📰 What's Making News

Heritage Senior Jaila Ellis Earns Athlete of the Week After a Monster 10-RBI Stretch

If you haven't heard Jaila Ellis's name yet, commit it to memory now. The Heritage High softball senior went 5-for-6 with two home runs, a double, and 10 RBI across a pair of wins — then added two scoreless innings on the mound for good measure. Readers agreed: Ellis pulled in 876 of the 1,554 votes cast to claim The Columbian's Week 22 Prep Athlete of the Week honor, sponsored by Killer Burger. That kind of two-way dominance is hard to find at any level.

Mountain View Duo Throws Combined No-Hitter Against Kelso

Nick Wilcox and Brendon Lawson teamed up for something special on the mound Thursday night — a combined no-hitter for Mountain View against Kelso. Wilcox handled the first four innings, striking out one and walking two, before Lawson came in and slammed the door with four strikeouts and zero walks over three frames. It's the kind of performance that gets a whole dugout buzzing. Full recap from The Columbian here.

Thursday's High School Scoreboard: Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Golf Results

Beyond the no-hitter, it was a packed Thursday across Clark County fields and courts. The Columbian's full scoreboard covers results from baseball, softball, girls tennis, and girls golf — so if your kid's team played, you'll find the numbers here. Check all the scores and matchups in one place.

Washougal Schools Lock Gates During the Day at Three Campuses

The Washougal School District is reinforcing its closed-campus policy with a concrete step: locking gates at three schools during the school day. The move formalizes a long-standing rule and gives staff a clearer way to manage who enters and exits campus during class hours. If your family is in the Washougal district, it's worth knowing before the next drop-off. The Columbian has the details.

Seahawks Grab Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price at No. 32

The Seattle Seahawks used the final pick of the first round Thursday night to snag Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price at No. 32 overall. For the Pacific Northwest faithful who spent draft night refreshing their phones, this one landed with a splash — Price brings speed and versatility to a backfield that needed fresh legs. Read the full draft-night breakdown.

Blazers in the Playoffs — but What Comes Next for Coach Tiago Splitter?

Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter guided the team into the NBA playoffs in his first season on the bench, which sounds like a feel-good story — and it is, mostly. The question mark hovering over the franchise is whether Splitter will be back next year despite the postseason berth. For now, he's staying positive and focused on the games ahead. The Columbian explores his uncertain future.

💬 Community Buzz

Grays Harbor Nursery Crawl Makes a Perfect Spring Day Trip

Ready to turn a Saturday drive into a trunk full of new plants? ClarkCoTalk just rounded up gardens and nurseries worth visiting in Grays Harbor — a solid excuse to pair plant shopping with a coastal overnight. The list covers spots where you can browse local stock, wander public gardens, and soak in that springtime sensory overload of color and scent. If your raised beds still have empty corners, this could be the weekend to fill them. Check out the full nursery guide on ClarkCoTalk.

⚡ Quick Bites

No Commercial Huckleberry Permits Anywhere in 2026

The U.S. Forest Service announced it will not issue any commercial huckleberry permits this year, citing tribal treaty rights and ecological recovery. If you forage recreationally in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, personal-use rules still apply — but expect the commercial supply to dry up. Full story from The Columbian.

Saturday Night Lane Closure on I-205 Near Salmon Creek

WSDOT will shut down the right lane of northbound I-205 near Salmon Creek this Saturday night for guardrail repairs. Plan an alternate route or extra travel time if you're heading north after dark. Details from Clark County Today.

Washington's Rarest Wildflowers Need Your Eyes

A new guide spotlights endangered plant species across Washington state — where to find them and how everyday hikers can help track and protect them. Great timing with spring hikes in full swing. Read the guide from The Columbian.

Kraken Launch Internal Audit After Rough Season

Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said the team is talking with outside firms to conduct an internal audit aimed at turning things around after a disappointing year. PNW hockey fans, changes could be on the horizon. More from The Columbian.

