THPRD News: Natural Resources

The new THPRD Nature & Trails Map is now available--for free--at many locations. The map displays the district's growing trail network along with parks, natural areas, facilities, class information, and more.

The Tualatin Hills Nature Center will host a Nature Kids Preschool Open House to preview its nature-based preschool programs on Jan. 27 from 10 am to noon.

Citizen Science – research conducted by non-professional scientists – is a practice that THPRD’s Natural Resources staff is successfully utilizing to keep track of regionally important animal species and pollinators. Volunteer opportunities are now available.

Newt Day is back! THPRD’s celebration of the rough-skinned amphibian returns on Saturday, Nov. 4, noon to 4 p.m. at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center (15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton).
Visitors will learn about the amazing adaptations of newts and other forest inhabitants.

Fanno Creek Trail users in the Garden Home neighborhood will notice a recent change in the landscape. Several weathered steel sculptures were installed, just above the ground, along a 120-foot section of the trail near SW 86th Avenue.

THPRD hosts its annual Spring Native Plant Sale on Saturday, April 29, at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center from 10 am to 2 pm. This year, the sale will highlight plants that attract native pollinators such as birds, bees, and butterflies.

Earlier this month, about 30 community members participated in three design workshops with THPRD and WH Pacific, the landscape architect that will soon prepare a master plan for a new park in Aloha. The workshops are another element of THPRD’s reimagined approach to park planning
 

Following a global trend, the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s Natural Resources Department is offering more one-time, short-term volunteer opportunities.

The Tualatin Hills Nature Center (15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton) will host an open house to preview the park district’s only nature-based preschool program on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 am to noon.

Newt Day is back! THPRD’s annual homage to the rough-skinned amphibian returns on Saturday, Nov. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center. Admission is just $2.

Cooper Mountain Nature Park will close on Wednesday, Sept. 27, for a controlled burn that is designed to reduce the risk of wildfire and help restore habitat for wildlife and plants. The park is expected to re-open on Saturday, Sept. 30.

More than 100 varieties of native trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials will be available at THPRD's 11th Annual Fall Native Plant Sale on Oct. 8.

Want to attract birds and butterflies to your backyard this spring and summer but don’t know where to start? Native plants are the answer, and THPRD will have more than 150 varieties available at its Spring Native Plant Sale and Resource Fair on Saturday, April 16, 10 am - 2 pm.

THPRD's ongoing implementation of the 2008 bond measure includes three major projects scheduled for 2016, including the development of a 21.5-acre community park in Aloha.
 

The Tualatin Hills Nature Center will accept new registrants for its popular nine-month nature preschool program at an open house on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 10 am to noon.

The district's Board of Directors approved the appointment of 27 community volunteers -- including 13 new appointees -- to the district’s reorganized advisory committees. 

THPRD’s 14^th annual celebration of the newt will return on Saturday, Nov. 7, to the Tualatin Hills Nature Center (15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton). 

A large variety of native trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials will be available at the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District's 10th Annual Fall Native Plant Sale.

On Thursday, July 16, THPRD will host a dedication ceremony at Cedar Mill Park at the intermission of the scheduled Concert & Theater in the Park performance by The Tony Starlight Band.

Jim McElhinny, one of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s most accomplished employees, will retire on June 30. Aisha Panas, THPRD’s director of Planning since July 2014, has been selected to succeed McElhinny.

By June 1, THPRD will reopen a portion of the loop path in Greenway Park that has been closed since October 2014.