Latest Newsletter

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The Clark County Solid Waste Advisory Commission (SWAC) is a nine-member Commission appointed by the Board and representing a broad spectrum of the community.

HHW, Electronics, Block Foam Collection

HAZARDOUS WASTE – Missed the event - Take HHW to one of the HHW collection facilities listed below:

ACCEPTED: Most household hazardous wastes will be accepted; all wastes must be from households.
NOT ACCEPTED: Explosives, ammunition, biological material or business generated wastes.

Central Transfer and Recycling Center
11034 NE 117th Avenue; Vancouver
(360) 256-8482
Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

West Van Materials Recovery Center
6601 NW Old Lower River Road; Vancouver
(360) 737-1727
Friday & Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Washougal Transfer Station
4020 S. Grant St. Washougal
(360) 835-2500
Third Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HHW DISPOSAL IS FREE OF CHARGE AT FACILITIES; HOWEVER, THERE IS A 25-GALLON OR 220-POUND LIMIT.

ELECTRONICS – Missed the event - Take electronics to Empower Up at 5000 E. 4th Plain Vancouver 98661 Tues-Sat, 9am-4:30 pm

ACCEPTED: computers, monitors, TV's, printers, VCRs, typewriters, cell phones, and other electronics.
NOT ACCEPTED: microwaves, smoke detectors or large appliances.

BLOCK FOAM – Missed the event - Take block foam to Empower Up at 5000 E. 4th Plain Vancouver 98661 Tues-Sat, 9am-4:30 pm

ACCEPTED: block foam (Styrofoam®) clean, any color and bagged/boxed.
NOT ACCEPTED: wrapped yellow urethane, spongy polypropylene, hot tub covers, peanuts, or foam with cardboard, tape or metal attached.

For more recycling and disposal information visit RecyclingA-Z.com

Shredding Event

Bring all unwanted documents to the lot where they will be securely destroyed.

Shredding Event

Bring all unwanted documents to the lot and they will be securely destroyed.

HHW, Electronics, Block Foam Collection

HHW, Electronics, Block Foam Collection

Shredding Event

Bring all unwanted documents to the lot and they will be securely destroyed.

HHW, Electronics, Block Foam Collection

Senior Safety and Security Fair Shred Event

Bring all unwanted documents to the lot and they will be securely destroyed.

Forest Tree Ecology

Come take a walk through the woods and learn to read the stories in the trees. Learn to identify the native trees (even from a moving car!), where different species are found and why they are there, how to deduce the history of the stand, and how to recognize common tree diseases. Topics include tree ecology, shade tolerance and its importance, forest succession and disturbance history, habitat types, health and history of individual trees, and forest insects and diseases.

To register: http://foresttreeecology.eventbrite.com/# to register and pay online. Or contact us at info@cascadiawild.org or 503-235-9533 to register and pay by check or cash. Include your name / contact information (email and phone), and the class(es) you are signing up for. Registration and payment required in advance.

Intro to Rain Gardens

Rain gardens collect rainfall and water from your roof downspouts to create a self-watering garden full of beautiful flowers and shrubs. They divert rainwater from flowing out into the storm drains picking up oil, dirt and garbage along the way that pollutes our creeks and rivers.

We will take you through a step-by-step process of designing and building a rain garden and provide information on the use of natural materials, organic soil and native plants.

Please call or email to pre-register: WSU Extension at (360) 397-6060 x 5705 or noelani.penney@clark.wa.gov. Class size is limited so sign up early for this popular class!

WSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. If you require special accommodation, call WSU Extension Clark County at (360) 397-6060 ext. 5712 prior to the event.

Backyard Composting Workshop

Have questions about composting? Want to learn how to get your compost cooking? Wonder how to tell when your compost is finished, or what type of bin is best? Then this free workshop is for you. Class includes classroom introduction to basic composting science, and a visit to a composting demonstration site.

Vermicomposting 101

This class covers the basics of vermicomposting – using redworms to turn kitchen food scraps into black gold for the garden. Participants will receive worms and a wormbin and will learn how to prepare bedding for their new redworm friends' home. Materials fee of $35 per bin/worms. The class is free if you provide your own worms and bin.

