Photo by Adam Sawyer
If you can’t find something to pique your family’s interest at The Audubon Society of Portland, you might want to take a collective pulse check. The Portland chapter of the National Audubon Society is one of the most active chapters, with as much to see, do, and learn as your family can handle. Seated near the top of the Balch Creek watershed in Forest Park, the grounds of the Audubon Society are home to a nature store and interpretive center, a wildlife care center, and a 150-acre nature sanctuary.
The Wildlife Care Center (WCC) is the oldest and busiest wildlife rehabilitation facility in Oregon. The WCC is home to several non-releasable birds. Staff members frequently take the birds out for a stroll, offering visitors a closer look and an opportunity to ask questions. Each year, the veterinarians at the WCC treat over 3,000 animals for release back into the wild. If you’ve got the stomach, you can watch wildlife surgeries through observation windows in the center’s lobby.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
The nature store is full of good stuff. Birdwatchers will salivate over the selection of feeders, houses, optics, and birdseed available. There are toys for the kids and a wide array of nature-related books for all ages. The main lobby of the Audubon Society is host to a number of interpretive displays. My daughter’s favorite was the mystery nature boxes. Stick your hand into the dark unknown and try to guess what you’re touching—tons of fun for the kid, not so much for my wife.
There are 4.5 miles of trails in the nature sanctuary, including a strand of old-growth Doug firs. Those wanting more exercise can easily connect with the Upper Macleay Trail and descend into beautiful Balch Creek.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
The Audubon Society offers a number of trips, classes, and camps for all ages, including adults. Some of the great kid-friendly programs offered are the Junior Audubon Club, as well as a number of seasonal school-break camps. With spring around the corner, registration is now open for a number of spring-break camps suitable for grades 1 through 8.
-Adam Sawyer
