Newt gets his annual day in the sun rain, Nov. 5

Newt Day is back! THPRD’s annual homage to the rough-skinned amphibian returns on Saturday, Nov. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton.

This family-friendly event is designed to inspire exploration of nature during the season when it is tempting to stay inside. Visitors of all ages are invited to walk the grounds in search of these fascinating creatures, who enjoy seasonally wet weather more than most.

“Newts are happiest when it rains,” said Karen Munday, environmental education program coordinator. “Rain or shine, we’ll provide plenty to see and do. Visitors will learn what makes newts so special, why they love our winter weather, and which predator they fear most.”

A self-guided adventure on five miles of trail at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park is bound to include encounters with newts and other creatures. Inside, at the Nature Center, guests will learn about the amazing adaptations of newts and other forest inhabitants at indoor exhibits and interactive activities hosted by THPRD nature experts.

How do newts evade predators? How do they survive both in and out of water? Guests will leave with a better understanding of these and other questions.

Newt Day admission is $2 per person (children 2 and under are free).

The Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a 222-acre wildlife preserve in the heart of Beaverton that features evergreen and deciduous forests, creeks, wetlands, ponds, and meadows. The park is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and smaller creatures. Its trails network includes 1.5 miles of paved pathways plus 3.5 miles of well maintained, soft-surface trails.

For more information, call the Tualatin Hills Nature Center at 503-629-6350.

About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 240,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.