Join the Vancouver Audubon Society’s monthly meeting with a guest speaker program: The Three B’s of the Backyard: Birds, Bees, and Bats

Speaker Brandon Burger, Backyard Bird Shop Vancouver

Brandon Burger is a wildlife enthusiast and lifelong conservationist with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Eastern Washington University, focusing on mammalogy, botany, and ornithology. He has worked at Backyard Bird Shop for 10 years.

• 6:30 pm – 6:45 pm - Social time, share bird sightings.

• 6:45 pm – 7:00 pm - Announcements

• 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm - Program

VAS Programs are held the first Tuesday of the month except Jan, July, & August. All are welcome, we hope you will join us!

Contact our Program Chair for more information at meetings@vancouveraudubon.org. Have ideas for a speaker? Please send all topic, speaker, and program suggestions to the above address.

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs staff and volunteers from our Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of litter cleanup along the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail.

• Volunteers will meet at the Parkrose Hardware parking lot at 8000 E. Mill Plain Blvd. to sign in with the volunteer leader, receive tools and split up into groups to walk the trail.

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

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

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

• Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is wheelchair accessible, and work is primarily done on a quiet trail with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds. For mulching projects, volunteers may be shoveling, twisting and turning, and pushing wheelbarrows. For invasive removal projects, volunteers may be kneeling, pulling, and twisting as well as possibly lifting plants overhead to load into a dumpster. For litter cleanups, volunteers may need to carry up to 10 pounds and use a handheld litter grabber. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

• Advance registration is required. RSVP today!

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Registration required

Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 75-minute walking tour will take you behind the scenes of what happens to all the water that goes down the drains in your home, school, or business.  From a flush, to laundry, to washing dishes, all the water we use goes into underground pipes and to a treatment plant to be cleaned. Learn how to care for our water and our utilities in this unique tour.

Tour is suitable for ages 8 and older.  Closed-toed shoes required for all tour participants. Expect to walk 0.75 on paved surfaces. Participants will encounter several stairways during the tour of this facility and will need to be able to traverse multiple staircases.

Meet at the Marine Park Engineering building, next door to the Water Resources Education Center.  Detailed logistics will be sent to registered participants.

Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boat paddling but didn't know where to start? You've found the place!

Join the exciting sport that is growing in the United States and is especially big in the Pacific Northwest.

Ridgefield Dragon Boat community paddling is your opportunity to join a fun, team oriented activity at no cost from June 20 through October 4. Paddlers must be 14 years of age or older to participate. No experience is needed.

In 2023, a new recreational activity for those who want to enjoy the water was launched by the City of Ridgefield with the help of dedicated volunteers. Dragon boating is a fun-filled, adrenaline pumping, water sports activity.

The City’s Program includes an opportunity to experience dragon boating with a community paddle. Community Paddles are open to anyone 14 years or older who is interested in paddling a Kaohsiung dragon boat on Lake River. No experience is necessary and an evening paddle is free.

Regular Season: June 20 - October 4
Weekly Paddles held on Fridays* at 6:30 PM.
*No paddle on July 4

Location:
Ridgefield Waterfront

Fee: FREE! Registration required, spots fill quickly!
Sign up for all community events on Meetup

No experience is needed and equipment is provided.

Join Vancouver Audubon Society’s naturalist Ron Escano - for a birding walk at our local national wildlife refuge in Ridgefield!

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

• Upcoming walks meet at the Carty Unit of the Refuge and are limited to 12 people.

• These generally last two to three hours but you are welcome to stay as long or short as works for you.

• Walks are free but the $3 refuge daily parking fee does apply.

• For more information about the fee and rules of the refuge click here.

The wall on Northeast 117th Street at I-5, across from Salmon Creek, in Vancouver, WA, is getting a fresh mural to cover graffiti !

Mural painters will add fish, native to the creek, swimming upstream. We need volunteers to help with a variety of tasks to support the painting team.

Volunteer duties may include setup, cleanup, organizing supplies, monitoring stations, helping with hydration and hauling materials.

Sign up here:

Saturday, September 6

Sunday, September 7

Saturday, September 13

Sunday, September 14

• Shifts available throughout the day.

• Volunteers must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Work will take place near a busy road. Expect to walk up and down the elevated section of 117th Street multiple times throughout shifts.

• Check In Location: Klineline Regional Park - 1112 NE 117th Street Vancouver, WA  

• What to Wear: Please wear closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. 

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

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

• Project Description: A variety of non painting tasks to assist the Salmon Creek Mural painters

• Participant Eligibility: Only volunteers18 years of age or older may volunteer for this project.

Before attending the volunteer event, prior registration is required, please complete the form below. Liability release forms will be emailed to each volunteer prior to the event. 

Volunteers are invited to help with a litter pick-up along the Columbia River at Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park!

Join the Watershed Alliance of SW WA team to clean up our local beaches!

• Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the weather, including sun protection, rain coat, etc.

• Please bring your own snacks and water.

• Restrooms are available on site near the parking lots.

• Note that there is a parking fee at Clark County Parks. Buy an annual pass for $30 or daily fee of $3.

• Accessibility: note that the parking lots and main pathways are paved and accessible to wheeled devices. There is one paved path to the beach from the south parking lot area, past the picnic shelter. The beach has sandy slopes and various access due to water levels.

 Register Here

Thank you to our August Leading Sponsor, ERSM.

Support for Clean the Beaches for All was provided by the Columbia River Fund, a grantmaking fund created by Columbia Riverkeeper and administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment.

***

Actividad: Limpieza de playa en Frenchman’s Bar

Cuándo: Sábado, 6 de Septiembre 9:00 – 11:30

Dónde: Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park, 9612 NW Lower River Rd, Vancouver, WA 98660

Qué llevar: Favor de usar zapato cerrado y vestir de acuerdo al clima. Traer su propia agua y alimento.

Hay baños disponibles cerca de los estacionamientos.

Tenga en cuenta que el estacionamiento en los Parques del Condado de Clark tiene una tarifa. Compre un pase anual de $30 o una tarifa diaria de $3.

Accesibilidad: Tenga en cuenta que los estacionamientos y los senderos principales están pavimentados y son accesibles para vehículos con ruedas. Hay un sendero pavimentado a la playa desde el estacionamiento sur, pasando el refugio para picnic. La playa tiene pendientes arenosas y diversos accesos debido al nivel del agua.

 Registrate Aquí

 ¡Gracias ERSM, nuestro principal patrocinador de Septiembre! El apoyo para Clean the Beaches for All (Limpiemos las Playas para Todos) fue proporcionado por Columbia River Fund, un fondo de subvenciones creado por Columbia Riverkeeper y administrado por la Rose Foundation para Comunidades y Medio Ambiente.

Wind River Arboretum is a gem of a historical arboretum that has been largely abandoned to time.

This year, the Washington Trails Association continues a joint effort with the Forest Service and the Wind River Trust to help restore this wonderful place.

About the Area: The Wind River Arboretum was established in 1912, which makes it the oldest arboretum in the Northwest. Though it was established as a means to test which trees could be most successfully commercially grown in the area, it is now a wonderous hodgepodge of native and exotic species. Next door are the Wind River Historic District and the Wind River Nursery, and at the trailhead is an impressive round cut from the largest recorded Douglas-fir tree. Nearby, you can access the Whistle Punk trail, Bunker Hill, and the PCT.

What to Expect: We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary. Register HERE.

Project Description: This work party will primarily focus on brushing back the Arboretum's many short trails. You may also use digging tools to create a smooth walking surface. This is a great introduction to trail work, or a sweet work party for those of you who want to work in the morning and explore the area in the afternoon!

Hiking Information: Expect to hike no more than 1 mi total, on mostly flat terrain.

Schedule

• 8:55 AM: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine

• 9:00 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site

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

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

• 1:00 PM: The end! Enjoy some lunch in nearby Carson, or spend the rest of the day exploring the area!

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

Planning Information - Get ready for a great day outside!

What it Takes to Do This Work Party:

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

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

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

What to Wear - Required:

• Sturdy closed-toe shoes

• Work gloves

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

• Long pants

Recommended:

• Sturdy work or hiking boots

• Long sleeved shirt

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

What to Bring

• Lunch and plenty of water

• Rain jacket and pants

• Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather

• A pack to carry your personal gear

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

Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

• Frequently Asked Questions

• WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do

• Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs staff and volunteers from our Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of invasive plant removal.

We will be removing ivy with a focus on the trees.

Advance registration is required and space is limited. RSVP today!

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

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

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

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

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Climb Mount St. Helens With Us! Embark on a remarkable single-day non-technical scramble to the summit of Mount St. Helens with our professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards.

These hikes are carefully designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic active Cascade volcanoes. Our knowledgeable and experienced guide teams will enrich your experience with insights into the area's natural and cultural history as well as expert technical advice on outdoor equipment, attire and techniques.

For detailed information, visit our summit climbs program description.

Register today!

Minimum Age: 10. If your climber is younger, contact us to discuss.

• Maximum Group Size: 10

• Permits: Fee includes a climbing permit.

• Duration: 6:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM

• Classic Summit Climb Cost: $288 / person.

• Summit with a Geologist: $298 / person.

Summer route: July - September

• Distance: 8.5 miles (13.6 km) round-trip

• Elevation gain: 4,500 ft (1371 m)

• Location: Climber's Bivouac

MSHI strongly recommends that you conduct training hikes or routines before you climb Mount St. Helens. Your fitness will be the best indicator of your enjoyment of the experience and your success on the climb. See MSHI suggested training hikes.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to guided adventures waitlist to know if space becomes available.

The wall on Northeast 117th Street at I-5, across from Salmon Creek, in Vancouver, WA, is getting a fresh mural to cover graffiti !

Mural painters will add fish, native to the creek, swimming upstream. We need volunteers to help with a variety of tasks to support the painting team.

Volunteer duties may include setup, cleanup, organizing supplies, monitoring stations, helping with hydration and hauling materials.

Sign up here:

Sunday, September 7

Saturday, September 13

Sunday, September 14

• Shifts available throughout the day.

• Volunteers must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Work will take place near a busy road. Expect to walk up and down the elevated section of 117th Street multiple times throughout shifts.

• Check In Location: Klineline Regional Park - 1112 NE 117th Street Vancouver, WA  

• What to Wear: Please wear closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. 

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

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

• Project Description: A variety of non painting tasks to assist the Salmon Creek Mural painters

• Participant Eligibility: Only volunteers18 years of age or older may volunteer for this project.

Before attending the volunteer event, prior registration is required, please complete the form below. Liability release forms will be emailed to each volunteer prior to the event. 

Explore Vancouver Lake in the evening, as the sun fades into the western sky and birds settle to roost along the water’s edge.

This family friendly paddle trip is led by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center aboard 29-foot, 14-passenger Big Canoes!  Glide past shore birds, look for signs of beaver activity, and learn about the Columbia River ecosystem from seasoned paddle guides and educators.

What to know before registering:

• Plan to paddle for 1.5 hours in Estuary Partnership’s Big Canoes along with other participants

• Walk under 1/4 of a mile on gravel, muddy/sandy beaches, and uneven terrain.

• Paddlers must be able to step down 2.5 feet into the canoe and sit on a wooden bench without back support for the duration of the paddle program.

• Big Canoe paddles are suitable for ages 6 and older.

• Previous paddling experience is not required!

• *In an effort to provide opportunities for new participants and paddlers, our program encourages that you sign up for only one paddle trip per year*

Advanced registration is required, and space is limited. Sign up today!

You will receive a confirmation letter with full event details, meeting location, and how to prepare for your event after registration.

If you need to cancel, please do so at your earliest convenience to allow your spot to be filled by someone on the waitlist.

If the event becomes full, please contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111 to add your name to the waitlist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can paddle?

• Big Canoe trips are suitable for ages 6 and older.

• Previous paddling experience is not necessary.

• Paddlers must step down 2.5 feet into the canoe and sit on a wooden bench without back support for 1.5 hours.

Do I need any equipment or special gear?

• Please come prepared for the weather with raingear or a hat and sunscreen/sun protection.

• Personal flotation devices (PFD’s) in youth – XXL are provided.

• This paddle trip will depart from a small sand patch and not a dock so waterproof shoes or sandals are recommended. Old tennis shoes work great, too.

Can I bring my camera or cell phone?

• Yes. Be advised that we cannot guarantee the safety of electronic devices and do not offer dry bags. Occasional splashes and rain make the bottom of the boat wet, but typically gear in a pocket will stay dry.

How safe are paddle trips?

