Welcome Celebration at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach to celebrate the return of the tufted puffins to Haystack Rock for nesting season. This event offers a morning packed with educational activities, talks, and a chance to witness the beauty of these iconic sea birds. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious beachgoer, there is something for everyone. All activities and events are weather permitting.

Learn more about Puffins at the WA Department of Fish & Wildlife web page HERE.

Event Schedule for Saturday, April 18th 2026:

7:30-10:00 AM: Interpretation - Learn more about the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and Friends of Haystack Rock. Learn the best tips and tricks for spotting tufted puffins, scopes and binoculars will be provided (weather permitting). Grab a Tufted Puffin Workbook to learn all about our favorite circus. Take a break at our tidepools and explore with HRAP’s Rocky Shore Interpreters.

8:30-9:00 AM: Predator Game - Become a tufted puffin! Learn about some of the challenges our feather friends face through this interactive game.

9:00-9:15 AM: The Wild World of Puffins - Join us for a 15-minute discussion on tufted puffins! (Available on Instagram and Facebook live)

Be Ocean Tide aware and keep safe

(Tide Chart Source: TidePro):

The harvesting of razor clams has been a long-standing tradition on the Long Beach Peninsula for many decades and has been the draw for many visitors to come west and explore the area while collecting their bounty of Pacific Razor Clams. It should be no surprise the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival has a long history.

Come enjoy the world's largest clam fritter cooked on the world's largest frying pan, with live music and vendors galore.  A celebration of everything clam, from free clam digging lessons to a chowder cookoff competition.

Join the Forever Young Hikers for a trip to the scenic White Salmon Weldon Wagon Road hike!

This hike is rated Moderate, 5 miles with 1200ft. elevation gain.

How to Join:

1. Check the City of Vancouver's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services website for upcoming orientations.

2. Get your customer account barcode to unlock registration for other hikes. 

3. Registration required HERE

The "Forever Young Hikers" in Vancouver, WA, is a popular City of Vancouver program for adults 50 and better, offering guided hikes of varying difficulty (easy to difficult) led by volunteers to keep seniors active and exploring local trails; participants need to complete a mandatory orientation and qualifier hike before joining. It's part of the city's broader "50 and Better" recreation activities, featuring trailheads throughout the region for outdoor adventure. 

• Adults aged 50 and over.

• Hikes are rated by difficulty (miles, elevation gain) and led by trained volunteers.

• Orientation Required: New members must attend an orientation and pass a qualifier hike (easy pace, specific distance/time) to prove readiness and get registered.

• Logistics: Hikes typically meet at trailheads, and transportation isn't provided for most, though older Monday hikes might have van service from the Luepke Center.

• Volunteer-Led: Relies on volunteer guides and drivers for its success. 

Read about the program: Hikers take to trails to help stay 'Forever Young' - The Columbian

Relying on simple recipes, fresh ingredients, easy techniques, and the most basic equipment, you can create wonderful hearty camp meals that will become lifelong favorites.

Outdoor cooking doesn’t need to be elaborate to be fantastic, nor does it have to rely on processed, canned, or freeze-dried ingredients. A few good ingredients, simply prepared, can always make a delicious meal—even with only one main cooking vessel: the Dutch oven. Made of cast iron, a Dutch oven is incredibly durable, conducts heat beautifully, and is versatile enough to cook just about everything.

Join Washington Outdoor Women for this spring workshop at the Camp River Ranch, 33300 NE 32nd St., Carnation, WA

• REGISTRANTS: 18yrs and older

• REGISTRATION FEE: $95

• REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 5th

This one-day workshop will cover the following:

• The history of cooking with Dutch ovens, types, and why it is great for camping,

• How to use a Dutch oven in various ways: to bake, stew, use as a fryer, smoker, etc…

• How to prep a fire and start coals,

• Dishwashing at camp, storing and transporting,

• Other essential equipment, how to set up a camp kitchen and make a camp cooking kit,

• How to adapt recipes and various heat sources,

• Safety, seasoning and care,

• Camping hacks and more…..

Learn more and registration HERE.

confluencenw

Confluence is excited to host a one-day cultural camp for Native youth ages 13–17 at the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation’s Center for Native Arts and Cultures.

