Calendar

Saturday, May 23, 2026
10:00am - 12:30pm

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 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.

Participants must be 8 years of age or older to tour the treatment plant. All youth need to be accompanied by an adult.  Tour takes place outdoors and will happen rain or shine.  Closed toed shoes are required for all participants. Expect to walk 2 miles during the program, on paved pathways and up and down multiple 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

Wednesday, May 27, 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.

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, May 30, 2026
9:30am - 11:30am

,
Vancouver, WA 98663

Join us for a springtime walk along Burnt Bridge Creek, where nature comes alive in May. We will learn how to identify the flowering native plants along the trail while listening for the songs of migrating song birds. Learn how the health of the water plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems, from the flowers along the creek’s edge to the birds passing through.

Registration required. Sign up today!

This walk is suitable for adults and families with youth ages 8 and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Expect to walk 2.5 miles on mostly paved and flat pathways.  Stairs descend from the street parking to the trailhead.

Meeting Details

Thursday, June 4, 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. RSVP today!

Meeting Details

Thursday, July 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 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.

Meeting Details

Wednesday, July 8, 2026
9:30am - 11:30am

4501 SE Columbia Way,
Vancouver, WA 98661

Join the Water Resources Education Center in helping clean up our beaches and waterways after the July 4th holiday. We will walk the shoreline collecting litter, plastic, Styrofoam, and other debris to help prevent pollution from entering 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 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

Meeting Details