With the Columbia River commanding so much attention, it’s easy to lose track of the other regional waterways. The city’s namesake is no exception.
“Vancouver Lake is a bit of a hidden gem within the lower Columbia River watershed, and is especially important to Clark County residents,” Debrah Marriott, executive director of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, said in a news release.
At 2,300 acres, Vancouver Lake is the largest natural lake system in Clark County. Each year, the lake and the surrounding land support 200,000 migratory birds.
It’s also a nearby recreational site for paddling, sailing, swimming, hiking, bird-watching and fishing.
Officials from the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, city of Vancouver, Clark County and the Port of Vancouver want to reconnect community members with Vancouver Lake starting with an open house.
The free, lake-focused event will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver.
The public may drop in at any time for light refreshments, and there will be a brief program with raffle drawings at 5:30 p.m.
Groups working in education, recreation conservation and research will have representatives there to talk about their work around the lake and share ways for community members to get involved. Fruit Valley Elementary School will also showcase the experiences fifth-grade students had at the lake last year on an educational field trip.
“I hope local citizens will take this opportunity to join the conversation, share their experiences, learn about their lake and maybe join us at a volunteer or recreation event this year,” Marriott said.
