Go: Critter Count, ‘The Rainmaker,’ Cambodian new year

1. Do science

The 17th annual Critter Count lets residents discover the hidden world of amphibians and reptiles. From 9 a.m. to noon April 8, participants can become a citizen scientist and help biologists conduct field surveys on frogs, snakes and lizards at designated sites. Critter Count begins with a training session at 9 a.m. at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver. Volunteers should bring boots, warm clothes, lunch and binoculars, if you have them. Snacks, drinks and other equipment will be provided.

Return to the Water Center to learn more about the role of reptiles and amphibians in the ecosystem, while seeing snakes, lizards and more up close with two live critter shows at 1 and 2 p.m. during Second Saturday’s nature activities. The events are free and for all ages, but children must be accompanied by adults. 360-487-7111 or www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter

2. Love and rain

On a family farm paralyzed by drought, a woman looks after her father and two brothers. But they are as worried about her becoming an old maid as they are about the dying cattle. The brothers try every possible scheme to marry her off, but without success. Then a mysterious man appears who claims to be a rainmaker. If the rain arrives, will love? Magenta Theater presents the production of “The Rainmaker” at 7:30 p.m. April 7-8, 13-15 and 20-21; 2 p.m. April 15 and 22 at the company’s theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are $20 to $22. 360-635-4358 or www.magentatheater.com

3. Cambodian culture

The Khmer Angkor Dance Troupe of Vancouver invites the community to join the Cambodian New Year Celebration and mark the Year of the Rooster. The event will feature a traditional dance performance and popular floor dance from 7 to 11:30 p.m. April 8 at Gaiser Hall, Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Tickets are $15, free for ages 12 and younger. 360-882-3646

4. Early eggs

St. John Lutheran Church will host its “Easter E-G-G-stravaganza” as children fifth grade and younger are invited to hunt down plastic eggs with candy at 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. April 8 on the church grounds, 11005 N.E. Highway 99, Vancouver. Participants should bring their own basket, with a light lunch provided afterward. In case of rain, the egg hunt will be held indoors. 360-573-1461 or http://stjohnlc.com

The Mountain View Christian Center will break out 12,000 eggs for its annual Easter egg hunt at 5:30 p.m. April 12 on the grounds, 2810 N.E. 259th St., Ridgefield. The egg hunt will be open to children in the sixth grade and younger, with egg hunts divided by age groups. There will also be hot dog plates and refreshments, a bounce house and prizes. Participants should bring their own basket. 360-887-4016 or www.mountainviewchristiancenter.net

And the city of Washougal hosts an Easter egg hunt from 3 to 5:30 p.m. April 12, with around 5,000 plastic eggs hidden among straw bales at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Children in fifth grade or younger will enter the area in small groups to find six different colored eggs each, filled with candy and coupons. There will also be treats, balloons and activities for all ages. 360-835-8501 or www.cityofwashougal.us/community/page/eggstravaganza

5. Giving and travel

Author Kim Dinan will read and answer questions about her book “The Yellow Envelope: One Gift, Three Rules, and a Life-Changing Journey Around the World.” The book traces the adventure Dinan and her husband took around the world, facing challenges and an unexpected mission to give to others. Copies of “The Yellow Envelope” will be available for purchase and the author is available to sign books from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 12 at Vintage Books, 6613 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Admission is free. 360-694-9519 or www.vintage-books.net