• Safety is always our first priority. Our guides are trained in on-water rescue, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid.

• Water activities carry inherent risk; guides take precautions to ensure a safe paddling experience.

• See our safety protocols or contact us for more information.

Questions?  Contact the Water Resources Education Center at 360-487-7111 or email vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us   

Volunteers are invited to join the staff and community members to participate in the Beach Clean-Up at Wintler Park!

Situated on the bank of the Columbia River, this 12.5-acre beach park has picnic tables, paved walkways and a restroom.

• Please dress for the weather, including sun protection, close-toed shoes, rain coat, etc.

• Bring your own snacks and water.

• Register Here

• Accessibility: Parking and main pathways are paved and accessible to wheeled devices (strollers, walkers, wagons, etc.). The beach area is sandy and may include rocks, roots and other natural materials

• Parking fees are required at Wintler Community Park from May 1 – Sept. 30. The daily parking fee is $6 per vehicle. You can pay the parking fee through the Parking Kitty app or mobile pay website. For information about parking with a placard or special license plate, please visit the City of Vancouver’s Disabled Parking webpage.

Thank you to our August Supporting Sponsor, Jacobs.

Support for Clean the Beaches for All was provided by the Columbia River Fund, a grantmaking fund created by Columbia Riverkeeper and administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment.

***

Actividad: Limpieza de playa en Wintler Park

Cuándo: Miércoles, 6 de Agosto 9:00 – 11:30

Dónde: Wintler Park, 6400 SE Beach Dr., Vancouver, WA 98661

Qué llevar:  Favor de usar pantalón largo, zapato cerrado y vestir de acuerdo al clima. Traer su propia agua y alimento.

 Registrate Aquí

 ¡Gracias Jacobs por patrocinar el apoyo de Agosto! El apoyo para Clean the Beaches for All (Limpiemos las Playas para Todos) fue proporcionado por Columbia River Fund, un fondo de subvenciones creado por Columbia Riverkeeper y administrado por la Rose Foundation para Comunidades y Medio Ambiente.

While our PNW winters are considered mild, there are still winterizing tasks to be completed in the fall to ensure spring success in our gardens.

Join WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener, Dot O'Very for a presentation on basic winterizing tips for vegetable and ornamental gardens of any size. Participants will leave with a personalized winterizing checklist.

Check out all the Master Gardener programs happening at FVRLibraries.

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.

The forests of the Northwest have adapted to periodic fires over thousands of years.

We have seen more frequent, larger, and hotter wildfires in recent years. How did this happen, and what can we do about it?

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library presents Rebecca Lexa, author of The Everyday Naturalist.

This event is available in-person and online. If attending virtually, click on the following link at the time of the event: https://meet.google.com/snh-cwrj-cbd. Or dial: ‪(US) +1 262-394-3203‬ PIN: ‪972 689 633‬#

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.

___________________

About The Everyday Naturalist. . .

If you've ever consulted a field guide to identify a new bird at your feeder, you know the process isn't as easy as it sounds. In fact, it seems like you have to know a lot about that mystery bird to even figure out where to start.

The Everyday Naturalist fills in the gaps by explaining what traits to pay attention to when encountering a new species; how and when to use field guides, apps, and other resources; what to do if you get stuck; and more. Rather than focusing on one region or continent, these skills and tools are designed to help you classify nature anywhere you are—whether on familiar territory, traveling, or in a new home.

In chapters about animals, plants, fungi, and organisms like lichens and slime molds, naturalist and guide Rebecca Lexa goes into detail about what sets each of these kingdoms apart from each other—from color, shape, and texture to reproductive characteristics, behavior, and habitat—and includes more than forty full-color photos and drawings to illustrate key points. She also provides detailed case studies to demonstrate how to use all of these traits to identify specimens across multiple kingdoms.

This easy-to-follow guide empowers you to learn more about the species around you, then use what you know to preserve the world you love. And at a time when biodiversity is imperiled worldwide, nature needs more advocates than ever.

Praise for The Everyday Naturalist. . .

"A thorough, easy-to-follow guide to wildlife identification techniques for amateur naturalists seeking to better understand and identify the biodiversity around them."
—Library Journal

Rebecca Lexa is a certified Oregon Master Naturalist, registered Oregon Outfitter Guide, and a writer and educator in the Pacific Northwest. She has a master's degree in counseling psychology with a certificate in ecopsychology, the psychology of how we connect to the natural world. She specializes in helping everyday people learn skills and tools for identifying the animals, plants, and fungi around them and gaining a deeper relationship with nature.

If you pay attention, you can tell time by the forest canopy—twigs and seeds, branches and leaves marking seasons with color, fullness, sway.  – Abby Braithwaite, A Portrait of the Artist as a Crone Tree. 

Canopy Time walks are mostly monthly walks/rolls/rides on Plas Newydd Farm. Hosted by Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan (and some surprise guests), these adventures give us the chance to explore some of the most beautiful places on the farm, and provide a deeper opportunity to feel the rhythms of the land, observe the comings and goings of migratory birds, watch the bud and bloom of native and invasive plants, swat mosquitoes, and dodge raindrops! 

Part nature journaling, part phenological record-keeping, these explorations are a great way to spend more time out on the land than some of our workshops allow. 

Bring your journal, your sketchbook, your camera and your senses. 

Suggested Donation of $10 collected on the farm.

Registration is required HERE

We’ll take cash, check, Venmo or a smile, if cost is a barrier! 

Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boat paddling but didn't know where to start? You've found the place!

Join the exciting sport that is growing in the United States and is especially big in the Pacific Northwest.

Ridgefield Dragon Boat community paddling is your opportunity to join a fun, team oriented activity at no cost from June 20 through October 4. Paddlers must be 14 years of age or older to participate. No experience is needed.

In 2023, a new recreational activity for those who want to enjoy the water was launched by the City of Ridgefield with the help of dedicated volunteers. Dragon boating is a fun-filled, adrenaline pumping, water sports activity.

The City’s Program includes an opportunity to experience dragon boating with a community paddle. Community Paddles are open to anyone 14 years or older who is interested in paddling a Kaohsiung dragon boat on Lake River. No experience is necessary and an evening paddle is free.

Regular Season: June 20 - October 4
Weekly Paddles held on Fridays* at 6:30 PM.
*No paddle on July 4

Location:
Ridgefield Waterfront

Fee: FREE! Registration required, spots fill quickly!
Sign up for all community events on Meetup

No experience is needed and equipment is provided.

Climb Mount St. Helens With Us! Embark on a remarkable single-day non-technical scramble to the summit of Mount St. Helens with our professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards.

These hikes are carefully designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic active Cascade volcanoes. Our knowledgeable and experienced guide teams will enrich your experience with insights into the area's natural and cultural history as well as expert technical advice on outdoor equipment, attire and techniques.

For detailed information, visit our summit climbs program description.

Register today!

Minimum Age: 10. If your climber is younger, contact us to discuss.

• Maximum Group Size: 10

• Permits: Fee includes a climbing permit.

• Duration: 6:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM

• Classic Summit Climb Cost: $288 / person.

• Summit with a Geologist: $298 / person.

Summer route: July - September

• Distance: 8.5 miles (13.6 km) round-trip

• Elevation gain: 4,500 ft (1371 m)

• Location: Climber's Bivouac

MSHI strongly recommends that you conduct training hikes or routines before you climb Mount St. Helens. Your fitness will be the best indicator of your enjoyment of the experience and your success on the climb. See MSHI suggested training hikes.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to guided adventures waitlist to know if space becomes available.

Join Vancouver Audubon Society’s naturalist Robert Vanderkamp for a birding walk at our local national wildlife refuge in Ridgefield!

• Upcoming walks meet at the Carty Unit of the Refuge and are limited to 12 people.

• These generally last two to three hours but you are welcome to stay as long or short as works for you.

• Walks are free but the $3 refuge daily parking fee does apply.

• For more information about the fee and rules of the refuge click here.

The wall on Northeast 117th Street at I-5, across from Salmon Creek, in Vancouver, WA, is getting a fresh mural to cover graffiti !

Mural painters will add fish, native to the creek, swimming upstream. We need volunteers to help with a variety of tasks to support the painting team.

Volunteer duties may include setup, cleanup, organizing supplies, monitoring stations, helping with hydration and hauling materials.

Sign up here:

Saturday, September 13

Sunday, September 14

• Shifts available throughout the day.

• Volunteers must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Work will take place near a busy road. Expect to walk up and down the elevated section of 117th Street multiple times throughout shifts.

• Check In Location: Klineline Regional Park - 1112 NE 117th Street Vancouver, WA  

• What to Wear: Please wear closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. 

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

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

• Project Description: A variety of non painting tasks to assist the Salmon Creek Mural painters

• Participant Eligibility: Only volunteers18 years of age or older may volunteer for this project.

Before attending the volunteer event, prior registration is required, please complete the form below. Liability release forms will be emailed to each volunteer prior to the event. 

Help expand the Hough Elementary school learning gardens at the fall community work party!

With support from the Hough Foundation, the school is ready to expand their school garden to more raised beds for outdoor, hands-on learning, right outside their classroom windows.

Join us for a community weekend work party as we prepare the space for our new student garden. Together, we will roil up our sleeves to level the ground and clear out the weeds in preparation for installing raised garden beds for a thriving future.

• Dates: Saturday, September 13 and Sunday September 14

• What to bring: Garden Gloves, Water Bottle and Helping Hands

• Please email Jill Campbell for more information,

  jcampbell@houghfoundation.org 360-901-0132

• No experience necessary and all are welcome. Children need to be accompanied by adults at all times.

  What are the Hough Elementary Learning Gardens?

  Learn more: Students have the opportunity to dig, plant, explore and create with outdoor inspiration. Under the guidance of a professional Horticultural Therapist, wee will use monthly themes (ie: September~ leaves, October~ pumpkins, bringing in studies on birds, wildlife etc.) all while caring for the Hough gardens. Open to 1st-5th grade students, 1 day a week. Directed by Mandi Atkinson. Thursdays 2:30-4pm or Fridays 2:30-4pm

  Check out this video to learn more and see this amazing program in action:

  https://houghfoundation.org/gallery/horticulture-garden-club/

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs department and our Naturespaces volunteers for a morning of removing invasive plants.

Registration is required. Sign up today!

Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided. This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is not wheelchair accessible, and work is primarily done in a quiet natural area with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds. For mulching projects, volunteers may be shoveling, twisting and turning, and pushing wheelbarrows. For invasive removal projects, volunteers may be kneeling, pulling, and twisting as well as possibly lifting plants overhead to load into a dumpster. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is already closed and you still want to register, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Support your local arboretum near the shores of the Columbia River, just south of Evergreen Hwy.!

Generally, E. Jane Weber Arboretum volunteers work on an area that is special to them or they just see a need to spruce things up. Monthly, we have our Second Saturday Work Party from 9am to noon. We often work on bigger projects and refreshments are always served.

The Stanger House is an historic home on the property that has a work crew that meets Friday mornings from 9am to noon. This can include carpentry or electrical work or general non-skilled tasks. Refreshments provided.

Our volunteers show up rain or shine. Extreme weather can cancel plans.

Overview

The E. Jane Weber Arboretum is devoted to preserving this treasured natural resource and historic site in honor of Dr. Vinson and E. Jane Weber, who dedicated their homestead and lovely botanical garden to being a learning experience and inspiration – a legacy for others to cherish. To fulfill their dream, an entity was set up to oversee the arboretum and subsequently a non-profit to manage, protect and enhance this revered property along the Columbia River with outreach to the community, offering education and related activities that will be a shared commitment to the vision and purpose of the E. Jane Weber Arboretum.

For more information, email us at weberarboretum@gmail.com

Hours for Public Access:
Open Daily from Dawn to Dusk

Learn more about the property and features at www.ejaneweberarboretum.org/

Join Water Center staff outdoors to help keep our Backyard Habitat Certified gardens in tip-top shape.

Volunteer activities may include weeding, mulching, trimming and raking pathways. All necessary tools will be provided.

Registration is required. Sign up today!

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

Accessibility note: Work will be on natural surfaces such as soil/lawn and near plantings. This may include uneven ground, roots and other small objects.

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

You're invited! Join us for our Fire, Fungi, and Other Community Builders Nature Day at Columbia Springs.

A day of hands-on science and nature experiences exploring community builders at Columbia Springs.

• This event is designed to be engaging for people of all ages – from preschool age kids to elementary, middle, and high school students, and adults.

• All ages and backgrounds are welcome. Just bring your curiosity and be prepared for some nature fun!

