The ‘count’ down is on to the Vancouver Water Resources Education Center’s 16th annual Critter Count, a day filled with critter-finding and critter-watching. Start Saturday morning counting critters in their natural habitat. Then, see more critters up close at a live show with snakes, lizards and other reptiles at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way. Join in one or both events:
‘Critter Count’ begins at 9:00 AM until noon. The Water Center is seeking the public’s help in field surveys of amphibians and reptiles. You’ll start with a brief training session conducted by a wildlife biologist for a quick overview of the identification of frogs, snakes, salamanders, lizards and other local amphibians and reptiles. Next, participants will venture out into the field to one of four sites to find and record critters in their natural habitat. A wildlife expert and a site coordinator will be on hand at each location to help with the search and critter identification.
Please note: Participants must provide their own transportation to field sites. For a great experience, please come equipped with boots, warm clothes, a lunch and, if possible, binoculars. Training, field guidebooks, equipment, snacks and water will be provided. All ages are welcome to participate, and children must be accompanied throughout the count by adults. At least one adult chaperone is required for every three students in grades 3-8. For younger ages, please have one adult chaperone per child.
Then stick around for ‘Second Saturday’ from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, where the Critter fun continues. Visitors have an opportunity to view snakes, lizards and other reptiles up close. The Water Center welcomes Creature Features with two live critter shows, starting at 1:00 PM and again at 2:00 PM. Learn fascinating facts about all sorts of reptiles and the challenges in bringing them into your home as pets. Families are especially encouraged to join in these Earth month celebrations. Note: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Admission is free!
