Recreation calendar

Backpacking/Hiking

April 14: Free backpacking clinic from 7-8:30 p.m. at REI, 1125 N. Monroe. Info: 328-9900.

Baseball/Softball

April 11: Registration for Pullman Parks and Recreation men’s, women’s and coed softball, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Pioneer Center, 240 SE Dexter St. in Pullman. Team fees: $790 men and women, $450 coed. Info: (509) 338-3227.

April 24: Baseball Northwest tryouts for this season’s special events at Spokane Falls Community College. Tryouts open to eastern Washington players. 2008 and 2009 graduates tryout at 9 a.m., followed by 2006 and 2007 graduates at 1 p.m. Fees: $20. Info: Mike Brooks, (253) 536-8001.

Sign up: Coaches, parents and players wanted for new ASA-affiliated fastpitch league. Players ages 18 and younger. Registration deadline May 1. Info: Theresa Sabin, (509) 796-3524 or Penny Myers, (509) 991-1755.

Cheer/Dance

April 16-17: Free auditions for 2005-06 Eastern Washington Elite Dance Teams at Elite Cheer and Dance Center in Kennewick. Grades 12 and under. Info: Teri Rowe, (509) 783-5700. April 16: North Idaho College cheerleaders elite stunt clinic at Christianson Gym on the NIC campus. Clinic for both coed and all-female teams runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration deadline April 12. Fees: $25 all-female teams, $50 coed. Info: Kristi Laroix, (509) 475-8890.

April 23: Free auditions for 2005-06 Eastern Washington Elite Cheer Teams at Elite Cheer and Dance Center in Kennewick. Grades 12 and under. Info: Teri Rowe, (509) 783-5700.

Climbing

April 16: Third annual Palouse Climbing Competition, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the University of Idaho Student Recreation Center Climbing Wall. Various age and class divisions will be available. Info: (208) 885-6810.

April 16: “Extreme Adventurer,” a free multimedia program presented by climber Will Gadd, 7:30 p.m. at the University of Idaho Law Building Courtroom. Info: (208) 885-6810.

Cycling

April 16: Volunteers needed for Camp Sekani trails cleanup day, organized by Fat Tire Trail Riders. Orientation starts at 9 a.m. Info: Penny Schwyn, 448-0346 or www.fttrc.org.

Fishing

April 9: Fish Fest, including exhibits and 21 seminars and kids casting competition, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at White’s Outdoor, 4002 E. Ferry. Information: 535-2422.

Sign up: Fly fishing for women, taught by Jan Sadlo at Ferris High School, Monday evenings May 16-June 13, sponsored by the Institute for Extended Learning, Community Education Program. Cost: $34. Pre-register, 279-6000.

Sign up: Fly fishing course taught by Jan Sadlo at Mt. Spokane High School, Monday evenings April 18-May 9, sponsored by the Institute for Extended Learning, Community Education Program. Cost: $39. Register, 279-6000.

Sign up: Fly-fishing course taught by Jan Sadlo at Orchard Center Elementary School, Wednesday evenings May 4-25, sponsored by the Institute for Extended Learning, Community Education Program. Cost: $39. Register, 279-6000.

Kayaking

April 18: Free introductory kayaking clinic presented by the Spokane Mountaineers, 7-8:30 p.m. at REI, 1125 N. Monroe. Info: 328-9900.

Multi-event sports

April 23: Beacon Blastoff Duathlon, 10 a.m. at Beacon Hill, off Upriver Drive. Third of four-race series. Bike-trail run-bike format, individual and team categories. Fees: $25 individual, $35 team. Info: (509) 455-7657.

Nature

April 13: Birds and other Wildlife of New Zealand and Australia, program by Dave Schneider, 7:30 p.m., Riverview Retirement Community downstairs chapel, 1801 Upriver Dr. Info: 838-5828. April 16: “Unveil the Trail” volunteer cleanup, 9 a.m.-noon at Mile 31 of the Centennial Trail. Info: REI, 328-9900.