• Drop by when it works for you. No RSVP required!

• Accessibility: The parking lot and pathways throughout the main campus are paved. Nature trails consist of natural surfacing (i.e. dirt, boardwalks, etc.) with some roots and rocks.

• Questions? Email events@columbiasprings.org.

Join a WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener for a guided tour of the 78th Street Heritage Farm. Stroll the property with a knowledgeable docent and learn about the property’s storied history and its current role in horticulture education, agricultural research, food security and community enrichment.

In 1924, if your family couldn’t pay its bills, what happened? You might have been sent to “the poor farm.”

That historic “poor farm” in Clark County is now the 78th Street Heritage Farm. It is home to demonstration gardens of the Master Gardeners program, with a history going back to 1865. Placed on the Washington Historic Register in 2012, the 79-acre property has a unique and compelling story for people of all ages.

ACCESSIBILITY: Tours involve prolonged standing and walking on uneven ground with some elevation change.

WHAT TO BRING: Bring water, dress for the weather.

LOCATION: Provided at registration.

COST: Free

DATES & REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required. Tour size is limited. Please don’t register if you aren’t sure you can attend.

Saturday, September 13, 10-11:30 a.m. Register here

Tuesday, September 16, 6-7:30 p.m. Register here

Saturday, October 4, 10-11:30 a.m.. Register here

Saturday, October 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Register here

QUESTIONS: Contact: erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu, 564-397-5738.

Read about all Master Gardener upcoming events

Join Good Year Farms for a collaboration with artist and fungi-fiend, Isaac Fletcher Weiss.

We will learn about the ecology of local and edible fungi, take a tour of a field site, inoculate logs so you can take home your own grow-op, and discuss delicacies that can be made from various mushrooms.

Part of this class will be held in the Good Year Farms barn and part will be in the field and the produce stand of Get To-Gather, just down the road.

Fairly family friendly if your kids are nature nerds.

Class is $35 and registration is required HERE.

The Clark Conservation District is excited to announce the first session of our bilingual urban garden workshop series! 🏵️

Gardening 101: Plant Care Basics will cover basics for urban gardeners in Clark County. We'll discuss cool vs. warm season crops, perennial gardening, and how to avoid common gardening mistakes. We’ll also chat about maximizing yields in small spaces!

Learn the basics of planting in Clark County, cool vs. warm season crops, perennial gardening, and how to avoid common gardening mistakes from Master Gardeners and Clark CD staff. We’ll also chat about maximizing yields in small spaces. Bilingual instruction available in English and Spanish!

Come on out to Marshall Community Garden on September 13th to learn more. Register HERE.

The Marshall Center is an accessible facility with free parking, restrooms and drinking fountains.

———-

El Distrito de Conservación de Clark se complace en anunciar la primera sesión de nuestra serie de talleres bilingües sobre huertos urbanos. 🏵️

Jardinería 101: Fundamentos del cuidado de las plantas cubrirá los aspectos básicos para los jardineros urbanos del Condado de Clark. Hablaremos sobre cultivos de temporada fría y cálida, jardinería perenne y cómo evitar errores comunes. ¡También hablaremos sobre cómo maximizar el rendimiento en espacios pequeños!

Aprenda los fundamentos de la siembra en el Condado de Clark, cultivos de temporada fría y cálida, jardinería perenne y cómo evitar errores comunes de jardinería con la ayuda de Maestros Jardineros y el personal del Distrito de Conservación de Clark. También hablaremos sobre cómo maximizar el rendimiento en espacios pequeños. ¡Instrucción bilingüe disponible en inglés y español!

Ven al Jardín Comunitario Marshall el 13 de septiembre para obtener más información. Regístrate AQUÍ. El Centro Marshall es una instalación accesible con estacionamiento, baños y bebederos gratuitos.

Have questions? Contact Mary Kinney at mkinney@clarkcd.org (preferred) or 360-859-4783.

Downspout water gardens prevent erosion and put rainwater to beneficial uses in your own backyard.

Learn step-by-step building instructions to create a liquid oasis for birds, bees and small animals, all from our existing gutter down spouts.

Check out all the Master Gardener programs happening at FVRLibraries.

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.

Climb Mount St. Helens With Us! Embark on a remarkable single-day non-technical scramble to the summit of Mount St. Helens with our professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards.

These hikes are carefully designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic active Cascade volcanoes. Our knowledgeable and experienced guide teams will enrich your experience with insights into the area's natural and cultural history as well as expert technical advice on outdoor equipment, attire and techniques.

For detailed information, visit our summit climbs program description.

Register today!

Minimum Age: 10. If your climber is younger, contact us to discuss.

• Maximum Group Size: 10

• Permits: Fee includes a climbing permit.

• Duration: 6:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM

• Classic Summit Climb Cost: $288 / person.

• Summit with a Geologist: $298 / person.

Summer route: July - September

• Distance: 8.5 miles (13.6 km) round-trip

• Elevation gain: 4,500 ft (1371 m)

• Location: Climber's Bivouac

MSHI strongly recommends that you conduct training hikes or routines before you climb Mount St. Helens. Your fitness will be the best indicator of your enjoyment of the experience and your success on the climb. See MSHI suggested training hikes.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to guided adventures waitlist to know if space becomes available.

The wall on Northeast 117th Street at I-5, across from Salmon Creek, in Vancouver, WA, is getting a fresh mural to cover graffiti !

Mural painters will add fish, native to the creek, swimming upstream. We need volunteers to help with a variety of tasks to support the painting team.

Volunteer duties may include setup, cleanup, organizing supplies, monitoring stations, helping with hydration and hauling materials.

Sign up here:

Sunday, September 14

• Shifts available throughout the day.

• Volunteers must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Work will take place near a busy road. Expect to walk up and down the elevated section of 117th Street multiple times throughout shifts.

• Check In Location: Klineline Regional Park - 1112 NE 117th Street Vancouver, WA  

• What to Wear: Please wear closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. 

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

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

• Project Description: A variety of non painting tasks to assist the Salmon Creek Mural painters

• Participant Eligibility: Only volunteers18 years of age or older may volunteer for this project.

Before attending the volunteer event, prior registration is required, please complete the form below. Liability release forms will be emailed to each volunteer prior to the event. 

Help expand the Hough Elementary school learning gardens at the fall community work party!

With support from the Hough Foundation, the school is ready to expand their school garden to more raised beds for outdoor, hands-on learning, right outside their classroom windows.

Join us for a community weekend work party as we prepare the space for our new student garden. Together, we will roil up our sleeves to level the ground and clear out the weeds in preparation for installing raised garden beds for a thriving future.

• What to bring: Garden Gloves, Water Bottle and Helping Hands

• Please email Jill Campbell for more information,

  jcampbell@houghfoundation.org 360-901-0132

• No experience necessary and all are welcome. Children need to be accompanied by adults at all times.

What are the Hough Elementary Learning Gardens?

Learn more: Students have the opportunity to dig, plant, explore and create with outdoor inspiration. Under the guidance of a professional Horticultural Therapist, wee will use monthly themes (ie: September~ leaves, October~ pumpkins, bringing in studies on birds, wildlife etc.) all while caring for the Hough gardens. Open to 1st-5th grade students, 1 day a week. Directed by Mandi Atkinson. Thursdays 2:30-4pm or Fridays 2:30-4pm

Check out this video to learn more and see this amazing program in action:

https://houghfoundation.org/gallery/horticulture-garden-club/

Join the City of Vancouver’s volunteers from our Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of litter cleanup and invasive plant removal.

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

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

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

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

• Advance registration is required, and space is limited. RSVP today!

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

From garden planning to transplanting to drought tolerance, foraging, harvesting and saving seeds, follow this series through the seasons to learn how to grow and be self-sustaining. 

At the end of the harvest season, start planning for the next year by saving seeds as well as houseplants you can grow in the meantime with (former) Master Gardener Lorraine Fritsch.

Attend this event in-person or virtually. If participating online, click on the following Google Meet link, at the time of the event: https://meet.google.com/guw-yjxm-ywq. You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a camera and microphone. 

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.

Join a WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener for a guided tour of the 78th Street Heritage Farm. Stroll the property with a knowledgeable docent and learn about the property’s storied history and its current role in horticulture education, agricultural research, food security and community enrichment.

In 1924, if your family couldn’t pay its bills, what happened? You might have been sent to “the poor farm.”

That historic “poor farm” in Clark County is now the 78th Street Heritage Farm. It is home to demonstration gardens of the Master Gardeners program, with a history going back to 1865. Placed on the Washington Historic Register in 2012, the 79-acre property has a unique and compelling story for people of all ages.

ACCESSIBILITY: Tours involve prolonged standing and walking on uneven ground with some elevation change.

WHAT TO BRING: Bring water, dress for the weather.

LOCATION: Provided at registration.

COST: Free

DATES & REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required. Tour size is limited. Please don’t register if you aren’t sure you can attend.

Tuesday, September 16, 6-7:30 p.m. Register here

Saturday, October 4, 10-11:30 a.m.. Register here

Saturday, October 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Register here

QUESTIONS: Contact: erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu, 564-397-5738.

Read about all Master Gardener upcoming events

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

Have you ever wondered how old the fish are in the round ponds or how the hatchery operates? Learn all about the Vancouver Trout Hatchery on one of our hatchery tours!

• A guided hatchery tour of the Vancouver Trout Hatchery.

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

• We will meet at 3:00pm.

• Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather!

• The parking lot and paths around the main campus, including the fish ponds have paved surfaces for accessibility. Wheeled mobility devices and strollers welcome.

Mushroom season is coming!

Fall bring a burst of fungi to our forests, and now is the perfect time to dive into the fascinating world of Cascadia’s mushrooms.

Join the Mt. St. Helen’s Institute team and acclaimed mycologist Dr. Michael Beug who will guide participants through the basics of mushroom identification (including tips for safe and responsible foraging), highlight some of his favorite local species, and share special finds you might encounter this season. He’ll also share fresh insights from recent DNA discoveries, plus new species featured in the newly released second edition of his book Mushrooms of Cascadia: An Illustrated Key to the Fungi of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re brand new to mushrooms or a seasoned forager, you’ll come away with sharper skills, fresh knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the marvelous fungi around us.

IN-PERSON ADMISSION COST:   $10 (one ticket per attendee)

LIVESTREAM ACCESS COST:   $10 (one ticket per household)

Register today!

Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boat paddling but didn't know where to start? You've found the place!

Join the exciting sport that is growing in the United States and is especially big in the Pacific Northwest.

Ridgefield Dragon Boat community paddling is your opportunity to join a fun, team oriented activity at no cost from June 20 through October 4. Paddlers must be 14 years of age or older to participate. No experience is needed.

In 2023, a new recreational activity for those who want to enjoy the water was launched by the City of Ridgefield with the help of dedicated volunteers. Dragon boating is a fun-filled, adrenaline pumping, water sports activity.

The City’s Program includes an opportunity to experience dragon boating with a community paddle. Community Paddles are open to anyone 14 years or older who is interested in paddling a Kaohsiung dragon boat on Lake River. No experience is necessary and an evening paddle is free.

Regular Season: June 20 - October 4
Weekly Paddles held on Fridays* at 6:30 PM.
*No paddle on July 4

Location:
Ridgefield Waterfront

Fee: FREE! Registration required, spots fill quickly!
Sign up for all community events on Meetup

No experience is needed and equipment is provided.

Climb Mount St. Helens With Us! Embark on a remarkable single-day non-technical scramble to the summit of Mount St. Helens with our professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards.

These hikes are carefully designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic active Cascade volcanoes. Our knowledgeable and experienced guide teams will enrich your experience with insights into the area's natural and cultural history as well as expert technical advice on outdoor equipment, attire and techniques.

For detailed information, visit our summit climbs program description.

Register today!

Minimum Age: 10. If your climber is younger, contact us to discuss.

• Maximum Group Size: 10

• Permits: Fee includes a climbing permit.

• Duration: 6:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM

• Classic Summit Climb Cost: $288 / person.

• Summit with a Geologist: $298 / person.

Summer route: July - September

• Distance: 8.5 miles (13.6 km) round-trip

• Elevation gain: 4,500 ft (1371 m)

• Location: Climber's Bivouac

MSHI strongly recommends that you conduct training hikes or routines before you climb Mount St. Helens. Your fitness will be the best indicator of your enjoyment of the experience and your success on the climb. See MSHI suggested training hikes.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to guided adventures waitlist to know if space becomes available.

