Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Classes
Exploring Tigard and Tualatin
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Course Number SS419G 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting new class, we’ll follow the Tualatin Artwalk and Tualatin River Greenway on foot to access Tigard and Tualatin’s best natural and cultural resources. Along the way, we’ll discover native and introduced trees and plants, and dozens of public and private artworks. We’ll also discuss the geology of the area and its importance in shaping the geography and the economy of the region. Most importantly, we’ll discuss ways to bring the study of art, nature, local history and culture to our students through meaningful classroom lessons and field trips. Our adventures will provide ideas that will energize history, science, math and art activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
Swifts and Other Local Birds: Adaptation to Life on the Wing
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Course Number SC417X or SC517X 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting class, we‘ll explore the unique phenomena of the Vaux swifts annual migration, and their nightly pilgrimage during September to Portland’s Chapman School chimney. We will be joined by a bird expert, who will teach us ways to identify local birds using a variety of sensory clues, and many ideas will be discussed for integrating bird study throughout the curriculum. The class will culminate with an opportunity to view the arrival of the swifts at sunset, a truly unique natural and cultural event in Portland. On some September evenings, more than 25,000 swifts enter the chimney at dusk. In addition, we will learn about predatory birds and the challenges facing all local birds in an increasingly more urban ecosystem. Our adventures will include lesson ideas that will energize science, art and language arts activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
Exploring Bonneville & Eagle Creek
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Course Number SS412y or SS512y 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
We'll begin with a two mile leisurely hike to Wahclella Falls. Later, we’ll tour Bonneville Dam to learn more about its history and its impact in providing hydroelectric energy for the Portland area. We’ll also look at salmon populations and recreational opportunities in the area. An additional visit to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery will enable us to study sturgeon, trout, and salmon. A study of the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks will also be included. We will see salmon spawning in Eagle Creek and hatchery fish awaiting spawning at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery.