The Lifeways, Landscapes and Wildlife Interpretive Program is a series of workshops, lectures, demonstrations, hands-on student experiences, and cultural events that interprets and emphasizes the tangible connection between environment and people.  This program aims to facilitate the understanding of the local cultural and historical impacts using the following components:

Artist in Residence Series: The Plankhouse hosts a series of four Artists-in Residence demonstrations of Chinookan arts and culture during the months of April-June.  These artists are available 3 days a week for school groups and one weekend for the general public.  Past artists have demonstrated basket making, traditional foods and preparation techniques, and paint-making with a variety of minerals, ores, and clays.  To coordinate your school group trip to the Refuge with the Artist in Residence Series contact Josie Finley at Josie_Finley@fws.gov or call (360) 887-4106.   

Second Sunday Series: The Plankhouse hosts a series of presentations on Chinookan culture, archaeology, and natural history the second Sunday of every month from April-October.


Traditional Skills Workshops: Experienced teachers lead workshops on subjects ranging from cattail mat making (including harvesting) to wapato gathering/preparation to flintknapping and basket weaving, to name just a few.

Seasonal Gathering Series: The plankhouse hosts cultural gatherings highlighting significant changes in the seasonal round and focusing on resources and traditions specific to the season.  One of our more notable seasonal gatherings is the Autumn Salmon Bake which is included in the Birdfest and Bluegrass festivities in October. 

See our calendar for a list of upcoming Lifeways, Landscapes and Wildlife activities in the Plankhouse or contact the Plankhouse Coordinator at (360) 887-4106 for more information.  You can also receive our newsletter and notifications of upcoming events by contacting sarah_hill@fws.gov and requesting to be added to the email list.