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Meetings

Saturday
May 24, 2025
10:00am - 12:30pm

Registration Full

The Hidden Journey of Wastewater

Water Resources Education Center

Saturday, May 24, 2025
10:00am - 12:30pm

4600 SE Columbia Way,
Vancouver, WA 98661

Add to Calendar May. 24, 2025 10:00am May. 24, 2025 12:30 pm America/Los_Angeles The Hidden Journey of Wastewater Have you ever wondered what happens to the water that goes down your drain? Where does it end up?  How is it cleaned? What should and should not go down your drains?  During Public Works Week, we invite you to join us for a tour of the city’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Plant to learn about the unseen journey of our used water. After the treatment plant tour, we will take a nature walk to the Columbia River to learn about the riparian ecosystem and see where the clean water is released. Tour is suitable for adults and youth 8… Water Resources Education Center

Have you ever wondered what happens to the water that goes down your drain? Where does it end up?  How is it cleaned? What should and should not go down your drains?  During Public Works Week, we invite you to join us for a tour of the city’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Plant to learn about the unseen journey of our used water.

After the treatment plant tour, we will take a nature walk to the Columbia River to learn about the riparian ecosystem and see where the clean water is released.

Tour is suitable for adults and youth 8 years and older.  Tour is inside and outside and will happen rain or shine.  Closed toed shoes are required. Expect to walk 2.5 miles on paved pathways and up and down flights of stairs in the treatment plant.

Space is limited.  Sign up to reserve your spot 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.

Meeting Details

Thursday
Jun 5, 2025
10:00am - 11:15am

Registration Required

Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour

Marine Park Engineering

Thursday, June 5, 2025
10:00am - 11:15am

4500 SE Columbia Way,
Vancouver, WA 98661

Add to Calendar Jun. 05, 2025 10:00am Jun. 05, 2025 11:15 am America/Los_Angeles Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 75-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… Marine Park Engineering

Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 75-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.  There will be a space in the RSVP form to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

Meet at the Marine Park Engineering building, next door to the Water Resources Education Center.  Detailed logistics will be sent to registered participants.

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.

 

 

Meeting Details

Saturday
Jun 7, 2025
9:00am - 12:00pm

CANCELED

BioBlitz at the Water Center

Water Resources Education Center

Saturday, June 7, 2025
9:00am - 12:00pm

4600 SE Columbia Way,
Vancouver, WA 98661

Add to Calendar Jun. 07, 2025 9:00am Jun. 07, 2025 12:00 pm America/Los_Angeles BioBlitz at the Water Center UPDATE: The BioBlitz at the Water Center has been canceled.  Watch for other upcoming events and programs:  www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter Water Resources Education Center

UPDATE: The BioBlitz at the Water Center has been canceled.  Watch for other upcoming events and programs:  www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter

Meeting Details

Wednesday
Jun 25, 2025
9:30am - 11:30am

Registration Required

Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip

Felida Moorage

Wednesday, June 25, 2025
9:30am - 11:30am

4911 NW 122nd St,
Vancouver, WA 98685

Add to Calendar Jun. 25, 2025 9:30am Jun. 25, 2025 11:30 am America/Los_Angeles Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip 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 to 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… Felida Moorage

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 to 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   

Meeting Details

Saturday
Jun 28, 2025
9:00am - 11:00am

Registration Required

Water Center Garden Cleanup

Water Resources Education Center

Saturday, June 28, 2025
9:00am - 11:00am

4600 SE Columbia Way,
Vancouver, WA 98661

Add to Calendar Jun. 28, 2025 9:00am Jun. 28, 2025 11:00 am America/Los_Angeles Water Center Garden Cleanup Join Water Center staff outdoors to help keep our Backyard Habitat Certified gardens in tip-top shape. Volunteer activities may include weeding, mulching, trimming and raking pathways. All necessary tools will be provided. Registration is required. Sign up today! 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 Water Resources Education Center

Join Water Center staff outdoors to help keep our Backyard Habitat Certified gardens in tip-top shape. Volunteer activities may include weeding, mulching, trimming and raking pathways. All necessary tools will be provided.

Registration is required. Sign up today!

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

Meeting Details

Thursday
Jul 3, 2025
10:00am - 11:15am

Registration Required

Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour

Vancouver Engineering Services Department

Thursday, July 3, 2025
10:00am - 11:15am

4500 SE Columbia Way,
Vancouver, WA 98661

Add to Calendar Jul. 03, 2025 10:00am Jul. 03, 2025 11:15 am America/Los_Angeles Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 75-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… Vancouver Engineering Services Department

Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 75-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.  There will be a space in the RSVP form to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

Meet at the Marine Park Engineering building, next door to the Water Resources Education Center.  Detailed logistics will be sent to registered participants.

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.

 

 

Meeting Details

Saturday
Jul 5, 2025
9:00am - 11:00am

Registration Required

Marine Park Beach Cleanup

Marine Park

Saturday, July 5, 2025
9:00am - 11:00am

4501 SE Columbia Way,
Vancouver, WA 98661

Add to Calendar Jul. 05, 2025 9:00am Jul. 05, 2025 11:00 am America/Los_Angeles Marine Park Beach Cleanup Join the Water Resources Education Center to help remove litter from the beaches after the July 4th holiday.  We will collect as much debris from the shoreline to prevent it from entering and polluting the Columbia River. All cleanup gear will be provided.  Expect to walk 2 miles on uneven, mostly flat, sandy beach areas.  Volunteers will collect litter with litter pickers and carry it in buckets while walking the beach and surrounding area. Registration is required. Sign up today! Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form. Youth under 13 must have an adult guardian present. Contact:… Marine Park

Join the Water Resources Education Center to help remove litter from the beaches after the July 4th holiday.  We will collect as much debris from the shoreline to prevent it from entering and polluting the Columbia River.

