Calendar
Meetings
10:00am - 11:30am
Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Water Resources Education Center
Thursday, March 5, 2026
10:00am
- 11:30am
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
This tour has met its participant maximum. To add your name to the waitlist, email vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us.
Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 90-minute walking tour will take you behind the scenes of what happens to all the water that goes down the drains in your home, school, or business. From a flush, to laundry, to washing dishes, all the water we use goes into underground pipes and to a treatment plant to be cleaned. Learn how to care for our water and our utilities in this unique tour.
Tour is suitable for ages 8 and older. Closed-toed shoes required for all tour participants. Expect to walk 0.75 miles on paved surfaces. Participants will encounter several stairways during the tour of this facility and will need to be able to traverse multiple staircases. Tour is 20% indoors and 80% outdoors. All safety gear will be provided to participants.
Meet at the Water Resources Education Center. Detailed logistics will be sent to registered participants.
Registration is required and space is limited. Sign up today!
If the event becomes full, please contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111 to add your name to the waitlist.
11:00am - 2:00pm
World Water Day at the Water Center
Water Resources Education Center
Saturday, March 21, 2026
11:00am
- 2:00pm
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
World Water Day, held in late March every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of fresh water. Come celebrate with us and learn about the importance of clean water for humans, wildlife, and the ecosystems we live in. Enjoy hands-on, interactive educational activities that are free and engaging for the entire family.
In addition to activities at the Center, we will offer a guided nature walk to the Columbia River and provide a tour of our wastewater treatment plant where you will learn how all our used water gets cleaned. Guided tours have limited space available, and you can register in advance to reserve your spot on a tour. Reservation links are below.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour, 10 to 11:30 a.m.:
Reserve your spot in advance. Sign up for the wastewater tour today! Space is limited. Tour is suitable for ages 8 years and older. Tour is 100% outdoors. Closed toed shoes required. Youth need to be accompanied by an adult. Tour route has multiple stairways, with each stairway containing about 20 steps. Prepare to walk about 0.75 miles round trip on paved pathways, and up and down stairs. There will be strong odors at the beginning, but as the water is cleaned, the odors disappear.
Guided Nature Walk to the Columbia River, 1 to 2 p.m.:
Reserve your spot in advance. Sign up for the nature walk today! Walk is suitable for all ages and will take place on mostly paved pathways, and a small portion of sandy beach along the river. Prepare to walk 1-mile round trip.
10:00am - 12:00pm
Wednesday Wanders
Water Resources Education Center
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
10:00am
- 12:00pm
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Join us on a Wednesday morning guided nature walk where we will explore the rich ecosystems along the Columbia River and adjacent wetland. As we wander, we’ll discover native plants, search for wildlife, and learn how these vibrant waterways support life all around us. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned nature lover, there’s always something new to see and learn on the trail.
This program is great for families with youth ages 6 and older as well as adults who want to get out and wander! Be prepared to walk 2 miles on paved pathways, unpaved wetland trails, and along sandy beaches. Walk will happen rain or shine.
Registration is required. Sign up today!
If the event becomes full, please contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111 to add your name to the waitlist.
9:30am - 11:30am
Marine Park Beach Cleanup
Marine Park
Saturday, March 28, 2026
9:30am
- 11:30am
4501 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
This volunteer event has met its maximum capacity and is no longer taking registrations. Join the Water Resources Education Center to help remove plastic, styrofoam, and litter from the beaches and prevent it from entering and polluting the Columbia River.
All tools will be provided. Expect to walk 2.5 miles on uneven sandy beaches and muddy wetland areas and trails. Volunteers will collect litter with litter pickers and carry it in buckets and bags while walking the beach, wetlands, and surrounding area. We will meet at Marine Park by the playground.
Registration is required. Sign up today!
All ages welcome. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form. Youth under 13 must have an adult guardian present.
Contact: Water Center staff at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111
10:00am - 11:30am
Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Water Resources Education Center
Thursday, April 2, 2026
10:00am
- 11:30am
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 90-minute walking tour will take you behind the scenes of what happens to all the water that goes down the drains in your home, school, or business. From a flush, to laundry, to washing dishes, all the water we use goes into underground pipes and to a treatment plant to be cleaned. Learn how to care for our water and our utilities in this unique tour.
