Did you know that, at 2,300 acres, Vancouver Lake is the largest lake system in Clark County? Or that it hosts more than 200,000 migratory waterfowl each year?

Did you know you can kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard and even race dragon boats on the lake? That’s right, the Vancouver Lake Crew hosts dragon boat lessons and practices every week.

Want to know more? Come to a public open house on April 13 at the Water Resources Education Center in Vancouver! Hosted by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership (LCEP), Port of Vancouver USA, City of Vancouver and Clark County, the open house will feature groups involved in caring for and recreating on Vancouver Lake, including the Northwest Association of Blind Athletes, Vancouver Lake Crew, Vancouver Lake Sailing Club and Chinook Trail Association.

What: Vancouver Lake Open House
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13
Where: Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver

Vancouver Lake is a critical aquifer and important resource in the lower Columbia region. In 2014 the port and other partners agreed to work with LCEP to raise awareness about the lake, engage the community in its care and help people directly experience the lake through volunteering, community paddles and more.

Since beginning its Experience Vancouver Lake program in 2015, LCEP has engaged hundreds of students from various local schools; hosted several litter and shoreline planting events; and provided tools and resources to educate the community about this local treasure.