All cleanup gear will be provided.  Expect to walk 2 miles on uneven, mostly flat, sandy beach areas.  Volunteers will collect litter with litter pickers and carry it in buckets while walking the beach and surrounding area.

Registration is required. Sign up today!

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

Meeting Details

Events

The Hidden Journey of Wastewater

Saturday, May 24, 2025
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Add to Calendar Saturday, May 24, 2025 10:00 am Saturday, May 24, 2025 10:00 am America/Los_Angeles The Hidden Journey of Wastewater Have you ever wondered what happens to the water that goes down your drain? Where does it end up?  How is it cleaned? What should and should not go down your drains?  During Public Works Week, we invite you to join us for a tour of the city’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Plant to learn about the unseen journey of our used water. After the treatment plant tour, we will take a nature walk to the Columbia River to learn about the riparian ecosystem and see where the clean water is released. Tour is suitable for adults and youth 8…

Water Resources Education Center
4600 SE Columbia Way
Vancouver , WA 98661

Have you ever wondered what happens to the water that goes down your drain? Where does it end up?  How is it cleaned? What should and should not go down your drains?  During Public Works Week, we invite you to join us for a tour of the city’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Plant to learn about the unseen journey of…


Learn More

Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour

Thursday, June 5, 2025
10:00 am - 11:15 am
Add to Calendar Thursday, June 5, 2025 10:00 am Thursday, June 5, 2025 10:00 am America/Los_Angeles Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 75-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…

Marine Park Engineering
4500 SE Columbia Way
Vancouver , WA 98661

Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 75-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…


Learn More

BioBlitz at the Water Center

Saturday, June 7, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Add to Calendar Saturday, June 7, 2025 9:00 am Saturday, June 7, 2025 9:00 am America/Los_Angeles BioBlitz at the Water Center UPDATE: The BioBlitz at the Water Center has been canceled.  Watch for other upcoming events and programs:  www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter

Water Resources Education Center
4600 SE Columbia Way
Vancouver , WA 98661

UPDATE: The BioBlitz at the Water Center has been canceled.  Watch for other upcoming events and programs:  www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter


Learn More

Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip

Wednesday, June 25, 2025
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Add to Calendar Wednesday, June 25, 2025 9:30 am Wednesday, June 25, 2025 9:30 am America/Los_Angeles Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip 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 to 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…

Felida Moorage
4911 NW 122nd St
Vancouver , WA 98685

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 to 1.5…


Learn More

Water Center Garden Cleanup

Saturday, June 28, 2025
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Add to Calendar Saturday, June 28, 2025 9:00 am Saturday, June 28, 2025 9:00 am America/Los_Angeles Water Center Garden Cleanup Join Water Center staff outdoors to help keep our Backyard Habitat Certified gardens in tip-top shape. Volunteer activities may include weeding, mulching, trimming and raking pathways. All necessary tools will be provided. Registration is required. Sign up today! 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

Water Resources Education Center
4600 SE Columbia Way
Vancouver , WA 98661

Join Water Center staff outdoors to help keep our Backyard Habitat Certified gardens in tip-top shape. Volunteer activities may include weeding, mulching, trimming and raking pathways. All necessary tools will be provided. Registration is required. Sign up today! Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form. Youth under 13 must have an adult guardian present. Contact: Water Center…


Learn More

Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour

Thursday, July 3, 2025
10:00 am - 11:15 am
Add to Calendar Thursday, July 3, 2025 10:00 am Thursday, July 3, 2025 10:00 am America/Los_Angeles Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 75-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…

Vancouver Engineering Services Department
4500 SE Columbia Way
Vancouver , WA 98661

Join us for a free tour of the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. This 75-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…


Learn More

Marine Park Beach Cleanup

Saturday, July 5, 2025
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Add to Calendar Saturday, July 5, 2025 9:00 am Saturday, July 5, 2025 9:00 am America/Los_Angeles Marine Park Beach Cleanup Join the Water Resources Education Center to help remove litter from the beaches after the July 4th holiday.  We will collect as much debris from the shoreline to prevent it from entering and polluting the Columbia River. All cleanup gear will be provided.  Expect to walk 2 miles on uneven, mostly flat, sandy beach areas.  Volunteers will collect litter with litter pickers and carry it in buckets while walking the beach and surrounding area. Registration is required. Sign up today! Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form. Youth under 13 must have an adult guardian present. Contact:…

Marine Park
4501 SE Columbia Way
Vancouver , WA 98661

Join the Water Resources Education Center to help remove litter from the beaches after the July 4th holiday.  We will collect as much debris from the shoreline to prevent it from entering and polluting the Columbia River. All cleanup gear will be provided.  Expect to walk 2 miles on uneven, mostly flat, sandy beach areas.  Volunteers will collect litter with…


Learn More