Water Resources Education Center

05/27/2026

At our spring BioBlitz, community scientists logged 307 observations and 131 species. The majority of species we found were plants, fungi, birds, and insects 🐞🌿

Taking a snapshot in time of wildlife helps us understand biodiversity, monitor ecological changes, and track species trends around the Water Center 📸

Thanks to partners at the Vancouver Bee Project, Columbia Springs, and Vancouver Audubon Society for joining us!

05/20/2026

Caring for our environment starts with you! 💧
At the Water Center, learners of all ages get hands-on with water, exploring how it moves through our community and why it matters. Environmental education creates a community full of stewards who protect our valued natural resources.

Want to get involved? Visit the Water Center Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the first and third Saturday of each month, noon to 4 p.m.

Watch an audio-described version of this video at youtube.com/shorts/DyMHKKjwcBs?feature=share

05/19/2026

Clark Conservation District’s annual survey is open! Help shape future conservation efforts in Clark County and enter to win one of two $50 gift certificates to their annual Native Plant Sale.

The survey will help guide local conservation programs and priorities over the next five years. Take the survey: L.clarkcd.org/survey

Our annual survey is now open! Your input can help shape the future of conservation efforts in Clark County. And, as an added bonus, Clark County residents who complete this survey will be entered in a raffle for two $50 gift certificates for our annual Native Plant Sale.

The survey gathers community feedback on local conservation priorities, program needs, and potential funding approaches to help guide our programming over the next five years.

Take the survey: L.clarkcd.org/survey. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and support local conservation efforts.

05/14/2026

Sign up today! We still have spots available for late May programs. Come explore with us.

Saturday, May 23: Hidden Journey of Wastewater 🌊
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday May 27: Wednesday Wanders 👣🔎
10 a.m. to noon

Registration is required. Sign up at cityofvancouver.us/government/calendar/?type=water-resources-education-center

05/05/2026

What is a watershed? 💭
A watershed is an area of land where all rainwater flows to the same place. Water flows through creeks and streams before entering a larger body of water, in our case, that’s the Columbia River.🌧️

In the City, we have three watersheds: Burnt Bridge Creek, Columbia Slope, and Vancouver Lake.

Some water doesn’t flow to the Columbia River and instead soaks into the ground. Once in the soil, water can soak even deeper into underground reservoirs called aquifers. Did you know that all of our City’s drinking water comes from aquifers? 💧

04/27/2026

Happy Earth Day!
From planting trees to diverting organics from the landfill, we’re dedicated to making Vancouver greener. Together, we can take small steps to make our world a little better:
- Compost your food scraps: Use the organics service, We Compost Community Hubs or do it right at home! 🥕
- Plant native and pollinator plants 🦋
- Swap single-use items for reusable ones 🍴
Find volunteer opportunities at cityofvancouver.us/government/calendar/?type=volunteer

04/27/2026

If you'd rather be bird watching… the Water Center is the place to be 🪿🐦‍⬛🦅
On our grounds and the surrounding wetlands, you're sure to spot birds of all kinds, from hawks to hummingbirds. Let us know in the comments what birds you've seen at the Water Center!

04/20/2026

Get out into nature 🌳
Join us on Saturday, April 25, for the Water Center BioBlitz. Sign up for a guided walk and drop in for hands-on learning from community partners. Sign up for one of the guided walks at cityofvancouver.us/events/water-center-bioblitz-2/

Interested in joining this year’s , April 24–27? There are many ways to get involved!

🌱 Friday, April 24, 10:30 am - 12 pm: Columbia Springs Guided Plant Walk. Meet at the Visitor Center.

💦 Friday, April 24, 12:30 - 2 pm: Exploration: Water Wildlife: Explore the engineered wetlands at Columbia Springs! Drop in when it works for you.

🦉 Saturday, April 25: Attend the Water Center BioBlitz! You can sign up for one of three guided walks - each one focusing on a different topic - and visit community partner tables. We will be there alongside the Water Center staff, Vancouver Bee Project and Vancouver Audubon. More info here: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/events/water-center-bioblitz-2/

🐝 Sunday, April 25, 12 - 1:30 pm, Columbia Springs Guided Bugs Walk. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Can't make it to one of the events? You can do it on your own. All you need is a smartphone & the free app. Learn more at citynaturechallenge.org.