📰 What's Making News

Columbia River Spring Chinook Season Gets Extra Days

Good news if you haven't filled your cooler yet — the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is extending the spring Chinook salmon season on the lower Columbia River. Lower-than-expected catch rates prompted the decision, which means more time on the water for local anglers hoping to land their limit. If you've been waiting for the right weekend to dust off the gear, this is your sign. Full details from The Columbian.

La Center Wildcats Skip Vacation, Dominate 9-2

While most high school teams used spring break to recharge, the La Center Wildcats baseball squad went looking for a challenge — and passed it convincingly. La Center topped Overlake/Bear Creek 9-2 in a game that doubled as an early-season measuring stick. It's the kind of gritty, no-days-off mentality that tends to pay off come playoff time. Read the full recap here.

Thursday's Prep Scoreboard: Baseball, Softball Results

Busy night on the diamond across Clark County. The Columbian has the full rundown of Thursday's high school baseball and softball scores, plus Friday's schedule — including Prairie at Camas, Skyview at Kamiak, and King's Way Christian taking on King's. If you're planning your weekend bleacher time, this is the cheat sheet you need. Check all the scores here.

McIlroy, Burns Share Masters Lead After Round 1

Rory McIlroy is riding high at Augusta National, firing a 67 for his best opening-round Masters score in 15 years. He shares the lead with Sam Burns heading into Friday. McIlroy has been soaking in the atmosphere all week following his recent career milestone, and the putter seems to be cooperating. Read more from The Columbian.

💬 Community Buzz

Pink Lemonade Project Wraps Clark County Cancer Patients in Real Support

When a breast cancer diagnosis upends everything — friendships, finances, sense of self — where do you turn locally? The Pink Lemonade Project is answering that question right here in Clark County, offering healing, empowerment, and genuine community to patients who too often face the journey feeling isolated. The organization steps in where medical care leaves off, addressing the emotional and practical toll that a diagnosis brings. If you or someone you love has been touched by breast cancer, this is a local resource worth knowing about.

⚡ Quick Bites

Highway 14 Drainage Work Explains All Those Earth Movers Near Pearson Field

WSDOT crews are actively improving drainage along westbound Highway 14 south of Vancouver's Pearson Field Airport. If you've been wondering about the heavy equipment, that's your answer — expect construction activity in the area as the project progresses. Full details from The Columbian.

Columbia River Mental Health Services Partners With TV Series to Tackle Stigma

CEO Daniel Smith says asking for support is often the hardest step, which is why Columbia River Mental Health Services is teaming up with an educational TV series aimed at normalizing conversations around mental illness. The Vancouver-based organization hopes the partnership reaches people who might otherwise stay silent. Read more here.

Barred Owls Dive-Bombing Joggers Again at Point Defiance Park

It's nesting season, and the barred owls at Tacoma's Point Defiance Park are back to swooping at unsuspecting morning runners. If you're planning a spring trip to the park, a hat might be your best accessory. Here's what to know.

Michael J. Fox, Very Much Alive, Responds After CNN Airs Erroneous Death Report

The actor watched coverage of his own death unfold on CNN Wednesday before setting the record straight with trademark humor: "How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?" He's fine — the network is not. Read his response.

Can Your Boss Reject You for Cannabis Use? Not in Washington

Washington employers can no longer refuse to hire someone based on off-duty cannabis use, reinforcing the state's status as one of the most progressive on the issue. The rule applies to hiring decisions — not on-the-job impairment. The Columbian breaks it down.

