This story appeared in the Winter 2015 edition of Our Big Backyard, a quarterly magazine about parks and nature. Read more stories, plan an outing with a field guide, and find out more about fun nature events and classes.
Want to find mushrooms, follow cougar tracks and watch wild salmon spawn? Join a team of experienced naturalists to explore some of the region’s most spectacular places during the fourth year of Metro’s It’s Our Nature year-long field trip series.
Starting in March, a group of adults will immerse themselves in the region's natural areas and learn about topics including geology, animal tracking, birding and ethnobotany. Monthly adventures at some of Metro’s 17,000 acres of wetlands, oak savannas and woodlands, forests and prairies give participants opportunities to experience the natural world hands-on as the seasons change. If you crave the behind-the-scenes story, learn by doing and don’t mind getting muddy, this journey could be for you.
Lessons combine theory with place, all in an outdoor setting. Naturalists take you on journeys in some of Metro’s hallmark parks and natural areas, such as Oxbow Regional Park and Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area. Some classes will be held at natural areas closed to the public, providing participants with a sneak peek of some of Metro’s hidden jewels.
It’s Our Nature is limited to 18 adults (ages 18 and older) who can commit to attend at least nine of the 11 classes and who can learn outdoors in all weather conditions and in a variety of terrain. Most classes will be held on the second Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and applicants are assessed on their level of interest and ability to commit to the program. No deposit is required. Tuition of $300 is due upon acceptance into the program.
Learn more and apply