📰 What's Making News

Walk-Off Homer Sends Battle Ground to First League Title in 9 Years

Talk about a moment worth the price of admission. James Gill III crushed a two-run home run with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning Thursday night, lifting the Battle Ground Tigers to a dramatic 6-5 win over Union and clinching the 4A Greater St. Helens League baseball championship. It's the Tigers' first league title since 2017, and the walk-off fashion makes it one for the highlight reel. If you were there, you already know — and if you weren't, you can almost hear the roar from here. Full story from The Columbian.

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

Beyond that Battle Ground thriller, it was a packed night across Clark County prep sports. Thursday's scoreboard covers results from baseball, softball, boys soccer, track and field, girls tennis, and girls golf — basically every spring sport in action. Whether your kid plays or you just love following local athletes, it's a one-stop snapshot of the night. Check all the scores here.

Clark County Needs You: 2 Seats Open on Community Action Board

Here's your chance to shape how resources reach Clark County residents. The county is looking for applicants to fill two volunteer positions on its Community Action Advisory Board — one District 5 community representative and one District 4 low-income representative. These boards do real, tangible work connecting neighbors with services, and they need people who care enough to show up. If that sounds like you (or someone you know), it's worth a closer look. Learn how to apply at The Columbian.

Second Measles Case Confirmed in Walla Walla County

Over on the east side of the state, Walla Walla County has confirmed a second measles case this year, both involving unvaccinated individuals near the Tri-Cities area. While this isn't in our backyard, it's a good reminder to check that your family's vaccinations are up to date — especially heading into summer travel season. Your primary care provider can verify your status quickly. Read more from The Columbian.

⚡ Quick Bites

All-Region Athletes Honored, Ceremony Tickets on Sale Now

The Columbian has released its 2025-26 All-Region sports teams, and the award ceremony is set for Wednesday, June 17 at Skyview High School. Honored athletes attend free; general admission tickets are available now.

Dina Sawyer Steps Into Top Role at Gause Elementary

After serving as interim leader, former special education teacher Dina Sawyer has been named permanent principal at Gause Elementary School in the Washougal School District. Read about her path from classroom to front office.

Parker's Landing Needs Your Green Thumb on May 12

Volunteers are invited to Spruce Up Day at Parker's Landing Historical Park in Washougal, where heritage trees and rose gardens dating to the 1800s need seasonal care. The Community Garden Club of Camas-Washougal is organizing the effort.

Amboy's Fire District 10 Celebrates 65 Years of Service

Fire Chief Gordon Brooks will present the history of Clark County Fire District 10 at a celebration hosted by the North Clark Historical Museum in Amboy. Details on the anniversary event here.

Two Western Washington Players Hit Mega Millions Paydays

Lottery officials confirmed two Mega Millions players in Western Washington scored sizable prizes this week. Check if your ticket is a winner.

Cole Young Making Mariners Fans Forget About Second Base Woes

One month into the season, 22-year-old Cole Young is building a case as the best second baseman in baseball after debuting with Seattle last year at just 21. The Columbian has the breakdown.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, May 1

