📰 What's Making News

Camas Kids Earn Their Own Librarian Badges

Here's a story that'll make your morning: Camas Library's Kid Librarian program is turning young readers into book experts — and giving them serious confidence along the way. Lilah Meier, who once struggled with reading as a young child, is among the local kids discovering that loving books has nothing to do with being a "perfect" reader. The program lets children build real library skills and share their favorites with fellow patrons. It's the kind of grassroots literacy effort that makes a community library so much more than a building full of shelves. Read more from The Columbian.

College Coaches Descend on Camas for Football Showcase

The Washington State Football Coaches Association brought one of its eight statewide showcase events to Camas, and local high schoolers made the most of it. Players from across the region suited up for drills and reps in front of coaches from more than two dozen college programs. For Clark County athletes who might not otherwise land on a recruiter's radar, events like this can be the difference between a highlight reel and a scholarship offer. If you know a young player dreaming of the next level, this is the pipeline worth watching. Full story here.

Miriam Halliday Steps Down as Workforce Southwest Washington CEO

Workforce Southwest Washington, the region's workforce development board, is preparing for a leadership change as CEO Miriam Halliday heads for a June departure. Halliday has steered the organization through a stretch that included pandemic-era workforce upheaval and the ongoing push to connect Clark County workers with living-wage careers. The board will now begin its search for a successor to lead an organization that touches everything from job training programs to employer partnerships across the region. It's one of those behind-the-scenes roles that shapes thousands of local careers. Details from The Columbian.

91 Degrees on Sunday, Back to Reality This Week

If you spent Sunday in shorts and sandals, you weren't alone — Vancouver hit a record 91 degrees, a full-on summer preview in early May. But don't pack away the layers just yet. This week, the atmosphere is dialing it back to something much more seasonable, with cooler temps and the kind of quiet, mild days where you actually notice the blooming trees and birdsong. Think of it as nature's gentle reminder that we're still a good six weeks from real summer. Get the full forecast.

Know a fellow Vancouverite who'd enjoy this? Send them a copy.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

Ping-Pong Robot Now Beats Elite Human Players

A new AI-powered robot has gotten so good at table tennis that it can defeat professional-level human opponents, according to a newly published study on advances in robotic agility. Next up: someone please challenge it to pickleball. Read more

Your Sunscreen May Be Harming Coral Reefs

Every dip in the ocean leaves behind a trace of sunscreen — and researchers say those chemicals are taking a measurable toll on the world's coral reefs. Worth knowing before you pack for summer vacation. Read more

Michigan State Scientists Chase a Crunchier Potato Chip

Researchers at Michigan State University in East Lansing are deep into the surprisingly complex science behind what makes a better potato chip — from starch content to frying chemistry. Your snack game may never be the same. Read more

SAG-AFTRA, Studios Land Tentative Contract Deal

SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, potentially averting another Hollywood work stoppage. Members still need to vote to ratify the deal. Read more

96-Year-Old June Squibb Makes Tony History

"The Lost Boys" and "Schmigadoon!" each grabbed 12 Tony nominations to lead this year's field, but the real headline: June Squibb, at 96, became the oldest Tony-nominated actor ever. Danny Burstein also set the record for most nominations among male actors. Read more

Help a friend stay in the loop on Vancouver — forward this issue.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, May 5

• Moving a Loved One Into Memory Care — A free workshop with aging and change coach Tami Calais on navigating the transition to memory care. 6:30–7:30 p.m., Camas Public Library, Camas. Registration required.
• Vines and Bines Wine & Beer Dinner — A six-course evening featuring Camas Cellars, Matthews Winery, and Grains of Wrath. Sparkling reception at 6:45 p.m., dinner at 7:15 p.m. Grains of Wrath Brewery, 230 NE Fifth Ave., Camas. Tickets $166.62.
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub — Hosted by Don Elliott. Can you dethrone four-time champs High Bar Low Expectations? 6:30 p.m., 1919 Main St., Vancouver.
• Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Gardens — It's the 50th anniversary of the Hulda Klager Lilac Society! Gardens open daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. through May 10. $10 adults, kids 12 and under free. Monday is Senior Day ($5 for 62+). Woodland, WA.
• KEEP IT WILD Collaborative Art Show — Creativity and conservation meet at Arrowleaf Workshop during the White Salmon Wildflower Festival. On view May 1–30, White Salmon, WA.
• White Salmon Wildflower Festival — A month-long celebration in the Columbia River Gorge with guided hikes, art shows, wine walks, and live music. White Salmon, WA.

