📰 What's Making News

Battle Ground Outlasts Union in 13-Inning Marathon — Title Game Next

If you love small-ball drama, Tuesday night delivered. Battle Ground edged Union 2-1 in a grueling 13-inning baseball classic, and now the 4A Greater St. Helens League championship comes down to one final winner-take-all game on the last day of the regular season. That's the kind of storybook setup every high school athlete dreams about. Clear your schedule and bring your voice — this one's going to be electric. Full recap from The Columbian.

Columbia River Rapids Storm Back, Lock Down 2A Soccer Crown

Down early and facing a scrappy Hockinson squad, the Columbia River Rapids boys soccer team flipped the script with three second-half goals to win 3-1 on Tuesday and clinch another 2A Greater St. Helens League title. The Rapids have turned late-game rallies into an art form this season, and this performance was no exception. If you know a player on that roster, give them a well-deserved high five today. Read more here.

Blazers' Playoff Run Ends in Game 5 Against San Antonio

It was a good ride, but the Portland Trail Blazers' postseason is over after a 114-95 loss to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night. Wembanyama was dominant with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks as San Antonio advanced to the Western Conference semifinals. Still, making the playoffs at all gave the region something to rally around this spring — and plenty of reasons to be optimistic about next season. Game 5 details here.

Tuesday's Full High School Scoreboard: Baseball, Softball, Soccer, More

Beyond the headline matchups, it was a packed Tuesday across Clark County high school sports. Results are in for baseball, softball, boys soccer, girls tennis, and girls golf — so whether your kid plays for Skyview, Mountain View, Camas, or Heritage, you can catch up on every score in one place. Spring postseason seeding is taking shape fast, and every result matters right now. See all the scores.

💬 Community Buzz

Two Cat Fosters Launch Woodland Feral Cat Rescue

After eight years fostering cats through Second Chance Companions, Alexis Berryman kept asking herself how she could help even more. The answer walked in when she connected with Kristin BriAnn — and together the two founded Woodland WA Feral Cats, a new rescue dedicated to the often-overlooked feral cat population in our area. It's a heartwarming reminder that sometimes the right partnership turns a quiet "what if" into real action. If you're a fellow cat person (or just love a good origin story), read the full story on Clark County Talk.

⚡ Quick Bites

Columbia River Baseball Reclaims First Place in 2A GSHL

The Columbia River Rapids grabbed sole possession of the top spot in the 2A Greater St. Helens League standings after a 7-5 win over Ridgefield Monday at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. The Rapids went from one game back to one game ahead of the Spudders in the span of a weekend. Full story here.

Clark County Health Permits Go Dark May 11-17

Clark County's Environmental Public Health permitting system will shut down for a full week starting May 11 as the department transitions to a new data system. If you need a food worker card or permit inspection, plan to handle it before or after that window. Details here.

T-Mobile, Starlink Partner on Business Broadband

T-Mobile is launching a new business broadband network powered by SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation — a pairing that could expand connectivity options in rural and underserved areas across the Northwest. Read more.

UAE Exits OPEC May 1, Shaking Global Oil Markets

The United Arab Emirates announced it will leave OPEC effective May 1, removing the cartel's third-largest producer and further loosening its grip on global oil supply and pricing. Full story here.

Sam Neill Declares Victory Over Blood Cancer

"Jurassic Park" star Sam Neill says he is cancer-free after a five-year battle with blood cancer that at one point had him believing he "was on the way out." Read more.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, April 29

• Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Gardens — Daily through May 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, Woodland. $10 adults, kids 12 and under free (Mondays are $5 senior days).
• Vancouver Urban Forestry Pop-Up Arboretum Month — All April long at Arnada Park (610 E. 25th St.) and Homestead Park (1800 S.E. 160th Ave.), Vancouver. Free, self-guided tree ID fun.
• Nominate a Heritage Tree in Clark County — Deadline is April 30. Know a spectacular tree in unincorporated Clark County? Submit your nomination through the WSU Extension Master Gardener program.
• Ridgefield Art Association Monthly Meeting — 5–6 p.m., TMI Building (second floor), 101 Mill St., Ridgefield. Free and open to everyone.
• Shut Up & Write! Writers Group — 5:15–6:45 p.m., Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. All experience levels welcome — just come write.
• Vancouver Wildlife League Meeting — 6 p.m., Smith-Reynolds American Legion Post 14, 4607 N.E. St. James Rd., Vancouver. Updates on the annual dinner and pheasant distribution. Free.
• A Women's Circle on Perimenopause and Menopause — 6:30–7:45 p.m., Camas Public Library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas. Featuring Kellie Moore and a panel of guest speakers. Free; registration required at camaspl.org.
• Writing Your Own Obituary Workshop — 7–8:30 p.m., Clark County Genealogical Society and Library, Vancouver. Presented by Roxanne Lowe. Attend in person or online.
• VPS High School Plant Sale — Hudson's Bay — April 28–30, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., off Reserve St., Vancouver. Flowers, veggies, and more grown by horticulture and FFA students.
• 2026 SW WA Youth Photo Contest — Submissions open now. Vancouver Audubon Society, HD Aluminum Prints, and Columbia Credit Union sponsor this nature photography contest for youth.

Teens

• Teen & Adult Japanese Conversation Circle — 6 p.m., Ridgefield Community Library, Ridgefield. Ages 13+. Practice speaking Japanese in a group setting led by a Japanese-speaking volunteer.

Thursday, April 30

• Pollinators & Pints: Community Hangout + Mason Bee Check-In — Vancouver Bee Project gathering to talk pollinators, native plants, and mason bee progress. Check listing for time and location.
• Prairie High School Plant Sale (District Employees Only) — 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Prairie High School greenhouses, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver. Public sale days start May 1.

Friday, May 1

• Prairie High School Plant Sale — 3–6 p.m., Prairie High School greenhouses, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver. Open to the public.
• Grays Harbor Shorebird & Nature Festival (Road Trip) — May 1–3. Shorebird viewing at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge on May 1; festival activities at Hoquiam Middle School May 2–3. Details at shorebirdfestival.com.
• White Salmon Wildflower Festival — Month-long celebration throughout May in the Columbia River Gorge, featuring guided hikes, art shows, wine walks, and live music.

Saturday, May 2

• Ridgefield's Spring Festival — 10th Anniversary First Saturdays — Downtown Ridgefield. Music, food, art, vendor market, sidewalk sales, and family-friendly activities.
• Ridgefield Garden Club Annual Plant Sale — Greely Building, downtown Ridgefield. Mark your calendar for this popular fundraiser.
• Prairie High School Plant Sale — 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Prairie High School greenhouses, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver.
• Battle Ground High School FFA Plant Sale — 8 a.m.–3 p.m., Battle Ground High School greenhouses, 300 W. Main St., Battle Ground.
• Flex Academy & Columbia River High School Plant Sales — 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at both locations, Vancouver. Student-grown flowers and veggie starts.
• Washougal Studio Artists' Tour — Tree House Art Studio — May 2–3, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Drive out to the Washougal River Valley to visit local artists and nature-inspired art.
• Nature Resin Jewelry Studio Workshop at Columbia Springs — 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Join artist Bri Graw for a hands-on class making pendants, earrings, and keychains with UV resin and natural elements.
• Plant & Seed Swap with Kindred Vancouver — 2213 Main St., Vancouver. Bring plant starts, seeds, or extra plants — or just browse. Everyone welcome.

Sunday, May 3

• Camas Field Nature Walk — Round Lake, 3016 NE Everett St., Camas. Enjoy blooming camas fields and learn to identify native plants. Ages 8+, free, limited to 25 — registration required.
• Adopt-A-Park Ivy Pull at Ellsworth Springs East — Vancouver. Morning volunteer event removing invasive ivy. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly; minors need a signed consent form.

Monday, May 4

• Prairie High School Plant Sale — 3–6 p.m., Prairie High School greenhouses, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver.

Tuesday, May 5

• First of the Month Bird Walk with Vancouver Audubon Society — Morning birding outing; check the VAS website for location and details. All levels welcome, casual and come-and-go friendly.

Wednesday, May 7

• Fort Vancouver High School Plant Sale — May 7–8, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., and May 9, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Student-grown plants and veggie starts.

