Explore Newt Day on Nov. 2 at Tualatin Hills Nature Park

What does a newt eat? Who preys on the newt? Where to these rough-skinned creatures reside on nature’s food web?

The answers to these and other questions will be explored at Newt Day, the Tualatin Hills Nature Park’s family-friendly homage to one of the park’s more fascinating inhabitants.

Newt Day is set for Saturday, Nov. 2, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Nature Park Interpretive Center (15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton). Admission is $2 per person; children 2 and under are free.

The Interpretive Center’s nature experts will host exhibits and activities that showcase newts and illustrate their quest to survive and thrive at the Nature Park as both predator and prey. From worms and mushrooms to snakes and hawks, learn about who eats who at these indoor exhibits.

Afterward, venture out onto park trails on a self-guided adventure. Search for newts, follow the food web, and discover a wide array of plants and wildlife.

“At a time of year when people are tempted to stay inside, the forest is alive with newts and other creatures,” said Karen Munday, the event coordinator.

Munday said guests will leave with a better understanding of newts, their environment, and their arch nemesis.

“There is only one predator that can eat a rough-skinned newt and live to tell about it,” Munday said, “and if you join us on Nov. 2, you’ll learn who that is and a whole lot more.”

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 Park Interpretive Center at 503/629-6350.

About THPRD

Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving 230,000 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, 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.