Tuesday, May 6

• 2026 SW WA Youth Photo Contest with Vancouver Audubon — Youth nature photography contest sponsored by Vancouver Audubon Society, HD Aluminum Prints, and Columbia Credit Union. Expanded boundaries this year — check the site for submission details.
• Vancouver's Neighborhood Tree Stewards Workshops — Love trees? Become a Tree Steward for your neighborhood through the City of Vancouver. Apply online for upcoming workshop sessions.
• Watershed Stewardship Program — Clark Conservation District's six-week course covers local watersheds, groundwater, fish, wildlife, and conservation easements. Open to all.

Wednesday, May 7

• VPS High School Plant Sale — Fort Vancouver — Flowers and veggies grown by horticulture and FFA students. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Fort Vancouver High School. Also May 8 (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) and May 9 (9 a.m.–noon).

Thursday, May 8

• Dog Mountain Hike with Mazamas — Wildflowers, Columbia River views, and 2,750 feet of climbing over 6.9 miles — right before the Mother's Day crowds hit. Columbia River Gorge.

Friday, May 9

• Campus Community Garden Flora & Fauna Friday — A midday volunteer work party with the City of Vancouver's Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces. Hands-on service, snacks, and learning about local ecosystems. Vancouver, WA.

Saturday, May 10

• WSU Extension Master Gardener Mother's Day Plant Sale — The Master Gardeners and Clark County Master Gardener Foundation have been growing all season for you. Sign up for a shopping appointment online.
• Clark College Spring Native Plant Center Plant Sale — Perfect for building out your pollinator habitat. Reserve St., Vancouver.
• Beacon Rock Trail Day Work Party — Spend a day (or the weekend!) supporting Washington Trails Association trail maintenance at Beacon Rock State Park. Camping available Saturday night.
• Spruce the 'Couve — Join the City of Vancouver, Vancouver's Downtown Association, the Hilton, Kindred Vancouver, and Parks Foundation of Clark County to plant flowers in Esther Short Park and clean up downtown. Family-friendly. 605 Esther St., Vancouver.
• Plant & Seed Swap with Kindred Vancouver — Bring your extra starts, seeds, and plants (or just come to browse). Everyone welcome. 2213 Main St., Vancouver.
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Community Paddling — Free paddling sessions for ages 14+. No experience needed. Ridgefield, WA.
• Adopt-A-Park Event at St. Helens Park — Help remove ivy and spread mulch with the City of Vancouver's volunteer program. Family-friendly, great for teens. Tools and snacks provided.
• Clark County Parks Fee Free Day — International Migratory Bird Day — Free access to Clark County regional parks in celebration of migratory birds.
• Thrillium Mt. Bike Trail Maintenance Work Party — Join Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance's Southwest Chapter for trail tread maintenance in Yacolt Burn State Forest. Bring water and lunch.

Family & Kids

• Kids Fishing Festival with Columbia Springs — Fishing for ages 5–14 with expert mentors, hands-on science activities, and BBQ lunch. Tickets $8/person. 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Advance registration required.

Sunday, May 11

• Bird Walk with Vancouver Audubon Society — Spot Bullock's Orioles, Western Wood-Pewees, and spring migrants along the Columbia River. Captain William Clark Park, Washougal, WA.
• Conboy Lake NWR Hike with WA Native Plant Society — A 3.8-mile loop through open marsh and pines with views of Mount Adams and diverse wildflowers. North of White Salmon.
• Mt. St. Helens Swift Creek Worm Flows Climb with Mazamas — Early-season ascent via Marble Mountain Snow Park. Strenuous, glaciated-peak climb. Bring skis or snowshoes.

Tuesday, May 13

• Spice of Life: Growing Herbs — WSU Master Gardener Terrie Phillips shows you how to plant, grow, harvest, and preserve the most popular garden herbs. Free at the library Community Room.
• The Evolution of Birds with Vancouver Audubon Society — Professor emeritus Steven Clark from Clark College explores the evolutionary processes that led to the birds we love. In-person program and meeting.