Saturday, May 9

• WSU Extension Master Gardener Mother's Day Plant Sale — Mother's Day weekend. Shopping appointments required; sign-up link at the WSU Master Gardener site.
• Meadow & Pollinator Hedgerow Care Workshop — Flat Tack Farm. Hands-on morning with the Vancouver Bee Project removing invasives, spreading wood chips, and replanting pollinator habitat.
• Clark County Parks & Nature Fee-Free Day — International Migratory Bird Day — Free access to Clark County regional parks all day. Celebrate the migrating birds passing through our area.
• Grand Opening: Ridgefield NWR Community Nature Center — 28908 NW Main St., Ridgefield. Ribbon cutting and tours of the new classroom and community room.
• Plant Sale at Northlake ES — Lower Columbia School Gardens — Longview, WA. Support school gardens across Longview and Kelso school districts.
• Adopt-A-Park Event at St. Helens Park — Vancouver. Morning volunteer event removing ivy and spreading mulch. Family-friendly; tools and snacks provided. Minors need a signed consent form.
• The Resilient Yard: Change at Home — Free library presentation on practical steps to make your suburban yard more climate-friendly.

Sunday, May 10

• Dog Mountain Hike with Mazamas — Columbia River Gorge. 6.9 miles, 2,750 ft. elevation gain. Wildflowers, views of Mt. Hood, and no permit needed on this Thursday-scheduled midweek hike. Check listing for details.
• Rain Gardens & Ponds Class at Good Year Farms — Learn how to build rain gardens and backyard ponds with nursery manager Chelsea. Covers design, soil, plants, and frog-friendly tips.
• Forest Canopy Walk at Plas Newydd Farm — A leisurely walk (or roll or ride) exploring seasonal tree canopies with hosts Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan. Registration required.
• Thrillium Trail Maintenance Work Party — Larch Mountain trailhead, Yacolt Burn State Forest. Join the Southwest Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance to maintain trail tread and features. Bring water and lunch.
• Wildcrafting as Stewardship: Harvesting Edible & Medicinal Invasive Plants (Road Trip) — Morning plant walk at Sam's Walker Day Use Area near Skamania, WA, with Kristin Currin and Missy Rohs.

Coming Up (Various Dates Through May 13)

• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Community Paddles — Fridays, April 17–October 3, Ridgefield waterfront. Free, ages 14+, no experience needed.
• Ridgefield Learn-to-Kayak Tour with Alder Creek — Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Check listing for upcoming dates and reservations.
• Sunset Kayak Paddle with Alder Creek — Ridgefield Waterfront Park. A three-hour guided evening paddle to the Columbia River. All skill levels; reservations required.
• Vancouver Neighborhood Tree Stewards Workshops — Want to make your neighborhood greener? Apply to become a Tree Steward through the City of Vancouver.
• Watershed Stewardship Program with Clark Conservation District — Six-week course covering local watersheds, groundwater, fish, wildlife, and conservation. Apply online.
• Hiking Clinic with NW Association of Blind Athletes — Open to athletes of all ages and ability levels who are blind or visually impaired. Register as an athlete on the NWBA website.
• Naturalist Training Program: Reading the Landscape with Cascadia Wild (Road Trip) — Part of an 8-class series running spring through fall covering tracking, botany, ecology, navigation, and survival skills.
• Vancouver's Forever Young Hikers — Lyle Cherry Orchard Hike — Moderate, 5 miles, 1,050 ft. elevation gain. Registration required through the City of Vancouver.
• Mt. St. Helens Swift Creek Worm Flows Climb with Mazamas — Starting May 1. A strenuous but technically accessible glaciated peak climb. Registration and permit included in fee.
• Falls Creek Falls Hike with Mazamas — 6 miles, 1,100 ft. elevation gain through old-growth forest to a stunning 200-foot waterfall in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Registration required.
• Hardy Hamilton Mountain Loop Hike with Mazamas — Beacon Rock State Park. A scenic loop with views from Phlox Point and Hamilton Mountain summit. Registration required.
• Cape Disappointment Coastal Forest Loop Volunteer Vacation (Road Trip) — Week-long trail-building trip with WTA at Cape Disappointment State Park, lodging at Fort Columbia State Park.
• Battle Ground High School Plant Sale — Annual sale of annuals, perennials, vegetable starts, and hanging baskets, all grown by district students and staff. Drop-in, no registration required.