This single-day, immersive educational experience camp is structured to introduce participants to the history, arts along with environmental stewardship, central to the Yakama peoples.

This event will be held at the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation – Center for Native Arts and Cultures and will be limited to 25 participants, allowing for an intensive, but thoughtful learning space.

This camp will offer the following:

• Basic Weaving Workshop: A hands-on session where youth complete a tangible weaving project to introduce fundamental techniques and material history.

• Lunch & Storytelling Circle: A shared meal followed by a traditional narrative emphasizing the importance of oral traditions.

• The Salmon: An interactive discussion focusing on the cultural and ecological significance of local rivers, salmon, and traditional fishing practices, teaching responsible environmental stewardship.

There will be ample activities at this camp to foster creativity and culture sharing.

The camp is free and open to Native-identifying youth ages 13–17, with space for 25 participants. Registration is now open - apply HERE!

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

Join the Clark County Master Gardeners for our first tour of 2026. Sit back and enjoy visits to three nurseries or farms.

“Spring Fever”. “Fiebre de primavera.” “Varfeber”. ” Fievre du printemps.” Noun – A feeling of restlessness and excitement felt at the beginning of spring. Are you restless on those rainy days you’re stuck in the house perusing seed catalogs? Excited at the prospect of planting new things and getting your hands dirty in your garden?

Meet in the parking lot of the 78th Street Heritage Farm at 8:15am to board our vans for a tour of some Portland locations to help ease the transition into our next gardening season.

• Our first stop will be Garden Fever where we will be treated to talk on what’s new and what’s tried and true for 2026.

• Our next stop will be a Portland staple – Portland Nursery – to get more info on great things for our gardens. There will be ample time at both locations to pick out your new favorite plant.

• Next, we will break for lunch at McMenamins Cedar Hills Pub. They have a menu featuring sandwiches, salads and burgers. Lunch is on your own.

• At our final stop of the day, Deby Barnhart of Cornell Farm will speak to the group about plant diversity. There will be time for shopping.

• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat and wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress for weather. Bring a walking stick if necessary.

LOCATION: Hazel Dell Neighborhood, address at registration. No admission without registration.

COST: $35 plus tax and fees

REGISTRATION REQUIRED by March 17th: Click here

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu.

Read about all Master Gardener upcoming events

Join the Friends of Columbia Gorge for a much needed trash pick-up and stream clean day at St. Cloud!

We will be walking the site on and off trail, fill trash bags and give this area extra care as spring sets in. Read more about St. Cloud Trail HERE

Site notes: There is a USFS vault toilet in the parking area.

Before you register, please: Click HERE to read our Liability Waiver - You will be asked to check a box acknowledging you read waiver during registration.

Registration is required HERE.

Accessibility & Physical description: We will be using trash pickers and our gloved hands to remove litter. Expect walking off trail in flat, lumpy terrain, bending, kneeling, possibly crossing a shallow stream. Have accessibility questions? Reply to your registration email to confirm your requirements or request more information.

Learn more about this and other upcoming events at:

• Friends of the Columbia Gorge

• Phone: 503-241-3762

• Email: info@gorgefriends.org

Friends of the Columbia Gorge: Friends led the effort to create the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area over 40 years ago. We’ve been working ever since to safeguard the Gorge and ensure its natural wonders will be preserved for future generations.

A New Tree Walk Map is Taking Root in White Salmon

White Salmon’s landscape is defined by dramatic views, vibrant neighborhoods, and an delightful diversity of trees. Now, a new community project is inviting residents and visitors to experience those trees in a whole new way.

The White Salmon Tree Board is developing a Tree Walk Map, a self-guided route highlighting notable trees throughout town. A first draft of the map will be available for public input at TreeFest on March 21, 2026 at Rheingarten Park in downtown White Salmon.

Spring in the Gorge means wildflowers, longer days, and TreeFest.

Hosted by the Underwood Conservation District (UCD), TreeFest is the lively, in-person celebration that culminates the annual Native Plant Sale. It’s part plant pickup, part community gathering, and entirely rooted in conservation.

TreeFest takes place March 21, 2026 at Rheingarten Park in downtown White Salmon.