Wednesday, May 14

• The Resilient Yard: Change at Home — Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint by rethinking each part of your suburban yard. Free library presentation.
• Nature Walk: Wildflowers of Jewett Creek — Local author Ashley Erdely introduces you to native wildflowers on a short walk from White Salmon Valley Community Library to Jewett Creek Park. Free.
• Online Watercolor Painting with Ronna: The Burrowing Owl — Bird Alliance of Oregon hosts a fun virtual workshop painting one of the most unusual owls around. Online.

Saturday, May 17

• Gardening with Compost Workshop — Learn to apply Bokashi, vermicompost, trench compost, and more for a fertilizer-free garden. 9411 NE 94th Ave., Vancouver. Register online.
• Bloom Where You Are Planted — Multicultural Festival — Hosted by the Fourth Plain Five neighborhoods on the Fourth Plain Corridor in central Vancouver, WA.
• Ridgefield Learn to Kayak Tour — Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. Ridgefield Waterfront Park.
• Ridgefield Bachelor Island Circumnavigation Kayak Tour — A 10-mile full-day paddle around Bachelor Island with Alder Creek's Ridgefield team. Birds, wildlife, and Lewis & Clark history along the way.
• Cape Horn Trail Hike with WA Native Plant Society — Moderate-to-strenuous 5-mile round trip with 700 feet of elevation gain, lush woods, and spring wildflowers. Email Ron Klump to register.
• Clark County Parks Fee Free Day — "Kids to Parks" Day — Free access to Clark County regional parks for National Kids to Parks Day.
• Plant Sale at Northlake ES — Lower Columbia School Gardens — Support school gardens serving elementary schools in the Longview and Kelso districts. Longview, WA.
• Wildflower Hike: Upper Swale Creek Canyon — Join the WA Native Plant Society Suksdorfia Chapter for a canyon hike past balsamroot-carpeted slopes and rimrock. Harms Road Trailhead.
• Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival — Fat bikes, trikes, e-bikes — if you can pedal it on sand, you're welcome. Beach cruises, challenges, and community gatherings. Cannon Beach, OR.
• Forest Canopy Walk at Plas Newydd — Explore beautiful spots on Plas Newydd Farm with hosts Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan. Registration required.
• Tandem Bike Clinic — NW Association of Blind Athletes — Open to athletes of all ages and ability levels who are blind or visually impaired. Register as an athlete online.
• Volunteer Land Stewardship at Baker Bay — Columbia Land Trust hosts two days of volunteer land tending at conserved forested wetlands near Chinook, WA.
• Volunteer Stewardship at Raistakka Preserve — Join Columbia Land Trust for litter pickup and Scotch broom removal along the Grays River in Wahkiakum County.
• Cascades Pika Watch Training Workshop — Learn to locate and survey pikas in the Columbia River Gorge. Monthly sitting surveys from accessible sites.
• Mountains & Meadow Watercolor Painting Class — Free watercolor class with Claire Giordano.

Sunday, May 18

• Mt. St. Helens Eruptiversary — Views & Brews — The Mt. St. Helens Institute commemorates the 46th anniversary of the 1980 eruption. USGS Scientist Emerita Carolyn Driedger shares personal memories of being in the field that day.
• Life After the Great Eruption — Fort Vancouver Visitor Center Talk — Volunteer Alex Lennox explores what happened after the 1980 eruption reshaped forests, rivers, and the region. Fort Vancouver Visitor Center Theater.
• Cape Disappointment Coastal Forest Loop Volunteer Vacation with WTA — Spend a week doing beachside trailwork while staying in historic lodging at Fort Columbia State Park.
• Cape Disappointment Coastal Forest Loop Trail Work Party — Another WTA crew option for building stairs on the Coastal Forest Loop. Historic lodging included.
• Naturalist Training Program: Reading the Landscape with Cascadia Wild — Part of an 8-class series covering wildlife tracking, botany, ecology, navigation, and survival skills.

Forward this to one Vancouver friend today — it's how we grow.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.