Nature & Trails

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Celebrate Newt Day on Nov. 3

Explore the habitats of the rough-skinned newt at THPRD’s 17th Annual Newt Day on Saturday, Nov. 3, from noon to 4:00 pm at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center (15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton).

Guests can learn what newts, and their fellow forest inhabitants, need to survive. Start indoors with exhibits that examine the streams, ponds, and terrestrial forests needed by a variety of amphibians, reptiles, aquatic invertebrates and mammals to survive. Then venture out into the park for a self-guided adventure to search the habitats of these plants and animals.

Designed to inspire outdoor exploration during a season when it’s tempting to stay inside, this family-friendly event encourages visitors to explore our parks no matter the weather.

“We love celebrating Newt Day!” says Karen Munday, Environmental Education Program Coordinator. “It is a great way to welcome the rain back, see some amazing live animals, and learn about the healthy habitats they all need to survive!”

Admission is $3 per person. Children two and under are free.

The Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a 222-acre wildlife preserve in the heart of Beaverton that features evergreen and deciduous forests, creeks, wetlands, ponds, and meadows. The park is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and smaller creatures. Its trails network includes 1.5 miles of paved pathways plus 3.5 miles of well maintained, soft-surface trails.

For more information, call the Tualatin Hills Nature Center at 503-629-6350.

About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.

Fall Native Plant Sale Set for Oct. 6

Get your gardening gloves out! The 18th annual Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s Fall Native Plant Sale is set for Oct. 6 from 10 am to 2 pm.

Held at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton, the free event is a great opportunity to fill your garden with native trees, shrubs and flowering plants. Once established, these native plants require less care than many ornamentals while providing food and cover to resident pollinators and other wildlife.

Planting in the fall season offers unique benefits as well. “Spring might have better weather for gardening but planting now gives plants a head start,” says Karen Munday, program coordinator, Tualatin Hills Nature Center. “Think of all the watering nature will do for you over the winter.”

Knowledgeable staff, volunteers and Park Rangers will be on hand to answer questions about the benefits of native plants. They can also help find the right plant for your yard.

The event is sponsored by Friends of the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. All proceeds go to support environmental education programs, trails and nature center improvements.

A list of native plant species available for purchase can be found at http://www.thprd.org/pdfs/events/event1535.pdf. For more information call the Nature Center at 503-629-6350 or email Karen Munday at kmunday@thprd.org.

About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.