Join us for the Composting with Red Worms Workshop at the Cascade Park Library on Saturday, June 1, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Learn how to compost using red worms and transform food scraps into all-natural fertilizer for your garden. This workshop is presented by the Clark County Composter Recycler Program, providing you with a great alternative to traditional backyard composting, especially if you have limited space. Participants will receive all the necessary supplies to create their own worm bin.

Don't miss this opportunity to discover the benefits of worm composting and contribute to a healthier environment. 

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, June 1

• Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
• Location: Cascade Park Library
• More information: Conscious Consumption: Composting with Red Worms | Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (librarymarket.com)

Join us at the Cascade Park Library and start your journey towards reducing your food waste. We look forward to seeing you there!

The changing climate affects us all, and pollinating animals are no exception. There are actions you can take in your garden to help them. Join Master Gardeners Angelina Lai and Karen Palmer for a presentation on how the changing climate affects pollinators and the plants upon which they...and in turn we...depend. They'll offer ideas on steps you can take to help from 6 to 7:30pm. Free. Contact: erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu / 564-397-5738. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/. Put on in partnership with Clark County Public Health Green Neighbors Program.

Join the Water Center to remove invasive ivy from Marine Park! Activities can include cutting ivy off tree trunks, bending over to pull ivy free from the soil, and shoveling and spreading bark mulch. All tools will be provided.

Registration is required. Sign up today: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/events/ivy-removal-at-marine-park-5/

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

If this event becomes full since space is limited and you see that registrations are no longer being accepted, please use the contact email below to add your name to the waitlist.

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

WSU Clark County Extension Small Acreage Program invites the community to the Seventeenth Annual Small Acreage Expo on Saturday, June 8th at the 78^th Street Heritage Farm. 

This year’s Small Acreage Expo offers a variety of topics including workshops on biochar on small acreage, mud and manure management, prescribed grazing, septic system maintenance and financial resources, soil health, regenerative homesteading practices, and pasture management, as well as farm tours and demonstrations. 

Register at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6314752

Pre-registration costs $22.69 (includes lunch), but $25 (does not include lunch) for walk-ins the day of the event. 

Register by Friday, June 7th to include a box lunch!

Please contact terry.koper@wsu.edu for more information about the WSU Clark County Extension’s Small Acreage Program.

Have you ever wondered what happens to the water that goes down your drain? How far does it travel? Where does it go after it is cleaned? Join us for a tour of the city’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Plant to learn about the unseen journey of wastewater.

After the treatment plant tour, we will embark on a nature walk to the Columbia River to learn about the riparian ecosystem and see where the clean water is released.

Tour is geared towards adults and youth 8 years of age or older. Tour is inside and outside and will happen rain or shine. Dress for all weather conditions. For the nature walk portion, expect to walk 1.5 miles on paved pathways and uneven and sandy beaches.

Space is limited. RSVP required. Sign up today: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/events/hidden-journey-of-wastewater-2/

If this event becomes full since space is limited and you see that registrations are no longer being accepted, please use the contact email below to add your name to the waitlist.

Detailed logistics will be emailed to registered participants.

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

The link below is to our Microsoft Form to sign up for RecycleU classes.

https://forms.office.com/g/SZbFd4VKE2. 

The link to our RecycleU, free classes is below. There are bios for each of the classes on the page.

http://www.cityofvancouver.us/RecycleU. 

You're invited! Join us for Forest Yoga at Columbia Springs

Looking to get back in touch with nature this summer? Join us for Forest Yoga at Columbia Springs! We will meet with local yogi Alison Wesley from Movement at Work in this beginning level class, moving into gentle shapes that help us see ourselves and the world more clearly.

When: 10:00am on Saturday, June 15th

What: A beginning level yoga class led local yogi Alison Wesley from Movement at Work. Please bring a mat or towel and whatever props you use during your normal practice.

How: Cost is $15 per person. Please register to reserve your spot!

Note: This class must have at least 10 participants signed up in advance to run. In the event that this number is not reached, the class will be cancelled, and refunds will be issued. Otherwise, all sales are final, and no refunds will be permitted.

Beautiful Savior Lutheran is hosting a shred day fundraiser for their 30th year of the Mexico Mission of building homes in Tijuana. 