What: Volunteer litter cleanup along Lake River

When: Saturday, September 20th 9:00am to 12:00pm

Where: Ridgefield Waterfront – Boat Ramp, 5 Mill St, Ridgefield, WA 98642

What to bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the weather. Please bring your own snacks and water.

Please Note: A portion of this cleanup will be along the edge of Lake River, this area can be slippery and muddy with unstable rocks. This may not be appropriate for all ages and abilities. If you are able and interested in cleaning up along the edge of Lake River please wear waterproof shoes/boots or waders.

The remaining areas for the cleanup are more appropriate for all ages. This will be along the paved trails and maintained areas at the Ridgefield Waterfront.

Register Here

***

Actividad: Recoger basura en Ridgefield

Cuándo: Sábado, 20 de Septiembre de 9:00 a 12:00

Dónde: Ridgefield Waterfront – Boat Ramp, 5 Mill St, Ridgefield, WA 98642

Qué llevar: Favor de usar zapato cerrado y vestir de acuerdo al clima. Traer su propia agua y alimento.

Traducciones: Este evento no cuenta con traductor para Español.

Nota– Hay que tener en cuenta que una parte de esta limpieza se realizará a lo largo de Lake River,  y que si te interesa limpiar cerca del borde,  te sugerimos usar zapatos o botas impermeables, pues esa área puede ser resbaladiza y fangosa con rocas inestables.

Tal vez esa área no sea apropiada para todas las edades y habilidades, pero las áreas restantes si son apropiadas para todas las edades para realizar la limpieza. Estas otras áreas son a lo largo de los senderos pavimentados y las áreas que reciben mantenimiento en Ridgefield Waterfront.

Registrate Aquí

Come celebrate the harvest season with our local farmers and WSU Extension Small Acreage program!

This is an annual celebration where multiple farms open their gates to the public to show the bounty of local agriculture in Clark County and give neighbors an opportunity to tour and meet their area farmers. Generally, about 700 area residents came out to participate in the Harvest Celebration. In past celebrations there were a variety of fun-filled events such as animal petting, hay rides, self-guided tours, a seed-saving workshop, u-pick produce, family-fun games, and photo ops with alpacas. The farms offered tours and sold farm fresh products.

• Where: Multiple farms throughout Clark County

• Cost: FREE

• Registration: none needed

• If you would like to help with this event or for more information, contact WSU Clark County Small Acreage Coordinator at terry.koper@wsu.edu or 564-397-5729.

Harvest Celebration Farms and Map
Map of farms:

• Get To-Gather Farm – 1913 Southeast 303rd Avenue, Washougal, WA 98671 www.gettogatherfarm.com Located on a 90 acre estate, Get To-Gather Farm opened with 3 acres of production in 2020 and has grown to over 8 acres. This farm has a diverse fruit, nut and berry orchard on 2+ acres where chicken run free (current count is 175 chickens, 16 geese and 12 ducks), a 2+ acre pumpkin patch, 1acre of gardens, a couple high tunnels, and is currently developing a 2-acre you-pick berry patch. Everything is grown to organic standards. The farm stand includes a wide variety of seasonal produce from our farm and from our partners in Clark County. Flowers, seasonal produce, honey, eggs, and treats are available for sale at our farm stand. Water, food and port-a-potties will be available. Additional on-site vendors will include prepared food, other farms and producers, and entertainment. We’ll  have a hay wagon going, chickens to feed, you-cut flowers, a haybale pyramid, a haunted trail, and lots of produce and value-added products from multiple farm vendors.                            Follow us at www.facebook.com/gettogatherfarm and instagram.com/gettogatherfarm!

• Good Year Farms – 29610 SE 23rd Street, Washougal, WA 98671 https://www.goodyearfarms.com/ Good Year Farms is a nursery in the Pacific Northwest specializing in plants native to the region. Landscaping with native plants provides benefits to a wide web of beings; pollinators and people alike. Mooncake Flower Farm, Frog & Twig, Pinney Brother’s Woodworking, and Signs of Habitat will have booths selling various products in our barn. Directions: 29610 SE 23rd Street, Washougal, WA 98671 Right by Camas High School and up Woodburn Hill – on the same road as Get To-Gather Farm.

• Serendipity Alpaca Ranch – 2630 NE 253rd Street Ridgefield, WA 98642 Facebook.com/Serendipity-Alpaca-Ranch This is a cottage industry with a farm store, a small breeding program, and composted alpaca manure. This ranch gives demonstrations of animal husbandry. Lots of fiber exhibits and examples!! Come enjoy alpacas!

• Gather and Feast Farm – 2706 NE 369th St., La Center, WA 98629 http://www.gatherandfeastfarm.com/ (503) 490-6275

  Located in La Center, WA – a 20-acre family farm and culinary playground!

  • Wood-Fired Pizza – Pre-purchase tickets and info here (link coming soon)
    Fluffy Cows! – Meet, feed, pet, and snap selfies with our Scottish Highland cattle (including this year’s newest calf!)
    Regenerative Farming – Rotational grazing, forest-raised pigs, free-ranging hens, and all NON-GMO practices
    Farm Animals – Goats, hens, heritage pigs, and Highland cattle roaming the pastures
    Self-Guided Farm Tours – Maps available at our self-serve farmstand
    Fresh & Homemade – Seasonal produce and farm-made culinary treats available at the farmstand
    Family-Friendly – Open daily from 10am-7 PM | Restrooms available | Sorry, no pets

Did you know your backyard is home to a variety of wild bees, including the gentle and highly effective Mason Bee?

Join WSU Clark County Extension Service Master Gardener, Anne Bulger, for an engaging presentation on fall Mason Bee care and learn how to support these non-stinging, native pollinators. Discover their vital role in pollination, the essentials of maintaining a healthy bee habitat, and the fascinating details of their life cycle. Plus, enjoy a hands-on demonstration of cocoon harvesting and cleaning—an important step in ensuring a thriving Mason Bee population!

Check out all the Master Gardener programs happening at FVRLibraries.

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.

Climb Mount St. Helens With Us! Embark on a remarkable single-day non-technical scramble to the summit of Mount St. Helens with our professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards.

These hikes are carefully designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic active Cascade volcanoes. Our knowledgeable and experienced guide teams will enrich your experience with insights into the area's natural and cultural history as well as expert technical advice on outdoor equipment, attire and techniques.

For detailed information, visit our summit climbs program description.

Register today!

Minimum Age: 10. If your climber is younger, contact us to discuss.

• Maximum Group Size: 10

• Permits: Fee includes a climbing permit.

• Duration: 6:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM

• Classic Summit Climb Cost: $288 / person.

• Summit with a Geologist: $298 / person.

Summer route: July - September

• Distance: 8.5 miles (13.6 km) round-trip

• Elevation gain: 4,500 ft (1371 m)

• Location: Climber's Bivouac

MSHI strongly recommends that you conduct training hikes or routines before you climb Mount St. Helens. Your fitness will be the best indicator of your enjoyment of the experience and your success on the climb. See MSHI suggested training hikes.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to guided adventures waitlist to know if space becomes available.

Do you own a small farm or thinking of building a farm in southwest Washington? Then this is the workshop series for you!

The workshop series will cover a broad range of topics and decision-making tools for you to create a successful small farm enterprise. Whether you are just exploring the opportunities available or already have an existing operation, you’ll learn what it takes to create, sustain, and grow a viable small farm or food business.

Course Objective

• To gain knowledge of the practical aspects of whole farm planning for a wide variety of enterprises

• To gain an understanding of the various components of sustainable small-scale farming systems 

• To gain skills in assessing the feasibility of developing a viable, sustainable, small-scale farming enterprise including how to evaluate personal and family goals, land and personal resources, and environmental outcomes

• To learn about available resources and support networks for sustainable farming

• To develop a whole farm plan that meets social, environmental, and financial goals 

  Mondays from 6-8pm Sept. 22nd through Nov. 3rd 2025

  Registration includes up to 3 participants per farm. Scholarships are available for anyone for whom the course fee is a barrier (see below).

  Class meets weekly online through Zoom with regional in-person opportunities available throughout the state in October. Students access course materials through password protected website. Course offered with Spanish interpretation.

Learn more and register HERE (www.cultivatingsuccesswa.org/courseregistration/p/whole-farm-planning)

Planificación de toda la granja

Cubriremos una amplia visión de las opciones de producción y mercadeo paras las pequeñas granjas de hoy. Ya sea que este explorando nuevas oportunidades disponibles o ya tenga una operación existente, aprenderá lo que se necesita para crear, sostener y cultivar una granja pequeña viable.

Objetivo del curso 

• Adquirir conocimiento de los aspectos prácticos de la planificación de toda la granja para una amplia variedad de empresas

• Comprender los diversos componentes de los sistemas agrícolas sostenibles a pequeña escala

• Adquirir habilidades para evaluar la viabilidad de desarrollar una empresa agrícola viable, sostenible y a pequeña escala, incluyendo cómo evaluar los objetivos personales y familiares, la tierra y los recursos personales, y los resultados ambientales

• Conocer los recursos disponibles y las redes de apoyo para la agricultura sostenible

• Desarrollar un plan de toda la granja que cumpla con los objetivos sociales, ambientales y financieros

Lunes de 6-8pm 22 de septiembre al 3 de noviembre 2025

$200 por granja (hasta 3 participantes). Las becas están disponibles para cualquier persona para quien el costo del curso es una barrera. La clase se reúne semanalmente en línea a través de Zoom con oportunidades regionales en persona disponibles en todo el estado en octubre. Los estudiantes acceden a los materiales del curso a través de un sitio web protegido por contraseña. El curso se ofrece con interpretación al español.

If you need a reasonable accommodation or language access to participate in this event, please contact Kate Smith, WSU Food Systems Program, at kate.smith@wsu.edu or 360-399-6052 no later than two weeks before the event. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. 

While our PNW winters are considered mild, there are still winterizing tasks to be completed in the fall to ensure spring success in our gardens.

Join WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener, Dot O'Very for a presentation on basic winterizing tips for vegetable and ornamental gardens of any size. Participants will leave with a personalized winterizing checklist.

Check out all the Master Gardener programs happening at FVRLibraries.

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.

Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boat paddling but didn't know where to start? You've found the place!

Join the exciting sport that is growing in the United States and is especially big in the Pacific Northwest.

Ridgefield Dragon Boat community paddling is your opportunity to join a fun, team oriented activity at no cost from June 20 through October 4. Paddlers must be 14 years of age or older to participate. No experience is needed.

In 2023, a new recreational activity for those who want to enjoy the water was launched by the City of Ridgefield with the help of dedicated volunteers. Dragon boating is a fun-filled, adrenaline pumping, water sports activity.

The City’s Program includes an opportunity to experience dragon boating with a community paddle. Community Paddles are open to anyone 14 years or older who is interested in paddling a Kaohsiung dragon boat on Lake River. No experience is necessary and an evening paddle is free.

Regular Season: June 20 - October 4
Weekly Paddles held on Fridays* at 6:30 PM.
*No paddle on July 4

Location:
Ridgefield Waterfront

Fee: FREE! Registration required, spots fill quickly!
Sign up for all community events on Meetup

No experience is needed and equipment is provided.

Kick off the 2nd Annual Stevenson Mushroom Festival with a lively evening at the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson, WA.

The Mushroom Gala is an occasion to celebrate the wonderful world of mushrooms! The evening affair takes place at the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson, Washington. Tickets include mushroom themed small plates by Cherry City Catering and a drink token for a special adaptogenic cocktail, wine or Walking Man beer. Get in the groove and show off your moves to the sounds and lights of Columbia River Gorge legend, DJ Elvis. Have “morel” fun and dress in "Fungi Flare" for a chance to win best dressed! Wear whatever makes you feel fun and ready to groove! The Mushroom Gala is reserved for guests 21+. Space is limited, so GET TICKETS now! Single Tickets: $39

Guests 21+ are encouraged to dress in their most creative Fungi Flare for a night of whimsical celebration.

Tickets include mushroom-themed small plates by Cherry City Catering, music, dancing, and a drink ticket for beer, wine or a sparkling adaptogenic cocktail or mocktail.

Order TICKETS HERE

More information available at the event webpage: www.stevensonmushroomfestival.com

Join Backyard Bird Shop naturalist and educator Elaine Murphy on a guided bird walk on the Greenway Trail in Vancouver. 

This expert-guided bird walk along Vancouver’s Greenway Trail is a great way to learn how to recognize our local birds and learn a bit about their habits. This free guided bird walk is hosted by the Vancouver Backyard Bird Shop.

