Calendar
Meetings
9:30am - 11:30am
Marine Park Beach Cleanup
Marine Park
Saturday, September 5, 2026
9:30am
- 11:30am
4501 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
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 beach areas. Volunteers will collect litter with litter pickers and carry it in bags or buckets while walking the beach and surrounding area.
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
1:00pm - 2:00pm
On the Move: Incredible Animal Journeys
Water Resources Education Center
Saturday, September 5, 2026
1:00pm
- 2:00pm
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Join educators from the Water Center to discover the incredible journeys animals make during late summer and early fall. This drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children ages 5–12 years old. Explore interactive activities that reveal how water connects the amazing migrations of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other wildlife.
No registration is required. Drop-in anytime between 1 and 2 p.m. All youth must be accompanied by an adult.
The Water Center is open the first and third Saturday of every month, from noon to 4 p.m.
Contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7111 if you have any questions.
10:00am - 1:00pm
Migratory Bird Celebration with Vancouver Audubon
Water Resources Education Center
Saturday, September 19, 2026
10:00am
- 1:00pm
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
It’s time for Vancouver Audubon’s 3rd annual Migratory Bird Celebration! Every year tens of millions of birds migrate through Southwest Washington travelling thousands of miles as they make their way from their wintering grounds to nesting grounds and back again. You are invited to join us as we celebrate these remarkable birds and their journey.
In partnership with the City of Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center this event is a great opportunity to learn about the conservation needs that support bird migration: clean and available water sources, native plants, insects, and habitats.
The day will include bird walks, games, and opportunities to connect with partner organizations who will be tabling at the event. Hands on, interactive activities such as proper binocular use, nest box building, and making pinecone bird feeders will also be available for visitors to enjoy. You can also meet members of Vancouver Audubon’s two youth programs, Camaraderie and Young Birders, and learn what they’re doing!
This is a free, family-friendly event. No registration is required. All ages are welcome.
The Water Resources Education Center will be open during the event, and will close at 4 p.m.
1:00pm - 2:00pm
On the Move: Incredible Animal Journeys
Water Resources Education Center
Saturday, September 19, 2026
1:00pm
- 2:00pm
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Join educators from the Water Center to discover the incredible journeys animals make during late summer and early fall. This drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children ages 5–12 years old. Explore interactive activities that reveal how water connects the amazing migrations of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other wildlife.
No registration is required. Drop-in anytime between 1 and 2 p.m. All youth must be accompanied by an adult.
The Water Center is open the first and third Saturday of every month, from noon to 4 p.m.
Contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7111 if you have any questions.
9:30am - 11:30am
Burnt Bridge Creek Native Plant Walk
Burnt Bridge Creek
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:30am
- 11:30am
1605 N Devine Rd, Vancouver, WA 98661
Curious about using native plants in your yard? Fall is the perfect time to plant as cooler temperatures and rains give new plantings a great start. Take a guided walk along the Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway and see how native species thrive in restored landscapes.
We’ll highlight mature native plants installed by the City of Vancouver and talk about how you can bring the beauty and benefits of these plants to your own outdoor space — from supporting pollinators, attracting birds, and reducing water use.
Expect to walk about 2 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.
9:30am - 11:30am
Wednesday Wanders
Water Resources Education Center
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
9:30am
- 11:30am
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.
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.
10:00am - 11:30am
Go With the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Water Resources Education Center
Thursday, October 1, 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 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.
1:00pm - 2:00pm
River Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey
Water Resources Education Center
Saturday, October 3, 2026
1:00pm
- 2:00pm
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Join educators from the Water Center to discover the amazing journeys of two of our river’s most remarkable fish. This drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children ages 5–12. Through hands-on activities, you’ll explore the fascinating life cycles of salmon and lamprey and discover how they depend on healthy waterways throughout their lives.
No registration is required. Drop-in anytime between 1 and 2 p.m. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
The Water Center is open the first and third Saturday of every month, from noon to 4 p.m.
Contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7111 if you have any questions.
10:00am - 12:00pm
Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip
Felida Moorage and Marine Services
Friday, October 16, 2026
10:00am
- 12:00pm
4911 NW 122nd St, Vancouver, WA 98685
To help make these free trips available to more participants, we ask that each person or family sign up for only one paddle trip per year.
