Join us for our first Nature Talk of the season with noted botanical artist, Aislinn Adams! As an Irish "transplant" to Oregon, Aislinn enjoys making discoveries that reveal intriguing historical, botanical, and socio-political links between her former and current home. Through her work with Oregon's native plants, Aislinn has been able to uncover many of these connections. Join us as Aislinn follows the journey of a variety of plants, across several hundred years, to show how they found their way from the Pacific Northwest into the gardens and forests of Great Britain and Ireland, while using contemporary and historical botanical art to illustrate their evolving stories. Reception to follow. 

Cost: $5 suggested donation/person at the door. No registration or RSVP required. 

Aislinn Adams is an Irish illustrator, designer, and horticulturist who has lived in Salem, Oregon since 2000. Nowadays, her work is mainly focused on botanical art. Aislinn is currently working on a large commission illustrating 30 native species for the Friends of Silver Falls State Park. These illustrations can be seen on display at the South Falls Lodge. Aislinn also works as a part-time teacher in the 4th-6th grade Environmental Education Program at the Oregon Garden. To find out more about her work visit her Website, Facebook, or follow her on Instagram.

For more information, contact John Savage at 503-779-5414 or at John@StraubCenter.org.

("Ribes sanguineum, flower and fruit" illustration by Aislinn Adams)   

Explore nature close to home with a Straub Outdoors educator! This 90-minute guided outing will take participants through Spring Valley State Park, a few miles northwest of Keizer. Practice orienteering and learn about the plants, trees, and animals that live along Spring Valley Creek and the Willamette River. Join us for our final “Passport to Nature” family outing of the season!

Location: Meet at the Spring Valley State Park parking lot and look for our Straub Outdoors educator holding the Passport to Nature sign. Please arrive a few minutes early.

Cost: $5 for 1 child | $10 for 2 children | $15 for 3 or more children ages 3-11. Cash or check accepted. Includes a nature journal for each child.

To register, email info@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5227.

(“Passport to Nature outings for the whole family!” photo courtesy of Straub Outdoors)

*We are at capacity for this Out-And-About Nature Hike. Waiting list room only.

Educators of Straub Outdoors, the Willamette Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon, and the Willamette Valley Mushroom Society will be leading an all-day hike to discover the fall mushrooms along the Pamelia Lake Trail, in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area. This 4.5-mile out and back trail (with 800 feet of elevation gain) meanders along Pamelia Creek towards the picturesque Pamelia Lake, featuring old growth trees, a variety of woody tree conks (such as the white speck conk, the red belt conk, and quinine conk), and stunning views of Mt. Jefferson! Bring a sack lunch, water, and appropriate foot gear and clothing.

Location: Meet in the parking lot at the Willamette Heritage Center at 9:00 am. Transportation will be provided to and from the trailhead.

Cost: $10/participant. Spaces is limited to 10 participants ages 12 and up. Pre-registration is required. Cash or check accepted.

For more information and to register, email john@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5414.

(“Red Belt Conk” photo courtesy of Flickr user Lindsey Holm)

Come visit us at the Sustainable Living Center’s Foraging Fair! We will be leading a series of 30-minute “Nearby Nature” walks for families attending the fair. Learn about what makes up the rich, riparian habitat along Pringle Creek! Stop by our booth inside Painters Hall to complete a fun nature art activity, find out about our upcoming programs and to join us for a “Nearby Nature” walk!

Cost: FREE to attend the Foraging Fair and our “Nearby Nature” walks.

To learn more, email info@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5227.

Come visit us at Open Streets Salem! We will be leading two, 30-minute “Nearby Nature” walks at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm for families attending the event. Learn about nature in your very own neighborhood! Stop by our booth at the Grant Community School Activity Hub to find out about our upcoming programs, create your own nature bookmark, and to join us for a “Nearby Nature” walk!

Cost: FREE to attend Open Streets Salem and our “Nearby Nature” walks.

To learn more, email info@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5227.  

Explore nature close to home with a Straub Environmental Center educator! This 90-minute guided outing will take participants through Joryville Park, a hidden gem in South Salem. Passport to Nature outings take place the 4th Saturday of each month through October. 

