Hiking and Herping through Columbia County
The study is published! Part 3: the Carcus Creek/Lava Creek complex
After all that work collecting data and studying habitat associations, we identified five habitats as the greatest conservation priorities for reptiles and amphibians in Columbia County. The first of those is the Carcus Creek / Lava Creek complex. Introduction to the Land The area in question is ~6 miles east of Mist in the center…
The study is published! Part 2: Where are these animals found?
One of our goals was to determine where each species was found. We ended up with much more interesting data than we had expected. The reptiles and amphibians of Columbia County fall into four major distribution patterns, all of which are closely tied to the geographic features of the county. The shaded squares in the…
The study is published! Part 1: What animals did we find?
Our paper is finally published! This was a labor of love, the product of years of research, over a thousand hours of surveying, and months of writing and editing. We deeply thank the hundreds of contributors who provided us with data, the scores of landowners who let us survey on their property, and the dozens…
Scappoose Bay Watershed Council hosting weekly events leading up to October 11th Native Plant Sale
An active outdoorsy Fall season awaits with the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council offering a work party, birding field trips and a mason bee class in the coming weeks leading up to their annual Fall native plant sale on October 11th. Upcoming Events
July Bird Forum with the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council
Have you ever tried to decode bird language? Wondered which birds flock together and which birds squabble over air space? Well this is the forum for you! Scappoose Bay Watershed Council is hosting an online forum for bird lovers on July 9th from 4 – 6 pm via Zoom. The forum will feature talks from…
Guided Hike with Environment Oregon on the Banks-Vernonia Trail
This Friday, June 20th, Environment Oregon is hosting a free guided hike along the Banks-Vernonia Trail at 4:00 pm at Anderson Park. As you tour the trail together, you’ll be discussing “the trail’s history, the region’s changing landscapes, and the native plants and wildlife that call this area home.” Register for the two hour hike…
Oregon ensures landowners with hiking trails are immune from lawsuits
The Oregon House and Senate have passed SB 179 to eliminate landowner liability for most injuries sustained during recreational activity. This brings an end to six years of controversy over what constituted “recreational activity”. Oregon legislature strengthens immunity laws for owners of public trails Oregon law to restore rec immunity, keep trails open, heads to…
April 5, 2025 – Nob Hill Work Party
Once again, the twice-yearly volunteer work party with The Friends of Nob Hill Nature Park is upon us. I’ve really enjoyed my work parties there – fresh air, a light workout, and great conversations abound. Here is the notice: The next Nob Hill Nature Park volunteer work party is just over a week away -…
Public Comment Period for changes to Northwest Forest Plan
The US Forest Service has released their proposals for an update to the Northwest Forest Plan: Northwest Forest Plan & Amendment – US Forest Service USFS ready for comments about proposed changes to its Northwest Forest Plan – KDRV Newswatch 12 Forest Service begins comment period for Northwest Forest Plan amendment – Bend Bulletin Forest…
Banks-Vernonia is now a National Recreation Trail – updated with info from Michael Calhoun
You’ve likely seen the news that the Banks-Vernonia State Trail is now a National Recreation Trail. Seemed like it was all over my feed for a couple weeks. Banks-Vernonia State Trail receives national designation – The Chronicle & Chief Banks-Vernonia State Trail garners national recognition – The Spotlight This popular trail just west of Portland…
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Wild Columbia County 