Explore Vancouver Lake from a whole new perspective! Join the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and Vancouver’s Water Center education staff for a free family-friendly canoe paddle aboard 29-foot, 14-passenger Big Canoes! Glide past shore birds, look for signs of beaver activity, and learn about the Columbia River ecosystem from seasoned paddle guides and educators.
Plan to paddle for 1.5 hours in Estuary Partnership’s Big Canoes along with other participants, and walk under 1/4 of a mile on gravel, muddy/sandy beaches, and uneven terrain. Paddlers must be able to step down 2.5 feet into the canoe and sit on a wooden bench without back support for the duration of the paddle program.
Big Canoe paddles are suitable for ages 6 and older. Previous paddling experience is not required!
Advanced registration is required, and space is limited. Sign up today!
You will receive a confirmation letter with full event details, meeting location, and how to prepare for your event after registration.
If you need to cancel, please do so at your earliest convenience to allow your spot to be filled by someone on the waitlist.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can paddle?
- Big Canoe trips are suitable for ages 6 and older.
- Previous paddling experience is not necessary.
- Paddlers must step down 2.5 feet into the canoe and sit on a wooden bench without back support for 1.5 hours.
Do I need any equipment or special gear?
- Please come prepared for the weather with raingear or a hat and sunscreen/sun protection.
- Personal flotation devices (PFD’s) in youth – XXL are provided.
- This paddle trip will depart from a small sand patch and not a dock so waterproof shoes or sandals are recommended. Old tennis shoes work great, too.
Can I bring my camera or cell phone?
- Yes. Be advised that we cannot guarantee the safety of electronic devices and do not offer dry bags. Occasional splashes and rain make the bottom of the boat wet, but typically gear in a pocket will stay dry.
How safe are paddle trips?
- Safety is always our first priority. Our guides are trained in on-water rescue, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid.
- Water activities carry inherent risk; guides take precautions to ensure a safe paddling experience.
- See our safety protocols or contact us for more information.
Questions? Contact the Water Resources Education Center at 360-487-7111 or email vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us
1:00pm - 2:00pm
River Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey
Water Resources Education Center
Saturday, October 17, 2026
1:00pm
- 2:00pm
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Join educators from the Water Center to discover the amazing journeys of two of our river’s most remarkable fish. This drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children ages 5–12. Through hands-on activities, you’ll explore the fascinating life cycles of salmon and lamprey and discover how they depend on healthy waterways throughout their lives.
No registration is required. Drop-in anytime between 1 and 2 p.m. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
The Water Center is open the first and third Saturday of every month, from noon to 4 p.m.
Contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7111 if you have any questions.
Events
-
Registration FullWater Resources Education CenterMarine Park Beach Cleanup
Saturday, September 5, 2026
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…
-
Water Resources Education CenterOn the Move: Incredible Animal Journeys
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Join educators from the Water Center to discover the incredible journeys animals make during late summer and early fall. This drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children…
-
Water Resources Education CenterMigratory Bird Celebration with Vancouver Audubon
Saturday, September 19, 2026
It’s time for Vancouver Audubon’s 3rd annual Migratory Bird Celebration! Every year tens of millions of birds migrate through Southwest Washington travelling thousands of miles as they make their way…
-
Water Resources Education CenterOn the Move: Incredible Animal Journeys
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Join educators from the Water Center to discover the incredible journeys animals make during late summer and early fall. This drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children…
-
Registration FullWater Resources Education CenterBurnt Bridge Creek Native Plant Walk
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Curious about using native plants in your yard? Fall is the perfect time to plant as cooler temperatures and rains give new plantings a great start. Take a guided walk…
-
Registration RequiredWater Resources Education CenterWednesday Wanders
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
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,…
-
Registration RequiredWater Resources Education CenterGo With the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Thursday, October 1, 2026
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…
-
Water Resources Education CenterRiver Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Join educators from the Water Center to discover the amazing journeys of two of our river’s most remarkable fish. This drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children…
-
Registration RequiredWater Resources Education CenterVancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip
Friday, October 16, 2026
To help make these free trips available to more participants, we ask that each person or family sign up for only one paddle trip per year. Explore Vancouver Lake from…
-
Water Resources Education Center
River Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Join educators from the Water Center to discover the amazing journeys of two of our river’s most remarkable fish. This drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children…