Wildlife Wisdom: a summer interpretive series

Looking for some fun activities to fill your summer weekends? Join the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Jackson County Parks, and Rogue River Watershed Council for Wildlife Wisdom every Saturday from July 12 to August 16th. This interpretive series is free to all, although park locations have small day-use parking fees (unless you have the Jackson County Parks Pass). Read on to learn more about each event, or see the calendar for the full list of events.

Wiggly Water Explorers

July 12, 10 am

Cantrall Buckley County Park

Splash around with us and learn about the tiny organisms that are a vital part of river ecosystems. During this program, we’ll show you how to find and identify aquatic bugs. Biologists will be on hand to talk about the importance of these critters and what they mean for water quality and habitat. In addition to aquatic bugs, you’ll have the opportunity to see and learn about salmon and other native fish. Learn about fish while watching them swim around! 

*All equipment is provided, although you’re welcome to wear your own wading boots if you’d like! We will have a selection of knee boots available to borrow and splash around.

Under the Turtle Shell

July 19, 10 am

Joseph Stewart State Recreation Area

Life is better under the turtle shell– and you’ll learn why at this program. Oregon is home to two native turtle species - northwestern pond turtles and western painted turtles. These turtles are threatened by humans, non-native species such as red-eared slider turtles and bullfrogs, and habitat loss. Join us for a morning of turtle-talk and see them up close!

Coats & Shoes: Animal Edition

July 26, 10 am

Joseph Stewart State Recreation Area

Spend the morning learning how to identify animal tracks, one of the only things wildlife leaves behind. Sometimes you might find fur or a feather, so we’ll look at those too! This program will cover a variety of native wildlife species, and you’ll have many textures to feel and explore as we talk about animal adaptations.

Flying Mammals Unleashed: the nocturnal life of bats

August 2, 7 pm

Joseph Stewart State Recreation Area

This evening program is sure to help you spread your wings (of knowledge)! Oregon has 15 species of bats that are the state’s only flying mammals. Learn more about these incredible animals and how we can protect them for future generations.

Tracking Tails: pursuit of the wolfpack

August 9, 10 am

Joseph Stewart State Recreation Area

Biologists track wildlife to gain a deeper understanding of their behavior, movements, and interactions with their environment, ultimately informing conservation efforts and management strategies. During this program, we’ll talk about the tools of the trade, and you’ll get the chance to try some out yourself while learning about one of the species we track in Oregon: wolves.

Survival of the fish-est

Aug 16, 10 am

Joseph Stewart State Recreation Area

The Wildlife Wisdom interpretive series will end with a fun morning of games, activities, and challenges. In honor of salmon, we’ll be putting you to the test to see if you would survive the arduous life cycle of these charismatic fish. Wear comfy shoes and a determined mindset to overcome obstacles similar to those that salmon face in our region. 

Flyer of upcoming events:

This series is a collaboration between Jackson County, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, and Rogue River Watershed Council.