Why Passing a Cyclist Legally Is Harder Than You Think

Columnist Doug Dahl crunches the numbers in his latest "Wise Drive" piece: most vehicles — including the ubiquitous Ford F-150 — physically cannot pass a cyclist within a single lane while meeting Washington's three-foot rule. His takeaway? A little patience goes a long way. Read the full column.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, April 10

• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting — Dinner and fellowship at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St., Vancouver. Free. Details
• Family Trivia Night — Brain-teasing fun for all ages with prizes, snacks, and refreshments at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Details
• An Evening of French-Inspired Music — Eric John Kaiser performs in the historic chapel at Providence Academy, Vancouver. A beautiful way to honor Mother Joseph's birthday month. Details
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Derek Sheffield — Washington State Poet Laureate reads at 7 p.m. at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. $5 suggested donation. Details
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting — 7–9 p.m. at Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver. Open to all skill levels. Free. Details
• Renaissance Pointe Park Ribbon Cutting — Celebrate the unveiling of this new community space at 2111 SE Columbia River Dr., Vancouver. Details
• 2026 SW WA Youth Photo Contest — Vancouver Audubon Society, HD Aluminum Prints, and Columbia Credit Union sponsor this nature photography contest for young shutterbugs. Details
• Klineline Kids Fishing Derby — 45-minute time slots for young anglers at Salmon Creek Regional Greenway. Details
• Nominate a Heritage Tree in Clark County — WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program accepting nominations through April 30. Details
• Author Talk: Aaron Jones on The Great Task of Oliver Otis Howard — Friends of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site host a one-hour presentation at the Visitor Center. Details

Teens

• ROAD TRIP — Spring Break Day Camp: Living Traditions of the Yakama Nation — Immersive cultural camp for Native youth ages 13–17 at the Center for Native Arts and Cultures, 800 SE 10th Ave., Portland, OR. Limited to 25 participants. Details
• 2026 Students for Clean Water Video Contest — Middle and high school students can win $500 for making a video about protecting water. Details

Saturday, April 11

• Forest Canopy Walk at Plas Newydd Farm — A guided walk exploring the farm's most beautiful trails with hosts Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan. Registration required. Details
• Wild About Nature — Guest speakers Tessa Ott and Michael Tehan at White Salmon Valley Community Library, 1085 N. Main Ave., White Salmon, WA. Free. Details
• Mountain Bike Trail Work Party — Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance SW Chapter repairs trails in the Yacolt Burn. Meet at Upper Thrillium parking area. Tools and food provided. Details
• Ivy Pull Volunteer Event — Help remove invasive English ivy at Abrams Park in Ridgefield, WA. Demo at 9 a.m. then ivy removal begins. Collaboration with the Ridgefield Garden Club. Details
• Potting Party with Clark Conservation District — 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Get your hands dirty potting bare root plants for streamside restoration projects. Details
• Kane Off-Leash Dog Park Volunteer Work Day — DOGPAW hosts a work day at Kane Off-Leash Dog Park, Hockinson Community Park. Details
• Camp Hope Spring Clean Up Day — Help get Camp Hope sparkling for the season. A great day of fresh air and giving back. Details
• Listening to the Landscape: Bird Language Basics — Field class exploring songbird calls, postures, and behaviors at 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Details
• ROAD TRIP — Outdoor Cooking with Dutch Ovens — Learn hearty camp meal techniques using cast iron Dutch ovens and fresh ingredients. Details
• Lacamas Park Spring Hike with WA Native Plant Society — Moderate 4-mile loop through flowering meadows and lakefront in Camas. Contact Ron Klump at klumpron@gmail.com to sign up. Details
• Weeding Volunteer Event at Grandmother Camus — Vancouver Bee Project hosts a morning of weeding, mulching, and cleanup. Park along Q Street. Gloves and hand tools welcome. Light refreshments provided. Details
• Heritage Farm Walk — Latinos Unidos Y Floreciendo offers a guided walking tour to share plans for the growing season. Details

Adults

• Adventures in Art: Nature Journaling — Fort Vancouver Regional Library's monthly drop-in art session for adults. All materials provided, no experience needed. 901 C St., Vancouver. Free. Details
• ROAD TRIP — Naturalist Training: Reading the Landscape with Cascadia Wild — Build skills in wildlife tracking, botany, ecology, navigation, and more. Details

Seniors

• Vancouver's Forever Young Hikers — Weldon Wagon Road — Moderate 5-mile hike with 1,200 ft. elevation gain near White Salmon. Registration required. Details

Tuesday, April 14

• Volcano Outdoor School Virtual Info Session — Mt. St. Helens Institute hosts a free one-hour online session at 4 p.m. for educators interested in bringing students to Mount St. Helens. Details

