Providing interpretive education on wetlands and wildlife, panoramic views, water quality, weather, natural resource management, trails, bird watching, recreation, exhibits, displays and an eagles nest, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is a treasure of the Hillsboro community.
The Preserve hosts a variety of fun and educational activities. Check this listing to find out what programs are coming up.
Every Wednesday beginning April 21
8:30-11:00am (FREE)
Meet Greg on the back deck of the Education Center. The walk will be leisurely and the terrain is fairly flat. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. No registration is required. Call Greg at 503-681-6417 with questions.
Every Wednesday
12:00pm - 1:00pm (FREE)
After many years at the viewing shelter located at the north end of Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, the popular weekly program, Lunch With the Birds, is moving to the covered viewing shelter at the south end of the Preserve, near the Wetlands Education Center at 2600 S.W. Hillsboro Highway. One mile makes a big
difference in the number and kinds of birds that will be available for viewing for people who enjoy this great weekly event. Three new bird feeding stations and different habitat zones at the south end of the Preserve mean lots of great opportunities for bird watchers to view year-around residents including Northern Flicker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Great Blue Heron, Bewick’s Wren, and Mourning Dove. We’ll check out the feeders for Spotted Towhee, Black-capped Chickadee, Lesser Goldfinch, Anna’s Hummingbird and Golden-crowned Sparrow. Summer residents include Common Yellowthroat, Tree and Barn Swallow, Western Wood-Pewee and Cedar Waxwing. This event is free and you do not need to pre-register. Contact Greg Gillson at 503-681-6417 for more information.
Wednesdays beginning March 24
2:00-3:30pm (FREE)
Join Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve bird expert Greg Gillson for an informal bird walk around the Main Hillsboro Library and Dawson Creek area, 2850 N. E. Brookwood Parkway in Hillsboro. Please park in the north end of the parking lot and meet Greg at the bike pavilion. Space is limited to 15 so pre-registration is required. Please call Greg directly at 503-681-6417 to register.
Unless otherwise noted, register for the following classes through Hillsboro Parks and Recreation, 503-681-5397, or on-line at RecXpress.
Grades 1-3
Free, pre-registration required
Monday, May 17 - Birds
Monday, June 21 - Insects
Monday, July 19 - Watersheds
Monday, August 16 - Nature Detectives
3:30-4:30pm
Programs will be held inthe Storytime room at the Main Hillsboro Library at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway. Space is limited to 20 children. Programs will be taught by Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve staff or trained volunteers. Check our Events Calendar for details for a specific date. Pre-register by calling the Library at 503-615-6500.
Free, no registration required
Tuesday, May 18 - Attracting Birds to Your Yard
Tuesday, June 15 - Wetlands
Tuesday, July 20 - Leaves, Twigs, and Bark?
Tuesday, August 17 - Spiders
6:30-7:30pm
Programs will be held in the main meeting room at the Hillsboro Main Library at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway in Hillsboro. Programs will be taught by Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve staff or trained volunteers. Check our Events Calendar for details for a specific date.
Ages 12 to Adult
Saturday, July 24, #24939
Saturday, August 7, #24940
9:00am - 2:00pm
$30 resident, $45 non-resident
Join dragonfly expert Jim Johnson for a fascinating look into the world of dragonflies and damselflies. During a classroom presentation, Jim will cover how odonates are different from other insects, the differences between dragonflies and damselflies, their life cycle, when and where you can see them, and a review of the common species found in the region. Participants will also receive handouts covering useful information about these amazing insects. After the classroom presentation, participants will be able to go into the field with Jim for about two hours to explore the ponds and marshes at the Preserve. Those who want to will receive instruction on the correct way to catch, observe and release odonates using special nets which will be provided. Register through Parks & Rec.
2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy. Hillsboro, OR 97123|fax: 503-681-6277|phone: 503-681-6206