Requesting $5 donation, 2 box limit. Paper Only: Bring documents in file/bankers boxes or Paper Grocery Bags)
Papers with staples, paper clips, and binder clips are allowed
No plastic covers, 3-ring binders or spiral notebooks

10am-1pm (or until truck is full)

Soils are the Secret Presented by Krista Lawrence, Landscape Designer, Garden Coach, owner of Petros Design (www.petrosdesign.com Soil is vital—it is the foundation to landscapes and gardens. It supports ecosystem services and provides a home for many creatures. Harmful chemicals, such as herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides, can harm soil bacteria and fungi reducing the system’s ability to decompose debris and cycle soil nutrients. We’ll learn about the importance of soil and how to kickstart your soil's health to create a thriving ecosystem that supports your garden dreams. Krista will share information about her favorite local products and experiences that encourage robust soil in landscapes.

Class Location: CASEE Center, Building B, Room 205 11104 NE 149th Street, Brush Prairie, WA. 98606

Day/Time: Saturday June 15, 2024 10:00 am-noon Fees: Naturescaping members free or $15.00 for non-members.

Membership per year is $25.00 ($15.00) for seniors.

**Registration required for class, or for more information: info@naturescaping.org or marlene52ns@gmail.com Phone: 360-737-1160

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

Have you ever wondered how old the fish are out in our round ponds, or what wildlife can be found around our site? Learn about all that Columbia Springs has to offer during one of our guided tours!

Let us know you’re coming in advance by registering at https://www.columbiasprings.org/2024-guidedtours

We will meet at 5:30pm. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather!

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: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/events/water-center-garden-cleanup-7/

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

If this event becomes full since space is limited and you see that registrations are no longer being accepted, please use the contact email below to add your name to the waitlist.

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

About the film:

Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.

When: Tuesday, June 25th from 4:30pm to 7:00pm

Where: Columbia Room at the Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St, Vancouver, WA 98660

Event Schedule:

4:30pm – Doors Open

4:45pm – Pizza

5:15pm – Film Starts

Pizza will be provided through a generous discount from the Piehole Pizzeria including Gluten Friendly/Vegan options. A water station will also be available. Please help us reduce waste by bringing your own water bottle. 

Learn more about the film and watch a trailer here.

Please register here.

This film series was made possible by our partners at Clark County Green Neighbors. Thank you to our partnering sponsor, PeaceHealth.

This Recycling Beyond the Curb workshop covers a variety of recycling opportunities beyond the basics of curbside recycling. Discover recycling and reuse options available locally for plastic bags, appliances, bulky items and more! Learn how to identify Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and then how to safely dispose of this material in Clark County.

Please note that prior attendance in Recycling 101 is required for this free class. Sign up today.

Consider staying for a Bonus Organics 101 class from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

These classes are offered through a partnership with Vancouver Solid Waste, Clark County Green Neighbors and Waste Connections.

As the summer sun sets and the heat dissipates, movement begins along the water’s edge. Join a Water Center educator to explore the twilight in and around the Columbia River and its wetlands. Look for signs of animals, learn about plants, look for bats, and identify the twilight stars and planets that appear in the early evening sky.

Expect to walk 2 miles on uneven, sandy beaches and along paved pathways. Trail not suitable for strollers. Binoculars available to borrow. Walk is suitable for ages 6 and older.

Registration is required. Sign up today: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/events/twilight-tuesday/

If this event becomes full since space is limited and you see that registrations are no longer being accepted, please use the contact email below to add your name to the waitlist.

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

Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program for an On-the-Road-Tour and leave the driving to us! Our tour includes two spectacular locations. The Rogerson Clematis Garden is located at Lusher Farm in West Linn. Our 2-hour visit there will include a tour of the gardens and greenhouse and an opportunity to explore the charming farm and purchase plants. Next up is lunch at Dub’s Tavern in Tualatin, where we'll dine in the patio area.
Our second destination of the day is Elk Rock Garden at Bishop's Close and Lady McDonald's Garden located three doors down, in the Dunthorpe area of Portland. Our host promises many rare trees and plants. (In 2016, The Portland Garden Club submitted extensive written and photographic documentation of the garden which it nominated for designation as a Rare Plant Garden by the Smithsonian.
Vans depart Enterprise at 8:30 sharp and return at 4:30pm. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/895569280827?aff=oddtdtcreator by June 17. Cost: $35. Contact: Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu/ 564-397-5738. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

Explore Vancouver Lake from a whole new perspective! Join the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and Vancouver’s Water 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, and 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!

