Volunteer Weekend
April 15-16

As stewards of the Opal Creek watershed, Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center seeks to maintain and improve the health and of this ecosystem and the safety of its trails.  Active stewardship includes education and outreach, as well as sweat and hard work.  Join us at Opal Creek for a weekend of clearing trails and cleaning areas around our Jawbone Flats education center. The work for this weekend will be hard, manual labor.  Come prepared to help in this manner.  Please call in advance to reserve your spot.  Lodging and meals provided.  Suggested donation to cover food costs: $25.00.

Wilderness First Responder Recertification
April 21-23

Are your wilderness medicine protocols on the tip of your tongue or in the bottom of your pack? Do you need to recertify your WFR before your exciting summer adventures?  This three day scenario-based course is designed as review and practice of evacuation and decision making guidelines. It also provides wilderness medicine practitioners with current updates in the wilderness medicine field.

This course may be used to recertify current Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness EMT (wilderness portion only) certifications from the following organizations: WMI, NOLS, SOLO, OPEPA, WMA and WPT. CPR is included.  This course will be taught by instructors from the Wilderness Medicine Institute (W.M.I). Price is $240 and includes three nights lodging and meals.

Mosses, Lichens and Liverworts
April 29-30

Which forest dweller can turn rock into food? What plants store water for dry periods and can create soil in the upper canopy of ancient forests? Non-vascular plants such as mosses, lichens, and liverworts are drawing increasing attention for their importance as indicators of forest, air and environmental quality. Focusing on these unique organisms gives us a clearer view of the key ecological roles they play. From air quality indicators and natural water filters to nesting material for bird and mammals, mosses, lichens, and liverworts are invaluable to Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems.  Join forest ecologist John Villella us on a journey through the little known non-vascular plant kingdoms of the Opal Creek wilderness. Opal Creek is home to hundreds of species, many of which are only found in the ancient forests of the northwest. Come experience the vast biological diversity of "Oregon's uncut gem."

Amphibians of the Ancient Forest
April 29-30

The Pacific Northwest is known nationwide for its wet and soggy climate. While undesirable to some, Northwest amphibians relish in the fresh spring rains and seasonal pools created by this climate.  You are invited to join the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center and University of Oregon Research Associate and Instructor, Tom Titus, for an overnight excursion into the Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area.  We will hike among the towering trees, cascading streams, and dripping mosses in search of the elusive amphibians that call this forest home.  Learn about the different habitats necessary for amphibians to survive, and the role they play in the ecosystem.  Enjoy a presentation about ancient forests and their relationship with amphibians.  Sign up now for this slippery, slimy forest adventure, as spaces fill quickly.   

Medicinal Plants of the Ancient Forest
May 13-14

Join Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center instructors for a weekend exploring the flora of the ancient forest.  We'll hike and identify native plants, focusing on their medicinal, nutritional, and ecological values. We will discuss the basics of herbal actions on the body, learn respectful wild crafting methods, make herbal preparations, and talk about herbs for common imbalances.  Opal Creek's intact ecosystem provides for a large diversity of plants, making it the perfect place to study and explore the medicinal properties of many different native plants. 

Birds of the Ancient Forest
June 3-4

Have you ever wondered about the elusive birds that inhabit the ancient forest?   Join Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center and local ornithologist Steve Edwards for a weekend of hiking through the tall trees, looking and listening for the birds.  Steve holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Education from Lesley College's Audubon Expedition Institute, and has been an avid birder for many years.  Learn about the complex ecological relationships between the birds and the flora and other fauna of the ancient forest.  We will learn to identify the local species by their calls as well as by sight.  Enjoy discussions about these birds' amazing migratory practices and breeding behavior. Bring your binoculars and field guide and head out to Opal Creek to spend a weekend with the birds. 

Family Workshop:
Insects of Opal Creek Workshop
June 17

Bring the whole family out for a day of exploration in the ancient forest and learn about the fascinating world of insects.  Learn why they are invaluable to many ecosystems, and the role they play in the western Cascades.  We will search high and low, under rocks and in the water, for the many different species of insects that live at Opal Creek.  This workshop is more family oriented, and very appropriate for kids ages 6-12. 

Wildflowers Workshop
June 24

The ancient forest enjoys magnificent wildflower blooms mid-summer.  Join Opal Creek instructors for a day of in depth botanical exploration.    We will walk through the ancient forest, identifying the many wildflowers we find along the way.  Learn about edible wildflowers and medicinal properties of various wildflowers.  We will discuss the complex ecological relationships between pollinators, such as hummingbirds, and these magnificent wildflowers.   Come out to Opal Creek for the day and enjoy the colors of the ancient forest when the wildflowers are in bloom!

