Dec 2013 Newsletter

Alliance Updates

Our newest partner is for everyone. Welcome to The Intertwine Alliance, Access Recreation! We look forward to working with this "ad hoc" committee to expand accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for all.

A Summit for the record books. Thanks to all 327 of you who joined us at the Oregon Zoo on March 19th for our 2014 Spring Summit, during which everyone present rolled up sleeves, grabbed a pen, and helped us brainstorm ideas for a new guiding framework for the Alliance: the Collective Impact Model. By definition, we couldn't have done it without you!

Missed out on the main event? Never fear! We compiled photos and key takeaways from twenty Summit attendees for a special post in Outside Voice.

Already taking initiative. Based on strong interest in continuing the work started in our Summit breakout groups, we're pleased to announce the date of the first Intertwine Initiative Forum. Focused on community health and nature, this meeting will take place on May 8th at PSU's Native American Center. Contact David for more information.

Intertwine News

Owl boxes, green grass, slip planes... Last week in Outside Voice, we featured blogger Eric Ufer on how he's taking pest control back to nature. Earlier in March, we heard from the Bay Area Open Space Council's Jenn Fox on why The Intertwine's grass is greener, and Scott Gall of the West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District on how to stop soil from getting carried away.

A new trail for Earth Day. A new link in the 40-Mile Loop Trail is opening at Metro's Blue Lake Regional Park. To celebrate Earth Day along the new trail with Congressman Earl Blumenauer -- who helped secure federal funding for the project -- RSVP by Monday, April 14th.

A great day for SW Trails. On March 15th, SW Trails dedicated a new trail at Stephens Creek Natural Area. The dedication, held at the corner of SW Bertha Blvd and SW Chestnut Drive, also recognized new signage for the park and the Raz Baack Crossing.

And a new park for Cully - yay! On March 19th, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz announced that Portland City Council has unanimously approved the City's acquisition, facilitated by partner the Trust for Public Land, of 85 acres of natural area and the Colwood Golf Course. The land will be acquired and managed through a partnership with PP&R and the Bureau of Environmental Services.

Partner Updates

One day can't contain our tree love. Here in The Intertwine, we're not about to limit our celebration of all things tall and leafy to just Arbor Day. So instead, Portland Parks & Recreation is partnering with groups across the city for Arbor Month -- a full 30 days of tree-riffic events, from heritage tree bike rides to arbor art shows and fruit tree giveaways.

Water is the word. Clean Water Services is sponsoring an April 11th communications boot camp for local agua advocates at Vancouver's Water Resources Education Center. Funds raised from the boot camp will support the Adopt-a-School grant program, Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the World Water Monitoring Challenge.

Also making waves: Clackamas County Water Environment Services (WES) made Portland Tribune headlines last month for their hands-on field trips and a rockin' planting along Rock Creek. Want to learn more about WES's Watershed Health Education Program? Check out this short video!

Crowd SOLVE-ing. On April 26th, volunteers from across the state will battle trash and invasive plants for SOLVE's 25th Annual SOLVE IT event -- this year presented by Portland General Electric. Over nine million pounds of litter and weeds have been cleared since 1990. Let's make it an even ten million for the event's silver anniversary!

Curious Gorge and the 20-hike challenge. Friends of Columbia Gorge's "Histories & Mysteries" hiking series is keeping Gorge fans on their toes for the next seven months! This interactive tour de force kicked off on March 15th and continues straight through to Halloween. To learn more about the series, contact Maegan by email, or visit the Friends' website.

The greenest of honors. Congratulations are in order for Travel Oregon -- named a platinum-level "Leader in Sustainability Tourism" last month by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International and National Geographic Traveler!