Nature and Human Health

The Washington County Master Gardener Association is hosting their annual plant sale with $5 perennials and annuals for shade and sun as well as natives, shrubs, herbs, berries, trees and drought-tolerant plants. There will also be Master Gardeners on site to answer any questions.

Earth Day is a global celebration, and here in Oregon we take extra pride in caring for our environment and communities. Be part of our tradition of care by volunteering at SOLVE IT, presented by Portland General Electric on Saturday April 18th!

Litter and invasive plants have settled into the areas where we live, work and play. Now's your chance to join thousands of Oregon volunteers as we take back our city streets, local parks and natural spaces. Projects include litter cleanup, invasive plant removal, planting native trees and shrubs, and more. Projects involving youth are also part of Global Youth Service Day and several projects are set to happen the week before and after the main SOLVE date of 4/18. Sign up to volunteer by going to www.solveoregon.org, clicking "Get Involved" and selecting your favorite project from over 100 family friendly events.

Help improve our state this April and be part the SOLVE solution at Oregon's largest Earth Day event. 

Learn more at http://www.solveoregon.org/what-we-do/solve-spring-oregon-beach-cleanup

Questions? Contact SOLVE at 503-844-9571 ext. 332 or info@solveoregon.org

Some events that are still looking for You!

Forest Grove

http://www.solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/lower-gales-creek-restora...

West Linn
http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/mary-s-young-park-earth-day-b...
http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/burnside-wilderness-park-rest...
http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/guinness-record-breaking-spri...

Wilsonville
http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/trail-work-graham-oaks-nature...

Troutdale/Fairview
http://www.solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/gardening-blue-lake-park

Portland
http://www.solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/broughton-beach-cleanup

St. Paul (pull from Wilsonville, Salem, Woodburn)
http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/champoeg-earth-day-cleanup

Learn to build a rain garden! A rain garden is a sunken garden bed that captures stormwater and allows it to soak back into the ground naturally. This workshop provides step-by-step details on how to plan, design and build your own rain garden. You'll find out how to decide the best size & placement, which plants to choose, and how to maintain your new rain garden. Participants receive a free how-to manual, and where possible, take a field trip to a nearby rain garden. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Register online at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/. Information: 503-222-7645.

We Are Too! Join SOLVE this year at a local Spring Planting Season event and help jump start the Spring season. Planting Days are set to happen across the Portland Metro Area every Saturday from February through April.

We have over 20 planting events scheduled from now through April - view the full calendar and register today at:  http://solveoregon.org/sites/default/files/documents/tuspring15feb.pdf

SOLVE is committed to bringing Oregonians together to enhance our environment and build a legacy of stewardship and that mission starts with YOU! Join SOLVE for a few hours on a Saturday to help enhance and protect Oregon's environment.

Questions? Contact SOLVE at 503-844-9571 ext. 332 or info@solveoregon.org

Join us in our mission to protect, enhance, restore and revitalize the Slough and its watershed by joining our Volunteer Paddle Team!

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. 

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

Details and Registration

View of the full position description for application information and for instructions on how to register for our April 11th and April 16th trainings.

The Council has a lot of other volunteer opportunities, too. Check 'em out!