What’s happening

Author Polly Buckingham Reading, discussion and book signing of “Years of Silence.” Her chapbook was the winner of the 2012 Jeanne Leiby Memorial Chapbook Award. She was a finalist for the Flannery O’Connor Award in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and she teaches creative writing and literature at Eastern Washington University. Today, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Floods, Flowers, and Feathers Spring Nature Festival Learn about the wildlife, habitats and geology of the channeled scablands landscape. Discover birds, wildflowers, insects, wildlife, and catch a glimpse of remnants of the Ice Age Floods that created the diverse scablands habitat. Nature hikes, tours, kids’ activities, and informational booths will make for a wonderful spring day outdoors. Some activities require reservations. Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, 26010 S. Smith Road. Free. (509) 235-4723.

“Getting Out in a Canoe or Kayak” Join Rich Landers, local outdoorsman and author of “Paddle Routes of the Inland Northwest” for this session about local paddle destinations. Thursday, 7 p.m., REI, 1125 N. Monroe St. Free. (509) 328-9900.

SSA Upscale Sale Today and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. A high quality estate sale to benefit the Spokane Symphony. Items include fine china and crystal, jewelry, books, designer clothes and furs, art items, furniture, household decor and vintage linens. All proceeds will be donated to the Spokane Symphony. Mercedes Benz of Spokane, 1027 W. Third Ave. Free admission. (509) 624-1200.

Celebrate 25 Years of NATIVE Project In honor of its 25th anniversary providing “sacred hospitality” to the community. barbecue, music, tours, fun activities and more. NATIVE Project will unveil its new logo, provide tours of its updated facility and share its plans for the next 25 years. Today, noon, NATIVE Project, 1803 W. Maxwell Ave. Free. (509) 483-7535.

10th Annual “Light the Way” Dinner Auction Proceeds benefit childhood cancer patients, survivors and their families in the Inland Northwest. KXLY’s Mark Peterson will host. Today, 5:30-11 p.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. $75. (509) 999-6514.

U-District Foundation 6th Annual Night of Encouragement Dinner, two drink tickets, live and silent auctions, live music and dancing. All proceeds support the U-District Foundation. Reservations taken online and by phone. Visit www.udistrictpt.com/foundation. Today, 6 p.m., The Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. $55. (509) 458-7686.

Conquest of the Cage Mixed martial arts with more than 10 bouts. Main event features former Cheney resident “Insane” Dave Courchaine vs. Abe Jacobs; and co-featuring Elizabeth Phillips of Omak vs. Katie Howard of Portland. Stevie Vanassche of Wenatchee will face off against Kristen Stenzel of Spokane. Age 16 and younger admitted with an adult. All bouts subject to change. Today, 7 p.m., Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. $45-$75. (509) 481-6700.

Spokane Public Radio Groundbreaking Ceremony This event marks the commencement of renovations on historic Firehouse No. 3, which will house the new radio station for KPBX, KSFC and KPBZ. The renovations are expected to be completed and by early spring of 2015. Includes tours and light refreshments. Monday, 1 p.m., Spokane Public Radio, 1229 N. Monroe St. (509) 328-5729.

Everyday Escapes: Films of the Depression Come to the movies with Dale Soden, professor of history at Whitworth University, as he explores some of the most popular films of the Great Depression. From “Gone with the Wind” to the horrors of “Frankenstein,” you’ll get a look at the place Americans went, and continue to go, to forget their troubles for a little while. Thursday, 6:30 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 893-8350.