A walk with Urban Naturalist, Mike Houck from the north end of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge around the 160-acre wetlands.  Mike has led tours at the Bottoms for over 30 years and is intimately familiar with the history of Oaks Bottom being designated as Portland’s first official urban wildlife refuge and current efforts to restore fish and wildlife habitat throughout the refuge.  Directions and other details will be mailed to registrants.

The only beer festival in the Northwest to be held outdoors in the dark, cold and often wet month of December, the Holiday Ale Festival is truly distinctive. Despite chilly temperatures and often-inclement weather outside, attendees stay warm and dry under a large clear tent that covers the venue while allowing for views of the city lights.  Gas heaters create a cozy ambience under the boughs of one of the region's largest decorated Christmas trees. Thirty-five potent winter ales are featured at the event, all of which are created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season. The beers are rich, robust and full of complex flavors.  Many have been seasoned with spices, and enhanced with ingredients such as honey, cranberries, ginseng, Sitka spruce tips and espresso beans. Festival highlights include on-site food; craft vendors; beer apparel and merchandise; a complimentary root beer garden for minors and designated drivers benefiting the Children’s Cancer Assn; mead tasting; and seasonal background music. Minors are allowed when accompanied by a parent. Hours are 11 am to 10 pm Thursday through Saturday; Noon to 6 pm Sunday. A Brewers Brunch will take place on Sunday, December 4th at the Square beginning at 9 am.  It will feature a Belgian themed breakfast with croissants with turkey or ham, Chimay cheeses, fresh fruits, sweet pastries, juice and coffee.  Specialty warm Leige waffles will be made to order.   There will also be beers not featured at the event, including Chimay Grand Reserve Blue, St. Feuillien Cuvee de Nöel, Tuck's Brewing's Farmers Daughter, and Full Sail's Vesuvius.  The ticket price of $30 includes eight five-ounce pours of each beer, plus breakfast. Tickets are available at www.holidayale.com.