Calendar
Meetings
10:00am - 12:30pm
The Hidden Journey of Wastewater
Water Resources Education Center
Saturday, May 24, 2025
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.
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.
10:00am - 11:15am
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
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.
9:00am - 12:00pm
BioBlitz at the Water Center
Water Resources Education Center
Saturday, June 7, 2025
9:00am
- 12:00pm
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
9:30am - 11:30am
Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip
Felida Moorage
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
9:30am
- 11:30am
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 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
9:00am - 11:00am
Water Center Garden Cleanup
Water Resources Education Center
Saturday, June 28, 2025
9:00am
- 11:00am
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 staff at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111
10:00am - 11:15am
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
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.
9:00am - 11:00am
Marine Park Beach Cleanup
Marine Park
Saturday, July 5, 2025
9:00am
- 11:00am
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 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
Events
-
Registration FullWater Resources Education Center
The Hidden Journey of Wastewater
Saturday, May 24, 2025
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…
-
Registration RequiredWater Resources Education Center
Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Thursday, June 5, 2025
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…
-
CANCELEDWater Resources Education Center
BioBlitz at the Water Center
Saturday, June 7, 2025
UPDATE: The BioBlitz at the Water Center has been canceled. Watch for other upcoming events and programs: www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter
-
Registration RequiredWater Resources Education Center
Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
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!…
-
Registration RequiredWater Resources Education Center
Water Center Garden Cleanup
Saturday, June 28, 2025
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…
-
Registration RequiredWater Resources Education Center
Go with the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Thursday, July 3, 2025
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…
-
Registration RequiredWater Resources Education Center
Marine Park Beach Cleanup
Saturday, July 5, 2025
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…