Bears R Us: Streamkeeper Academy event 1 p.m. Feb. 18, Adopt A Stream Foundation’s Northwest Stream Center, McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife officer Nick Jorg, who was on “Animal Planet,” will talk about Washington state bears with his partner, Colter, a large Karelian bear dog who helps resolve bear/people conflicts. To learn more about Karelian bear dogs go to wdfw.wa.gov and type “bear dogs” in the search bar. After the bear show, you will have an opportunity to walk on the Northwest Stream Center’s half-mile-long elevated nature trail. Pre-registration is required by calling 425-316-8592. Cost is $5 members; $7 non-members.
Mark your calendar: Each month, on the fourth Tuesday, Marysville Opera House hosts an outdoor adventure speaker. Local authors and outdoor enthusiasts will share their adventures and expertise on topics including hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, climbing, trekking, photography and birding. Next up: Craig Romano, hiker and author, will speak 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 28, Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. Q&A, book sales and signing. Cost is $3. For more, call 360-363-8408.
GET OUTSIDE
Float: Adventure Cascades has Stilly Canyon Scenic Float trips on the North Fork Stillaguamish River in Arlington that gives floaters a wild river experience without venturing into the wilderness. The three-hour trip begins and ends at Haller Park, 100 West Ave., Arlington, where you will meet the guides and load up for a short drive to the starting location. The river is mild and your guide does the work. Dress appropriate for the weather and wear waterproof shoes or boots. This trip is suitable for all ages and abilities. Trips are scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26. Tickets start at $40. More at www.adventurecascades.com.
Plant trees: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 18 and March 18, Kenmore Waterfront Activities Center, 7353 175th St., Kenmore. Volunteers needed to plant 400 trees and shrubs that will be used to restore natural streamside vegetation benefiting salmon. Go across Swamp Creek by canoe. Team up with the Adopt A Stream Foundation, the Sno-King Watershed Council and the City of Kenmore. Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board funds were used to purchase the trees and shrubs and to prepare the Swamp Creek streamside area for planting. More at www.streamkeeper.org.
Snowshoe with a forest ranger: 8:30 a.m. Feb. 18, 19, and 26, Big Four Mountain, 33515 Mountain Loop Hwy., Granite Falls. This winter trek is great for those who have never used snowshoes before or anyone interested in learning about the ecology and history of this low-elevation winter wonderland. It follows the route of the former Everett and Monte Cristo railway as it winds its way up the South Fork Stillaguamish River.Participants must be 16 years of age or older and in good physical shape. Reservations are required. A $20 donation is suggested. More at www.discovernw.org.
Get goosey: Speakers, seminars, tours and more at Port Susan Snow Goose and Birding Festival, Feb. 25 and 26. Learn about migratory birds during the festival, based at the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. More at www.snowgoosefest.org
Ride: Cascade Bicycle Club’s Valley River Ride, April 2, follows the Cedar River and Green River, and features low-traveled roads, protected trails and a few miles of hard-packed gravel. The ride boasts a low elevation, nature-inspired route great for those just venturing into longer distance rides. Choose from an easy going 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.
CLASSES, TALKS &MORE
Immerse yourself: The WSU Snohomish County Extension Beach Watcher course is 80 hours of training. Then craft your own volunteer experience by giving back 80 hours in Puget Sound education, research or stewardship projects that you select over the next two years. Training includes lectures on topics from marine wildlife to water quality to climate change and guided field trips. The training will be 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday from March 17 to May 19 and two Saturday field trips April 1 and 29. Applications are due Feb. 26; a free background check is required. There is a $55 (electronic version) or $75 (hard copy) materials fee. More at www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/Snohomish/training; chrys@wsu.edu or 425-357-6020
Gear grab: The Everett branch of The Mountaineers is hosting a gear grab and and potluck dinner, 6:30 p.m. March 1, Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave. Bring in that gear that has been sitting in your garage for decades. You can sell or trade it and buy more from others. Guest speaker is Craig Romano, an outdoor author who has written many Mountaineer Hiking Guidebooks. More at www.mountaineers.org/about/branches-committees/everett-branch/events/copy_of_everett-branch-annual-pot-luck-gear-grab.
PARKS
Permits: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is taking applications for long-term priority use permits for outfitting and guiding services to operate for up to 10 years. Services needed for mountaineering and climbing, skill and rescue training, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, stock trips, environmental education, hunting and snowmobiling. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 17. More at www.fs.usda.gov
Recreate: The U.S. Forest Service will waive fees at day-use recreation sites in Oregon and Washington on President’s Day, Feb. 20. The waiver includes many picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads and visitor centers. Fees for camping, cabin rentals, heritage expeditions or other permits still apply. The fee waiver does not apply to SnoParks, although they might be located on national public lands. Other free days are: National Trails Day, June 3; National Get Outdoors Day, June 10; National Public Lands Day, Sept. 30; Veterans Day Weekend, Nov. 11-12. More at www.fs.usda.gov
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