Location: Meet at the Joryville Park parking lot and look for our Straub Environmental Center educator holding the Passport to Nature sign. Please arrive a few minutes early

Cost: $5 for 1 child | $10 for 2 children | $15 for 3 or more children ages 3-11. Cash or check accepted. Includes a nature journal for each child.

To register, email info@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5227.

*Cancelled. Due to expected wind and rain showers throughout the day, we will not be providing “Nearby Nature” walks at this event. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Come visit us at the Salem River to Ridge After Party! We will be leading a series of 30-minute “Nearby Nature” walks at Noon, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm for families attending the event. Learn about the historic Silver Falls State Park and complete a nature scavenger hunt! Stop by our booth near Picnic Shelter B, in the South Falls Day Use Area, to find out about our upcoming programs, create your own nature bookmark, and to join us for a “Nearby Nature" walk!

Cost: FREE to attend our “Nearby Nature” walks. Learn more about participating in the Salem River to Ridge race here.

To learn more, email info@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5227.

Straub Environmental Center educators and members of the Willamette Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon will lead an all-day hike to munch on ripe huckleberries and view the late summer flowers of Hawk Mountain, near Detroit. This 4-mile roundtrip hike (with 900 feet of elevation gain) features old growth Mountain Hemlock, stunning views of Mt. Jefferson, and one of the last standing fire lookout cabins in Oregon. Bring a sack lunch, water, and appropriate foot gear and clothing.

Location: Meet in the parking lot at the Willamette Heritage Center (1313 Mill St. SE Salem, OR 97301) at 9:00 am. Transportation will be provided to and from the trailhead.

Cost: $5 for Native Plant Society of Oregon members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited to 10 participants ages 12 and up. Pre-registration is required. Cash or check accepted.

For more information and to register, email john@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5414.

 (“Mountain Huckleberry” photo courtesy of Flickr user Katja Schulz)

Come visit us at the Oregon Garden’s Homeschool Day! We will be leading three, 30-minute “Nearby Nature” walks at 11:00 am, Noon and 1:00 pm for families attending the event. Learn about cultivated and wild spaces and visit the 400-year-old Signature Oak tree! Stop by our booth to find out about our upcoming programs, create your own nature bookmark, and to join us for a fun “Nearby Nature” walk!

Cost: Check the Oregon Garden Website for event admission prices. “Nearby Nature” walks are offered at no additional cost.

To learn more, email info@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5227.

Explore nature close to home with a Straub Environmental Center educator! This 90-minute guided outing will take participants through Willamette Mission State Park, just north of Keizer. Join us to look for the critters of Mission Lake and to learn about Grandpa Cottonwood! Passport to Nature outings take place the 4th Saturday of each month through October.  

Location: Meet at the Mission Lake A parking lot and look for our Straub Environmental Center educator holding the Passport to Nature sign. Please arrive a few minutes early. Park map. 

Cost: $5 for 1 child | $10 for 2 children | $15 for 3 or more children ages 3-12. Cash or check accepted. Includes a nature journal for each child.

To register, email info@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5227.

Come visit us at the Englewood Forest Festival! We will be leading a series of 30-minute Nearby Nature walks at Noon, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm for families attending the festival. Learn about the park’s Douglas-firs, Oregon white oaks, and visit the Englewood Garden. Stop by our booth to complete a fun nature art activity, find out about our upcoming programs and to join us for a Nearby Nature walk! Hablamos español. 

Cost: FREE to attend the Englewood Forest Festival and our Nearby Nature walks.

To learn more, email info@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5227.

Straub Environmental Center educators and members of the Willamette Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon will lead an all-day hike to view the wildflowers of Anvil Lake, in the Mount Hood National Forest. This 2.6-mile roundtrip hike (with light elevation gain) passes through old-growth forest, the beautiful Black Wolf Meadows, and ends at a secluded lake. Discover moisture-loving wildflowers such as bog laurel and explorer’s gentian and taste wild huckleberries! Bring a sack lunch, water, and appropriate foot gear and clothing.

Location: Meet in the parking lot at the Willamette Heritage Center (1313 Mill St. SE) at 9:00 am. The group will depart in a passenger van at 9:15.

