Outdoor classes and activities in and around Snohomish County

Published 1:30 am Sunday, April 8, 2018

GET OUT

Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington State Parks without an entrance fee is April 14, designated as Spring Day. Other free days are April 22 (Earth Day), June 2 (National Trails Day), June 9 (National Get Outdoors Day), June 10 (Fishing Day), Aug. 25 (the National Park Service’s 102nd birthday), Sept. 22 (National Public Lands Day), Nov. 11 (Veterans Day), and Nov. 23 (Autumn Day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

River kayaking: Kayak the Skykomish River, from Sultan to Monroe, with the Everett Sea Kayaking Committee on April 15. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the launch on Lewis Street in Monroe. The 10-mile trek is moderately difficult through a generally quiet and varied waterway. Space is limited. More at www.mountaineers.org.

Work party: Help plant trees to restore the middle fork of Quilceda Creek and improve the fish habitat from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 at Strawberry Fields Park, 6100 152nd St. NE, Marysville. Staff from the Adopt A Steam Foundation and the city of Marysville will coordinate the volunteer work. It’s open to all ages, rain or shine. Wear sturdy boots and work clothes. Gloves, tools and light refreshments will be provided. Call 360-363-8144.

Park beautification: Join a community effort to beautify Ballinger Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 21 at 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace. Meet at Ballinger Clubhouse for a brief meeting and coffee. Volunteers will help prune, remove trash and rake. Wear boots and bring work gloves, extra rakes and non-electric pruning tools to make sure there’s enough tools to go around. The Mountlake Terrace City Council will host a lunch for volunteers. More at www.cityofmlt.com.

Trail leadership: Learn the skills to lead trail maintenance crews in a safe manner at 9 a.m. April 22 at Lord Hill Regional Park, 12921 150th St., Snohomish. The day will involve around 1 to 3 miles of hiking, kneeling, lifting, pushing, pulling, digging and chopping. Discussions will cover how to meet the standards of different types of trails, how to get to know a crew and where to fit them in on the trail. Bring a day pack, long sleeve work shirt, long pants, sturdy boots and gaiters, gloves and eye protection, along with lunch, snacks and drinks. Helmets, tools and maps will be provided. More at www.mountaineers.org.

Earth Day: March in support of raising awareness of global, national and local environmental issues at 1 p.m. April 22 in downtown Snohomish. The event is sponsored by Snohomish Rising, a grassroots organization focused on creating and supporting political, social and economic transformation. Meet at Angel Arms Works at 230 Ave. B, Snohomish. The march begins at 1101 First Street, continues down First Street to Centennial Trail and concludes near the Boys &Girls Club.

Guided tour: Celebrate Mother’s Day with two guided walking tours of aesthetic trees in Snohomish’s historic district led by the Green Snohomish Group at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on May 13. Meet at Looking Glass Coffee Shop, 801 First St., Snohomish. The event is free, though donations are accepted. The tours are typically 90 minutes. Trees of Snohomish Walking Guides are available. Email lyabadgley@comcast.net or call 360-348-7059 for more information.

STAY IN

The Mountaineers Gala: 6 to 10 p.m. April 14, Fremont Studios, 155 N. 35th St., Seattle. Dinner, reception, auctions benefiting Mountaineer programs. Special guest is Lynn Hill, a living legend in the national climbing community, who completed a free ascent of The Nose in Yosemite — a feat that has been repeated only once in 19 years. More at www.mountaineers.org.

Marine movies: Learn more about Puget Sound and global marine environment through Our Coast Community Film Series. Features discussions led by film directors and marine experts from around the Northwest. See “Chasing Coral,” 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 25, Everett Community College, and 7 to 9 p.m. April 22 at UW-Bothell. More at www.snocomrc.org.

Email events information for this calendar with the subject “Outdoors” to features@heraldnet.com.