• We’ll gather at the west end of the Salmon Creek Trail at 13853 NW 36th Ave, Vancouver WA. Park on the east side of 36th Ave or on side streets.  Meet at the trailhead.

• The walk will last 2 – 3 hours. 

• Reservations are required—we limit the number of participants to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and educational experience.  Some of our walks do fill up,  so phone the shop (360- 253-5771, Press 5) to reserve your spot as soon as you can! 

• Dress for the weather! 

• No pets!

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs department and our Naturespaces volunteers for a morning of removing invasive plants.

Registration is required. Sign up today!

Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided. This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is not wheelchair accessible, and work is primarily done in a quiet natural area with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds. For mulching projects, volunteers may be shoveling, twisting and turning, and pushing wheelbarrows. For invasive removal projects, volunteers may be kneeling, pulling, and twisting as well as possibly lifting plants overhead to load into a dumpster. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is already closed and you still want to register, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Vancouver Audubon Society is hosting a community event: Migratory Bird Celebration!

Last year we held this event at a park in Battle Ground. This year we will host the event at Klineline Pond at the east end of Salmon Creek Greenway.

In addition to celebrating bird migration, the day is also an opportunity to learn about the conservation needs that support bird migration: clean and available water sources, plants, insects and habitats. Joining us will be the Water Resources Education Center and WSU Vancouver Master Gardener representatives.

Our day will include bird walks, games such as The Migration Game, where you are the bird facing obstacles trying to reach your destination, and Nature Bingo where you try to find 23 things in your surroundings to fill out your card. Enter your completed Bingo card to enter a drawing for a prize. We will also have other interactive activities such as binocular use, bird spotting with scopes, nest box building, and making cone feeders.

• This is a family-friendly event, with food, games, prizes, and more!

• There’s no cost to attend and no registration necessary. All ages are welcome. We hope to see you there!

• Volunteers Needed: If you or someone you know would like to help with this event, please contact Becky Boley at communityoutreach@vancouveraudubon.org. Birding experience is not necessary!

Visit the Salmon Creek Regional Park / Klineline web page for information about the park.

There are no fees though there is a $3 daily parking fee for Clark County Regional Parks (unless you have an annual pass, in which case no additional fee)

A family-friendly exploration of mushroom-themed events throughout Stevenson.

Your passport book allows you to collect stamps from participating locations offering educational presentations, crafts, foraging activities, an inspired vendor fair, discounts to local retailers and culinary creations from our restauranteurs. It's part scavenger hunt, part festival crawl—and fully fungi-tastic for all ages. 🍄

The “Mushroom Hunt” features a Passport Book with a full day of events and happenings, including discounts at local restaurants and retailers, crafts and activities, artisan vendors, special presentations, free admission to the Columbia Gorge Museum and a themed Photo Booth to capture your memories. “Hunters” can collect Passport Stamps from participating locations throughout the day. The “Mushroom Hunt” is designed for all ages. Passport Books are $5. Click PURCHASE PASSPORT below to reserve your family-friendly adventure.

PURCHASE PASSPORT

More information available at the event webpage: www.stevensonmushroomfestival.com

National Public Lands Day!

Fee free day at all U.S. FWS & National Forests

In recognition of National Public Lands Day, celebrate the beauty of our public lands and engage in activities that promote conservation and stewardship. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the great outdoors.

All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee offer free admission today, September 27, 2025. Including Ridgefield NWR, Steigerwald NWR, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Dungeness NWR and 28 other refuges.

Also visit our local National Park sites like Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Join the Watershed Alliance of SW WA and the City of Camas for the Annual Lacamas Lake Cleanup! 

What to bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the weather. Please bring your own snacks and water.

Translator: A Spanish translator will be available at this event.

 Register here

Check out this video to see 2022’s cleanup and ivy pull!

This event is held in partnership with the City of Camas.⁠ The ivy removal efforts at this event are held in partnership with the Camas Ivy League.

***

Limpieza del Lago Lacamas

 Actividad: Recolección de basura en Camas

Cuándo: Sábado, 27 de Septiembre 9:00 a 12:00

Dónde: Heritage Park, 303 NW Lake Rd, Camas, WA 98607

Qué llevar: Favor de usar zapato cerrado y vestir de acuerdo al clima. Traer tu propia agua y alimento.

Traducciones: En este evento contaremos con un traductor(a) en Español.

¡Registrate ya! Haz click aqui

The Vancouver Bee Project is excited to bring back the Native Plant & Seed Library this year! 🌱✨

If you’ve received seeds from us in the past, consider collecting some native seeds to donate and share with others. If you have plants to share, bring them too — they just need to be on the Portland Plant List of regionally native plants.

Come get seeds, plants, and community! 💛🌿🐝

¡Estamos emocionados de traer de vuelta la Biblioteca de Plantas y Semillas Nativas este año! 🌱✨ Si has recibido semillas de nosotros en el pasado, considera recolectar algunas semillas nativas para donar y compartir con otros. Si tienes plantas para compartir, tráelas también — solo deben estar en la Lista de Plantas de Portland de plantas nativas de la región.

Este año estaremos en una nueva ubicación: Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4505 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661 en el centro de Vancouver.
📅 Primer fin de semana: 27 y 28 de septiembre, de 12 a 3pm cada día.

¡Ven por semillas, plantas y comunidad! 💛🌿🐝

So, you think you want to grow your own tree fruit?

Learn all the do's and don'ts before you leap.

Check out all the Master Gardener programs happening at FVRLibraries.

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.

Imagine what a peaceful day exploring Skamania County might look like to you:

• Bathe in the forest,

• forage for something wild,

• reconnect with nature’s unfolding secrets,

• pack a picnic,

• climb a mountain,

• catch a wave,

• catch a fish,

• lazily lounge by the river?

• All of the above?

  We’ll have some itineraries curated for you!
  The National Forest Service will provide two guided hikes: Know Before You Go: Mushroom Foraging Safety Hike - helping us all explore with care and respect. Space is limited for these forest hikes at 10:30am and 2pm. RSVP to l.palermo@columbiagorge.org.

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.

• Distance: ~1 mile (1.6 km) cumulative off trail forest walking

• Elevation Gain: 500 ft (152 m)

• Duration: 10:00 ~ 4:00 PM

• Meeting Location: Pine Creek Information Center

• Minimum Age: 8+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• Maximum Group Size: 12

• Cost: $150 per person

• Registration: HERE

For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to our guided adventures waitlist and we will let you know if space becomes available.

Phone: (360) 207-1675

Email: explore@mshinstitute.org

Join the City of Vancouver’s volunteers from our Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of litter cleanup and invasive plant removal.

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

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

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

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

• Advance registration is required, and space is limited. RSVP today!

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

The Vancouver Bee Project is excited to bring back the Native Plant & Seed Library this year! 🌱✨

If you’ve received seeds from us in the past, consider collecting some native seeds to donate and share with others. If you have plants to share, bring them too — they just need to be on the Portland Plant List of regionally native plants.

Come get seeds, plants, and community! 💛🌿🐝

¡Estamos emocionados de traer de vuelta la Biblioteca de Plantas y Semillas Nativas este año! 🌱✨ Si has recibido semillas de nosotros en el pasado, considera recolectar algunas semillas nativas para donar y compartir con otros. Si tienes plantas para compartir, tráelas también — solo deben estar en la Lista de Plantas de Portland de plantas nativas de la región.

Este año estaremos en una nueva ubicación: Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4505 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661 en el centro de Vancouver.
📅 Primer fin de semana: 27 y 28 de septiembre, de 12 a 3pm cada día.

¡Ven por semillas, plantas y comunidad! 💛🌿🐝

Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boat paddling but didn't know where to start? You've found the place!

Join the exciting sport that is growing in the United States and is especially big in the Pacific Northwest.

Ridgefield Dragon Boat community paddling is your opportunity to join a fun, team oriented activity at no cost from June 20 through October 4. Paddlers must be 14 years of age or older to participate. No experience is needed.

In 2023, a new recreational activity for those who want to enjoy the water was launched by the City of Ridgefield with the help of dedicated volunteers. Dragon boating is a fun-filled, adrenaline pumping, water sports activity.

The City’s Program includes an opportunity to experience dragon boating with a community paddle. Community Paddles are open to anyone 14 years or older who is interested in paddling a Kaohsiung dragon boat on Lake River. No experience is necessary and an evening paddle is free.

Regular Season: June 20 - October 4
Weekly Paddles held on Fridays* at 6:30 PM.
*No paddle on July 4

Location:
Ridgefield Waterfront

Fee: FREE! Registration required, spots fill quickly!
Sign up for all community events on Meetup

No experience is needed and equipment is provided.

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!

Check out the website regularly for updates and schedule of events! https://ridgefieldfriends.org/birdfest-bluegrass/

Join a WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener for a guided tour of the 78th Street Heritage Farm. Stroll the property with a knowledgeable docent and learn about the property’s storied history and its current role in horticulture education, agricultural research, food security and community enrichment.

In 1924, if your family couldn’t pay its bills, what happened? You might have been sent to “the poor farm.”

That historic “poor farm” in Clark County is now the 78th Street Heritage Farm. It is home to demonstration gardens of the Master Gardeners program, with a history going back to 1865. Placed on the Washington Historic Register in 2012, the 79-acre property has a unique and compelling story for people of all ages.

ACCESSIBILITY: Tours involve prolonged standing and walking on uneven ground with some elevation change.

WHAT TO BRING: Bring water, dress for the weather.

LOCATION: Provided at registration.

COST: Free

DATES & REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required. Tour size is limited. Please don’t register if you aren’t sure you can attend.

Saturday, October 4, 10-11:30 a.m.. Register here

Saturday, October 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Register here

QUESTIONS: Contact: erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu, 564-397-5738.

Read about all Master Gardener upcoming events

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.

• Distance: ~1 mile (1.6 km) cumulative off trail forest walking

• Elevation Gain: 500 ft (152 m)

• Duration: 10:00 ~ 4:00 PM

• Meeting Location: Pine Creek Information Center

• Minimum Age: 8+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• Maximum Group Size: 12

• Cost: $150 per person

• Registration: HERE

For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to our guided adventures waitlist and we will let you know if space becomes available.

Phone: (360) 207-1675

Email: explore@mshinstitute.org

Celebrate the Old Apple Tree Festival 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. Check out your favorite artists: The Ottomatics and JT Wise Band.

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, scroll down to the Old Apple Tree.

• Contact: Urban Forestry at urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8308

The Vancouver Bee Project is excited to bring back the Native Plant & Seed Library this year! 🌱✨

If you’ve received seeds from us in the past, consider collecting some native seeds to donate and share with others. If you have plants to share, bring them too — they just need to be on the Portland Plant List of regionally native plants.

Come get seeds, plants, and community! 💛🌿🐝

¡Estamos emocionados de traer de vuelta la Biblioteca de Plantas y Semillas Nativas este año! 🌱✨ Si has recibido semillas de nosotros en el pasado, considera recolectar algunas semillas nativas para donar y compartir con otros. Si tienes plantas para compartir, tráelas también — solo deben estar en la Lista de Plantas de Portland de plantas nativas de la región.

Este año estaremos en una nueva ubicación: Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4505 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661 en el centro de Vancouver.
📅 Primer fin de semana: 27 y 28 de septiembre, de 12 a 3pm cada día.

¡Ven por semillas, plantas y comunidad! 💛🌿🐝

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.

• Distance: ~1 mile (1.6 km) cumulative off trail forest walking

• Elevation Gain: 500 ft (152 m)

• Duration: 10:00 ~ 4:00 PM

• Meeting Location: Pine Creek Information Center

• Minimum Age: 8+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• Maximum Group Size: 12

• Cost: $150 per person

• Registration: HERE

For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to our guided adventures waitlist and we will let you know if space becomes available.

Phone: (360) 207-1675

Email: explore@mshinstitute.org

Join the Vancouver Audubon Society’s monthly meeting with a guest speaker program: FOTOFEST 2025 and Photography Tips from Jon Pugmire

VAS will present a show of member-only photographs from the current year, concentrating mostly on birds, but could be landscapes or other wildlife. VAS encourages members to submit your favorite pictures taken in 2025 (Jan. 1 to present) from anywhere you have been in the world (including your backyard). Please submit your photos to drose@vancouveraudubon.org by October 1 to be included. Each photographer will present their pictures with a few words about the shot/ story/location behind them.

Photographer Jon Pugmire will also join the meeting.

• 6:30 pm – 6:45 pm - Social time, share bird sightings.

