Leader: Cindy McCormack

Meeting time: 8:00am

Meeting location: Klineline Pond parking

Register/questions: [email protected]

Chickadees, Eagles, and Ducks, Oh My! The Vancouver Audubon Society’s Young Birder’s Club is hosting a bird walk . Join us on to see some incredible birds! We’ll walk around, learn about and see the local avifauna, and meet with fellow birders. Open to anyone 10 -18 years old plus parent/guardian. Feel free to reach out to Jared at [email protected] with any questions. We will have binoculars and spotting scopes to share.

Late winter is approaching, and planting season is coming to a close. Volunteer to get plants into the ground at Vancouver's Water Recourses Education Center. Native plants are great for absorbing rainwater runoff and providing habitat and food for animals living in and around garden spaces. Some general garden tidying will be done, too. All necessary tools will be provided. Please bring your own garden gloves if you have them. 

Advance registration is required. Event is limited to 15 participants. You will receive a confirmation letter with full volunteer event details and meeting location after registration. 

Volunteer Event

Saturday Feb. 18
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Water Resources Education Center

RSVP HERE: RSVP-Water Center Garden Volunteer - City of Vancouver (volgistics.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions not answered in the FAQ? Please email [email protected] or call 360-487-7111.

Are you interested in joining others with a passion for sustainability to help make a difference in our community?

Sign up for the upcoming Composter Recycler Program volunteer training series! This NO COST training course will cover topics such as backyard composting, worm bin composting, green cleaning, food waste reduction and more. After completing the 7-week training, you will get to represent the Composter Recycler program at community events and participate in fun volunteer opportunities.

When: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm February 1st - March 15th, 2023 

Where: Virtual classes on Zoom on Wednesdays; a couple of in-person, hands-on learning opportunities as well

Learn more and register here: https://clarkcountycomposts.org/become-a-composter-recycler/composter-recycler-application?fbclid=IwAR0_XMIllZZ_NENBt5DtDgScHyGF8WCQy8W8yxdr2mkyvYKiDK8SrSLCnp4 

Join City staff from Naturespaces at our second planting event at Countryside Woods Neighborhood Park! We will be installing native and beneficial species in the North-East part of the woodland urban nature area, restoring the forest understory, promoting wildlife habitat and increasing the number and diversity of plants in the park.

Event will happen rain or shine, please wear layers that you don’t mind getting damp or dirty, closed-toed shoes, and bring a water bottle and thermos if you have one. Coffee, snacks, water, work gloves and tools will be provided.

Why replant the understory? Having different layers in a forest with plants of different types, heights and ages provides more habitat, food and resource security for humans, wildlife and even microbes! Although in modern urban and suburban lifestyles we can lose sight of how our daily lives are supported by nature, natural systems purify air and filter water, detoxify and break down wastes, help our neighborhood stay cool and green during dry and hot weather, regenerate soil fertility, and promote biodiversity! 

Youth volunteers under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

Advance registration is required and space is limited. RSVP here.

If you have questions that are not answered in the FAQs below, please contact [email protected] or 360-487-8344. 

Arden and Sherry Hagen will give a travelogue with pictures of one of their recent birding adventures at 7pm on February 6th. If you're interested in socializing beforehand, feel free to join the zoom call at 6:30.

To recieve the zoom link, contact Don Rose at [email protected]

Leader: Randy Hill and others

Meeting time: 7:30am

Meeting location: Ridgefield Park and Ride

Register: email [email protected] or call/text 360-975-2573

From past experience, this is pretty much guesswork; but I do have a fallback plan! The winter smelt runs up the Columbia River and tributaries (among others the Cowlitz, Coweeman, Kalama, Lewis) attract their predators, and we can watch the action. Ten+ gull species have been seen over the last several years during peak runs, and other unusual species were seen during the last month including Brandt’s Cormorant on the Portland and CowlitzColumbia CBCs. Our dates are Tuesday 2/7 and Thursday 2/16. We will leave from the Ridgefield Park and Ride at 07:30. I hope to recruit co-leaders that are better at gull ID than I am. If the smelt and the gulls aren’t cooperating our birding could include areas of Woodland, Kalama, Meeker Pond, Gerhart Garden Park, the Mint Farm, Willow Grove, and the Longview WTP.

Hybrid Meeting (In-person and via Zoom)
Social: 6:30 pm; Program: 7:00 pm

Arden and Sherry Hagen will give a travelogue with pictures of their recent birding trip to New Zealand. Sherry Arden is 5th in the AmericanBirding Association (ABA) world list of photographed species and the only woman in the top 15. Both Sherry and Arden are in the top 150 of species identified in the ABA world list. Arden Hagen is a former President of Vancouver Audubon Society.

