Conservation

About the Eco-Blitz series:

Be part of a new citizen science movement, and contribute to the region’s species inventory! 

Whether out of need for baseline data to support a conservation program or just pure curiosity, we often wonder about the various life forms around us. Numerous species surveys are conducted throughout the Portland-Vancouver region, but the resulting data is not always accessible or might not translate well for the general public. The Portland-Vancouver Regional Eco-Blitz Series will establish continuous species identification events, bringing together partners from throughout the area to make the data transparent and accessible to all. We will do this by displaying real-time data created by participants like you. View database below.

The Eco-Blitz Series aims to:

• Raise awareness of biodiversity
• Generate appreciation of natural resources
• Establish a shared effort among science professionals, educators and the general public
• Create a shared database of regional species and natural resources 

Pre-register for one of five shifts at the Graham Oaks event HERE. 

Join us for FREE urban nature adventures every third Wednesday, February through November! Each guided "hike" will consist of an easy walk or tour with a theme, appropriate for all ages. May theme: Want to learn how to conserve resources AND make nature work for you? Come tour Columbia Springs and see sustainable design features in action, including hydro-electric power, rain water capture for your garden, recycled building materials, and composting. You'll even learn how you can incorporate some of these ideas in your home!

Spring Tree Care: Pest & Disease Management/Fruit Thinning
Sunday May 22nd, 1pm - 4pm
SW Portland, Washington County, off Canyon Rd
 

In this hands-on workshop you will learn the basics of springtime pest and disease assessment and fruit thinning to increase the health and abundance of local fruit trees! This fun workshop will be an opportunity to gain a basic understanding of the different types of pests and diseases commonly found in the Portland area as well as the importance and how-to of fruit thinning. If you have samples of pest and/or disease affected fruit, leaves, or twigs - please bring them to the workshop in a sealed container so we can try to ID them

<<Click here to register now>>

About the instructor:

Heidi Noordijk studied horticulture at Michigan State University and Cornell University - specializing in pomology (tree fruits). Heidi has participated in research projects involving apple tree physiology, berry production, and tree fruit entomology. Heidi has also worked on various orchards and farms in the PNW and east coast. Heidi currently works for OSU's Small Farms program.

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

<<Click here to register now>>

Columbia Springs is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donations and volunteers to help us give our community a place for educational, healthy, outdoor fun. Our fundraiser, Hooked on Nature, features live music, dinner, silent auction, live auction, and interactive displays about Columbia Springs' programs. If you want to have fun and support our efforts to get our community connected to nature and to get kids learning about the environment, then this event is for you! Mark your calendars - Registration opens in May. Visit columbiasprings.org.

Getting dirty at the Arboretum has never been easier!

We're inviting all who are able to come help us with some mulching, trail work, trimming, hauling, weeding, etc. There are four opportunities for you to help us throughout the month, April 2 and 30th. 

The work this group will do will help us get our grounds in tip top shape this very important month.... Arbor Month!

If you're interested, you should expect to get super dirty, meet some really fun people, and feel sore the following day from a good morning's work. We have all the tools and gloves, but you should wear clothes you don't mind getting messy and that are appropriate for the weather.... it's Portland, so it's probably a safe bet that it might rain.

The last thing to bring along is snacks! No one likes to be hungry, so please come prepared.