• 6:45 pm – 7:00 pm - Announcements

• 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm - Program

VAS Programs are held the first Tuesday of the month except Jan, July, & August. All are welcome, we hope you will join us!

Contact our Program Chair for more information at meetings@vancouveraudubon.org. Have ideas for a speaker? Please send all topic, speaker, and program suggestions to the above address.

Join the Vancouver Audubon Society’s monthly meeting with a celebration of the VAS 50th Anniversary celebration!

All members should keep their calendars open for this celebration of 50 years of accomplishments as an Audubon Chapter in Washington state. There will be speakers, refreshments, and recognition of past presidents. Stay tuned for more information.

• 6:30 pm – 6:45 pm - Social time, share bird sightings.

• 6:45 pm – 7:00 pm - Announcements

• 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm - Program

VAS Programs are held the first Tuesday of the month except Jan, July, & August. All are welcome, we hope you will join us!

Contact our Program Chair for more information at meetings@vancouveraudubon.org. Have ideas for a speaker? Please send all topic, speaker, and program suggestions to the above address.

Join the Clark County Public Works Parks & Nature team for a Park Play Date!

List is the last of the 2025 series of play dates around the community. Meet at the park to enjoy lawn games and snacks. Parks staff will be available to talk with you about your park.

Come out to enjoy the sun, fun and connecting with your community.

Learn more about Clark County Parks & Nature HERE. There hundreds of acres of parks, playgrounds, sports fields, trails, and natural areas for you to enjoy.

If you pay attention, you can tell time by the forest canopy—twigs and seeds, branches and leaves marking seasons with color, fullness, sway.  – Abby Braithwaite, A Portrait of the Artist as a Crone Tree. 

Canopy Time walks are mostly monthly walks/rolls/rides on Plas Newydd Farm. Hosted by Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan (and some surprise guests), these adventures give us the chance to explore some of the most beautiful places on the farm, and provide a deeper opportunity to feel the rhythms of the land, observe the comings and goings of migratory birds, watch the bud and bloom of native and invasive plants, swat mosquitoes, and dodge raindrops! 

Part nature journaling, part phenological record-keeping, these explorations are a great way to spend more time out on the land than some of our workshops allow. 

Bring your journal, your sketchbook, your camera and your senses. 

Suggested Donation of $10 collected on the farm.

Registration is required HERE

We’ll take cash, check, Venmo or a smile, if cost is a barrier! 

Explore Vancouver Lake from a whole new perspective! 

Join the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center education staff for a free family-friendly canoe paddle aboard 29-foot, 14-passenger Big Canoes! Glide past shore birds, look for signs of beaver activity, and learn about the Columbia River ecosystem from seasoned paddle guides and educators.

• Plan to paddle for 1 to 1.5 hours in Estuary Partnership’s Big Canoes along with other participants

• Walk under 1/4 of a mile on gravel, muddy/sandy beaches, and uneven terrain. Paddlers must be able to step down 2.5 feet into the canoe and sit on a wooden bench without back support for the duration of the paddle program. Big Canoe paddles are suitable for ages 6 and older. Previous paddling experience is not required!

• *In an effort to provide opportunities for new participants and paddlers, our program encourages that you sign up for only one paddle trip per year*

• Advanced registration is required, and space is limited. Sign up today!

You will receive a confirmation letter with full event details, meeting location, and how to prepare for your event after registration.

If you need to cancel, please do so at your earliest convenience to allow your spot to be filled by someone on the waitlist.

If the event becomes full, please contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111 to add your name to the waitlist.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Who can paddle?

• Big Canoe trips are suitable for ages 6 and older.

• Previous paddling experience is not necessary.

• Paddlers must step down 2.5 feet into the canoe and sit on a wooden bench without back support for 1.5 hours.

Do I need any equipment or special gear?

• Please come prepared for the weather with raingear or a hat and sunscreen/sun protection.

• Personal flotation devices (PFD’s) in youth – XXL are provided.

• This paddle trip will depart from a small sand patch and not a dock so waterproof shoes or sandals are recommended. Old tennis shoes work great, too.

Can I bring my camera or cell phone?

• Yes. Be advised that we cannot guarantee the safety of electronic devices and do not offer dry bags. Occasional splashes and rain make the bottom of the boat wet, but typically gear in a pocket will stay dry.

How safe are paddle trips?

• Safety is always our first priority. Our guides are trained in on-water rescue, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid.

• Water activities carry inherent risk; guides take precautions to ensure a safe paddling experience.

• See our safety protocols or contact us for more information.

Questions?  Contact the Water Resources Education Center at 360-487-7111 or email vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us   

Join professional Photographer Patrick Aalto and MSHI Guides on a photography hike amongst the massive hummocks deposited by the 1980 eruption.

You will explore this marvelous ecosystem, teaming with life, before leaving the trees to join the Boundary Trail in view of the vast open expanse of the Pumice Plain and the breach of the volcanic crater itself. You will ascend to the groups' comfort up Johnston Ridge where you will train your cameras on the amazing vistas and brilliant colors of Fall foliage below.

For detailed information, visit our Photography Hike program page.

• Distance: 2.3 miles to 4 miles (3.7 km - 6.4 km)

• Elevation Gain: 250 feet to 700 feet (76 m - 213 m)

• Meeting Time: 9:00 AM

• Meeting Location: Hummocks Trail #229

• Minimum Age: 8+ Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

• Max Participants: 12

• Cost: $150 per person

• Register today!

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to our guided adventures waitlist and we will let you know if space becomes available.

Support your local arboretum near the shores of the Columbia River, just south of Evergreen Hwy.!

Generally, E. Jane Weber Arboretum volunteers work on an area that is special to them or they just see a need to spruce things up. Monthly, we have our Second Saturday Work Party from 9am to noon. We often work on bigger projects and refreshments are always served.

The Stanger House is an historic home on the property that has a work crew that meets Friday mornings from 9am to noon. This can include carpentry or electrical work or general non-skilled tasks. Refreshments provided.

Our volunteers show up rain or shine. Extreme weather can cancel plans.

Overview

The E. Jane Weber Arboretum is devoted to preserving this treasured natural resource and historic site in honor of Dr. Vinson and E. Jane Weber, who dedicated their homestead and lovely botanical garden to being a learning experience and inspiration – a legacy for others to cherish. To fulfill their dream, an entity was set up to oversee the arboretum and subsequently a non-profit to manage, protect and enhance this revered property along the Columbia River with outreach to the community, offering education and related activities that will be a shared commitment to the vision and purpose of the E. Jane Weber Arboretum.

For more information, email us at weberarboretum@gmail.com

Hours for Public Access:
Open Daily from Dawn to Dusk

Learn more about the property and features at www.ejaneweberarboretum.org/

Join a WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener for a guided tour of the 78th Street Heritage Farm. Stroll the property with a knowledgeable docent and learn about the property’s storied history and its current role in horticulture education, agricultural research, food security and community enrichment.

In 1924, if your family couldn’t pay its bills, what happened? You might have been sent to “the poor farm.”

That historic “poor farm” in Clark County is now the 78th Street Heritage Farm. It is home to demonstration gardens of the Master Gardeners program, with a history going back to 1865. Placed on the Washington Historic Register in 2012, the 79-acre property has a unique and compelling story for people of all ages.

ACCESSIBILITY: Tours involve prolonged standing and walking on uneven ground with some elevation change.

WHAT TO BRING: Bring water, dress for the weather.

LOCATION: Provided at registration.

COST: Free

DATES & REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required. Tour size is limited. Please don’t register if you aren’t sure you can attend.

Saturday, October 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Register here

QUESTIONS: Contact: erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu, 564-397-5738.

Read about all Master Gardener upcoming events

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs staff and volunteers from our Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of beautifying St Helens Park.

We will be removing ivy and spreading mulch around trees and landscape beds.

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

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

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

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

• Advance registration is required and space is limited. RSVP today!

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.

• Distance: ~1 mile (1.6 km) cumulative off trail forest walking

• Elevation Gain: 500 ft (152 m)

• Duration: 10:00 ~ 4:00 PM

• Meeting Location: Pine Creek Information Center

• Minimum Age: 8+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• Maximum Group Size: 12

• Cost: $150 per person

• Registration: HERE

For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to our guided adventures waitlist and we will let you know if space becomes available.

Phone: (360) 207-1675

Email: explore@mshinstitute.org

Join the Clark Conservation District for a hands-on demonstration of a rainfall simulator and get guidance on building healthy soil from Clark CD staff. Bilingual instruction available in English and Spanish!

Learn more and register HERE.

The Vancouver Bee Project is excited to bring back the Native Plant & Seed Library this year! 🌱✨

If you’ve received seeds from us in the past, consider collecting some native seeds to donate and share with others. If you have plants to share, bring them too — they just need to be on the Portland Plant List of regionally native plants.

Come get seeds, plants, and community! 💛🌿🐝

¡Estamos emocionados de traer de vuelta la Biblioteca de Plantas y Semillas Nativas este año! 🌱✨ Si has recibido semillas de nosotros en el pasado, considera recolectar algunas semillas nativas para donar y compartir con otros. Si tienes plantas para compartir, tráelas también — solo deben estar en la Lista de Plantas de Portland de plantas nativas de la región.

Este año estaremos en una nueva ubicación: Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4505 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661 en el centro de Vancouver.
📅 Primer fin de semana: 27 y 28 de septiembre, de 12 a 3pm cada día.

¡Ven por semillas, plantas y comunidad! 💛🌿🐝

Special Observance

Fee-Free Day: First Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week

In recognition of the first Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week, all national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee offer free admission October 12, 2025.

Including Ridgefield NWR, Steigerwald NWR, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Dungeness NWR and 28 others…

Join the City of Vancouver’s volunteers from our Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of litter cleanup and invasive plant removal.

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

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

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

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

• Advance registration is required, and space is limited. RSVP today!

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Join the Vancouver Bee Project as they support our local partners at Flat Tack Farms to extend their meadow planting.

Are you interested in starting a meadow on your property or business? Join us to learn about site preparation, seed selection, seed installation and on-going maintenance to ensure your meadow thrives.

• This is a hands-on workshop, so please dress for the weather and getting a little muddy.

• This is a free event and open to all ages.

• Accessibility note: The walking surface is natural sod, soil and lawn. May be challenging to maneuver wheeled devices.

• More information will be posted soon on the Vancouver Bee Project web page.

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

Have you ever wondered what wildlife and plants can be found around our site? Under the guidance of a knowledgeable staff person or expert volunteer, you can discover the magic that our trails have to offer and learn what makes Columbia Springs unique.

• A guided forest walk.

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

• We will meet at 3:30pm.

• Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather!

• Accessibility: The parking lot and campus pathways are paved. Nature trails have natural surfacing (i.e. dirt, boardwalks, crushed gravel) and may include roots and rocks.

Join the staff at the Watershed Alliance of SW WA for a volunteer non-native English Ivy pull

• Parking: Please park in the main parking lot at Abrams Park.

• What to bring: Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Please bring your own snacks and water.

• Please Note: This event is more physically demanding than our other volunteer events, there will be bending, pulling and walking on uneven terrain with possible tripping hazards. 

 Register Here

This event is held in partnership with the City of Ridgefield and the Ridgefield Garden Club.

***

Actividad: Eliminación de hiedra (hierba) en Ridgefield

Cuándo: Sábado 15 de Noviembre 9:00 a 12:00

Dónde: Abrams Park, 400 Abrams Park Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642

Qué llevar: Favor de usar zapato cerrado y vestir de acuerdo al clima. Traer su propia agua y alimento.

 Te pedimos que previo al evento, por favor completes la siguiente forma  y aceptes los términos y condiciones de deslinde de responsabilidades. 

 Registrate Aquí

 Este evento para eliminar hiedra se lleva a cabo en asociación con la Ciudad de Ridgefield y Ridgefield Garden Club. 

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.

• Distance: ~1 mile (1.6 km) cumulative off trail forest walking

• Elevation Gain: 500 ft (152 m)

• Duration: 10:00 ~ 4:00 PM

• Meeting Location: Pine Creek Information Center

• Minimum Age: 8+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• Maximum Group Size: 12

• Cost: $150 per person

• Registration: HERE

For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to our guided adventures waitlist and we will let you know if space becomes available.

Phone: (360) 207-1675

Email: explore@mshinstitute.org

Come explore the magical kingdom of fungi!

Learn how to identify common characteristics of wild edible and inedible mushrooms. Then learn how to harvest many different types of edible mushrooms and cook them into delicious dishes. Plan to get your shoes and hands dirty as you discover the forest's most striking and sometimes delectable offerings.