Tracking Club

The Tracking Club is an informal gathering where people can practice their tracking skills and learn from each other.  Meetings are on the LAST SUNDAY of the month.

Xeriscaping for Water Conservation

Would you like to spend less time mowing, save water, and enjoy a beautiful, easy-care, green landscape? Then Xeriscaping is for you!
Xeriscaping is all about using hardy, low-water plants to achieve a beautiful, low-maintenance, sustainable landscape. Xeric plants have many benefits. They need little or no water other than seasonal rainfall, they don't require fertilizers or special soil amendments, and they thrive in our climate without special care.
Learn about xeriscaping for your yard at this workshop sponsored by WSU Clark County Extension and Clark County Department of Environmental Services.
Please call or email to pre-register: WSU Extension at (360) 397-6060 x 5712 or watershed.stewards@clark.wa.gov. Class size is limited so sign up early for this free workshop.

WSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. If you require special accommodation, call WSU Extension Clark County at (360) 397-6060 ext. 5712 prior to the event.

Spring clean-up downtown

Time to put on our happy spring face downtown.

We need volunteers to blow the dust off, pull the weeds up and sweep the debris away in our downtown. If we all pull together, it can happen in a flash. VDA will provide the refreshments!

We will meet at Turtle Place. Bring your tools and your can-do attitude. It will save a ton of time if you pre-register your willingness with SOLV.

Are you with us? Click here to sign up:
http://www.solv.org/get-involved/events/dt-vancouver-spring-cleanup

Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs

Join us for a community service day! All volunteers are welcome! Kids under 14 with parental supervision and teens under 16 with parental permission. Snacks and tools provided. Please bring sturdy shoes, appropriate outdoor work clothing, a water bottle, and your enthusiasm for helping the community! To sign-up or for more information, email volunteer@columbiasprings.org, or call 360-882-0936 ext. 230. For more information on Columbia Springs, visit www.columbiasprings.org. Invite your friends on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/524105057628147/.

Steigerwald NWR Tree and Shrub Planting

Volunteer work days on the Refuge are open to everyone!  Please wear waterproof footwear- we work in wet/muddy conditions, so rubber/rain boots are best if you have them. Please bring gloves, a hat and drinking water. Winter weather in the Gorge can be wet and windy, so please dress appropriately! Snow or frozen ground will result in a cancellation for that day. Please be prompt (arrive 10 minutes early) and prepared to stay for the entire time.
Come as an individual, family or group (groups please call Refuge Manager, Jim Clapp, for more information- 360-835-8767). All ages welcome, but kids under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visit the Refuge website: http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/steigerwaldlake/
And the Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards website: http://www.refugestewards.org/
Find us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/RefugeStewards

Invasive Species Invasion at Columbia Grove

Volunteer with Columbia Springs as we strategically battle the invasive plant species invading our local forests! Help us restore sensitive conservation land near one of the last remaining chum salmon spawning sites on the Columbia River. All volunteers are welcome! Children with parental supervision and teens under 16 with parental permission. Snacks and tools provided. Please bring sturdy shoes, appropriate outdoor work clothing, a water bottle, and your enthusiasm for helping the community! To sign-up or for more information, email volunteer@columbiasprings.org. For more information on Columbia Springs, visit www.columbiasprings.org. Invite your friends on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/348872088565848/.

Vancouver Farmers Market

Lots of local produce, great food, crafts and entertainment!

Battle Ground Farmer's Market

The Water Loving Irises of Asia

The Master Gardener Foundation of Clark County presents: Chad Harris of Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm, has been growing many different species of Irises in SW WA state for over 30 years. Chad will present a talk and slide presentation of the history of the Iris in Japan and the flower forms of the Iris ensata. He will also cover the growth and cultural needs of the Iris. FREE to the public and members. No registration required.

