Fall is the perfect time to plant trees and Oct. 29 is a great day to learn how during a hands-on Vancouver Urban Forestry TreeTalk Workshop.

This free workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to noon in the Fisher's Landing Neighborhood at 18901 SE 41st Drive. You will have an opportunity to ensure that new trees planted now will thrive for generations to come.

"One of the most common mistakes we see is trees planted too deep," explains Charles Ray, Urban Forester for the City of Vancouver, on why trees die prematurely. "This deprives the tree roots of oxygen," continues Ray, "and causes rot around the trunk of the tree."

Improper planting is one of the leading causes of early decline and death in trees. This workshop is aimed at giving trees a healthy start with proper planting preparations, correct planting depth and post-planting care.

Vancouver Urban Forestry staff will provide demonstrations and answer questions, then work side by side with workshop participants to practice their new skills by planting 38 trees and over 200 shrubs throughout the natural area.

CAMAS, Wash. - Police killed an animal in Camas that got into pens holding exotic animals, killing several.

Officers responded to calls of an animal attacking other animals and shot the intruding creature. But no one yet knows exactly what kind of animal it is.

Police theorized it may be a wild mixed breed of a dog and wolf but no specific determination has been released. The carcass of the animal, which had a chain on it, remain inside a pen that houses rare species of deer and other exotic creatures.

The owner of the property the pens sit on had no comment. KATU News reporters found bullet casings near where the mystery animal was shot and killed.

Neighbors said they will feel a little more at ease about their pets knowing the as-yet unidentified animal is dead.

The Cape Horn Conservancy launched its website this week.  The non-profit organization formed earlier this year to help the US Forest Service implement the official Cape Horn Trail plan. The Cape Horn Trail is located 10 miles east of Washougal in Skamania County.  Now the group has a website, www.capehorntrail.org, where you can find up-to-date information on the trail, look at photos, get trail directions, donate money for trail improvements, and find out about volunteer opportunities. In addition, an anonymous donor has agreed to match all donations made between now and the end of the year.  Contribute now to double the impact of your contributions and help the trail become a world-class hiking destination.

Check out the website and plan a hike.