📰 What's Making News

Loyal Legion Beer Hall Now Pouring in Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver just got a big new gathering spot. Loyal Legion Beer Hall held its ribbon cutting and grand opening on Thursday after a soft-opening trial run the night before, welcoming its first customers to the long-anticipated taproom. If you know the Portland original, you know the vibe — a massive tap list in a lively, communal setting — and now it's right here on our side of the river. One more reason to spend your evening (and your dollars) in downtown Vancouver. Full story from The Columbian.

Cougar Spotted 20 Feet From Dog Walker at Ellsworth Springs Park

Mitch Ratigan was walking his dog at Ellsworth Springs Park when he came face-to-face with a cougar just 20 to 30 feet away. He grabbed his dog and ran — exactly what adrenaline tells you to do, though wildlife officials say otherwise. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is now sharing safety tips for anyone who recreates in Vancouver's greener corners: make yourself look large, maintain eye contact, and never run. It's a good reminder that we share this landscape with some impressive (and occasionally startling) neighbors. Read the full account from Clark County Today.

Yellow-Legged Hornet Intercepted at Port of Vancouver

State officials are asking Clark County residents to stay alert after a yellow-legged hornet was intercepted on a vessel at the Port of Vancouver. Unlike the now-famous "murder hornet" saga, yellow-legged hornets are a separate invasive species that poses a serious threat to honeybee populations and local ecosystems. Washington wildlife authorities want residents to report any sightings so they can prevent the species from establishing a foothold here. Think of it as neighborhood watch — but for bugs. Details from The Columbian.

Ridgefield's Abbey Hite, Faith Smith Deliver Clutch District-Seeding Win

Abbey Hite singled home Tava Whitlow in the bottom of the fifth, and pitcher Faith Smith locked down the rest from the circle as Ridgefield edged Columbia River 2-1 in a 2A Greater St. Helens League tiebreaker at Skyview High School on Friday. The win earns the Spudders the No. 2 seed heading into the district softball tournament — no small thing in a league this tight. It was exactly the kind of low-scoring, high-pressure game that makes spring postseason baseball and softball so fun to follow. Recap from The Columbian.

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💬 Community Buzz

Tryon Creek's New Education Pavilion Honors Indigenous Longhouse Design

Friends of Tryon Creek is making moves worth knowing about — the nonprofit is building a new education pavilion at Tryon Creek State Natural Area, designed to reflect traditional Indigenous longhouses and plank houses. The project aims to deepen access to nature and cultural education across the Portland-Vancouver region, and a pair of bald eagles spotted soaring over the site gave the effort a fitting send-off. If you've hiked Tryon Creek, you know it's one of those rare green escapes that feels worlds away from the metro bustle. Worth keeping on your radar as the pavilion takes shape. Read the full story at ClarkCoTalk.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Clark County's Latest Restaurant Scores Are In

Clark County Public Health released inspection results for April 27 through May 2, covering dozens of local restaurants and food establishments. Remember, lower is better — a perfect score is 0 — so check how your favorite spots fared before your next dinner out. See the full list here.

Portland Fire Debuts a Training Philosophy Built on Creativity

The expansion WNBA franchise Portland Fire introduced players to a training concept that prioritizes creativity and problem-solving as the team prepares for its inaugural season. For fans on this side of the river, it's another reason to keep an eye on the closest pro women's basketball team. Read more from The Columbian.

Gordon Ramsay Heaps Praise on Puyallup Chef

A chef from Puyallup wrapped up a run on a national cooking competition and walked away with high praise from Gordon Ramsay himself. It's always good to see Washington talent get the spotlight. Get the full story.

Rare Fin Whale Strands, Dies on Samish Island Beach

A fin whale — an unusual sight in the Salish Sea — stranded on a Samish Island beach near Bellingham and died Tuesday morning, bringing Washington's whale death toll to 18 so far in 2026. Researchers are monitoring the trend closely. Read the details.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, May 9

• Illuminated Memories at AQUA Gallery — Paintings, sculptures by AnnE Johns and woven works by Susan Jones. Free. AQUA Gallery, 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle — Bring your yarn projects (or unfinished ones for others to adopt). 5:30–8 p.m., free. Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — Free paddling for ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. Ridgefield Public Boat Launch, Ridgefield
• Root and Renew: Release the Real You Retreat — Three-day immersive retreat (May 8–10) with author Vanessa Grace and Stephanie Harrison. Self Balance Massage, 8301 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver
• Ekklesia Theatre Presents: Every Brilliant Thing — A funny, heartfelt one-person show with audience participation. Various Locations
• Live Music Fridays: Drifter at Pour Choices Pub — Live music at 7:30 p.m. 1919 Main Street, Vancouver
• Karaoke Night at Kalama Harbor Lodge — Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Free, all ages. McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge, Kalama
• Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles — A multi-sensory concert by candlelight, 60 minutes. Ages 8+. Miller Hall, Portland
• 2026 SW WA Youth Photo Contest — Vancouver Audubon Society's nature photography contest for youth, now accepting entries from across the region
• Naturalist Training Program: Reading the Landscape — With Cascadia Wild, part of an 8-class series building outdoor skills spring through fall
• Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Gardens — 50th anniversary celebration, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. daily through May 10. $10 adults, kids 12 and under free. Woodland
• Watershed Stewardship Program — Six-week course with Clark Conservation District covering local watersheds, wildlife, and conservation
• White Salmon Wildflower Festival — A month-long celebration of nature, art, and community in the Columbia River Gorge with guided hikes, art shows, and more. White Salmon
• KEEP IT WILD Collaborative Art Show — Opening night 5–7 p.m. at Arrowleaf Workshop during the White Salmon Wildflower Festival. White Salmon
• Vancouver Neighborhood Tree Stewards Workshop — Learn how to become a Tree Steward for your neighborhood. Vancouver
• Fort Vancouver High School Plant Sale — Final day, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Flowers, veggies, and more from VPS horticulture and FFA students. Fort Vancouver High School
• Campus Community Garden Flora & Fauna Friday — Mid-day volunteer work party with the City of Vancouver's Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces. Snacks provided