Contact Don Rose for more information or to get a Zoom link: [email protected]

Please send all topic, speaker, and program suggestions and requests to Don Rose at [email protected]

Live in an apartment? Rent? Own? Everyone is invited to join this informative Recycling 101 class. Get all the latest tips about our regional garbage and recycling system. Recycling 101 is a fun, tip-sharing, recycling-friendly class open to the community. 

• Learn the basics about what to recycle curbside and where items go after being picked up.
• If you are unsure if certain items can recycled, bring those questions to the this class!

This a virtual event held over Zoom

Class schedule and registration: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/publicworks/webform/recycleu-class-schedule-sign-ups

BONUS: Optional Organics 101 Class, duration 30 minutes.

Are you interested in joining others with a passion for sustainability to help make a difference in our community?

Sign up for the upcoming Composter Recycler Program volunteer training series! This NO COST training course will cover topics such as backyard composting, worm bin composting, green cleaning, food waste reduction and more. After completing the 7-week training, you will get to represent the Composter Recycler program at community events and participate in fun volunteer opportunities.

When: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm February 1st - March 15th, 2023 

Where: Virtual classes on Zoom on Wednesdays; a couple of in-person, hands-on learning opportunities as well

Learn more and register here: https://clarkcountycomposts.org/become-a-composter-recycler/composter-recycler-application?fbclid=IwAR0_XMIllZZ_NENBt5DtDgScHyGF8WCQy8W8yxdr2mkyvYKiDK8SrSLCnp4 

Library events and programs are open to the public and provided at no cost. Special accommodations may be requested using our 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 (en inglés) hasta 15 días antes del evento.

Accommodation Request Form (formulario de solicitud de adaptaciones): https://www.fvrl.org/accommodation-request

Registration for this event will close on February 10, 2023 @ 6:00pm.

Registration link: https://fvrl.librarymarket.com/conscious-consumption-series-dinner-and-movie-teens

Imagine having sweet and colorful table or wine grapes growing right in your own backyard.  And what if you could start your own vines through cuttings taken from other vines? Grapevines are wonderful producers of luscious fruit, but they require consistent annual pruning to be at their best.  Join Master Gardeners for a hands-on workshop on young (1- to 3-year-old) grapevine pruning and propagation.  Participants may take cuttings home if desired. 

Step one: view a short video from the comfort of your home and then join us in-person at our demonstration vineyard to practice your skills. This entails a 5 - to 10-minute walk up a steep hill. Those with mobility issues may drive. Dress for the weather and bring water, garden gloves, and a pair of sharpened loppers or hand bypass pruners if you have them. This event is fully outside. Masks are optional.  Space is limited and participants will work in small groups.

Cost: $10. A limited number of reduced rate tickets are available for those with financial need, by contacting the event organizer. No admission without advance registration at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-in-person-introductory-table-grape-pruning-workshop-tickets-477590043677  

For more information: (564) 397-5738 or [email protected]. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.      

Library drop offs are limited to first 20 clients only. You must reserve a spot at the library branch by clicking on the first link below AND preregister your items with the RCC program as well using the second link below.

Reserve a spot: https://fvrl.librarymarket.com/events/upcoming?keywords=repair&branches%5B96%5D=96

Preregister your items: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdojxp8BlB1Va9HwLEBRZTikrOTvIp523qen7ti9Ppx4XjoYA/viewform

To learn more about Repair Clark County, follow this link: https://www.columbiasprings.org/repair-clark-county/

Library drop offs are limited to first 20 clients only. You must reserve a spot at the library branch by clicking on the first link below AND preregister your items with the RCC program as well using the second link below.

Reserve a Spot: https://fvrl.librarymarket.com/events/upcoming?keywords=repair&branches%5B87%5D=87

Preregister your items: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdojxp8BlB1Va9HwLEBRZTikrOTvIp523qen7ti9Ppx4XjoYA/viewform

To learn more about Repair Clark County, follow this link: https://www.columbiasprings.org/repair-clark-county/

Are you interested in joining others with a passion for sustainability to help make a difference in our community?

Sign up for the upcoming Composter Recycler Program volunteer training series! This NO COST training course will cover topics such as backyard composting, worm bin composting, green cleaning, food waste reduction and more. After completing the 7-week training, you will get to represent the Composter Recycler program at community events and participate in fun volunteer opportunities.