Cereal-Box Toys Return Thanks to 'Toy Story 5'

Kellogg is bringing back in-box toys for the first time in years as a tie-in with the upcoming Toy Story 5 release. If you grew up digging through Froot Loops for a prize, this one's for you. Full story from The Columbian.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, April 24

• City Nature Challenge 2026 — Grab the free iNaturalist app and help document plants, animals, and species across the region. April 24–27. Free.
• Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Gardens — Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Hulda Klager Lilac Society with gorgeous blooms. Daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. through May 10. Woodland. $10 adults, kids 12 and under free. (details)
• Vancouver Urban Forestry Pop-Up Arboretums — Hone your tree ID skills at Arnada Park (610 E. 25th St.) and Homestead Park (1800 S.E. 160th Ave.) all month long. Free.
• Nominate a Heritage Tree in Clark County — Know a spectacular tree? WSU Extension Master Gardeners want to hear about it. Nominations close April 30. (details)
• Clark County Parks Fee-Free Day for Arbor Day — Free access to Clark County regional parks to celebrate trees. (details)
• National Arbor Day — Mark the end of PNW planting season by putting a tree in your yard or community. (details)
• 2026 SW WA Youth Photo Contest with Vancouver Audubon — Young nature photographers can submit urban and wild shots. Sponsored by Vancouver Audubon Society, HD Aluminum Prints, and Columbia Credit Union. (details)
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Community Paddles — Free paddling every week through October 3 in Ridgefield. Ages 14+, no experience needed. (details)
• Watershed Stewardship Program with Clark Conservation District — A six-week course covering local watersheds, wildlife, and conservation. Led by local experts. (details)

Saturday, April 25

• Spring Paddle Fest at Vancouver Lake — Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe hosts a full day of on-water classes, clinics with industry reps (including Thule and Kokatat), and free demos of kayaks, SUPs, and canoes starting at 10 a.m. Vancouver Lake.
• Water Resources Education Center BioBlitz — Help document plants, insects, birds, lichen, and more in the wetlands and forest edges at the Water Center. Free. (details)
• Every Day is Earth Day Fair — Kindred Vancouver hosts a free community action and education fair with local vendors, upcycled goods, composting demos, and community flea-market vibes. (details)
• Camp Goods Swap at Kindred Vancouver & Wild Camp Goods — Bring your gently used camping gear or browse the treasures. No cost, no trades — just generosity. 2213 Main St., Vancouver. (details)
• CASEE Center Spring Plant Sale — Battle Ground Public Schools horticulture students sell native plants, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. CASEE greenhouse, 11104 N.E. 149th St., Brush Prairie. Cash, check, or card.
• Pick Up the Burn 2026 — Help clean up the Yacolt Burn State Forest. Trash containers at Jones Creek ORV Trailhead and 4 Corners. April 25–26. (details)
• Thrillium Mt. Bike Trail Maintenance Work Party — Join the Southwest Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance for trail tread maintenance at Larch Mountain trailhead in the Yacolt Burn State Forest. Bring water and lunch. (details)
• Ridgefield NWR Volunteer Stewardship Event — Remove invasive blackberries at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with the Estuary Partnership and USFWS. All ages welcome; pre-registration required. (details)
• Washington Coast Cleanup (Road Trip) — Head to the coast and join Washington CoastSavers for the annual beach cleanup. Registration required. (details)
• The Rusty Iron Outrigger Canoe Race — Pacific Outrigger Canoe Club hosts a race at 9612 NW Lower River Road, Vancouver. Adults 18+. (details)
• Earth Day Field Work at Heritage Farm — Join Latinos Unidos Y Floreciendo for hands-on field prep, mulching, and spring farm work. All experience levels welcome. Rain or shine. (details)
• Earth Day in the Gardens — Lower Columbia School Gardens Earth Day festival in Longview. (details)
• Introduction to Flyfishing School — Clark-Skamania Flyfishers' all-day school covering tackle, casting, entomology, and more. Gaiser Hall Parking Lot, 2181–2227 Fort Vancouver Way. (details)

Family & Kids

• Kids Fish-IN at Lake Sacajawea — Free kids fishing event at Martin Docks, Lake Sacajawea, Longview. Each participant gets a rod and reel to keep. Hosted by Longview Parks and Recreation, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and more.

