It's all relative. For tens of thousands of ducks, geese and other waterfowl, winter in the northern Willamette Valley is like a tropical vacation. If you're willing to bundle up and follow their lead, you'll be rewarded with some of the year's best bird watching.

Don't miss the third annual Raptor Road Trip on Sauvie Island on Saturday, Feb. 3 featuring spectacular viewing of eagles, hawks and falcons. You'll find dozens of other ways to discover nature in your neighborhood in this edition of the GreenScene e-Calendar and on Metro's web site at www.metro-region.org/greenscene.

Enjoy!

WATERFOWL IDENTIFICATION CLASS
Metro
7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11
Tens of thousands of ducks, geese and swans spend the winter in our local wetlands. By the end of January all hunting is over and it's the best time of the year for observing waterfowl and learning how to identify these easy-to-see, beautiful birds. Metro naturalist James Davis will simplify identification techniques for what can seem like an overwhelming variety of species. Suitable for adults and teens. Meet in room 370 at Metro Regional Center. Registration and payment of $10 are required in advance; call (503) 797-1715. Wheelchair accessible.

THE HIDDEN WORLD OF DECAYING LOGS
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve
7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11
Learn about the fascinating world of decaying logs at the monthly nature education meeting at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve education center. Free. Advance registration is required; call Jan at (503) 681-6283. Wheelchair accessible.

STORY AND A STROLL: EAGLES AT TRYON CREEK
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12
Join a park naturalist for nature story time followed by a stroll through the park. This program is geared toward families with children ages 3-6, but all are welcome. Free. Advance registration is required; call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25.

ETHNOBOTANY OF CEDAR HIKE AT TRYON CREEK
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Join a park naturalist for a guided hike through the forest and stream ecosystems at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. All ages welcome; parents must accompany kids. Free. Advance registration is not required for groups smaller than 10 people. For more information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25.

DICKINSON PARK RESTORATION
Portland Parks and Recreation
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 13
Join the Dickinson Park Stewards and help beautify this nature park in Southwest Portland. Come out for a morning of planting native species in a swale, wetland and riparian area as well as invasive removal and general park care. Bring water, gloves and sturdy shoes; tools and training will be provided. Meet at the turnout on Southwest 55th Avenue south of Taylors Ferry Road. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 823-7016 or send e-mail to marissa.dorais@bes.ci.portland.or.us.

CLACKAMAS RIVER SALMON REFUGE PROJECT TOUR
Metro
12:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14
Two years ago Metro and its partners completed a $1.2 million side-channel restoration project for salmon. It is the largest such project in Oregon and provides critical habit for young salmon to rest, feed, grow and hide from predators. The side channels were built at a Metro natural area on the Clackamas River protected by the 1995 open spaces bond measure just downstream from the Barton Bridge and Barton Park. Winter is when the most water is in the channels and the project can best be seen in action. Join Metro science and stewardship manager Jim Morgan and naturalist James Davis to learn more about this exciting habitat enhancement for salmon. There have been sightings of large mammals in the area and we will find various signs of their presence, as well as see local birds. Suitable for adults and children 9 and older able to walk on rocky, uneven, muddy terrain. Tour will happen rain or shine. Directions to the site will be mailed to participants. Registration and payment of $10 are required in advance; call (503) 797-1928.

BALD EAGLE NESTING PROJECT LECTURE
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14
Come to Tryon Creek State Natural Area for the Sunday at Two lecture series with Frank Issacs from Oregon State University. Breeding pairs of eagles in Oregon and along the lower Columbia in Washington have jumped by the hundreds over the past 30 years. Nesting pairs on the Willamette River went from zero in the 1970s to 25 in 2003. Learn how Frank went from documenting the demise of the eagles to the amazing recovery we see today. Refreshments will be provided. Free. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25. Wheelchair accessible.