• Distance: ~1 mile (1.6 km) cumulative off trail forest walking

• Elevation Gain: 500 ft (152 m)

• Duration: 10:00 ~ 4:00 PM

• Meeting Location: Pine Creek Information Center

• Minimum Age: 8+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• Maximum Group Size: 12

• Cost: $150 per person

• Registration: HERE

For detailed information, visit our Mushroom Foraging program description.

Is the date you want sold out? Add your name to our guided adventures waitlist and we will let you know if space becomes available.

Phone: (360) 207-1675

Email: explore@mshinstitute.org

Learn about how to identify common pests and diseases that affect plants in our area and how to distinguish them from beneficial insects from Master Gardeners and Clark CD staff. We’ll also discuss signs of plant stress and control methods for dealing with pests.

Learn more and register HERE

Learn how to compost using red worms to turn food scraps into all-natural fertilizer for your garden.

This is a great alternative to backyard composting, especially if you are tight on space. 

Learn how to care for your pet worms so they are happy and well fed.

• Understand the different types of worm bins and decide what is best for you. 

• Get up close and personal with the decomposers in a worm bin and look for worm cocoons.

• This is an in-person workshop at Waste Connections

Go through the gate and there will be parking on your left.  Our meeting room is in the building on your right. Enter through the door on the north side of the building. For safety reasons, do not go past the parking lot/building without high visibility personal protective equipment.

Register HERE

Learn more about composting at clarkcountycomposts.org, including upcoming workshops

Join the staff from the Watershed Alliance of SW WA to tackle ivy that is in the park. Ivy climbs and smothers trees, shades native plants and spreads throughout the park

• What to bring: Please wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and dress for the weather. Please bring your own snacks and water.

• This event is more physically demanding than our other volunteer events, there will be bending, pulling and walking on uneven terrain with possible tripping hazards.

• Poison Oak is known to be in the area we will be working in. We’ve worked with the City of Vancouver to mitigate the presence of the plant as much as possible but some stems and decomposing leaves may still be present. Poison Oak stems, roots, and leaves can cause a rash even in the fall and winter. We will have tecnu available, a cleanser that is designed to remove the poison oak oil from the skin that causes a rash, in case you get in contact with the plant. We will also point out any plants we see on site.

• Register in advance here!

This event is held in partnership with the City of Vancouver.

 ***

Actividad: Eliminación de hiedra (hierba) en Marine Park

Cuándo:  Sábado 13 de Diciembre 9:00am a 11:30am

Dónde:  Marine Park, 4501 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661

Qué llevar: Favor de usar pantalón largo, zapato cerrado y vestir de acuerdo al clima. Traer su propia agua y alimento.

Nota: Esta actividad requiere un poco más de actividad física que nuestros eventos de reforestación pues implica agacharse y jalar el Ivy (la hiedra).

Existe una especie denominada “roble venenoso” que ha estado presente anteriormente en la zona donde trabajaremos. En el pasado hemos colaborado con la Ciudad de Vancouver en esa área para esa especie en la medida de lo posible, pero aún podrían quedar algunos tallos y hojas en descomposición. Los tallos, raíces y hojas del roble venenoso pueden causar sarpullido incluso en otoño e invierno.

Durante la actividad, tendremos disponible un limpiador llamado “tecnu”, diseñado para eliminar la grasa de la piel en caso de entrar en contacto con la planta, pero a la vez nosotros estaremos vigilando y les indicaremos cualquier planta que encontremos en el sitio.

 Registrate Aquí

 Este evento para eliminar hiedra se lleva a cabo en asociación con la Ciudad de Vancouver.

Save the date to join the City of Vancouver’s Naturespaces program for planting Oakbrook’s new Naturespace!

We will be planting on Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 15. Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided. This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens – people of all ages and abilities are welcome. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

Advance registration will be required. Please check HERE in early fall for more details and registration instructions.

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

The Vancouver Bee Project is excited to bring back the Native Plant & Seed Library this year! 🌱✨

If you’ve received seeds from us in the past, consider collecting some native seeds to donate and share with others. If you have plants to share, bring them too — they just need to be on the Portland Plant List of regionally native plants.

Come get seeds, plants, and community! 💛🌿🐝

¡Estamos emocionados de traer de vuelta la Biblioteca de Plantas y Semillas Nativas este año! 🌱✨ Si has recibido semillas de nosotros en el pasado, considera recolectar algunas semillas nativas para donar y compartir con otros. Si tienes plantas para compartir, tráelas también — solo deben estar en la Lista de Plantas de Portland de plantas nativas de la región.

Este año estaremos en una nueva ubicación: Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4505 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661 en el centro de Vancouver.
📅 Primer fin de semana: 27 y 28 de septiembre, de 12 a 3pm cada día.

¡Ven por semillas, plantas y comunidad! 💛🌿🐝

Join the City of Vancouver’s volunteers from our Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of litter cleanup and invasive plant removal.

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

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

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

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

• Advance registration is required, and space is limited. RSVP today!

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Learn how to build and construct a hot compost pile using the SMART method.  

Field training events are offered separately for hands-on demonstration of composting techniques. Click here for the event schedule.

Register HERE.

Where: Waste Connections of WA, 9411 NE 94th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98662

Go through the gate and there will be parking on your left.  Our meeting room is in the building on your right. Enter through the door on the north side of the building. For safety reasons, do not go past the parking lot/building without high visibility personal protective equipment.

Learn more about this event and future workshops at clarkcountycomposts.org

Backyard Composting

There are many systems for composting yard and kitchen waste in your backyard. You can visit one of our composting demonstration sites to see various bins and systems in use. 

The two basic backyard composting methods are fast— batch or hot composting, and slow— add as you go or cold composting. Mother nature doesn’t care which one you use. But you might! With the faster hot composting method, the end product can be higher quality— but the amount of work needed to turn and monitor your pile is more. With cold composting, not as much work is needed, but it can take several months to a year to get usable compost.

SMART is an acronym for the compost factors you should pay attention to for best results:

S: Size

The size of your pile and the pieces you put in it. Your pile should be at least 3 x 3 x 3 feet in volume (for a hot pile). Your woody pieces of material should be chopped up to less than 2″ in diameter.

M: Moisture

Keep the pile moist as a wrung out sponge. You can mist it with a hose as you add new material.

A: Aeration

Turn your compost occasionally. You want oxygen to get into the pile, and to get the materials mixed. Serious composters try to get the pile hot — and turn it once the temperature drops.

R: Ratio

The ratio of “browns” to “greens” should be an average of Carbon/Nitrogen 30:1. An easy way to measure this is to go by volume — and use 1:1. One unit of brown to one of green. An easy way to remember this is “equal parts of green and brown help to break the compost down.”

T: Tools

Find the best compost system for you and recommendations on best tools for the trade.

Save the date to join the City of Vancouver’s Naturespaces program for planting Oakbrook’s new Naturespace!

We will be planting on Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 15. Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided. This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens – people of all ages and abilities are welcome. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

Advance registration will be required. Please check this page in early fall for more details and registration instructions.

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

The Vancouver Bee Project is excited to bring back the Native Plant & Seed Library this year! 🌱✨

If you’ve received seeds from us in the past, consider collecting some native seeds to donate and share with others. If you have plants to share, bring them too — they just need to be on the Portland Plant List of regionally native plants.

Come get seeds, plants, and community! 💛🌿🐝

¡Estamos emocionados de traer de vuelta la Biblioteca de Plantas y Semillas Nativas este año! 🌱✨ Si has recibido semillas de nosotros en el pasado, considera recolectar algunas semillas nativas para donar y compartir con otros. Si tienes plantas para compartir, tráelas también — solo deben estar en la Lista de Plantas de Portland de plantas nativas de la región.

Este año estaremos en una nueva ubicación: Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4505 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661 en el centro de Vancouver.
📅 Primer fin de semana: 27 y 28 de septiembre, de 12 a 3pm cada día.

¡Ven por semillas, plantas y comunidad! 💛🌿🐝

Support your local arboretum near the shores of the Columbia River, just south of Evergreen Hwy.!

Generally, E. Jane Weber Arboretum volunteers work on an area that is special to them or they just see a need to spruce things up. Monthly, we have our Second Saturday Work Party from 9am to noon. We often work on bigger projects and refreshments are always served.

The Stanger House is an historic home on the property that has a work crew that meets Friday mornings from 9am to noon. This can include carpentry or electrical work or general non-skilled tasks. Refreshments provided.

Our volunteers show up rain or shine. Extreme weather can cancel plans.

Overview

The E. Jane Weber Arboretum is devoted to preserving this treasured natural resource and historic site in honor of Dr. Vinson and E. Jane Weber, who dedicated their homestead and lovely botanical garden to being a learning experience and inspiration – a legacy for others to cherish. To fulfill their dream, an entity was set up to oversee the arboretum and subsequently a non-profit to manage, protect and enhance this revered property along the Columbia River with outreach to the community, offering education and related activities that will be a shared commitment to the vision and purpose of the E. Jane Weber Arboretum.

For more information, email us at weberarboretum@gmail.com

Hours for Public Access:
Open Daily from Dawn to Dusk

Learn more about the property and features at www.ejaneweberarboretum.org/

Join the Watershed Alliance of SW WA with a Volunteer Tree Planting

Where: TSMC Campus at the corner of NW Lake Rd and NW Parker St. Parking at Skyridge Middle School, 5220 NW Parker St, Camas, WA 98607

What to bring: Please wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and dress for the weather. Please bring your own snacks and water.

Food provided by TSMC. Breakfast pastries and coffee.

 Register Here

 This event is held in partnership with TSMC.

 ***

Actividad: Reforestación para voluntarios

Cuándo: Domingo 9 de Noviembre 9:00 a 12:00

Dónde: Campus de  TSMC en la esquina de NW Lake Rd con NW Parker St. Estacionamiento será en la escuela Skyridge.

Qué llevar: Favor de usar pantalón largo, zapato para trabajo y vestir de acuerdo al clima. Traer su propia agua y alimento.

TSMC ofrecerá: café y panecillos para desayunar.

Registrate Aquí

Este evento para eliminar hiedra se lleva a cabo en asociación con TSMC.

Join the City of Vancouver’s volunteers from our Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of litter cleanup and invasive plant removal.

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

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

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

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

• Advance registration is required, and space is limited. RSVP today!

(Registration will close two days prior to the event at 2 p.m. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.)

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

In recognition of Veterans Day, all national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee offer free admission November 11, 2025.

Including Ridgefield NWR, Steigerwald NWR, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Dungeness NWR and 28 others…

All U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee

If you pay attention, you can tell time by the forest canopy—twigs and seeds, branches and leaves marking seasons with color, fullness, sway.  – Abby Braithwaite, A Portrait of the Artist as a Crone Tree. 

Canopy Time walks are mostly monthly walks/rolls/rides on Plas Newydd Farm. Hosted by Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan (and some surprise guests), these adventures give us the chance to explore some of the most beautiful places on the farm, and provide a deeper opportunity to feel the rhythms of the land, observe the comings and goings of migratory birds, watch the bud and bloom of native and invasive plants, swat mosquitoes, and dodge raindrops! 

Part nature journaling, part phenological record-keeping, these explorations are a great way to spend more time out on the land than some of our workshops allow. 

Bring your journal, your sketchbook, your camera and your senses. 

Suggested Donation of $10 collected on the farm.

Registration is required. Email arts@pnfarm.com

We’ll take cash, check, Venmo or a smile, if cost is a barrier! 

Join the staff at the Watershed Alliance of SW WA for a volunteer non-native English Ivy pull

• Parking: Please park in the main parking lot at Abrams Park.

• What to bring: Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Please bring your own snacks and water.

• Please Note: This event is more physically demanding than our other volunteer events, there will be bending, pulling and walking on uneven terrain with possible tripping hazards. 

 Register Here

This event is held in partnership with the City of Ridgefield and the Ridgefield Garden Club.

***

Actividad: Eliminación de hiedra (hierba) en Ridgefield

Cuándo: Sábado 15 de Noviembre 9:00 a 12:00

Dónde: Abrams Park, 400 Abrams Park Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642

Qué llevar: Favor de usar zapato cerrado y vestir de acuerdo al clima. Traer su propia agua y alimento.

 Te pedimos que previo al evento, por favor completes la siguiente forma  y aceptes los términos y condiciones de deslinde de responsabilidades. 

 Registrate Aquí

 Este evento para eliminar hiedra se lleva a cabo en asociación con la Ciudad de Ridgefield y Ridgefield Garden Club. 

