Nature Station: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 1 at Wallace Falls State Park, 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar. Visit the park’s nature station and learn how to identify native plants and wildlife before you take a hike. Free. For all ages. A Discover Pass is required, except on Aug. 25. Call 425-455-7010 or email adamas.weitzenfeld@parks.wa.gov.
Find Your Park: Need some place to explore? Maybe the North Cascades meet your fancy. The next free “Find Your Park” class is at 6 p.m. July 30 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Suite 952, Lynnwood. Learn about two recreational areas in the North Cascades, along with some tips for how to best enjoy the trails. Space is limited. More at www.rei.com.
The Dragonfly Whisperer: “The Incredible Lives of Dragonflies and Damselflies” presentation is at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Northwest Stream Center, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. Scientist and author Jim Walker will share interesting facts about dragonflies, such as how they predate dinosaurs, have six legs but don’t walk, and have acute vision but can’t hear. He’ll also teach you how to coax them onto your finger. Reservations are required. Cost is $5 for Adopt A Stream Foundation members, $7 for non-members. Call 425-316-8592. More at www.streamkeeper.org.
Ride to Canada: Join the Cascade Bicycle Club on a ride from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., on Aug. 23-24. The 175-mile route, which follows scenic backroads, starts at the north end of the University of Washington’s E-18 parking lot and finishes in downtown Vancouver two days later. More at www.cascade.org.
Moonlight Beach Adventure 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at Marina Beach, 470 Admiral Way S., Edmonds. Interpretive program and summer tradition. See and touch live creatures brought to shore by volunteer scuba divers. Dress warm and bring a flashlight. Free. More at www.edmondswa.gov.
Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington state parks without an entrance fee is Aug. 25, National Park Service’s birthday. Other free days are Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 29 (Autumn free day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington Outdoor Women: Registration opens in July for the WOW’s Weekend Workshop, featuring hands-on workshops to increase the outdoor confidence of women, Sept. 13-15 at Lazy F Camp near Ellensburg. Choose from 20 classes, including archery, basic freshwater fishing, fly-fishing and fly-tying, big-game hunting basics, map and compass reading, survival, beekeeping, birding, Dutch oven cooking, duck hunting, wildlife awareness and wilderness first aid. Registration fee is $340. Deadline to register is Sept. 1. More at www.washingtonoutdoorwomen.org.
Mount St. Helens: Want to know more about the May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens? Washington State Parks offers a diverse series of programs through Sept. 15 at Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, 3029 Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock and at Seaquest State Park across the highway. Programs include interactive talks and demonstrations on the region’s history and the eruption, guided walks through the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake and Junior Ranger evening activities. More at www.parks.state.wa.us/245/Mount-St-Helens.
Climb a tree: Washington State Parks and AdventureTerra of Seattle teamed up to offer guided, educational tree-climbing adventures to visitors at Deception Pass State Park, Hoypus Point area, 41020 U.S. 20, Oak Harbor. Cost is $149 for session lasting four hours. Helmets, harnesses, safety glasses, foot holds and instruction included. For ages 7 and older. More at www.AdventureTerra.com.
Puget Sound Bird Fest: The festival is set for Sept. 13-15 at Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St., Edmonds; 425-771-0227. Guided field trips to other sites. Free general admission. Opening reception 7 p.m. Friday at Edmonds Plaza Room, 650 Main St. More at www.pugetsoundbirdfest.org.
Return of the Salmon Celebration: The celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28 at Osprey Park, 801 First St.; 360-793-0983. 5K run from Osprey to River park starts at 9 a.m. More at www.skyvalleychamber.com.
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