STREAM TEAM CAPTAIN TRAINING
SOLV
6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16 (also meets Jan. 18 and 20)
SOLV needs your help leading volunteers at stream restoration projects. Training will cover the basics of watersheds and restoration as well as how to work with volunteers. Stream Team captains then lead Saturday tree planting events across the metro region. Participants also must attend sessions on Jan. 18 and 20. Free. Advance registration is required; call Rhyan at (503) 844-9571 or send e-mail to rhyan@solv.org.

STORY AND A STROLL: SNOW AT TRYON CREEK
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19
Join a park naturalist for nature story time followed by a stroll through the park. This program is geared toward families with children ages 3-6, but all are welcome. Free. Advance registration is required; call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25.

WINTER BIRDS AT SMITH AND BYBEE WETLANDS
Metro
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
It's a waterfowl wonderland in the Portland area with thousands of ducks, geese and even swans spending the winter here. On a good day, you can see a dozen different species of waterfowl and other water birds such as grebes, gulls, coots, cormorants and herons. This is also the best time of year to see bald eagles and other birds of prey. Bundle up and meet naturalist James Davis at the natural area parking lot on Marine Drive. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Suitable for adults and teens. Free. Advance registration is required; call (503) 797-1715. Wheelchair accessible.

BALD EAGLE NEST COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
A bald eagle nest salvaged from Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove will be on display in the exhibit hall at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands education center. Help celebrate the only bald eagle nest on display in the United States and see it for yourself. All-day activities will include special eagle programs, arts and crafts, free popcorn to nibble on, nature walks and opportunities to view the nest and hear its amazing story. The event is free, but you can help raise money to continue improving the exhibit by bringing quarters with the bald eagle on the back to add to the "Give an Eagle for the Eagles" campaign. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 681-6283. Wheelchair accessible.

WINTER TWIG IDENTIFICATION HIKE AT TRYON CREEK
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
Join a park naturalist for a guided hike through the forest and stream ecosystems at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. All ages welcome; parents must accompany kids. Free. Advance registration is not required for groups smaller than 10 people. For more information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25.

SMITH AND BYBEE WETLANDS PADDLE TRIP
Friends of Smith and Bybee Lakes
noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
Traveling by canoe or kayak is the best way to explore Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area in North Portland. Meet at the parking lot on North Marine Drive. Bring your own kayak or canoe and personal flotation device. The new water control structure is helping to restore the natural area to a seasonal wetland; the changes are great for wildlife, but they make paddle conditions difficult to predict. The trip leader will contact participants if it is necessary to cancel the trip. Advance registration required; call Dale Svart at (503) 285-3084 or send e-mail to dsvart@earthlink.net.

WOODS PARK RESTORATION
Portland Parks and Recreation
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 20
Join the Friends of Woods Park for a morning of planting native species, reworking trails, removing invasive species and other activities. Bring water and sturdy shoes; tools and training will be provided. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 823-7016 or send e-mail to marissa.dorais@bes.ci.portland.or.us.

FIRE IN NORTHWEST FORESTS LECTURE
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21
Join Amy Hoffman for a talk about fire in the Northwest at the Sundays at Two lecture series at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Learn fire ecology, frequency, and all about the most historic Oregon areas fires from the past. All ages welcome. Free. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25.

URBAN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
Urban Ecosystem Research Consortium
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22
The 5th annual symposium hosted by the Urban Ecosystem Research Consortium at Portland State University will bring the Portland-Vancouver community together to network and exchange information about urban ecology and conservation. Come to learn, share and be inspired. The registration fee is $30 ($15 for students). Registration will be accepted on the day of the event, but early registration is encouraged. Fees include lunch for those who register by Jan. 5. For more information or to register, visit www.esr.pdx.edu/uerc or call Jennifer Thompson at (503) 231-6179. Wheelchair accessible by arrangement.