Wednesday, April 15

• Wednesday Wanders at Water Resources Education Center — Guided morning nature walk exploring Columbia River ecosystems and wetlands. Great for families with ages 6+ and adults. Details
• Digging the Dirt: Making Great Soil — WSU Master Gardener Gary Fredricks covers soil basics for a successful garden. Free at the library. Details

Thursday, April 16

• Forest Walk at Columbia Springs — Guided walk through trails discovering native plants and wildlife at 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Great for all ages (trails not stroller friendly). Details
• Worm Bin Composting Workshop — Learn to turn food scraps into garden fertilizer using red worms. In-person at Cascade Park Community Library. Free. Details

Friday, April 17

• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Community Paddling Begins — Free dragon boat paddling for ages 14+, no experience needed. Season runs through October 3. Ridgefield, WA. Details

Saturday, April 18

• Sakura Festival at Clark College — 1 p.m. ceremony in the Royce Pollard Japanese Friendship Garden, followed by 2 p.m. festivities in Gaiser Student Center with performances, tea, and cookies. Downtown Vancouver campus. Details
• Clark College Sakura Festival — Butterfly Release — 2 p.m. butterfly release at the Andersen Fountain plus koto and flute performances, dignitary speeches, and the Clark College Treble Ensemble. Details
• Washougal Beaver Bash 2026 — 10 a.m.–2 p.m. community festival at Reflection Plaza in Washougal, followed by Beaver Trivia at Kascadia Public House 3–5 p.m. A collaboration between Cascade Forest Conservancy, Good Year Farms, and Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance. Details
• Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Gardens Begin — The 50th anniversary season runs April 18–May 10, daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10 adults, kids 12 and under free. Senior discount Mondays. Details
• Klineline Pond Cleanup at Salmon Creek Regional Park — Join Clark County Public Works volunteers for litter pickup. Check in at the picnic table near the park entrance, 1112 NE 117th St., Vancouver. Details
• Potting Party with Clark Conservation District — 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Another Saturday to pot bare root plants for streamside restoration. Details
• Spring Plant Container Workshop — Create a professionally styled container garden with Dennis 7 Dees. Choose 12- or 14-inch containers; pottery, plants, soil, and instruction included. Details
• Bird Walk along Washougal River Greenway — Vancouver Audubon Society early morning birding walk. Meet at the corner of Yale St. and NE 2nd Ave. Details

Seniors

• Vancouver's Forever Young Hikers — Dallas Mountain Loop — Moderate 6.9-mile hike with 1,060 ft. elevation gain at Crawford Ranch. Registration required. Details

Sunday, April 19

• Nature Resin Jewelry Studio — 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Columbia Springs with artist Bri Graw. Experiment with UV resin, pigments, and natural elements. Leave with three finished pieces. Details
• Meet the Wildflowers of the Gorge — Workshop led by local author Ashley Erdely covering early, mid, and late season blooms. Sprint/Baker Gallery Room. Free. Details

Wednesday, April 22

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day — Earth Day — No Discover Pass needed. Explore Washington's outdoors at no cost to celebrate Earth Day. Details
• Clean and Green: Waterfront Park Cleanup — SOLVE hosts an Earth Day litter cleanup at Waterfront Park and the Renaissance Trail, Vancouver. Advanced registration suggested. Details
• Blurock Landing Beach Cleanup — Earth Day litter pickup at 8000 NW Lower River Rd., Vancouver. Adults 18+ only. Registration required. Details
• Hydrangeas: Variety and Beauty in Your PNW Garden — Master Gardener Carley Wecks shares pruning tips and variety picks at the Meyer Memorial Trust Community Room. Free. Details

Thursday, April 23

• Grow Your Own Herbs — WSU Master Gardener Jennifer Cheshire covers cilantro, rosemary, thyme, basil, dill, and more. Free at the library. Details
• For Educators: Take Learning Outside — Branching Out — Celebrate Arbor Day by exploring tree-based curriculum with iNaturalist and iTree tools. 7600 NE 166th Ave., Vancouver. Details