Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Courses.
Exploring Washington County's Hidden Parks: Geology, History, Native Flora and Fauna
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Course Number SS419J 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
(Note: This class will be taught by Melissa Juska)
In this exciting new class, we will discover some of Washington County’s most important parks and natural sites. Along the way, we will learn to identify more than a dozen native bird species while exploring the Koll Center Wetlands Park, and we’ll visit Cooper Mountain Nature Park, where we will discover Northwest volcanic history. In addition, we will learn to identify dozens of native plants, trees and art works on our walks through Rood Bridge Park and Orenco Woods Park. Most importantly, we will discuss ways to bring the study of nature, art, local history 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.
North Portland...Naturally
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Course Number SS410x or SS510X 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
On this diversified tour of North Portland, we will visit a variety of parks and wetland areas. We will begin with a visit to Smith & Bybee Lakes, one of the areas largest wetland parks. We will also explore McCoy Park, the Columbia Children's Arboretum and the Whitaker Ponds Natural Area. You will gain lots of ideas for integrating native flora and fauna into your curriculum.
Studying Portland's Trees
Thursday-Friday, June 19-20, 2025
Course Number SC403U or SC503U 2 Credits $250
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Learn how to identify nearly 100 tree species by studying leaves, fruit, seeds and bark. Along the way, we’ll explore scenic parks, unique college campuses and historic neighborhoods on both sides of the Willamette River. This two day class is designed to provide valuable teaching ideas for hands-on art and science activities that can be implemented in grades K-12.
Exploring NE Portland's Cultural Neighborhoods
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Course Number SS418Z/SS518Z 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 will explore two culturally diverse NE Portland neighborhoods to discover each area’s public art, architecture, trees, and historic sites. We’ll begin with a walk through Alberta Park and the historic Concordia neighborhood. We’ll also tour the Kennedy School, an historic landmark, featuring an abundance of culturally based artwork. Next, we’ll walk along Alberta Street, where we will see more than two dozen beautifully created murals that enhance the neighborhood’s culture and beauty. In the afternoon, a tour of the Grant Park & Hollywood neighborhood will enrich our knowledge of the art, architecture, parks, history, and cultural resources of these NE Portland locations. 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.
NOTES: We will walk about 4-5 miles during the day, so it will be important to arrive in relatively good physical shape. Our pace will be leisurely and will focus on exploration, discovery, and discussion.
Hidden Treasures of the Columbia River Gorge: Oneonta Gorge & Elowah Falls
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Course Number SS416t or SS516t 1 credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this fun and informative new class, we will explore the Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls areas, and we will make our way along the Oneonta Falls Trail. Here, we will discuss the geology and natural history of the Columbia Gorge. A walk along the new paved section of the old Columbia Highway will take us to McCord Creek where we will discuss the human history of the area, and exploration of the nearby trail will lead us to two hidden waterfalls. Along the way, ideas will be discussed to help enhance your science, math, history and writing lessons.
East Multnomah County Treasures
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Course Number SS412X or SS512X 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this fun and informative class, we will explore natural, historic, and cultural sites in Gresham and Fairview. Our morning adventure will begin with a walk along the Butler Creek Greenway that connects Binford Lake with Butler Creek Park. Next, we will visit Gresham Main City Park, and then we will tour Downtown Gresham to discover the area's public art and history. In the afternoon, we will visit beautiful Red Sunset Park, before discovering the history, art, and culture of McMenamin's Edgefield. Throughout the day, teaching ideas will be discussed that can be implemented across the curriculum.
Wildwood Trail and Pittock Mansion
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Course Number SS416W/SS516W 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this fun and diversified class, we will explore more than five miles of the Wildwood Trail, discovering dozens of native and introduced tree species. We will also learn the human history of the area, with visits to the Hoyt Arboretum, and Pittock Mansion. Participants will leave the course with lots of teaching ideas that can enhance science, social studies, writing, math and art lessons.
Bicycling the Columbia River Greenspace: History, Art & Science
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Course Number HI406B or HI506B 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this fun and informative class, we will ride bicycles to learn more about natural systems, local history, water usage and transportation options.We’ll begin with a tour of the I-205 bike trail, and then we’ll parallel the Columbia River, focusing on native plants, recreation and transportation opportunities. Eventually, we’ll study the Interstate Bridge, and we’ll make our way across it into Washington. Once in Vancouver, we’ll explore Esther Short Park, the Vancouver Renaissance Trail, Old Apple Tree Park, Marine Park, Wintler Park and the Water Resources Center. Along the way, we’ll discover intriguing artwork, beautiful green spaces and historic sites. Ideas for classroom lessons and field trips will be discussed.