Conservation

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.

 On Tuesday, March 8th, Michele Crim, Climate Action Program Manager for the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability will present Portland's newly revised Climate Action Plan at TaborSpace in SE Portland.  This event is free and open to the public and is hosted by the neighborhood group, Let's Talk Climate.  

The Climate Action Plan will implement many changes to our infrastructure, including buildings, transportation, consumption and waste, food and agriculture.  How will these changes be implemented?  What role might there be for individual and neighborhood participation?  And how will success be measured?  Join in the conversation!  

Each year the Columbia Slough Watershed Council hosts dozens of educational paddling events that expose adults and children to the wonders of the Columbia Slough. We're seeking novice to advanced paddlers who would like to volunteer to assist with our Twilight Paddles, Slough School kids' paddles and our summer festivals. Orientation Part 1 will focus on the logistical aspects of this volunteer team. Orientation Part 2 on the following Saturday will include on-water skill building. Volunteers must attend each session.

Scheduling is flexible. Volunteers are expected to commit to 1-2 programs per month over the paddle season (May through August) with the option to continue with Fall programming. Before orientation, volunteers complete a short, informal interview with the Council's Volunteer Coordinator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
*    Assist staff members with canoe and kayak-based educational and recreational activities
*    Monitor and lead volunteers in the paddling area at events
*    Facilitate safe, inclusive on-water activities with kids and adults
*    Perform routine maintenance on boats and paddling equipment 

Minimum Qualifications
*    Novice to advanced canoeing and kayaking skills
*    Strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills
*    Able to work in variable outdoor conditions, sometimes cold and/or rainy and dark
*    Able to take direction and initiative, provide leadership when needed
*    Comfortable working with children and adults
*    Able to lift 30 pounds overhead

To apply
Please send a brief letter of interest to Hanna Davis at Hanna.Davis@columbiaslough.org describing your experience and interest or call (503) 281-1132 to schedule a time to speak over the phone.

A local business is committed to caring for their land along the Slough banks - and you can help! Eastern Western Corporation is using salmon-safe techniques to help restore a piece of their property along the banks of the Slough. They even used goats to help clear some of our planting area! Hundreds of native plants need to go in during this Stewardship Saturday event, so bring the whole family!

Interested? Wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. We'll provide gloves, tools, training and snacks. Registration is requested, so visit our webpage to RSVP.

Site details: The work site is directly adjacent to the parking area. The planting site itself has a gentle slope toward the slough. Formal restrooms at a local business less than 1/4 mile away will be available. For greater detail about the site please contact our Stewardship Director Adele Rife at (503) 281-1132.

Groups: Is your business or community group looking for a service opportunity? Stewardship Saturdays are a great way to build camaraderie while giving back to the community. Contact us today to learn more about registering your group!

Each year the Columbia Slough Watershed Council hosts dozens of educational paddling events that expose adults and children to the wonders of the Columbia Slough. We're seeking novice to advanced paddlers who would like to volunteer to assist with our Twilight Paddles, Slough School kids' paddles and our summer festivals. Volunteer!

Time commitment:  Scheduling is flexible. Volunteers are expected to commit to 1-2 programs per month over the paddle season (May through August) with the option to continue with Fall programming. Before serving, volunteers attend a two orientation sessions. Before orientation, volunteers complete a short, informal interview with the Council's Volunteer Coordinator.

Orientation Session 1: Thursday, April 7th, 2016, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Orientation Session 2: Saturday, April 16th, 2016, 9:00am - 1:00pm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Assist staff members with canoe and kayak-based educational and recreational activities

* Monitor and lead volunteers in the paddling area at events

* Facilitate safe, inclusive on-water activities with kids and adults

* Perform routine maintenance on boats and paddling equipment

Minimum Qualifications

* Novice to advanced canoeing and kayaking skills

* Strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills

* Able to work in variable outdoor conditions, sometimes cold and/or rainy and dark

* Able to take direction and initiative, provide leadership when needed

* Able to lift 30 pounds overhead

Preferred Qualifications

* Interest in local flora, fauna and water quality issues

* Affinity for sharing natural history of the Slough and the watershed

* Familiarity with N and NE Portland waterways

* First aid and CPR certified

Interested? Send a brief letter of intent (1-2 paragraphs) about why you're interested in this position to Volunteer Coordinator Hanna Davis at hanna.davis@columbiaslough.org or send your letter to 7040 NE 47th Ave, Portland, OR 97218. Include your name, address, email address and phone number.