April 16: Plant Identification on Turnbull Refuge. Learn how to identify plants on the Refuge and surrounding environs. Classroom and field session. Fees: $10 for this session, $15 if also taking May 21 session. Info: Ken Swedberg, (509) 235-4979. April 23: Friends of Turnbull Nature Photography Workshop with Spokane photographer Rich Leon, 9 a.m. at the headquarters of the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Workshop includes walk on one of Turnbull’s trails for those who wish to take photos. Donations to support environmental education activities at the refuge will be accepted. Info: Marie Fowler, (509) 569-2044.

Sign up: “Birds of Eastern Washington,” course taught by Maurice Vial, April 26-30 evenings plus Saturday field trip, sponsored by the Institute for Extended Learning, Community Education Program, Shadle Park High School. Cost: $57. Register, 279-6000.

Sign up: Mushroom identification field trip, May 21, sponsored by the Institute for Extended Learning, Community Education Program. Cost: $35. Register, 279-6000.

Sign up: Dishman Hills Natural Area nature experience with Mike Hamilton, May 14, sponsored by the Institute for Extended Learning, Community Education Program. Cost: $27. Register, 279-6000.

Sign up: Miocene Safari field trip with geologist Mike Hamilton, May 21, sponsored by the Institute for Extended Learning, Community Education Program. Cost: $27. Register, 279-6000.

Running/Walking

April 23: America’s Kids Run at Joe Albi Stadium for ages 5-13. Fees: $5 before April 15, $10 after. Info: 255-9377.

April 23: Third annual Wild Turkey Trot 5K run/walk at Rotary Dominion Meadows Trail in Colville. Race starts at 10 a.m. Registration deadline April 8. Fees: $8, includes T-shirt. Info: Krisan LeHew, (509) 675-1345.

April 23: 27th annual St. John Hog Jog at St. John City Park. Two- and 5-mile courses. Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Fees: $10 before April 16, $12 on race day, includes T-shirt. Info: Donna Harrison, (509) 648-3382; Lydia Smith, (509) 648-3719; Gracie Miller, (509) 648-3881.

May 8: Over the Dam Run at Mason City Park in Coulee Dam. 5K, 10K and half-marathon courses. Registration deadline April 9. Fees: $15 for 5K, $20 for 10K, $35 for half-marathon. Info: (360) 325-0715 or (800) COULEE2.

May 14: 5th annual Weiler Memorial Fun Run/Walk, 9 a.m. at Otis Orchards Elementary, 22000 E. Wellesley. Registration deadline April 15. Fees: $7 adult, $5 youth; includes T-shirt. All proceeds benefit cancer patient care. Info: www.geocities.com/weilerfunrun.

Sailing

April 9: Coeur d’Alene Sailing club information meetings regarding spring sailing classes at Lake Coeur d’Alene for youths and adults are set in Spokane at 4:30 p.m. at the Manito Library and in Coeur d’Alene at 2 p.m. at the Idaho Fish and Game Office. Info: Gaston Martin, 838-1266 or gastonfmartin@hotmail.com.

Sign up: Sailing basics course taught at Ferris High, Monday evenings April 18-May 9, sponsored by the Institute for Extended Learning, Community Education Program. Cost: $55. Register, 279-6000.

Shooting

April 10: Fund-raising trapshoot and barbecue for the new Washington State University Cougar Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, 1 p.m., Colton Gun Club. Contact: Griffin Hanberg, (425) 478-5941.

Skiing/Snowboarding

April 9: Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol is recruiting new volunteer members for the 2005-06 season. Informational meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Patrol Building at Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. Info: Jackie Hughes, 928-3261.

Tennis

April 30-May 1: Palouse Open 2005 tournament at various locations in Moscow. Open to all skill levels. Sanctioned by the Pacific Northwest Division of the USTA. Registration deadline April 11. Info: Katie Gibbons, (208) 724-8700.