Ladybug Nature Walks

 Touch slimy slugs, smell tree bark, look under rocks, feel crinkly and soft leaves, hear musical bird songs, creep up on furry bunnies or even climb a tree. Youngsters and their parents are exposed to a variety of environmental activities and curiosities in parks around town. Techniques are practiced that are necessary for developing good observation skills for young naturalists – looking closely at insects, dissecting plant parts, using magnifying glasses, and listening quietly are some of the skills. All walks take place at 10:00am, regardless of weather conditions, and last 1 to 1½ hours. No registration is necessary – just meet in the park. Routes that are accessible to strollers are marked with an *. We recommend you bring a snack and water. Cost is $2/child; no fee for parent. Each week’s walk will have a different focus; for example:

• Flowers & Seeds
• Nesting & Feeding Birds
• Bugs from the Ground Up
• Exploring Trees in the Park
• Patterns in Nature
• Nature Scavenger Hunt

Ladybug Walks in the Arboretum will take place Friday, Feb.15, 2008, Friday, April 25, 2008, Saturday, June 28, 2008 and Friday, November 7, 2008.  All walks begin at 10 AM in front of the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center (4000 SW Fairview).
For more information about  Ladybug Walks in other parks in Portland  call 503-823-3601 or follow this link: http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=146382

                        Summer Nature Day Camps  
             (various park locations throughout the summer)

Hoyt Arboretum sessions in 2008: 
June 23 - 27; July 21 - 25; Aug. 11 - 15.         

A  first-hand experience with nature through hiking, scientific observation, forest crafts and story-telling is offered through  Portland Parks and Recreation’s Environmental Education department for students ages 5 to 13. 

Mail-in registration through Portland Parks and Recreation only (Hoyt Arboretum cannot accept reservations).  

   For more information call Sue Thomas at 503.823.3601.

Forest Park Conservancy has a number of great Discovery hikes scheduled for summer 2008. Both of the hikes below are highly recommended for kids of all ages.   Follow this link for a full calendar of Discovery Hikes.

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Forest Park Microcosmos: Saturday, June 28th

Description: Insects are everywhere - let's see what we can find. This hike will start in a small meadow, wander through the forest, and explore the creek for aquatic insect larvae. All ages are welcome. Bring boots, rain gear, water, snacks, magnifying glass, hat or cap if sunny. A butterfly net if you have one. This hike is great for parents and kids and the curious of mind. Hike will be postponed in the event of rain. From 1 pm to 3 pm.

Hike leader biography:  Philipp Kirsch has had a lifelong curiosity and fascination for insects. Born in Papua New Guinea, he grew up in Australia and received an entomology degree from the University of Queensland. A research entomologist in the development of sustainable, eco-friendly pest control technology, he has lived in the Portland metro area since 1992, and spends as much time as possible on Pacific Northwest trails.

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Aquatic Ecology for Kids: Sunday, July 5th

Description: Ever wondered what kind of animals live in Balch Creek?  Come join Gladys as we explore the ins and outs of the creek and find out why Balch Creek is so important to the ecology of Forest Park.  Appropriate for ages 6 and up - must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Please wear adequate walking shoes and bring water and snacks. From 10 am to noon.

Hike leader Biography:  A former Central Park Ranger in New York, Gladys Ruiz worked on establishing and implementing a set environmental education programs for city schools throughout NYC parks.

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Registration: All hikes are $10 per participant. Pre-registration is required for all participants. Enrollment will be limited to 12 participants, and space filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Click here to sign up for these and other Discovery hikes.

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