Cost: $5 for Native Plant Society of Oregon members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited to ten participants ages 12-adult. Pre-registration is required. Cash or check accepted.

To register and for more information, email John Savage at john@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5414.

Come visit us at Family Building Blocks' Riverfront Family Fest! We will be leading two, 30-minute Nearby Nature walks at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm for families attending the festival. Learn about the vast Willamette River and the plants and birds that live near the water. Stop by our booth on the west side of the park to find out about our upcoming programs, enter to win a nature SWAG bag and to join us for a fun Nearby Nature walk! 

Cost: FREE to attend the Riverfront Family Fest and our Nearby Nature Walks. 

To learn more, email info@straubcenter.org or call 503-779-5227. 

*FYI: The meeting place has changed to Parking Lot #3.

Explore nature close to home with a Straub Environmental Center educator! This 90-minute guided outing will highlight the wetland creatures that call this park home. Search for animal tracks as we explore the Willamette Slough. This outing will take place weather permitting; please bring shoes and clothing suitable for wet and muddy conditions, water, and a snack. Passport to Nature outings take place on the 4th Saturdays of each month through October. 

Location: Meet at Parking Lot #3 off of Minto Island Rd. and look for our Straub Environmental Center educator holding the Passport to Nature sign. Please arrive a few minutes early. 

Cost: $5 for 1 child | $10 for 2 children | $15 for 3 or more children ages 4-17. Cash or check accepted. Includes a nature journal for each child. Adults and children 3 and under are free. 

To register, call 503-779-5227 or email education@straubcenter.org. 

Straub Environmental Center educators and members of the Willamette Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon will lead an all-day hike to view the wildflowers of Bugaboo Ridge, one of the premier wildflower hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades. 

This four-mile roundtrip hike (with moderate elevation gain) passes through forest and dry, moist, and wet meadows featuring great views of Mt. Jefferson. Bring a sack lunch, water and appropriate foot gear and clothing. 

Location: Meet in the parking lot at the Willamette Heritage Center (1313 Mill St. SE Salem, OR 97301) at 9:00 am. Transportation will be provided to and from the trailhead. 

Cost: $10 for Native Plant Society of Oregon and David Douglas Society members, $15 for non-members. Cash or check accepted. Space is limited to ten participants, ages 12-adult, and pre-registration is required. 

To register and for more information, call John Savage at 503-779-5414 or email john@straubcenter.org. 

Learn how to draw and paint your favorite Northwest native animals, bugs, flowers and trees with watercolors!

Cost: $10/child for ages 4-12.

Register: Call 503-779-5227 or email info@straubcenter.org. 

Explore nature close to home with a Straub Environmental Center educator! This 90-minute guided outing for the whole family will highlight the animals, trees and plants that live in the park. Meet the critters of Glen Creek and Grandpa Oak Tree. Learn about our local Brush Rabbits as we walk through rabbit meadow. This outing will take place weather permitting; please bring shoes and clothing suitable for wet conditions, water and a snack. Passport to Nature outings take place on the 4th Saturdays of each month through October. 

Cost: Cost: $5 for 1 child | $10 for 2 children | $15 for 3 or more children ages 4-17. Includes a nature journal for each child. Adults and children 3 and under are free. 

Location: Meet at the main parking lot and look for the Passport to Nature sign. Please arrive a few minutes early. 

To register, call 503-779-5227 or email info@straubcenter.org. 

Straub Environmental Center educators will lead an all-day, family-friendly hike to view the rare Coast Range Fawn Lily, Davidson's Penstemon, Rusty Saxifrage and other wildflowers of Mt. Hebo, near Grande Ronde. This 3-mile roundtrip nature walk (with 300 feet of elevation gain) also features a stunning view of the ocean and a possible sighting of the Fender's Blue butterfly. Bring foot gear and clothing suitable for wet conditions, a sack lunch and water. 

Location: Meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot at the Willamette Heritage Center. Transportation will be provided to and from the trailhead. 

Cost: $10 for Native Plant Society of Oregon and David Douglas Society members, $15 for non-members. Cash or check accepted. Space is limited to ten participants, ages 12-adult, and pre-registration is required. 

To register and for more information, call John Savage at 503-779-5414 or email john@straubcenter.org.