For those new to UCD, TreeFest offers a welcoming introduction to the organization’s mission and impact.

“The native plant sale brings the community together to celebrate the beauty and importance of native plants,” says Corrie Podolak of Underwood Conservation District. “Native plants help with water quality, soil stability, support wildlife, and are adapted to our ecoregion. Some native plants in our area are also adapted to periodic fire.”

Why Native Plants Matter in the Columbia Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the Pacific Northwest. Its dramatic shifts in elevation, rainfall, and microclimates create a mosaic of plant communities found almost nowhere else.

“The Columbia Gorge is rich with native plant varieties that are ecologically unique,” Podolak explains. “Many species exist nowhere else or in very limited ranges. When we plant native plants we are matching species to the microclimates that shaped them over thousands of years.”

By choosing native plants, residents aren’t just landscaping — they’re participating in long-term ecosystem stewardship.

What to Expect at TreeFest

TreeFest is where online Native Plant Sale customers pick up their pre-ordered seedlings — but it’s much more than a pickup day.

Attendees can expect:

• Inexpensive bare-root native plants

• The opportunity to purchase single plants (even without an online order)

• Informational partner booths with valuable resources

• Music and a food cart

• Family-friendly activities

• A welcoming community of native plant lovers

“TreeFest brings UCD staff and partners all together in one friendly place,” says Podolak. “We believe conservation thrives in community—when we gather, share ideas, and inspire one another to take action.”

Even if you didn’t place an online order, you’re encouraged to attend. Everyone is welcome — and you can still shop the walk-up plant selection.

A Festival for the Whole Family

TreeFest is designed to be accessible and engaging for all ages. With music, food, partner organizations, games, and hands-on learning opportunities, it’s as much about community connection as it is about conservation.

The in-person gathering is intentional.

“It’s so much fun to see a tree grow year after year from a tiny seedling,” Podolak shares. “Planting trees is a rewarding experience that fosters hope for a greener future.”

That sense of hope — and shared action — is what makes TreeFest special each year.

Curious About Native Plants? Start Here.

If you’ve been thinking about incorporating native plants into your yard or property but haven’t taken the first step, TreeFest is the perfect place to begin.

“There are so many resources available,” Podolak says. “Start with our website and order native plants!”

UCD staff will be available to answer questions, provide guidance, and connect residents with additional educational resources and technical assistance. To stay connected after the event, community members are encouraged to sign up for the Underwood Conservation District newsletter.

TreeFest is more than a plant sale — it’s a celebration of stewardship, resilience, and the shared landscapes that define life in the Columbia Gorge.

Mark your calendar for March 21, 2026 at Rheingarten Park and come plant something that will grow for years to come.

Join the Friends of Columbia Gorge for monthly stewardship Saturdays at Sams Walker!

At our March event we will be planting small woodland strawberries and then switch to removing English ivy and herb Robert in the restoration areas! As we hike to the project area we'll tour the oak and pollinator meadow restoration efforts from the past five years, talk about successes and challenges and look for the first wildflowers of the season! If you haven't stewarded at Sams Walker, this is a must do!

Join us Learn more about the mosaic of habitats at Sams Walker Day Use Area HERE.

This event is family friendly and appropriate for ages 6 and up. To help with staff capacity, we kindly ask that parents help engage their child in the project.

Before you register, please: Click HERE to read our Liability Waiver - You will be asked to check a box acknowledging you read waiver during registration.

This project is in partnership with Center for Ecodynamic Restoration, Clark College Native Plant Center and U.S. Forest Service.

Physical description: expect walking along a flat packed gravel path and in flat grassy fields, bending, digging, planting. The planting site is about a 0.25 mile walk from the parking area. Mainly flat ground.

Have accessibility questions? Reply to your registration email to confirm your requirements or request more information.

Amenities: There is a USFS vault toilet in the parking area.

Registration required HERE

Learn more about this and other upcoming events at:

• Friends of the Columbia Gorge

• Phone: 503-241-3762

• Email: info@gorgefriends.org

Friends of the Columbia Gorge: Friends led the effort to create the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area over 40 years ago. We’ve been working ever since to safeguard the Gorge and ensure its natural wonders will be preserved for future generations.