• Watershed Stewardship Program — 5–7 p.m. at the Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education (CASEE), Brush Prairie. Clark Conservation District leads this six-week course on local water resources, watersheds, and wildlife.
• Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Gardens — 10 a.m.–4 p.m. daily through May 10, Woodland. It's the 50th anniversary of the Hulda Klager Lilac Society — admission $10 adults, kids 12 and under free.
• Prairie High School Spring Plant Sale — 3–6 p.m. at Prairie High School greenhouses, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver. Stock up on locally grown plants from Battle Ground PS students.
• Woodland HS FFA Plant Sale — 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at Woodland High School. Ornamentals, vegetables, hanging baskets, and more from the 36th annual sale.
• First of the Month Bird Walk with Vancouver Audubon — Morning birding walk; check the Vancouver Audubon Society website for this month's location and details. All skill levels welcome.
• Ridgefield Learn to Kayak Tour — Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Reservations required.
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Community Paddle — Free paddling at Ridgefield; no experience needed, ages 14+. Runs Thursdays through October.
• Mt. St. Helens Swift Creek Worm Flows Climb with Mazamas — A strenuous early-season climb starting from Marble Mountain Snow Park. Registration required; permit fee included.
• Grays Harbor Shorebird & Nature Festival (Road Trip) — May 1–3. Shorebird viewing at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge today, with festival activities in Hoquiam on May 2–3.
• White Salmon Wildflower Festival (Road Trip) — A month-long celebration of wildflowers, art, guided hikes, and live music throughout the Columbia River Gorge. Events run all May.
• Keep It Wild Collaborative Art Show (Road Trip) — Exhibit on display May 1–30 at Arrowleaf Workshop in White Salmon. Opening night reception is May 8, 5–7 p.m.
• Cape Disappointment Weekend Trail Work Party — Spend three days helping maintain trails on the dramatic Pacific Coast. Registration required for all three days.
• Naturalist Training Program: Reading the Landscape with Cascadia Wild (Road Trip) — Part of an eight-class series covering wildlife tracking, botany, ecology, navigation, and more.
• 2026 SW WA Youth Photo Contest with Vancouver Audubon — Youth nature photography contest open for submissions. Sponsored by Vancouver Audubon Society, HD Aluminum Prints, and Columbia Credit Union.

Friday, May 1 (Evening Events)

• A Night of Story, Song and Community — 6–8:30 p.m. at Washougal High School. Live music, poetry, storytelling, and a silent auction to benefit the future Washougal Community Library. Tickets $20.
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting — 6 p.m. at American Legion Post 176, 14011 NE 20th Ave., Vancouver. Learn about fly tying and fishing; food available for purchase.
• Poetry Night at Literary Leftovers — 6–7:30 p.m. at Literary Leftovers, Battle Ground. Bring your own work or a favorite poem to share. Free and open to the public.
• Verselandia! Youth Poetry Slam Championship — 7 p.m. at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland. Cheer on high school poets competing for top honors.
• Line Dancing Lessons with Kat Nichols — 7–9 p.m. at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. All ages, beginners welcome. $10.

Saturday, May 2

• Ridgefield's Spring Festival — 10th Anniversary of First Saturdays in downtown Ridgefield. Music, food, art, vendor market, sidewalk sales, and family-friendly fun all day.
• Battle Ground HS FFA Plant Sale — 8 a.m.–3 p.m. at Battle Ground High School greenhouses, 300 W. Main Street.
• 19th Annual WSU Extension Small Acreage Expo — All day at 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Workshops for small-acreage landowners. General admission $35; lunch included.
• Meadow & Pollinator Hedgerow Care Workshop — Morning hands-on habitat care at Flat Tack Farm with the Vancouver Bee Project. Learn spring meadow management and help strengthen pollinator habitat.
• VPS High School Plant Sales — Flex Academy & Columbia River — 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at both Flex Academy and Columbia River High School. Flowers, veggies, and more grown by local students.
• Washougal Studio Artists' Tour — The Tree House Art Studio — 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (also Sunday, May 3). Drive the Washougal River Valley and visit local artists creating nature-inspired art.
• Ridgefield Garden Club Plant Sale — At the Greely Building in downtown Ridgefield. Annual fundraiser sale.
• Nature Resin Jewelry Studio Workshop at Columbia Springs — 10 a.m.–12 p.m. with artist Bri Graw. Create pendants, earrings, or keychains using UV resin and natural elements.
• Adopt-A-Park Ivy Pull at Ellsworth Springs East — Morning invasive-plant removal with the City of Vancouver. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly; great for teens.
• Prairie High School Spring Plant Sale (Day 2) — 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Prairie High School greenhouses, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver.