LUNCH WITH THE BIRDS AT JACKSON BOTTOM
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve
noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24
Meet a Jackson Bottom naturalist and spend your lunch hour learning how to identify waterfowl and other birds at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. Spotting scopes, binoculars and field guides will be provided. Meet at the north viewing shelter next to the Clean Water Services treatment plant on Highway 219 south of Hillsboro. Free. Registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 681-6278. Wheelchair accessible.

STORY AND A STROLL: FROGS AT TRYON CREEK
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26
Join a park naturalist for nature story time followed by a stroll through the park. This program is geared toward families with children ages 3-6, but all are welcome. Free. Advance registration is required; call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25.

CONIFERS HIKE AT TRYON CREEK
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Join a park naturalist for a guided hike through the forest and stream ecosystems at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. All ages welcome; parents must accompany kids. Free. Advance registration is not required for groups smaller than 10 people. For more information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25.

NATIVE PLANT CENTER VOLUNTEER SATURDAY
Metro
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Volunteer Saturdays are a great way to see what's growing at Metro's native plant center in Tualatin. Help maintain the grow-out beds where volunteers planted 24,000 native plugs last October and November. Volunteers will also help plant native seeds into propagation flats, plant native bulbs into field beds and pot native trees and shrubs. This is a great opportunity to check out all the projects taking root at the plant center and learn more about Metro's role in the conservation and restoration of native species throughout the region. All ages are welcome; no previous experience or skills are required. This is a rain or shine event so come prepared to get a little dirty and have lots of fun in any kind of weather. Gloves, light snacks, water and warm beverages will be provided. Advance registration is required; call (503) 797-1733 to register.

COEXISTING WITH URBAN COYOTES
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Join coyote enthusiast Rhonda Piaseki of the Friends of Tryon Creek for an eye opening look at the coyotes that live not only within our urban natural areas but city streets. Learn how you can coexist with these amazing, adaptable mammals. Free. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25. Wheelchair accessible.

DIRT TIME AT OXBOW
Metro
9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 28
"Dirt time" means spending time practicing animal tracking. Join a practice session with regional expert trackers and gain experience identifying and interpreting the subtle and complex clues left by wildlife. Please note, this is not a class, but an informal practice session. Meet at the floodplain parking lot at Oxbow Regional Park. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Free with a $4 per vehicle entry fee to the park. No advance registration required.

LUNCH WITH THE BIRDS AT JACKSON BOTTOM
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve
noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31
Meet a Jackson Bottom naturalist and spend your lunch hour learning how to identify waterfowl and other birds at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. Spotting scopes, binoculars and field guides will be provided. Meet at the north viewing shelter next to the Clean Water Services treatment plant on Highway 219 south of Hillsboro. Free. Registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 681-6278. Wheelchair accessible.

BIRDS OF PREY IDENTIFICATION CLASS
Metro
7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1
Join Metro naturalist James Davis for an evening class about the diurnal birds of prey and get ready for great winter raptor watching. Learn to identify eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures and related birds and discuss the natural history and adaptations of these powerful predators. This class is excellent preparation for the Raptor Road Trip on Feb. 3. For adults and teens. Meet in room 370 at Metro Regional Center. Registration and payment of $10 are required in advance; call (503) 797-1715. Wheelchair accessible.

STORY AND A STROLL: NEWTS AT TRYON CREEK
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2
Join a park naturalist for nature story time followed by a stroll through the park. This program is geared toward families with children ages 3-6, but all are welcome. Free. Advance registration is required; call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25.

MOSS AND LICHEN HIKE AT TRYON CREEK
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Join a park naturalist for a guided hike through the forest and stream ecosystems at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. All ages welcome; parents must accompany kids. Free. Advance registration is not required for groups smaller than 10 people. For more information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25.

KELLER WOODLANDS RESTORATION
Three Rivers Land Conservancy
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 3
Help take back the forest at Keller Woodlands in Southwest Portland. English Ivy is threatening to overtake the ecosystem by out-competing native plants, toppling trees and destroying wildlife habitat in the process. Gloves, tools and snacks will be provided. Volunteers must be able to work on uneven terrain. To register, call Melissa at (503) 699-9825.

