Portland, Ore. — Look for bears on the coast, tour a wildlife rehabilitation center, see salmon spawn or feed the elk at a wildlife area. It’s all part of the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s program, Firsthand Oregon.

Firsthand Oregon allows participants to get an up close look at the state’s fish, wildlife and habitats to learn what it takes to keep them healthy. Field-science and management concepts as they relate to the state’s natural resources will be discussed. Group size varies from six to 20, and trips run from May 2011 through December 2011.

Register for trips on the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation website

• Sat., May 14: Sauvie Island Habitat Tour
• Tues., June 7: Audubon Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Tour, Portland
• Sat., June 18: Learn about Warmwater Fishing on Sauvie Island
• Tues., June 21: Trap Invasive Turtles at Rinearson Creek Pond, Gladstone
• Sat., June 25: Learn about Oregon Chub, Stayton Island Area, Stayton
• Sat., July 16: Learn about Urban Black Bears and Visit Conflict Areas, Florence
• Sat., July 23: Tour Historic Thompson's Mills Heritage Site, near Albany
• Sat., Aug.13: Wildlife Viewing on Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
• Wed., Sept. 28: Tour Willamette Falls Counting Station and Fishway
• Sat., Oct. 1: See Spring Chinook Spawn, Sweet Home
• Fri., Oct. 7: Learn about the Sport of Falconry, location TBD
• Sat., Oct. 15: Learn about Fish Passage and Sampling, Rickreall
• Sat., Dec.17: Hayride and Elk Feeding Trip, Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

“Part of what makes Oregon a special place is its fish and wildlife. For us to be good caretakers of our natural resources, in service to the generations that follow ours, we need information,” said Tim Greseth, OWHF Executive Director. “Firsthand Oregon is a great way for Oregonians to not only learn about our wonderful fish and wildlife but also to become better informed about our state’s management challenges through real experience guided by an ODFW biologist.”

The Foundation charges a nominal fee of $6 per person to help offset the costs of offering these field-based experiences. Registration is required. Participants should expect to encounter a variety of field conditions and be able to provide their own transportation to the tour site. Register online at Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation’s website, www.owhf.org/firsthandoregon. For more information about the program, please contact Tim Greseth at the Foundation, (503) 255-6059.

The Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation champions projects that benefit fish, wildlife, and habitat for access, education and enjoyment by all. Since its founding, OWHF has directed millions of dollars in funding to fish, wildlife and habitat projects throughout the state. OWHF and ODFW are working together to implement the Oregon Conservation Strategy, a blueprint and action plan for the long-term conservation of Oregon’s native fish and wildlife and their habitats. Learn more on ODFW’s website, www.dfw.state.or.us.