When: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm February 1st - March 15th, 2023 

Where: Virtual classes on Zoom on Wednesdays; a couple of in-person, hands-on learning opportunities as well

Learn more and register here: https://clarkcountycomposts.org/become-a-composter-recycler/composter-recycler-application?fbclid=IwAR0_XMIllZZ_NENBt5DtDgScHyGF8WCQy8W8yxdr2mkyvYKiDK8SrSLCnp4 

Leader: Randy Hill and others

Meeting time: 7:30am

Meeting location: Ridgefield Park and Ride

Register: email [email protected] or call/text 360-975-2573

From past experience, this is pretty much guesswork; but I do have a fallback plan! The winter smelt runs up the Columbia River and tributaries (among others the Cowlitz, Coweeman, Kalama, Lewis) attract their predators, and we can watch the action. Ten+ gull species have been seen over the last several years during peak runs, and other unusual species were seen during the last month including Brandt’s Cormorant on the Portland and CowlitzColumbia CBCs. Our dates are Tuesday 2/7 and Thursday 2/16. We will leave from the Ridgefield Park and Ride at 07:30. I hope to recruit co-leaders that are better at gull ID than I am. If the smelt and the gulls aren’t cooperating our birding could include areas of Woodland, Kalama, Meeker Pond, Gerhart Garden Park, the Mint Farm, Willow Grove, and the Longview WTP.

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop Series – February 17 AND 18  

Increase the beauty and productivity of your fruit trees with this informative, two-part, hands-on pruning class by locally renowned fruit expert, Monica Maggio in collaboration with the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program. Timely pruning can improve the shape, strength, and fruit set of your trees, and help reduce pest and disease pressure.

The Friday evening lecture, delivered via Zoom, includes general pruning theory. On Saturday, choose from one of two in-field sessions for experiential instruction on specific techniques to help you learn how to make the best cuts on your fruit trees with confidence and skill.

Feb. 17 from 6pm to 8pm via Zoom and Saturday, Feb. 18 either 10:30am to 12:30pm or 1 to 3pm (choose one). $50. Vancouver, WA (Exact location provided upon registration). Dress for weather, physical activity and uneven ground. Bring water.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fruit-tree-pruning-workshop-series-tickets-491279890377.

For more information: (564) 397-5738 or [email protected]

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop Series – February 17 AND 18  

Increase the beauty and productivity of your fruit trees with this informative, two-part, hands-on pruning class by locally renowned fruit expert, Monica Maggio in collaboration with the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program. Timely pruning can improve the shape, strength, and fruit set of your trees, and help reduce pest and disease pressure.

The Friday evening lecture, delivered via Zoom, includes general pruning theory. On Saturday, choose from one of two in-field sessions for experiential instruction on specific techniques to help you learn how to make the best cuts on your fruit trees with confidence and skill.

Feb. 17 from 6pm to 8pm via Zoom and Saturday, Feb. 18 either 10:30am to 12:30pm or 1 to 3pm (choose one). $50. Vancouver, WA (Exact location provided upon registration). Dress for weather, physical activity and uneven ground. Bring water.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fruit-tree-pruning-workshop-series-tickets-491279890377.

For more information: (564) 397-5738 or [email protected]

Do you fight with your tools when using them? WSU Master Cowlitz County Gardener Art Fuller will show you how to clean and sharpen your tools so that they work for you and with you prior to winter storage or spring usage. Learn how to give your tools the edge that will shorten work and make chores easier and more enjoyable.

Bring your pruners and loppers for a hands-on sharpening lesson!

Presented by
Arthur Fuller, Cowlitz County Master Gardener

Fees: NatureScaping members free or $15.00 for non-members.
Membership per year is $25.00 ($15.00) for seniors

Register for class or for more information:
[email protected] or [email protected]

Phone: 360-737-1160

Join City Staff from Naturespaces and community partners at our first planting event at The Downs Neighborhood Park! We will be installing 500 beautiful native and drought-tolerant plants near the West entrance to promote wildlife and pollinator habitat, and to increase the number and diversity of plants in the park. Participants will also have the opportunity to take home a small plant of their own, a valentine from Naturespaces to our volunteers.

As with all our events, if working outside is not possible for you, please reach out and we will coordinate an accessible volunteer opportunity for you to support this event. This event will happen rain or shine. Training, gloves, tools, and snacks will be provided.  

Individuals under 18 must bring a minor conscent form, which can be found by following this link: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_manager039s_office/page/2875/citywide_-_minor_volunteer_consent_form_-_americorps.pdf

Registration is required, follow this link to register: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1031844266

If you have questions that are not answered in the FAQ's below, please contact [email protected] or 360-487-8344

Take the next step! Go beyond the basics of curbside recycling.

• Discover a wide variety of recycling and reuse options available locally for plastic bags, appliances, bulky items and more.
• Learn to identify Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and how to safely dispose of this material.
• Please note: Prior attendance in Recycling 101 is required for this class.

