Community Education at the ELC

Join us on an adventure of discovery at the Environmental Learning Center this summer! Hands-on activities, exploration and nature-based play will engage families in discovering the wonder and beauty of the natural world. 

Dates and Program Themes:

• July 5 – Darting Dragonflies
• July 19 – Pollinators
• August 2 – Bats
• August 16 - Owls

Time: 10 a.m. - Noon
Who: Family-friendly - all ages welcome!
Cost: Sliding Scale: Free to $10/person (Your generous donation helps keep these programs running.)
What to expect: 

• Naturalist-led walk at 11 a.m.
• Hands-on activities and games
• Nature Crafts
  

Programs run on the same day as the Oregon City Farmers Market, so make a day of it!

Register

The ELC is hosting a series of activities to introduce participants to the benefits and practice of nature journaling with a certified instructor. Join us for "Wonder Wednesdays" to explore the wetland, enhance your observation skills and engage all your senses in the process of nature journaling. Although the dates below don't build on one another, you are welcome to attend as many as you wish as different nature prompts will be provided during each session. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your preferred paper or notebook and art supplies.

Dates: July 9, July 23, August 13, August 27
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Who: This opportunity is open to all ages and abilities.
Cost: A sliding scale fee of $10-$20 will help cover the costs of materials.

Register

Show your love of the ELC by volunteering at Stewardship Saturday events! Join other community members in various activities to enhance wildlife habitat, including pulling invasive plants, mulching and clearing trails. Coffee, tea, snacks and all necessary tools and equipment will be provided. Dress to be outside.

When: First Saturday of every month
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Who: All ages and abilities are welcome, no experience necessary
Where: Environmental Learning Center
What: Onsite volunteer opportunities

• December 7, 2024
• January 4th, 2025
• February 1st, 2025
• March 1st, 2025
• April 5th, 2025
• May 3rd, 2025
• June 7th, 2025
• July 5th, 2025

Sign up to volunteer

Evening at the ELC!
Saturday, January 25th, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Thank you for joining us for a night of mystical fun!

Evenings Activities

• Guided walk on the ELC trails along the wetland with Trail Skipper Studio artist, biologist and outdoor enthusiast, Michelle Boercker.
• Learn how to create your very own block printed art piece. Appropriate for all skill-levels (beginners are warmly welcome and encouraged to join and learn the art of block printing).
• Step-by-step book of instructions will be provided to all participants to use during the activity and to take home.
• Enchanting LIVE entertainment by harpist, Heather Andrews.
• Enjoy locally sourced delicious treats:
  • Charcuterie Boards via Watershed Café & Bistro (Oregon City)
  • Pomegranate and English Breakfast Tea via Cup of Tea (Clackamas)
  • Gourmet Chocolate Samplers via Sweet Masterpiece (Oregon City)

Stay tuned for the next Evening at the ELC opportunity!

This winter, the Environmental Learning Center presented a FREE online workshop series for anyone interested in home gardening for wildlife and water quality. Attendees learned how to garden with less water, manage too much stormwater, and generally provide a healthier habitat for birds, pollinating insects and more.

This year we chose the overarching theme of climate resilience with presentations on the observed impacts of climate change on wildlife, and focused on actionable steps that we, as homeowners, can take to mitigate these effects while protecting watershed health. These presentations are now available to view online at the link below! 

View recorded workshops

We want to extend a huge thanks to all our presenters this year who shared their knowledge, best practices, expertise and practical tips.