Advanced registration is required and space is limited. Sign up today: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/events/vancouver-lake-community-paddle-trip-2/

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.

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.

If this event becomes full since space is limited and you see that registrations are no longer being accepted, please use the contact email below to add your name to the waitlist.

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

Biochar Burn Demonstration:
Arrive promptly at 8am to begin the setup for the biochar burn demo led by Steve Thalberg
Bring leather gloves, hat, eyewear, and cotton clothes (no polyester)
Subject to cancellation, if it is a windy day or there is a burn ban in place

Small Acreage Woodland Tour:
The land tour will take place after the burn demo, beginning sometime between 11am-2pm.  (Event will end by 3 pm at the latest)
This tour will cover the topics of small acreage woodland management, NRCS grants for woodlands, and water quality best management practices.
This tour will be led by small acreage woodland steward Steve Thalberg.

Join the Water Center for our Summer BioBlitz! Volunteers will use the iNaturalist app to catalog plants, insects, birds, moss, lichen, animal tracks, and anything else we see in the area.

Registration is required. Sign up today: https://forms.office.com/g/MmAT17QKUe

Únete al Proyecto de Abejas de Vancouver en un paseo natural en español de 11 a.m. a 12:15 p.m. Se requiere registro. Por favor, regístrese aquí: https://forms.office.com/g/MmAT17QKUe

The BioBlitz helps us monitor species in our area to understand who is here, when they are here and their movement patterns. With the help of community scientists like you, we will document as many species as we can.

The Bioblitz is family-friendly, and you don’t need to be an expert naturalist or have experience with iNaturalist.  We will have local experts who will lead your group to help with identification and data submission. Guided walks are appropriate for ages 6 and older.

Partners from Vancouver Audubon, Vancouver Bee Project and City of Vancouver Solid Waste will be on hand with education tables for registered participants, so come early and stay late to enjoy interacting with our partners.

Walk Themes: 

Bird Walk:  Join Vancouver Audubon to help document the different bird species at the Water Center.  This group will explore the areas around the Water Center and the wetlands to document birds by sight and sound.

Insect and Flower Walk:  Join a naturalist and professor from Clark College to take a deep dive into the world of terrestrial insects.  This group will explore the edges of our gardens to find and identify all the insects on the plants.  This group will also help identify the flowering plants in our garden spaces.

General Nature Walk: Join a naturalist from the Clark Conservation District on a walk to identify the little things that often get overlooked, including birds, moss, fungi and more!

Paseo Natural en Español: Únete al Proyecto de Abejas de Vancouver en un paseo natural en español alrededor del Water Center. Aprende sobre las plantas y animales que viven alrededor del Centro y los humedales, y ayuda a identificarlos. Este paseo está dirigido a hablantes nativos de español y será guiado por Almendra Velazquez-Perez del Proyecto de Abejas de Vancouver.

Bee Walk: Join the Vancouver Bee Project to look for all things bees in our gardens and along the trails.

Plant Walk:  Join the City’s NatureSpaces program to help catalog and document all the plants along the trails at the Center and along the river.

Accessibility:  Substrate and terrain are variable for each walk.  The bird walk will be on paved pathways and off-trail on sandy beach areas.  The insect and bee walks will be on paved paths, gravel paths and grassy edges.  General nature walks (both Spanish and English) will be on paved pathways and sandy beach trails.  The plant walk will be on paved and gravel pathways and may be off-trail on sloped, dirt trails and sandy beaches.

Detailed logistics will be sent to all registered participants.

If this event becomes full and you see that registrations are no longer accepted, please use the contact email below to add your name to the waitlist.

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

You're invited! Join us for an in-person Repair event!

Bring your broken household items to be fixed by experienced volunteer fixers – for free! All items must be small enough to be easily carried by one person. NO microwaves, gas engines, or holiday string lights!

What we repair:
• Appliances: toasters, mixers, lamps, etc.
• Vintage radios (Partnered with Northwest Vintage Radio Society)
• Sharpening: knives, scissors, pruners, etc. (We cannot sharpen anything with multiple teeth such as a saw blade, hedge trimmers, or chainsaw blades.)
• Sewing: rips, hemming, mending, zippers, etc.
• Other: jewelry, home decor, etc.
• Wheels: bicycles, wheelchairs, walkers, etc.

Please pre-register your item to be repaired here:
https://www.columbiasprings.org/repair_registration

Questions? Send us a message at repairclarkcounty@gmail.com