This is a virtual event held over Zoom

Class schedule and registration: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/publicworks/webform/recycleu-class-schedule-sign-ups

BONUS: Optional Organics 101 Class, duration 30 minutes.

Are you interested in joining others with a passion for sustainability to help make a difference in our community?

Sign up for the upcoming Composter Recycler Program volunteer training series! This NO COST training course will cover topics such as backyard composting, worm bin composting, green cleaning, food waste reduction and more. After completing the 7-week training, you will get to represent the Composter Recycler program at community events and participate in fun volunteer opportunities.

When: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm February 1st - March 15th, 2023 

Where: Virtual classes on Zoom on Wednesdays; a couple of in-person, hands-on learning opportunities as well

Learn more and register here: https://clarkcountycomposts.org/become-a-composter-recycler/composter-recycler-application?fbclid=IwAR0_XMIllZZ_NENBt5DtDgScHyGF8WCQy8W8yxdr2mkyvYKiDK8SrSLCnp4 

Kick off the new year by joining Vancouver Urban Forestry and Friends of Trees to plant hundreds of trees in Vancouver!  These Saturday morning work parties are a fun way to get outside, learn about trees, meet people in your community, and make a difference -- all in a few short hours, all events 8:45am-1pm.  Individuals and groups welcome, no experience needed!  Gloves, tools, and breakfast snacks provided. 

Register on the https://friendsoftrees.org/event-calendar/. High needs events include: Sat Jan 14th - Central Vancouver and Sat Feb 25th - West Vancouver

Site has yet to be determined

Love juicy, sweet just-picked blueberries from your own bushes? Not sure how to keep them performing at their best? Join Master Gardeners for an in-person hands-on workshop on blueberry pruning.

Join us at our Vancouver area demonstration blueberry field to learn and practice your skills. This entails a 5 - to 10-minute walk up a steep hill. Those with mobility issues may drive. Dress for the weather and bring water, garden gloves, and a pair of sharpened loppers or hand bypass pruners if you have them.

 Cost: $10. A limited number of reduced rate tickets are available for those with financial need, by contacting the event organizer. No admission without advance registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-in-person-blueberry-pruning-workshop-tickets-511166020327.

For more information: (564) 397-5738 or [email protected] Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

Our annual Hydrangea Giveaway with Lorie & Michael Gordon is happening again this year!

Come visit the Columbia Springs public parking lot on February 25th and pick up some FREE hydrangea cuttings to plant in your yard or garden. This event will only be staffed from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, but cuttings will still be available to grab until 4:00 pm for those who can’t make it earlier.

A big thank you to Lorie and Michael Gordon for making this event possible!
Questions? Send us a message at [email protected]!

Library drop offs are limited to first 20 clients only. You must reserve a spot at the library branch by clicking on the first link below AND preregister your items  with the RCC program as well using the second link below.

Reserve a spot: https://fvrl.librarymarket.com/events/upcoming?keywords=repair&branches%5B86%5D=86

Preregister your items: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdojxp8BlB1Va9HwLEBRZTikrOTvIp523qen7ti9Ppx4XjoYA/viewform

To learn more about Repair Clark County, follow this link: https://www.columbiasprings.org/repair-clark-county/

Library events and programs are open to the public and provided at no cost. Special accommodations may be requested using our 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 (en inglés) hasta 15 días antes del evento.

Accommodation Request Form (formulario de solicitud de adaptaciones): https://www.fvrl.org/accommodation-request

Learn about a topic related to sustainability in this 4-month documentary discussion series. Each month, we will show an environmental documentary followed by an engaging discussion.

This month we will be showing the film Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai, directed by Lisa Merton & Alan Dater.

Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai tells the narrative of Wangari Maathai's personal journey of planting trees in Kenya during the repressive regime of Daniel arap Moi in the 1980s.

Website: https://takingrootfilm.com/

Library events and programs are open to the public and provided at no cost. Special accommodations may be requested using our 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 (en inglés) hasta 15 días antes del evento.

Accommodation Request Form: https://www.fvrl.org/accommodation-request

Library drop offs are limited to first 20 clients only. You must reserve a spot at the library branch by clicking on the first link below AND preregister your items with the RCC program as well using the second link below.

Reserve a Spot: https://fvrl.librarymarket.com/events/upcoming?keywords=repair&branches%5B97%5D=97

Preregister yout items: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdojxp8BlB1Va9HwLEBRZTikrOTvIp523qen7ti9Ppx4XjoYA/viewform

To learn more about Repair Clark County, follow this link: https://www.columbiasprings.org/repair-clark-county/