Nature and Human Health

Join Friends of Nadaka to restore a healthy habitat at Nadaka Nature Park. We will be removing invasive species such as English ivy and Himalayan blackberry from the forest. Tools, gloves, training and light refreshments will be provided. Dress to work in natural areas: long pants, brimmed hat, and closed-toe sturdy shoes. Please bring a water bottle and a friend! Businesses, schools and community groups are welcome! Activities include: Invasive Plant Removal, Litter Cleanup, Working in the Community Garden.

For the past five years, SOLVE and the City of Portland have partnered up to restore Baltimore Woods - a 35-acre wildlife corridor which runs along the Willamette River and through St Johns. The City acquired the land, piece by piece, and SOLVE cleared the land of trash and hazards, removed invasive weeds, and planted hundreds of native trees, shrubs and flowers there. Now SOLVE is helping the local Friends of Baltimore Woods (FoBW) to nurture the young plantings, and restore the area to its natural state - a native oak woodland. On 9/24/16,SOLVE and FoBW are teaming up again to host a work party in Baltimore Woods. You are invited to join other volunteers in searching out native plants in the woods, clearing invasive weeds around each plant, and mulching the plant's root zone with wood chips. The work is invigorating, but not strenuous. The land is hilly in spots, so boots are recommended. FoBW and SOLVE will provide all the guidance, tools (including gloves), refreshments and esprit de corps you may need. This will be a fun and inclusive community event. Families with children six-and-older are especially welcome. (P.S. Hey, veterans of past work parties in Baltimore Woods: Come, see how your plants are faring. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.) Activities include: Invasive Plant Removal.

We are beautifying Vancouver's waterfront! This project will primarily involve picking up litter along the Columbia River east of the I-5 within the property of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Gloves, trash bags, and trash picker-uppers will be provided. Lunch break planned around noon-ish. There is no minimum time requirement, you can can for 50 minutes or the full 3 hours! We appreciate all the help that we can get!

Explore the incredible diversity of fungi in Oxbow's ancient forest.  In this hands-0n, beginners class, learn the basics of mushrooms and other fungi.  This is not an edible mushroom class.

Meet at Group Camp 1. 

Time:  11:00-1:00 p.m.  OR  2:00-4:00 p.m.

Ages:  8 and older

Registration:  No registration required

Cost:  Free of charge

Pets policy:  To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at most regional parks and natural areas.  Pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife the region has worked to protect.  In natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and get closer to it.  Seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are allowed.  Please bring cleanup materials.  http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/pets-policy

How do young salmon find food and refuge from floods and predators?  Join the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council to learn the science behind a side channel restoration project at Oxbow's Happy Creek.  Restoring habitat lost in a 1960's road-building project, the project created deep pools, bubbling riffles and hiding places for Chinook, coho and steelhead.  Learn the characteristics of good habitat and tips on native plants and salmon-friendly practices you can incorporate into your life.

Meet at Alder Shelter.  Meet at 1:45 p.m., program from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Ages :  8 and older

Registration:  No registration required

Cost:  Free of charge

Pets policy:  To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at most regional parks and natural areas.  Pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife the region has worked to protect.  In natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and get closer to it.  Seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are allowed.  Please bring cleanup materials.  http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/pets-policy