Master Gardener Foundation of Clark County Plant Sale

Huge Sale! Great Selection! Fabulous Prices!
Unique Garden Vendors!
Saturday, May 11th 9am-4pm
Sunday, May 12th 10am to 3pm
Bring you own Carts & Wagons!
Cash/Check/Visa/MC
As a non-profit, proceeds support local food and garden growing programs locally.

The Ridgefield Farmers Market

The Ridgefield Farmers Market promises to be an exciting new addition to what the city of Ridgefield has to offer, both practically--think fresh food--and also as a new cultural attraction for the area.

The Market is a reviving of the heritage of farmers markets of yore, where on summer weekends the freshest produce and homemade products would be crowded onto tables early in the morning before becoming spaghetti sauce or a cheese plate or floral centerpiece in someone else's nearby home later that same day.

http://ridgefieldmarket.com/

Second Saturday at the Water Center: Wetlands

Kids and families are invited to enjoy and explore the wet, spongy soil with us! Swamps, marshes and bogs are valuable wetlands. Learn more about these low-lying areas and their natural wildlife habitats. Please note: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Volcano Views and Brews

This popular lecture series about the great outdoors began in 2008 and continues every month. Fascinating topics, lively speakers, and excellent food and libations make for an enjoyable and horizon-widening evening.

Doors open at 5:00pm. Speaker presents from 6:30 - 8:00

Vancouver Views and Brews are held at Tommy O's Pacific Rim Bistro in downtown Vancouver, WA at 801 Washington Street

May On The Road Tour

May On The Road Tour - Time, Love & The Land - Garden Transformations

Come see how four gardeners molded their distinctively different and diverse properties – all challenging, and all very successful transformations.

First, on a formerly "unbuildable site" alongside the Lewis River, tour the Johnsons' lovingly-created woodland garden. Where once was Scotch broom and blackberries, now there are Northwest natives, food, flowers, trees, and shrubs to delight.

Next, at Aitken's learn about the cultivation of all kinds of iris on the broad hillside (and orchids in the greenhouse). See why Barbara & Terry ship products all over the world and host national iris shows.

Thirdly, hear how an experienced professional horticulturist became a novice beekeeper. Come find out where, why and how he also serves the queen bee.

Lastly, see how Roy & Dale started with an ordinary suburban lot and have created an enchanting, hidden Japanese-style garden retreat which they call "Happy Trails.

Time: 8am to 5pm
Lunch: BYO at Round Table Pizza
Van transportation from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 9319 NE Hwy 99,Hazel Dell.

School & Community Garden Forum

WSU Extension Clark County, in partnership with Clark County Environmental Services, Clark County Public Health, and the Food System Council is planning a School & Community Garden Forum for Thursday, May 30 from 9am to 1pm. The event will include a keynote speaker and panel discussions on topics of interest to staff, volunteers, and community activists working on school and community garden issues in Clark County.

Family Field Trip Day

Come enjoy the same fun activities enjoyed by thousands of school children every year! Join us for a nature adventure with fun, hands-on learning stations, craft projects, and nature hikes for the whole family at the historic trout hatchery. The cost to participate is free for adults accompanying children, and $5 per child. Food will be available for purchase at the event. Online registration available at http://www.columbiasprings.org/events/annual-events/family-field-trip-day/. For more information, email volunteer@columbiasprings.org.

First Friday Artwalk - Downtown Vancouver

Every first Friday of the month throughout the year, participating art galleries, merchants and restaurants open their doors to celebrate opening night of various art exhibits. Live music and citywide receptions welcome all in Downtown Vancouver! Please visit the Vancouver Downtown Association's website for more specific details.

Walk/Run for the Animals

22nd Annual Walk & Run for the Animals  Bring your best four-legged friend down to Esther Short Park and walk for the animals.

Location: Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver
Contact: www.southwesthumane.org

Other Information: This event is a fundraiser for the humane society.

Food and Film: Documentary Series

Play Again will be shown for the fifth in a six-month film series sponsored by Environmental Services and the Vancouver Watersheds Alliance. Monthly on the fourth Tuesday. A $5 donation is requested. Free pizza will be served.