Sunday, April 26

• Adopt-A-Park Event at Ellsworth West Urban Natural Area — Join City of Vancouver staff and volunteers to remove invasive ivy. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly. (details)
• Wild About Nature at White Salmon Valley Community Library — Speakers Lara Volski and Vivian Hawkinson (UW) on wildlife-livestock coexistence, plus journalist Michelle Nijhuis on living with scary species. 1085 N. Main Ave., White Salmon. Free.

Tuesday, April 28

• Hudson's Bay High School Plant Sale — VPS horticulture and FFA students sell vibrant flowers and fresh veggies. April 28–30, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., off Reserve St. (details)

Wednesday, April 29

• Pollinators & Pints — Vancouver Bee Project — A relaxed evening hangout to chat mason bees, native plants, and habitat building. No formal presentation — just good community conversation. (details)

Thursday, April 30

• Prairie High School Plant Sale — Battle Ground PS greenhouse sale. April 30, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (district employees only); public sale May 1, 3–6 p.m. and May 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver.

Friday, May 1

• Grays Harbor Shorebird & Nature Festival (Road Trip) — Thousands of migrating shorebirds, guided walks, and family-friendly activities. May 1–3 in Hoquiam. (details)
• White Salmon Wildflower Festival — A month-long celebration of blooms in the Columbia River Gorge, featuring guided hikes, art shows, wine walks, and live music all May. (details)

Saturday, May 2

• Flex Academy & Columbia River High School Plant Sales — 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at both schools. Flowers and veggies grown by VPS students. (details)
• Naturalist Training Program: Reading the Landscape with Cascadia Wild (Road Trip) — Part of an 8-class series covering wildlife tracking, botany, ecology, navigation, and wilderness skills. (details)
• Mt. St. Helens Swift Creek Worm Flows Climb with Mazamas — Early-season ascent via Marble Mountain Snow Park. Strenuous; registration fee includes permit. (details)

Sunday, May 3

• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Community Park — Help remove ivy and non-native plants and spread mulch. 13200 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Dr., Vancouver. Tools, gloves, and snacks provided. Family-friendly. (details)
• Lawn Reduction Workshop — WSU Extension Master Gardener Janis McBride presents planning, methods, and alternatives. Free. (details)
• Adopt-A-Park at David Douglas Community Park — Morning litter cleanup and invasive plant removal. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly. (details)
• Friends of Trees End-of-Season Celebration — Music, food, beverages, games, prizes, and block-party vibes at 3117 NE MLK Jr Blvd., Portland. Free; registration required. (details)
• Camas Library Audiobook Walking Club — Bring your audiobook and walk for 60 minutes, then chat with fellow listeners. NE Yale St. & 2nd Ave., Camas. All paces welcome. (details)
• Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve Hike (Road Trip) — WA Native Plant Society Suksdorfia Chapter leads a 4.8-mile moderate hike up Stacker Butte with views of Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and the eastern Gorge. (details)

Saturday, May 9

• First of the Month Bird Walk with Vancouver Audubon — Casual spring birding morning. Check the VAS website for location. Great for all skill levels. (details)
• Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip — Free family-friendly canoe paddle aboard 29-foot Big Canoes with Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and the Water Center. 1.5 hours. 4911 NW 122nd St., Vancouver.
• Falls Creek Falls Hike with Mazamas — An easy 6-mile hike to a stunning 200-foot, three-tiered waterfall in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 1,100 ft. elevation gain. Registration required.
• Forever Young Hikers: Lyle Cherry Orchard Hike — Moderate 5-mile out-and-back with 1,050 ft. elevation gain. Registration required through Vancouver Parks, Rec & Cultural Services.
• Ridgefield Learn to Kayak Tour — Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe guides you through the Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield NWR. Ridgefield Waterfront Park. (details)