Sunday, May 3

• Camas Field Nature Walk — Free leisurely stroll at Round Lake, 3016 NE Everett St., Camas. Enjoy blooming camas fields and learn about native plants. Ages 8+. Limited to 25 participants.
• Author Event: Hiking WA's Fire Lookouts — 3:30 p.m. at White Oak Books, Uptown Vancouver. Meet authors Amber Casali and Cheryl Hill, who wrote the guides to hiking fire lookouts in Washington and Oregon.
• Wildcrafting as Stewardship Plant Walk (Road Trip) — Morning walk at Sam's Walker Day Use Area near Skamania. Learn about harvesting edible and medicinal non-native invasive plants with Kristin Currin and Missy Rohs.
• 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.

Monday, May 4

• Prairie High School Spring Plant Sale (Final Day) — 3–6 p.m. at Prairie High School greenhouses, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver.

Tuesday, May 5

• The Resilient Yard: Change at Home — Free library presentation on how to transform your suburban yard to reduce your carbon footprint. Check FVRL for time and location details.

Wednesday, May 6

• Vancouver Neighborhood Tree Stewards Workshop — Learn to care for urban trees and make your neighborhood greener. Apply online to join the program.

Thursday, May 7

• Fort Vancouver HS Plant Sale — 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (also May 8, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and May 9, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.). Flowers and veggies from Fort Vancouver horticulture students.
• Watershed Stewardship Program (Week 2) — 5–7 p.m. at CASEE, Brush Prairie. Continuing the six-week series with Clark Conservation District.

Saturday, May 9

• Beacon Rock Trail Day Work Party — Volunteer with Washington Trails Association at Beacon Rock State Park. Camping available Saturday evening if you'd like to help both days.
• Rain Gardens & Ponds Class at Good Year Farms — Learn site selection, soil prep, and the best plants for rain gardens and backyard ponds with nursery manager Chelsea.
• Plant & Seed Swap with Kindred Vancouver — 2213 Main St., Vancouver. Bring extras, take home something new — everyone welcome, even if you come empty-handed.
• Hardy Hamilton Mountain Loop Hike with Mazamas — Scenic loop in the Columbia River Gorge starting from Beacon Rock State Park's equestrian trailhead. Registration required.
• Hiking Clinic — NW Association of Blind Athletes — Open to athletes of all ages and ability levels who are blind or visually impaired. Register online as an athlete.
• WSU Extension Master Gardener Mother's Day Plant Sale — Shopping appointments available; sign up on the WSU Clark County Extension website.
• Sunset Kayak Paddle — Three-hour guided evening paddle from Ridgefield Waterfront Park with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. All skill levels; reservations required.

Sunday, May 10

• Grand Opening of the Ridgefield NWR Community Nature Center — 28908 NW Main St., Ridgefield. Ribbon cutting for the new classroom and community room at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
• Forest Canopy Walk at Plas Newydd — Monthly walk (or roll or ride) hosted by Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan on Plas Newydd Farm. Registration required.
• Volunteer Land Stewardship at Baker Bay (Road Trip) — Two days of habitat care with Columbia Land Trust at conserved wetlands near Chinook, WA.

Monday, May 11

• Cape Disappointment Coastal Forest Loop Volunteer Vacation — Weeklong trail-building project with Washington Trails Association. Stay in historic lodging at Fort Columbia State Park.

Wednesday, May 13

• The Evolution of Birds with Vancouver Audubon Society — In-person program and meeting featuring professor emeritus Steven Clark of Clark College speaking about how birds evolved.

Thursday, May 14

• Line Dancing Lessons with Kat Nichols — 7–9 p.m. at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. All ages, beginners welcome. $10.
• Dog Mountain Hike with Mazamas — 6.9 miles, 2,750 ft. elevation gain with stunning Gorge views and legendary spring wildflowers. Beat the Mother's Day weekend crowds on a Thursday. Registration required.
• Clark County Parks Fee-Free Day — International Migratory Bird Day — Free access to Clark County regional parks all day. Celebrate migratory birds!