Explore Your Backyard

The Water Center will be hosting a great free celebration for National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday June 12 from 10 to 4. It promises to be a great time for kids of all ages. You can meet Smokey Bear and Ranger Rick and learn about all the cool things to do in Clark County to get outdoors. It's also a chance to see the new Dragonfly Mobile!

Block Foam Collection Sat June 5, 9 to 1
Get rid of that annoying block foam by dropping it off at the 164th Ave. Transit Center. You'll feel better knowing it's getting recycled and you'll have more space in your can for the real garbage (kids, that doesn't mean your little brother). Call 619-4120 for info.
Wormshop Sat June 5, 10 to 12
The Master Composters will be presenting a backyard wormshop to teach you how to use worms to make compost out of kitchen waste. Don't be grossed out. It's good fun and a great way to save the planet. $20 sends you home with a bin. There's another wormshop Thu June 10 at 6. Call 882-0936 ext 224 for details.
REI Paddle Demo Event Sun June 6, 10 to 3
Get out to Vancouver Lake on Sunday and you can talk to REI staff, manufacturers and enthusiasts, plus try out some of the new boats. It's a great way to get introduced to paddling in canoes and kayaks. There is a small parking fee. Look for Shelby and sign up for the Dragonfly Patrol!
Heritage Tree Bike Ride Tue June 15, 6 pm
Drop by after work and take a short ride with the folks from Urban Forestry. It's a chance to check out some of the great trees in the downtown area. Nice flat 4 mile family friendly ride. It's free, but you should email to pre-register or call 619-1108.
Medicinal Plants talk Sat June 12, 1 to 3
Naturescaping is sponsoring Dr. Jillian Stansbury to talk about medicinal plants at CASEE in Brush Prairie. She'll show you how to take advantage of the healers in your own backyard. Free for members and $15 for non-members Email to sign up.

Now that nice weather is headed our way (aren't I just the optimist?) it's time to crank up the Dragonfly Patrol. We're starting training on June 19 and you can learn a bit about creek ecology, preventing pollution and safety. You'll also get to ride our sweet, three wheel electric bike! You will need to commit to a day or two a week all summer, but what could be more fun? Email or call Shelby at 360-852-9189.

The Recycled Artists will be taking over Esther Short Park all weekend and displaying wild and wonderful art that uses recycled material. You can grab a masterpiece for your home or garden. Don't forget to stop by our booth and help with the Mighty Dragonfly. It should be a great time. Check out the web site for details.