Tour is suitable for ages 8 and older. Closed-toed shoes required for all tour participants. Expect to walk 0.75 miles on paved surfaces. Participants will encounter several stairways during the tour of this facility and will need to be able to traverse multiple staircases. Tour is 20% indoors and 80% outdoors. All safety gear will be provided to participants. Due to the nature of the program, expect to smell strong odors at the beginning of the tour.
Meet at the Water Resources Education Center. Detailed logistics will be sent to registered participants.
Registration is required and space is limited. Sign up today!
If the event becomes full, please contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111 to add your name to the waitlist.
9:30am - 11:30am
Burnt Bridge Creek Native Plant Walk
Burnt Bridge Creek
Saturday, April 4, 2026
9:30am
- 11:30am
1605 N Devine Rd, Vancouver, WA 98661
Sunlight and warmer temperatures are waking up the plants and stimulating growth. Explore the restored landscape adjacent to Burnt Bridge Creek while learning about native plants, stormwater, and the ecology of the landscape. Expect to walk 2.5 miles on paved surfaces. Walk is geared towards adults and youth ages 8 and older.
Advanced registration required. Sign up today!
If the event becomes full, please contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111 to add your name to the waitlist.
10:00am - 11:30am
Spring Beak Nature Walk
Water Resources Education Center
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
10:00am
- 11:30am
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Spring break is here, and the birds are singing! Join us at the Water Center in search of spring “beaks.” As the days grow longer, the wetlands come alive with birdsong. Nests are taking shape, bright feathers are flashing through the trees, and the busy season for baby birds is just about to begin.
It’s the perfect spring break outing for families with kids ages 6 and up. All youth need to be accompanied by an adult. Binoculars will be available to borrow.
Advanced registration required. Sign up today!
If the event becomes full, please contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111 to add your name to the waitlist.
9:30am - 12:00pm
Listening to the Landscape: Bird Language Basics
Water Resources Education Center
Saturday, April 11, 2026
9:30am
- 12:00pm
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Birds are among the most vocal creatures on Earth, and spring is an especially vibrant time for them. As they search for mates, establish territories, and raise their young, this season offers a remarkable opportunity for observation. By slowing down and tuning in to their vocalizations, you can uncover the rich, dramatic stories unfolding in their lives and the ecosystems they inhabit.
In this field class, you’ll discover how paying attention to the calls, postures, and behaviors of songbirds can enhance your ability to spot more wildlife, unravel fascinating stories, deepen your connection to nature and increase your awareness skills.
This workshop will introduce techniques like sound mapping and sit spots, providing a hands-on experience. Held outdoors, the class will have opportunities to both sit still and listen to the birds, as well as going on a guided bird hike to learn vocalizations.
This class is designed for adult learners (18 years and older).
Expect to walk 1 mile on paved and uneven, muddy trails and to sit outside, in one spot, for approximately 60 minutes. Binoculars will be available to use.
Advanced registration required. Sign up today to reserve your spot!
If the event becomes full, please contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111 to add your name to the waitlist.
10:00am - 11:30am
Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Water Resources Education Center
Thursday, May 7, 2026
10:00am
- 11:30am
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 90-minute walking tour will take you behind the scenes of what happens to all the water that goes down the drains in your home, school, or business. From a flush, to laundry, to washing dishes, all the water we use goes into underground pipes and to a treatment plant to be cleaned. Learn how to care for our water and our utilities in this unique tour.
Tour is suitable for ages 8 and older. Closed-toed shoes required for all tour participants. Expect to walk 0.75 miles on paved surfaces. Participants will encounter several stairways during the tour of this facility and will need to be able to traverse multiple staircases. Tour is 20% indoors and 80% outdoors. All safety gear will be provided to participants. Due to the nature of the program, expect to smell strong odors at the beginning of the tour.
Meet at the Water Resources Education Center. Detailed logistics will be sent to registered participants.
Registration is required and space is limited. Sign up today!