SAUVIE ISLAND RAPTOR ROAD TRIP
Metro, Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and HawkWatch International
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Explore Sauvie Island in search of the magnificent bald eagles, hawks and falcons that spend the winter here. On this special day devoted to raptors, experienced naturalists and hawk experts will host activities at four locations around the island. We'll provide a map, then you choose where to go to enjoy guided bird viewing, meet live raptors up close, and see hawk identification displays. Shade-grown coffee and donuts will be served to early birds, while supplies last. The trip begins at Kruger's Farm Market, where you will want to stop first to get your event map and guide. To reach Kruger's, go over the Sauvie Island bridge, and continue straight 1.5 miles (passing by Howell Territorial Park) to the farm entrance on your right. Three of the four event locations are wheelchair accessible. Entrance to the event is $5 per vehicle, which includes a one-day Sauvie Island Wildlife Area parking permit, event guide, birding map and checklist, and picture handouts on how to identify birds of prey. If you have a Sauvie Island permit already, the event fee is $2.50 per vehicle. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 797-1850. Wheelchair accessible by arrangement.

LAIR HILL PARK WORK PARTY
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Come to Lair Hill Park in Southwest Portland to join in a new effort to replace the use of pesticides in parks by weeding. Snacks, gloves and tools will be provided. Meet at Southwest 2nd Avenue and Woods Street. For more information, call Megan at (503) 423-7549. Wheelchair accessible.

ARBOR LODGE PARK WORK PARTY
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 3
Come to Arbor Lodge Park in North Portland to join in a new effort to replace the use of pesticides in parks by weeding. Snacks, gloves and tools will be provided. Meet at North Bryant Street and Greeley Avenue. For more information, call Megan at (503) 423-7549. Wheelchair accessible.

BEACON HILL WETLANDS PARK PLANTING
SOLV
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Join fellow community members working with SOLV's Team Up for Watershed Health program to plant native trees and shrubs in Beaverton. Help improve local habitat and water quality. Tools and training will be provided. All ages are welcome. Advance registration required; visit www.solv.org or call Rhyan at (503) 844-9571 ext. 363.

SEWALLCREST PARK WORK PARTY
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 4
Come to Sewallcrest Park in Southeast Portland to join in a new effort to replace the use of pesticides in parks by weeding. Snacks, gloves and tools will be provided. Meet at Southeast 31st Avenue and Market Street. For more information, call Megan at (503) 423-7549.

LUNCH WITH THE BIRDS AT JACKSON BOTTOM
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve
noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7
Meet a Jackson Bottom naturalist and spend your lunch hour learning how to identify waterfowl and other birds at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. Spotting scopes, binoculars and field guides will be provided. Meet at the north viewing shelter next to the Clean Water Services treatment plant on Highway 219 south of Hillsboro. Free. Registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 681-6278. Wheelchair accessible.

HOW ANIMALS WORK
Metro
7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8
How can turtles breathe while they are at the bottom of a pond all winter? Why don't ducks get hypothermia swimming around in freezing cold water with their bare feet? Why are there no warm-blooded animals with gills? Join Metro naturalist James Davis for a look at the incredible adaptations different animals have to meet the same basic needs - food, water, oxygen and shelter. Understanding how animals work greatly increases our awareness and appreciation of their amazing abilities and unique ways of life. For adults and teens. Meet in room 370 at Metro Regional Center. Registration and payment of $10 per person are required in advance; call (503) 797-1715. Wheelchair accessible.

NOCTURNAL PREDATORS
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve
7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8
Who are they? What do they eat? Where do they hang out during the day? Explore the nocturnal predators that live at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve at the monthly nature education meeting in the education center. Free. Advance registration is required; call Jan at (503) 681-6283. Wheelchair accessible.