Family & Kids

• K-Pop Dance Party at Kids Club — Friday Fun Night drop-off event for kids ages 4–11 with dance battles, glow crafts, and more. Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver

Saturday, May 9 – Sunday, May 10

• WSU Extension Master Gardener Mother's Day Plant Sale — Mother's Day weekend plant sale from the WSU Master Gardeners and Clark County Master Gardener Foundation. Sign up for shopping appointments online
• Beacon Rock Trail Day Work Party — Volunteer with Washington Trails Association at Beacon Rock State Park. Camping available Saturday night for multi-day volunteers. Beacon Rock State Park
• Berms & Boats Adaptive Sports Weekend — Mountain biking and boating adventures with Oregon Adaptive Sports in Central Oregon
• Birding & Wildflower Festival at Silver Falls State Park — Mother's Day weekend celebration with early bird walks, guided wildflower hikes, and kids' activities. Free. Silver Falls State Park, OR
• Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival — Pedal-powered fun on the sand — fat bikes, trikes, e-bikes welcome. Scenic beach cruises and community gatherings. Cannon Beach

Saturday, May 10

• Plant & Seed Swap — Hosted by Kindred Vancouver. Bring plant starts, seeds, or just browse. Everyone welcome, even without plants to trade. 2213 Main St, Vancouver
• Adopt-A-Park Event at St. Helens Park — Volunteer morning removing ivy and spreading mulch. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly, great for teens. St. Helens Park, Vancouver
• Bloom Where You Are Planted Multicultural Festival — Hosted by the Fourth Plain Five neighborhoods celebrating culture and community on Vancouver's Fourth Plain Corridor
• Learn to Kayak Tour in Ridgefield — Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. Ridgefield Waterfront Park
• Plant Sale at Northlake ES — Lower Columbia School Gardens plant sale supporting elementary school gardens in the Longview and Kelso districts. Longview
• Mt. St. Helens Swift Creek Worm Flows Climb — Early-season climb with the Mazamas via Marble Mountain Snow Park. Strenuous but non-technical
• Conboy Lake NWR Hike — 3.8-mile loop with Washington Native Plant Society featuring wildflowers and views of Mount Adams. North of White Salmon
• Nature Walk: Wildflowers of Jewett Creek — Local author Ashley Erdely introduces you to wildflowers on a half-mile walk. Free. White Salmon Valley Community Library
• Wildflower Hike: Upper Swale Creek Canyon — Join the Washington Native Plant Society's Suksdorfia Chapter for a hike through one of the most remote sections of the Klickitat Rail Trail
• Cape Horn Trail Hike — 5-mile round trip with Washington Native Plant Society. Lush woods, fantastic views, and spring wildflowers. Email Ron Klump to register
• Thrillium Mt. Bike Trail Maintenance Work Party — Volunteer with Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance at Larch Mountain trailhead in Yacolt Burn State Forest
• Volunteer Land Stewardship at Baker Bay — Two days of stewardship with Columbia Land Trust at conserved forested wetlands near Chinook, WA
• Volunteer Stewardship at Raistakka Preserve — Morning of litter pickup and Scotch broom removal with Columbia Land Trust. Wahkiakum County
• Cascades Pika Watch Training Workshop — Learn to survey and map pikas in the Columbia River Gorge as a citizen scientist volunteer
• Clark College Spring Native Plant Center Plant Sale — Native plants perfect for building pollinator habitat. Reserve St., Vancouver

Family & Kids

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

Sunday, May 10

• Clark County Parks & Nature Fee Free Day — International Migratory Bird Day — Free access to Clark County regional parks to celebrate migratory birds
• Bachelor Island Circumnavigation Kayak Tour — 10-mile full-day paddle around Bachelor Island with Alder Creek Ridgefield. Ridgefield

Monday, May 11

• Bird Walk with Vancouver Audubon Society — Spring migration birding along the Columbia River beneath towering cottonwoods. Captain William Clark Park, Washougal

Tuesday, May 12

• Spice of Life: Growing Herbs — WSU Master Gardener Terrie Phillips on planting, growing, harvesting, and preserving herbs. Free. Community Room
• Gardening with Compost Workshop — Learn to use Bokashi, vermicompost, and more for a fertilizer-free garden. Waste Connections of WA, 9411 NE 94th Ave, Vancouver

Wednesday, May 13

• Online Watercolor Painting: The Burrowing Owl — Paint along with Ronna in this Bird Alliance of Oregon workshop. Online

Saturday, May 16

• Life After the Great Eruption: Mt. St. Helens Talk — Fort Vancouver volunteer Alex Lennox explores what happened after the 1980 eruption. Fort Vancouver Visitor Center Theater
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddle — Free community paddling, ages 14+, no experience needed. Ridgefield

Week of May 18–22

• Cape Disappointment Volunteer Vacation with WTA — Spend a week building stairs on the Coastal Forest Loop trail while staying in historic Fort Columbia lodging. Cape Disappointment State Park
• Cape Disappointment Coastal Forest Loop Trail Work Party — Join Washington Trails Association for beachside trail work and historic lodge stays. Cape Disappointment State Park

Saturday, May 17

• Clark County Parks & Nature Fee Free Day — Kids to Parks Day — Free access to regional parks for the national day of outdoor play. Clark County Parks

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