Outdoors classes and activities around Snohomish County

Free Parking: The next day of the year to visit Washington State Parks with no entry fee in 2021 is September 25th (National Public Lands Day). Other free parking days are November 11th (Veteran’s Day) and November 26th (Autumn Day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

Green Everett: The next Green Everett Partnership work party is 9-11am at Hannabrook Park, 5815 Brookridge Blvd., Everett, on September 11th. Help improve Everett’s parks and natural areas by removing invasive species, planting trees, and caring for plants. The Green Everett Partnership is a collaboration between the City Park Administration and Forterra, formerly the Cascade Land Conservancy. Call 425-238-0065 or visit www.greeneverett.org.

Puget Sound Bird Fest: Held September 11-12, the festival includes speakers, exhibits, excursions, and bird watching activities at the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St., Edmonds. The main speaker is the natural historian Maria Mudd-Ruth on “The Not-So-Awkward Auks”. For free. More at www.pugetsoundbirdfest.org.

Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest: The Pacific Northwest is the region of the western hemisphere richest in edible mushrooms. Sno-Isle Libraries will hold a talk on Zoom with mushroom expert Daniel Winkler on September 15th at 6:30 p.m. Winkler will help you get to know, identify and find these wonderful mushrooms and avoid dangerous doppelgangers. You will be advised on how to properly collect your mushrooms, transport them carefully, prepare them safely and store them reliably. Winkler is the author of a variety of guides on edible mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest. A zoom link to the event will be sent by email after registration. More at www.sno-isle.org.

Snohomish River Kayak Tour: Paddle the Snohomish River for a new perspective on the surrounding ecosystem. No experience required. Kayak tours operate from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM on September 15 and September 17 at Cady Park, 40 Maple Ave., Snohomish. Seals, river otters, salmon, and bald eagles are common sightings. All equipment is provided by REI. Single kayaks are used for this tour; Tandem kayaks are optional for members of the same household. The cost is $ 79 for members and $ 99 for non-members. More at www.rei.com.

Wilderness First Aid: If you work in wilderness camps, enjoy family outdoor activities on weekends, or relax outdoors, this course is for you. REI will host a Wilderness First Aid class from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm September 17-26 taught by the National Leadership Outdoor School at Gold Creek County Park, 16020 148th Ave NE, Woodinville. Prepare for hands-on guidance on wilderness medicine over two days. Upon completion of the course, you will receive your Wilderness First Aid certification. There is a waiting list. The cost is $ 245 for members and $ 275 for non-members. Further information is available at www.rei.com.

Green Everett: The next Green Everett Partnership Labor Party will be held September 18, 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Forest Park, 205 Park Road, Everett. Help improve Everett’s parks and natural areas by removing invasive species, planting trees, and caring for plants. The Green Everett Partnership is a collaboration between the City Park Administration and Forterra, formerly the Cascade Land Conservancy. Call 425-238-0065 or visit www.greeneverett.org.

Fall Foliage Kayak Tour: Paddle to the most scenic spots of the Snohomish River to see the leaves changing color. No experience required. Kayak tours operate September 25th and September 30th from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Cady Park, 40 Maple Ave., Snohomish. All equipment is provided by REI. Single kayaks are used for this tour; Tandem kayaks are optional for members of the same household. The cost is $ 79 for members and $ 99 for non-members. More at www.rei.com.

The Banff Film Festival: REI presents the 2021 Banff Film Festival World Tour, a virtual presentation of short films and documentaries about mountain culture, sport and the environment. There are two film programs (two hours each) that can be streamed via Now! – Amber and onyx. Tickets are $ 15 for one or $ 28 for both programs. You have three days to watch a program; 14 days if you sign up for both. Movies can be streamed until October 21st. Register at filmfest.banffcentre.ca/?campaign=WT-152515. Call 425-640-6200 or visit www.rei.com for more information.

Hiking Recommendations: Let the Washington Trails Association suggest your next hike. The WTA website has a tool that offers personalized suggestions for hikes to add to your to-do list. The tool is designed to teach, arouse curiosity, and shift focus from a small number of often recommended paths to the many paths Washington has to offer. Find the hiking recommendation tool at wta.org/recommender. More at www.wta.org.

Find Your Favorite Park: The Washington State Parks Foundation website offers an interactive map of Washington’s 124 state parks, as well as virtual tours, park information, and travel reports. The virtual tours offer a 360-degree view with navigation tools and a tour of state parks, hiking trails, campsites, retreat centers, interpretation centers, and vacation homes. More at www.waparks.org.

Email event information for this calendar to [email protected] with the subject “Outdoors”.