Plant trees: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26, volunteers are needed to plant 600 trees next to Olaf Strad Creek at Marysville’s Strawberry Fields Park, 6100 152nd St. NE, Marysville. More at www.streamkeeper.org.
Walk: Guided community walk at Four Springs Lake Preserve, April 1. Meet at 9:50 a.m. in the preserve parking area. The 2-mile walk is on the perimeter trail, including the wetland trail. The trail includes two fairly robust 50-foot climbs with benches at the top. A tour of the day-rental Four Springs house, meadow room and barn is available. Walk takes place rain or shine. Wear appropriate clothes and sturdy shoes or boots. No dogs are allowed. Trail booklets and maps available for a suggested $1 donation. More at www.friendsofcamanoislandparks.org.
Beach: Train to be a WSU Extension Beach Watcher to learn about marine life and how to share your knowledge with youth groups and the public. Then, volunteer at least 12 hours (four shifts) by participating in events with Beach Watchers during the spring and summer in the Edmonds, Mukilteo and Stanwood areas. The three-day training is 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m. April 21, 28 and 29 at locations that rotate between Everett, Mukilteo and Edmonds. Application is due by April 7; a free background check is required. There is also a $35 materials fee. For more, go to www.extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/naturalresources/beachwatchers, call 425-357-6029 or write yolimar.rivera@wsu.edu.
Live vicariously: On the fourth Tuesday of the month, Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., hosts an outdoor adventure speaker. Local authors and outdoor enthusiasts share their adventures and expertise on topics including hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, climbing, trekking, photography and birding. Mike Woodmansee, Real Adventures in the North Cascades, will speak from 6 to 8 p.m. March 28. The outdoor adventurer talks about his more than 40 years of climbing, snowshoeing, trekking, hiking and backpacking throughout “the American Alps.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $3. For more, call 360-363-8400.
Ride: Cascade Bicycle Club’s Valley River Ride, April 2, follows the Cedar and Green rivers, and features low-traveled roads, protected trails and a few miles of hard-packed gravel. The ride boasts a low elevation on a nature-inspired route great for those just venturing into longer distance rides. Choose from an easygoing 30-mile route, a 50-mile route with a few challenging hills or knock out your first 62-mile metric century of the year. More at www.cascade.org; info@cascade.org or 206-522-3222.
Hiking 101: Hike essentials class by Everett Branch of the Mountaineers, 7 p.m. April 5, Snohomish County PUD, 2320 California St., Everett. Free. Non-Mountaineers are encouraged to attend. Class is designed to answer questions that a novice hiker may have about how to get out hiking. Learn from experienced hikers what to put in your pack and how to dress for comfort and safety. Clothing, boots, packs, the 10 essentials, seasonal trail hazards, where to shop for equipment and how to research trips. Register at www.mountaineers.org/about/branches-committees/everett-branch/committees/everett-hiking-backpacking-committee/course-templates/hike-essentials/hike-essentials-everett-2014.
Olympic Birdfest: April 7-9. Guided birding trips, boat tours, live auction and raffle, banquet and more. Featured speaker is nature photographer Bonnie Block. Festival pre-trip is a three-day, two-night birding/sightseeing cruise of the San Juan Islands, April 4-6. Register separately at www.pugetsoundexpress.com/audubon. Extend your festival with a Neah Bay post-trip April 9-11 exploring northwest coastal Washington. More at www.olympicbirdfest.org.
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