Wilderness Week Day Hike
July 1

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the most recently declared Wilderness area in western Oregon. Opal Creek's towering groves of 500 year-old trees and pristine waters exemplify the wonder and extraordinary value of Oregon’s remaining old-growth forests. Meet at 10am, Opal Creek Trailhead. This is a free day hike co-sponsored by Oregon Natural Resources Council (ONRC). Please contact Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center in advance, 503-892-2782, for reservations.

Butterflies of Opal Creek
July 8

Opal Creek's ancient forest is filled with a vast diversity of animal life including dozens of butterfly species.  Mid-summer flowers bring striking species of butterflies to Opal Creek, including Swallowtails, Angelwings, and Painted Ladies.  Join Opal Creek naturalists on a hike through the ancient forest to learn about pollinator ecology and to hunt for the elusive Mistletoe Hairstreak, Oregon's only old growth dependant butterfly species.  This day program includes a guided hike to some of Opal Creek's butterfly hotspots, a sit down lunch, and an afternoon slideshow.  Bring your binoculars and field guide, and spend a day with the butterflies!

Family Workshop:
Wilderness Survival
July 22-23

GPS for Families and Geocachers
NEW DATE: July 29

GPS is everywhere in our lives these days. In a decade or so, it has become the single most important navigation technology for people with all sorts of interests. Yet it is also true that the technology and equipment are very poorly understood, resulting in avoidable problems.  Join Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center's Executive Director Brian Windrope for a day of exploring this fascinating technology.  This course will provide hands-on training in how to use GPS technology for hiking, traveling, sailing, driving or the fast growing activity of Geocaching. There is no better place than the beautiful ancient forest at Opal Creek to sharpen your skills with GPS. Families and people with all levels of experience are invited. 

Ancient Forest Ecology
August 12

Have you ever hiked through Opal Creek wondering what kind of trees were towering above you?  Come out to Opal Creek for the day, and learn the principles of ancient forest ecology.  Hike among the tall trees, and learn how to identify them.  Learn about the complex relationships within the ecosystem that keep it all in balance.  Come to understand the dynamic interactions between the flora and fauna that result in this thriving, diverse ecosystem.

Geology of Opal Creek
August 26-27

How did millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion produce the rock formations at Opal Creek?  Join Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center instructors for a weekend exploring the fascinating geology of the western Cascades.  Learn how the mountains and hills surrounding you formed, and just how long these rocks have been at the surface. Learn about the minerals found underground, and the history of the mining in the area.  Come out to Opal Creek and explore the amazing landscape, carved by water, wind, and ice.  

Fall Family Amphibians
September 30 - October 1

Opal Creek's intact ancient forest and cool clean water host the full diversity of the Northwest forest amphibians. From the Pacific Giant Salamander, largest terrestrial amphibian in North America, to the genetically ancient tailed frog, this workshop will examine the dozen amphibians that reside in Opal Creek's exceptional habitat. Celebrate the publication of our first field guide, Amphibians of Opal Creek, and explore the forest and streams with guide author Adam Mims. This workshop is designed for families and features hands-on, kid-friendly activities.

Ancient Forest Mushroom Workshops
October 14-15
October 21-22

Look high and low in the ancient forest of Opal Creek for the curious organisms that come in so many shapes and sizes... that help the forest grow and decompose... that we can eat and use to dye our clothes.  You will enjoy exploring for mushrooms, learn to identify common species, discover their role in the forest, and try some tasty treats. 

Wilderness First Responder
October 27 - November 5

Essential for anyone who spends significant time in remote places or who has a professional career in the outdoors, the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course will prepare you to make difficult medical decisions in remote settings.  Taught by the Wilderness Medicine Institute, this course is fast-paced and engaging. You'll spend half your time outside of the classroom doing hands-on skills and realistic scenarios. In addition to scenarios, you'll participate in a full-scale night mock rescue. WMI's curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics including long-term patient care, wound management, straightening angulated fractures, reducing dislocations, litter packaging and administering medications. You'll complete this course with the tools and confidence to manage patients in the backcountry for multiple days. The intensive 80-hour curriculum is nationally recognized and supported by the Wilderness Medicine Institute's Medical Advisory Panel, and is quickly becoming an industry standard for all outdoor professionals. 

Cost: $700, includes tuition for the 10 day course, meals and lodging at Jawbone Flats for the duration of the 10 days