ANIMAL TRACKING IN SNOW: EVENING CLASS
Metro
6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8
Terry Kem, skilled naturalist and animal tracker, will lead this popular class that is followed by a field trip into the snow on Saturday, Feb. 10. Terry will share the skills and secrets he was taught by some of the best trackers in the country. You will learn how to identify animals from the clear tracks, blurry trails and subtle signs they leave behind as they move in their winter environments. Learn about special challenges that snow conditions create on clear tracks. Suitable for adults and teens. Class meets at Metro Regional Center. You are welcome to sign up for the class without the field trip. Registration and payment of $10 per person is required in advance; call (503) 797-1715. Wheelchair accessible.
STORY AND A STROLL: OWLS AT TRYON CREEK Tryon Creek State Natural Area 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 Join a park naturalist for nature story time followed by a stroll through the park. This program is geared toward families with children ages 3-6, but all are welcome. Free. Advance registration is required; call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25. ANIMAL TRACKING IN SNOW: SNOWSHOE FIELD TRIP Metro 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 Let's go play in the snow! Spending time with the tracks is how you really learn tracking. Join expert tracker Terry Kem and travel to the beautiful Cooper Spur area on the north side of Mt. Hood to practice the skills learned in the class on Thursday, Feb. 8. Plan to drive and/or carpool and bring lunch and snowshoes. The trip is open to adults and teens who have taken the evening class or any other basic tracking class. Registration and payment of $20 per person is required in advance; call (503) 797-1715. BLUEBIRD RECOVERY PROJECT VOLUNTEER TRAINING Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 10 Would you like to be a Western bluebird monitor? Join Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project volunteers to learn about this species' nesting cycle and the basic principles of monitoring. See video footage inside a bluebird nest box. For more information and to register, call (503) 245-8449 or visit www.prescottbluebird.com. Wheelchair accessible. COPPER CREEK PLANTING SOLV 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 Join fellow community members working with SOLV's Team Up for Watershed Health program to plant native trees and shrubs in Tigard. Help improve local habitat and water quality. Tools and training will be provided. All ages are welcome. Advance registration required; visit www.solv.org or call Rhyan at (503) 844-9571 ext. 363. SALAMANDERS, NEWTS AND FROGS HIKE AT TRYON CREEK Tryon Creek State Natural Area 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 Join a park naturalist for a guided hike through the forest and stream ecosystems at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. All ages welcome; parents must accompany kids. Free. Advance registration is not required for groups smaller than 10 people. For more information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25. GOAT ISLAND PLANTING SOLV 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 Join fellow community members working with SOLV's Team Up for Watershed Health program to plant native trees and shrubs at Goat Island along the Clackamas River in Gladstone. Help improve local habitat and water quality. Tools and training will be provided. All ages are welcome. Advance registration required; visit www.solv.org or call Rhyan at (503) 844-9571 ext. 363. DICKINSON PARK RESTORATION Portland Parks and Recreation 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 10 Join the Dickinson Park Stewards and help beautify this nature park in Southwest Portland. Come out for a morning of planting native species in a swale, wetland and riparian area as well as invasive removal and general park care. Bring water, gloves and sturdy shoes; tools and training will be provided. Meet at the turnout on Southwest 55th Avenue south of Taylors Ferry Road. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 823-7016 or send e-mail to marissa.dorais@bes.ci.portland.or.us. BEAR CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD RESTORATION EVENT City of Gresham 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 10 Join private property owners in restoring a section of Bear Creek. Activities will include removing non-native vines from trees and planting native trees and shrubs. Meet at the trail along Bear Creek next to Butler Creek Park. No registration required. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call Jamie Stamberger at (503) 618-2793. Wheelchair accessible. WINTER MUSHROOMS LECTURE AT TRYON CREEK Tryon Creek State Natural Area 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 Join Maggie Rogers of the Oregon Mycological Society for a mushroom class all about winter fungus. This class will include stories, slides and hands on samples. Free. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call (503) 636-9886 ext. 25. Wheelchair accessible.