photo/Wallowa ResourcesA happy child shows off the fish she caught in last year's Watershed Festival.

The 6th Annual Watershed Festival will be held from noon to 5 p.m., Friday, June 25, at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds.

The free, fun-filled event, sponsored by Wallowa Resources, celebrates the mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, grasslands, animals, and Wallowa County’s natural resource heritage. As usual, there will be games for children, a scavenger hunt that anyone can win (win a barbecue burger at the food stand) and many hands-on education exhibits.

Many local organizations, such as Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Goebel-Jackson Tree Farm, and the Wallowa County Slow Foods Chapter will have booths with activities. New this year, two organizations, ODFW and US Forest Service, will be focusing on the uniqueness of the Hells Canyon region and potential local aquatic invaders.

The entire family will enjoy seeing birds of prey from Blue Mountain Wildlife up close. Blue Mountain is bringing several birds including a Peregrine Falcon, a Red-tailed Hawk, a Great-horned Owl, and a Golden Eagle. Children also may catch a Rainbow trout in the fishing pond provided by the Nez Perce Tribe Fisheries, and build and take home a birdhouse.

Live music organized by the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance will play all day. Performers will include local and regional youth and adult performers including Wake Up Jane, Natalie Zeigler, the Prairie Creek Girls, SJ Barry, and Janis Carper.

For more information: Wallowa Resources, 426-8053 or (www.WallowaResources.org/watershed07.htm).