We have to apologize for the lack of posts recently. Both Matt and I have been extremely busy, and one of the tasks keeping us busy is putting together the report for the Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians study that we’ve been working on for nearly five years. This is your last reminder – ifContinue reading “Writing our report on Reptiles and Amphibians – with pictures!”
Author Archives: Jonathan
“First Day Hikes” on the Banks-Vernonia Trail, January 1st
Park rangers from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will be leading hikes on January 1st as part of its “First Day Hikes” program. The hikes nearest to our county are on the Buxton Trailhead of the Banks-Vernonia Trail, and inside the interior trail system of Stub Stewart State Park. The L.L. Stub Stewart hikeContinue reading ““First Day Hikes” on the Banks-Vernonia Trail, January 1st”
The scientific basis for “Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians”
We’re close to finishing our survey, and thought it would be a good time to share the video we presented last year to the Northwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NW PARC). This video explains in depth how we set up the project and what we hope to get out of it. Since weContinue reading “The scientific basis for “Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians””
Upcoming events at McCormick Park and Nob Hill
We wanted to let you know about two local cleanup events, both of which are tailored towards the entire family. On Wednesday the 23rd (tomorrow), there will be a pollution prevention event at 10am at McCormick Park, which will include booths by various agencies, presentations, and a litter cleanup at Milton Creek. Here is theContinue reading “Upcoming events at McCormick Park and Nob Hill”
Peace, Porcupines, and Stream Ecology at Clear Creek
Have you spotted a Porcupine in the woods? Still looking for your first Western Terrestrial Garter Snake? Want to see a sprawling Beaver pond? Clear Creek Road has blessed us with these unusual finds. Tucked away on Columbia County’s southern border, Clear Creek is primarily frequented by rockhounds and elk hunters. It’s a Weyerhaeuser property,Continue reading “Peace, Porcupines, and Stream Ecology at Clear Creek”
What would you like to see more of on Wild Columbia?
I looked at the stats for June and saw we had 12,880 visits for the month. Not bad for a county with a population of 50,000. We knew when we started that this website would fill a need, but I didn’t dream it would be this popular. Thank you for being a part of ourContinue reading “What would you like to see more of on Wild Columbia?”
Beaches of Columbia County
Now that we’ve entered summer, we’re doing a run-down of our most accessible local beaches. Most people will just want to hang out, but I’ve included some wildlife possibilities as well. Have fun! Pixie Park Pixie Park is at 1816 The Strand, Columbia City. It’s a small beach with nice views of the mountains, islands,Continue reading “Beaches of Columbia County”
An oral history of the resurrection of Fox Creek
Fox Creek’s fish have had a rough time. Salmon once ran here in good numbers, laying their “redds” of eggs throughout the stream. When Charles E. Fox and company broke ground on Rainier in 1851, the first industry was a fish house at the mouth of Fox Creek. Workers packed barrels with salted salmon andContinue reading “An oral history of the resurrection of Fox Creek”
Be on the lookout for these special reptiles
You may have noticed that snakes, turtles, lizards, and frogs are all out right now. There are several rare species in our county that we would love for you keep an eye out for. Sighting any of these, especially with a picture, would be a huge help for our study of reptiles and amphibians inContinue reading “Be on the lookout for these special reptiles”
Do you have kids who want to go herping with other kids?
Parents have asked us for group outings where kids can find salamanders, frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles together. Unfortunately, both Matt and Jon are working outside the county and aren’t able to lead trips at the moment. But we think it’s a great idea! We are putting together a contact list for parents with childrenContinue reading “Do you have kids who want to go herping with other kids?”
Wild Columbia County 