Plan your planting

It's not quite time to start your spring planting, but now is the time to start planning. Here are some resources to help you with native plants, natural landscapes and water-friendly gardening practices in your yard.

Download Metro's Grow Smart, Grow Safe guide to help you find lawn and garden products that are the least hazardous to your family, pets, wildlife and watershed.

Order native plants from East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District. Place your order by Sunday, February 7 and pick up Saturday, February 20.

Get dirty for a good cause

If your list of New Year's resolutions included volunteering, why not plant some native trees to protect our watershed? Streams lined with native plants provide cleaner, cooler water, better flood management and habitat for fish and other wildlife. If you'd like to join in and get dirty for a good cause, see the schedule below for upcoming plantings. Events are Saturdays at 9 a.m. Click on the location link for more info and to volunteer.

• January 16, Pascuzzi Pond, Tualatin
• January 23, Durham City Park
• January 30, King City Park
• February 6, Durham City Park
• February 13, Platanus Trail, Sherwood
• February 20, Mary Woodward Wetland, Tigard
• February 20, Ibach Park, Tualatin
• February 27, Pascuzzi Pond, Tualatin

Hike around Hagg Lake

Get some outdoor exercise this month by hiking around Hagg Lake. The Mazamas are leading a 9 - 10 mile hike around the lake on Saturday, January 30. The trail covers different terrain including grassy hillsides, marshy areas, open forest, stream crossings and viewpoints of the lake. Hikers should be prepared for muddy terrain and keep a look out for deer, coyote and a variety of waterfowl. There is a $4 fee for non-members and a carpool will meet at 9 a.m. at Target on 185th. Contact trail leader David Fickett at (360) 314-2102 for more info.