green living

In the early 1900's Johnson Lake was the premier recreation site in its area. The lake was fed by groundwater springs and the water was so clear your could see to the bottom. In our lifetimes, the lake has seen various forms of pollution. A rigorous clean up effort began once the property was acquired by the city in the '90s. Continue to contribute to the health of the Johnson Lake natural area with us by casting native plant seeds at our April 2nd work party. It's a three step process that includes roughing up the soil, casting seed, and covering the planting area with mulch. This is a great activity for families and groups. Join us! This event runs rain or shine! Be sure to dress for the weather and bring water, rain gear and sturdy shoes. Snacks, tools, training and gloves will be provided. Parents should note that there is a water body on this site. This opportunity is open to volunteers 14 years and older, unless accompanied by an adult. Registration is requested. Is your business or community group looking to volunteer? Groups are welcome! Please contact the Council independently if you are registering with 5 or more persons. Activities include: Native Planting.

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/stewardship-saturday-johnson-...

Young Fruit Trees & Berries: Planning, Selection, Planting, & Care
Sunday April 17th, 1pm - 4pm
SE Portland, Pleasant Valley neighborhood
 
April is a good month to plant fruit trees and berry bushes. Learn which types are the best to grow in the sun, shade, and containers.  Emphasis on: organic methods, easiest to grow, most productive varieties and techniques, sustainability.

In this informative workshop you will learn the basics of fruit tree and berry selection in order to choose an appropriate variety for your space. This fun workshop will be an opportunity to gain a basic understanding of the various factors one should consider when selecting a fruit tree or berry plant for a given site. We'll do some hands-on planting together and participants will also learn some basic steps for young (0-4 yrs) tree and berry care.

<<Click here to register now>>

About the instructor: 
Jeffrey Harrison holds an M.A. in literary theory and has tutored writers of all ages at Street Roots, PCC - Rock Creek, and in online services.  His landscape contracting company is in its 7th year of providing consultation and building services to enhance native ecology, beauty, and sustainability.  He has also provided education and leadership to volunteers at Portland Fruit Tree Project for the past 4 years through the Tree Care Teams program.  He enjoys writing poetry and songs to sing and play on his guitar.

This workshop will be hosted by one of our registered tree owners in SE Portland, Pleasant Valley neighborhood. 

 The location address and other details will be provided after you register.

<<Click here to register now>>

Whip Grafting
Saturday March 26th, 10am - 1pm
NE Portland, Vernon neighborhood
 
In this fun, hands-on workshop you will learn the basics of grafting, the most common method of fruit tree propagation. Learn why and how grafting is done, what root stock and scion wood are and which ones to use. You'll get to bring home a fruit tree that you grafted yourself and come away ready to propagate more fruit trees on your own! Additional trees & rootstocks will also be available for purchase at the workshop.

<<Click here to register now>>

About the instructor:

Rick Shory has always worked with plants. In addition to gardening, he has grown and pruned fruit trees, including over 30 years experience grafting. In 2010, he returned to the Pacific Northwest after ten years in Colorado, where he worked in environmental field research and had a home orchard and permaculture garden. His botanical specialization is grasses.

 The location address and other details will be provided after you register.

<<Click here to register now>>

Want your garden to yield more food with less work? Plan now and get a jump on year-round abundance!

Learn to:

Grow food year-round in Portland's mild climate - year after year

Save time, money and water 

Plant each crop at the right time and place  

Map your garden

Understand planting calendars, seed packets and seed catalogs

..and more.

To get the most out of this class, please bring a map of your garden site and a list of what you hope to grow.

This class introduces our 2016 program in the Year Round Harvest

www.handmadegardenspdx.com/year-round-harvest-course/

Join volunteers for this monthly Third Saturday Cleanup in Northwest Portland. Pick up litter and remove graffiti in the area. Join us for some coffee and conversation afterward. Volunteers should come prepared with completed waiver forms (if possible) and work gloves on cold days. Activities include: Litter Cleanup.

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/nwda-third-saturday-march-cle...