Save the date to join the City of Vancouver’s Naturespaces program for planting Oakbrook’s new Naturespace!

We will be planting on Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 15. Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided. This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens – people of all ages and abilities are welcome. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

Advance registration will be required. Please check this page in early fall for more details and registration instructions.

Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

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

Have you ever wondered how old the fish are in the round ponds or how the hatchery operates? Learn all about the Vancouver Trout Hatchery on one of our hatchery tours!

• A guided hatchery tour of the Vancouver Trout Hatchery.

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

• We will meet at 3:00pm.

• Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather!

• The parking lot and paths around the main campus, including the fish ponds have paved surfaces for accessibility. Wheeled mobility devices and strollers welcome.

Can you go 100% compost (ideally home produced!) for amending, mulching, and fertilizing your gardens?

Learn how to apply and time various different types of compost (Bokashi, vermicompost, backyard bin compost, and leaf mulch)

This is an in-person workshop at Waste Connections.

Register HERE

Learn more about this and other workshops at clarkcountycomposts.org

Join the staff from the Watershed Alliance of SW WA to tackle ivy that is in the park. Ivy climbs and smothers trees, shades native plants and spreads throughout the park

• What to bring: Please wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and dress for the weather. Please bring your own snacks and water.

• This event is more physically demanding than our other volunteer events, there will be bending, pulling and walking on uneven terrain with possible tripping hazards.

• Poison Oak is known to be in the area we will be working in. We’ve worked with the City of Vancouver to mitigate the presence of the plant as much as possible but some stems and decomposing leaves may still be present. Poison Oak stems, roots, and leaves can cause a rash even in the fall and winter. We will have tecnu available, a cleanser that is designed to remove the poison oak oil from the skin that causes a rash, in case you get in contact with the plant. We will also point out any plants we see on site.

• Register in advance here!

This event is held in partnership with the City of Vancouver.

 ***

Actividad: Eliminación de hiedra (hierba) en Marine Park

Cuándo:  Sábado 13 de Diciembre 9:00am a 11:30am

Dónde:  Marine Park, 4501 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661

Qué llevar: Favor de usar pantalón largo, zapato cerrado y vestir de acuerdo al clima. Traer su propia agua y alimento.

Nota: Esta actividad requiere un poco más de actividad física que nuestros eventos de reforestación pues implica agacharse y jalar el Ivy (la hiedra).

Existe una especie denominada “roble venenoso” que ha estado presente anteriormente en la zona donde trabajaremos. En el pasado hemos colaborado con la Ciudad de Vancouver en esa área para esa especie en la medida de lo posible, pero aún podrían quedar algunos tallos y hojas en descomposición. Los tallos, raíces y hojas del roble venenoso pueden causar sarpullido incluso en otoño e invierno.

Durante la actividad, tendremos disponible un limpiador llamado “tecnu”, diseñado para eliminar la grasa de la piel en caso de entrar en contacto con la planta, pero a la vez nosotros estaremos vigilando y les indicaremos cualquier planta que encontremos en el sitio.

 Registrate Aquí

 Este evento para eliminar hiedra se lleva a cabo en asociación con la Ciudad de Vancouver.

If you pay attention, you can tell time by the forest canopy—twigs and seeds, branches and leaves marking seasons with color, fullness, sway.  – Abby Braithwaite, A Portrait of the Artist as a Crone Tree. 

Canopy Time walks are mostly monthly walks/rolls/rides on Plas Newydd Farm. Hosted by Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan (and some surprise guests), these adventures give us the chance to explore some of the most beautiful places on the farm, and provide a deeper opportunity to feel the rhythms of the land, observe the comings and goings of migratory birds, watch the bud and bloom of native and invasive plants, swat mosquitoes, and dodge raindrops! 

Part nature journaling, part phenological record-keeping, these explorations are a great way to spend more time out on the land than some of our workshops allow. 

Bring your journal, your sketchbook, your camera and your senses. 

Suggested Donation of $10 collected on the farm.

Registration is required, RSVP Here

We’ll take cash, check, Venmo or a smile, if cost is a barrier! 

Join the staff from the Watershed Alliance of SW WA to tackle ivy that is in the park. Ivy climbs and smothers trees, shades native plants and spreads throughout the park

• What to bring: Please wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and dress for the weather. Please bring your own snacks and water.

• This event is more physically demanding than our other volunteer events, there will be bending, pulling and walking on uneven terrain with possible tripping hazards.

• Poison Oak is known to be in the area we will be working in. We’ve worked with the City of Vancouver to mitigate the presence of the plant as much as possible but some stems and decomposing leaves may still be present. Poison Oak stems, roots, and leaves can cause a rash even in the fall and winter. We will have tecnu available, a cleanser that is designed to remove the poison oak oil from the skin that causes a rash, in case you get in contact with the plant. We will also point out any plants we see on site.

• Register in advance here!

This event is held in partnership with the City of Vancouver.

 ***

Actividad: Eliminación de hiedra (hierba) en Marine Park

Cuándo:  Sábado 13 de Diciembre 9:00am a 11:30am

Dónde:  Marine Park, 4501 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661

Qué llevar: Favor de usar pantalón largo, zapato cerrado y vestir de acuerdo al clima. Traer su propia agua y alimento.

Nota: Esta actividad requiere un poco más de actividad física que nuestros eventos de reforestación pues implica agacharse y jalar el Ivy (la hiedra).

Existe una especie denominada “roble venenoso” que ha estado presente anteriormente en la zona donde trabajaremos. En el pasado hemos colaborado con la Ciudad de Vancouver en esa área para esa especie en la medida de lo posible, pero aún podrían quedar algunos tallos y hojas en descomposición. Los tallos, raíces y hojas del roble venenoso pueden causar sarpullido incluso en otoño e invierno.

Durante la actividad, tendremos disponible un limpiador llamado “tecnu”, diseñado para eliminar la grasa de la piel en caso de entrar en contacto con la planta, pero a la vez nosotros estaremos vigilando y les indicaremos cualquier planta que encontremos en el sitio.

 Registrate Aquí

 Este evento para eliminar hiedra se lleva a cabo en asociación con la Ciudad de Vancouver.

Join the City of Vancouver’s Urban Forestry team and Friends of Trees for the big seasonal planting in the North Central part of Vancouver.

Get a Tree - Learn More

Get a tree of your very own! It’s easy as 1, 2, 3 — tree. Visit the FoT webpage to see your list of choices—no obligation to plant. Want a street tree? FoT will send someone to measure, assess and permit your planting strip and send you a list of approved trees. Want a yard tree? You choose exactly where you want to plant. FoT volunteers and crew leaders will plant for you, although you are welcome to help.

Planting Crew Leader - Learn More

Crew Leaders lead teams of planting volunteers throughout the Greater-Portland region.

Canopy Caller - Learn More

On Wednesday evenings, help tree recipients select their own tree for their upcoming neighborhood planting. Great role for individuals looking to use or improve their phone skills!

Tree Planter - Learn More

You believe in the big impact of one-time efforts. You may want to plant with a group, your family, or by yourself and meet new people!

Truck Driver - Learn More

You have access to a pick-up truck (or trailer) and are willing to help transport trees to their new homes. Your truck is able to carry trees, tools, and supplies on planting day to support a crew of planters at our Saturday morning events.

Bike Planter - Learn More

You like to ride bikes with groups and believe in bikes as a tool to create a healthier future. Bike planters transport & plant trees with their pedal power. Bikers with or without trailers are welcome to join and plant at select few Saturday events.

Since 1989, Friends of Trees has planted over 1,000,000 trees and native shrubs in neighborhoods and natural areas in western Oregon & southwest Washington, all with the power of volunteers.

Support your local arboretum near the shores of the Columbia River, just south of Evergreen Hwy.!

Generally, E. Jane Weber Arboretum volunteers work on an area that is special to them or they just see a need to spruce things up. Monthly, we have our Second Saturday Work Party from 9am to noon. We often work on bigger projects and refreshments are always served.

The Stanger House is an historic home on the property that has a work crew that meets Friday mornings from 9am to noon. This can include carpentry or electrical work or general non-skilled tasks. Refreshments provided.

Our volunteers show up rain or shine. Extreme weather can cancel plans.

Overview

The E. Jane Weber Arboretum is devoted to preserving this treasured natural resource and historic site in honor of Dr. Vinson and E. Jane Weber, who dedicated their homestead and lovely botanical garden to being a learning experience and inspiration – a legacy for others to cherish. To fulfill their dream, an entity was set up to oversee the arboretum and subsequently a non-profit to manage, protect and enhance this revered property along the Columbia River with outreach to the community, offering education and related activities that will be a shared commitment to the vision and purpose of the E. Jane Weber Arboretum.

For more information, email us at weberarboretum@gmail.com

Hours for Public Access:
Open Daily from Dawn to Dusk

Learn more about the property and features at www.ejaneweberarboretum.org/

You're invited! Join us for our Evergreen Tree Communities Nature Day at Columbia Springs.

A day of hands-on science and nature experiences exploring community builders at Columbia Springs.

• This event is designed to be engaging for people of all ages – from preschool age kids to elementary, middle, and high school students, and adults.

• All ages and backgrounds are welcome. Just bring your curiosity and be prepared for some nature fun!

• Drop by when it works for you. No RSVP required!

• Accessibility: Main parking lot and campus paths are paved. Nature trails are natural material surfacing, such as dirt, crushed gravel and boardwalks. Roots and rocks may be located on the nature trails.

Questions? Email events@columbiasprings.org.

Join the City of Vancouver’s Urban Forestry team and Friends of Trees for the big seasonal planting in the North Central part of Vancouver.

Get a Tree - Learn More

Get a tree of your very own! It’s easy as 1, 2, 3 — tree. Visit the FoT webpage to see your list of choices—no obligation to plant. Want a street tree? FoT will send someone to measure, assess and permit your planting strip and send you a list of approved trees. Want a yard tree? You choose exactly where you want to plant. FoT volunteers and crew leaders will plant for you, although you are welcome to help.

Planting Crew Leader - Learn More

Crew Leaders lead teams of planting volunteers throughout the Greater-Portland region.

Canopy Caller - Learn More

On Wednesday evenings, help tree recipients select their own tree for their upcoming neighborhood planting. Great role for individuals looking to use or improve their phone skills!

Tree Planter - Learn More

You believe in the big impact of one-time efforts. You may want to plant with a group, your family, or by yourself and meet new people!

Truck Driver - Learn More

You have access to a pick-up truck (or trailer) and are willing to help transport trees to their new homes. Your truck is able to carry trees, tools, and supplies on planting day to support a crew of planters at our Saturday morning events.

Bike Planter - Learn More

You like to ride bikes with groups and believe in bikes as a tool to create a healthier future. Bike planters transport & plant trees with their pedal power. Bikers with or without trailers are welcome to join and plant at select few Saturday events.

Since 1989, Friends of Trees has planted over 1,000,000 trees and native shrubs in neighborhoods and natural areas in western Oregon & southwest Washington, all with the power of volunteers.

Join the City of Vancouver’s Urban Forestry team and Friends of Trees for the big seasonal planting in the North Central part of Vancouver.

Get a Tree - Learn More

Get a tree of your very own! It’s easy as 1, 2, 3 — tree. Visit the FoT webpage to see your list of choices—no obligation to plant. Want a street tree? FoT will send someone to measure, assess and permit your planting strip and send you a list of approved trees. Want a yard tree? You choose exactly where you want to plant. FoT volunteers and crew leaders will plant for you, although you are welcome to help.

Planting Crew Leader - Learn More

Crew Leaders lead teams of planting volunteers throughout the Greater-Portland region.

Canopy Caller - Learn More

On Wednesday evenings, help tree recipients select their own tree for their upcoming neighborhood planting. Great role for individuals looking to use or improve their phone skills!

Tree Planter - Learn More

You believe in the big impact of one-time efforts. You may want to plant with a group, your family, or by yourself and meet new people!

Truck Driver - Learn More

You have access to a pick-up truck (or trailer) and are willing to help transport trees to their new homes. Your truck is able to carry trees, tools, and supplies on planting day to support a crew of planters at our Saturday morning events.

Bike Planter - Learn More

You like to ride bikes with groups and believe in bikes as a tool to create a healthier future. Bike planters transport & plant trees with their pedal power. Bikers with or without trailers are welcome to join and plant at select few Saturday events.

Since 1989, Friends of Trees has planted over 1,000,000 trees and native shrubs in neighborhoods and natural areas in western Oregon & southwest Washington, all with the power of volunteers.