September 2015
Now is the time to register for Fall classes and programs! Did you know that we are now offering Lil Nature Kids and Nature Recess on Saturdays? We hope to see you soon!

Nature's Flash Mob
A flash mob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place and perform for a brief time before quickly dispersing. Long before humans began assembling flash mobs, Bushtits have been using a similar tactic. Now that nesting season is over, keep an eye and ear out for these bouncing mobs of birds!
Bushtits are sprightly, social songbirds that twitter as they fly between shrubs and thickets. There is Safety in numbers, so they are almost always found in lively flocks. Moving constantly, often hanging upside down to pick at insects or spiders on the undersides of leaves. 

While moving about in flocks, Bushtits constantly communicate to one another, checking in to see if everyone is okay and letting others know where the food is plentiful. In bird language we call these "contact calls." The conversation might go something like this:
Bird 1: "Where you at?" 
Bird 2: "I'm right here!"
Bird 1: "Cool"
Take a Bird Language class this month at PCC!

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Saturday Nature Classes
We are now offering Lil Nature Kids on Saturday mornings and Nature Recess on Saturday afternoons in Mt. Tabor Park. Drop of the kids and go for a run or catch up with friends at nearby coffee shop.
In addition to Lil Nature Kids & Nature Recess, we are also offering a new class this year: Lil Nature Families! The goal of this parent/child class is to connect children to Pacific NW ecology while also helping parents learn more about the benefits of spending time in nature and how to do it in a meaningful way.

We are looking forward to seeing you! Classes start on September 15 and registration is open! See the schedule for Lil Nature Kids, Lil Nature Families and Nature Recess HERE! Remeber, always join a waitlist if a class is full. If we have the staff we will open up more spots.

Jr. GRUNT applications are due September 23!
Eighth graders: get outside this Fall! 
Do you know an 8^th grade student who doesn't have the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature? Jr. GRUNT is looking for a diverse pool of applicants to join our 2015 cohort. Over the next several years, participants will learn about nature, practice stewardship and gain important science, life and job skills. The goal of Jr. GRUNT is to connect youth from low-income backgrounds to the nature in our city and to environmental career paths. We are now accepting applications for our fall program! 

“You run one of the best programs I've seen. What you do for each of these kids is immeasurable.”  ~ Isobel Veen, George Middle School Teacher

“Best program ever had so much fun! And will continue enjoying the outdoors forever.” ~ Carolina, Jr. GRUNT graduate

The Jr. GRUNT program is FREE, fun, and connects you to nature,
environmental jobs & college scholarships through age 24.  Meets at Montavilla Community Center.
10am - 4pm
Saturdays, Oct 3 - Nov 7
APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW REQUIRED
APPLICATIONS are due September 23!

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Nature Mentoring in Action
Our friends at 8 Shields Portland are putting on a fantastic workshop! 

Registration closes September 4!

Please note: If you are a teacher, this workshop can be taken for continuing education (CEED) credit through PSU. 

Click image to learn more!

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