June/July 2016 - the DOUBLE Summer Issue!
During a beautiful May afternoon in Peninsula Park, amid pick-up basketball games and kids clamoring over play structures, three of our Nature Recess students witnessed life before their very eyes. For a few minutes the rest of the world disappeared and the only thing that existed was a small patch of bark just 4 feet off the ground (the perfect height for 6 year olds) on a tree trunk not far from the Community Center. One student exclaimed, "I can see the eggs coming out of her!" Since the theme of the day was camouflage, we asked the students if they thought the ladybug's eggs would be safe here (see photo above). What do you think?

Get up close and personal with nature this summer! We have Summer Camps planned in some "off the beaten path" Natural Areas!

What type of creature left this trail? Here are some clues: This is the seat of a plastic chair that was left outside for a least one winter. On the surface is a layer of algae.The algae is missing in a unique pattern.

Bonus points if you can explain what direction this creature was traveling. Even more bonus points if you can identify the species! Leave your thoughts on our Facebook Page!

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Pollinators!
We've had a great spring exploring with you during our Explore Your Natural Areas series! Look for these programs again in the Fall. There is just one more program left this season:

Saturday, June 4 @ Lower Macleay, Forest Park 9:30am - 12:00

Recent work at Forest Park includes pollinator gardens that demonstrate ways to attract these important species. We will be exploring the park to learn firsthand how their presence impacts this huge natural area! We'll be handing out the pocket guide to the Bees of Portland that we put together with The Xerces Society.

Register here - just $5/person

BONUS FEATURE: Premiering in Portland on Friday, June 3 at the Ecotrust Building is the film "Ghost in the Making: Searching for the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee".

School is almost over! This summer children from age 3.5 to 13 will be spending a whole week outside exploring with us. Many camps still have room, however, we would like to share a list of sites where your child or teen might get a chance to have an experience they haven't had before. Some of the themes are new this summer, some are extra-adventurous, and some sites are simply hidden gems! Get outside the box this summer and see what Portland's Natural Areas have to offer!

View the full schedule on our website!

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