News Release
| Release Number: | 06-049 |
| Dated: | 4/18/2006 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – If you want to learn how to make every day Earth Day, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will show you how. The Corps is holding two Earth Day events at Bonneville Lock and Dam on April 22.
First, join park ranger Claudia Round to learn how to attract Black Capped Chickadees to your yard. The program will begin at 1 p.m. in the Bradford Island Visitor Center at Bonneville Lock and Dam. Attendees will learn how to build a bird nest box for chickadees, house wrens and warblers. Materials for building a "bird nest box" will be available to 25 households and can be taken home, assembled and mounted in the yard.
The Bradford Island Visitor Center is located at Bonneville Lock and Dam at Exit 40 on I-84 East. Take exit 40, follow the signs to the Visitor Center, stop at the entrance guard station then proceed one mile to the Bradford Island Visitor Center. The program will be held on the first floor of the visitor center. For more information on this program, contact Claudia Round at (541) 374-8344 ext. 2240.
Then, stay for the "Everyday is Earth Day" nature hike at 2:15 p.m. Park ranger Michael Haas will lead the hike along the Fort Cascades trail, discussing the history, vegetation, wildlife and mitigation of the trail property along the way.
Fort Cascades is a 1 ½-mile level, looped trail nestled within a Douglas Fir-canopied and forested area. Interesting sites along the way include a replica of a Native American petroglyph, remains of fishing wheels on the Columbia River and the location of the fort itself. Visitors may choose to hike just the Fort Cascades loop, or continue on to the optional Hamilton Island trail, which is about three miles long with inclines and beautiful views of Beacon Rock and the Cascade Mountain range.
The trail heads are located along Washington State Route 14, exit 38, east of North Bonneville and west of the Bonneville Lock and Dams' Visitor Orientation Building. Take the "Dam Access" road and follow the signs to the trailhead at Fort Cascades. Parking is free and picnic tables are available. A “pack it in, pack it home” litter policy is in effect.
Bring the family, water to drink and a snack, wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. For more information on the hike, contact Michael Haas at (541) 374-8820 ext. 2283.
The bird house building program and nature hike are planned so that both events can be attended, so make a day of it and celebrate Earth Day with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park rangers at Bonneville Lock and Dam.