Nature and Human Health

Nothing says "Pacific Northwest" like the annual return from the ocean of the salmon, fighting upstream to spawn and die in the rivers of their birth.  In October, witness this ancient, iconic phenomenon at Oxbow Regional Park along the Sandy River, one of the nation's designated Wild and Scenic rivers.  During the annual Salmon Homecoming, naturalists are on hand to help you see the salmon and explore other aspects of the park's 1,000 acres of old-growth forest, hiking and equestrian trails and river beaches.  Take the chill off around the campfire.  Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or cider around the campfire.  Guaranteed to take the chill off and lift your spirits for a walk in the autumn woods. 

Join naturalists at the river's edge.  They'll help you spot spawning salmon and tell you about the salmon's behavior and life cycle.  Borrow a pair of polarized fish-viewing glasses onsite.

Learn more:  http://www.oregonmetro.gov/oxbow

Free of charge.  No registration required.

Vehicle charge:  $5 per car/$7 per bus

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

Come learn about creating a beautiful habitat rich garden that also acts as a water feature, helps recharge groundwater, and helps protect local streams.

Register: emswcd.org

Join the Clackamas River Basin Council, We Love Clean Rivers, and a flotilla of over 300 volunteers in rafts, kayaks, drift boats, and SCUBA gear to scour the Clackamas River's streambed and banks for trash. Each year, an average of 2-3 tons of garbage is collected, over half of which is recycled. This is the longest-running on-water cleanup event of its kind in Oregon.

Pre-registration is required at:
http://www.welovecleanrivers.org/clackamas-down-the-river-clean-up-sep/

All non-motorized paddle crafts may participate and launch at one of four parks: McIver (Lower Boat Ramp), Barton, Carver, and Riverside Park during a rolling start from 7:30-9:30AM. Boaters must have Class II+ whitewater experience, provide all their own gear, shuttle, and wear a life jacket.

On-water and on-land volunteer opportunities are available too! SCUBA divers and free divers are also welcome. Free BBQ featuring 3 Guys Grilling of Damascus and prizes at Barton Park for all volunteers from 3:00-5:00PM.

Join Portland's Surfrider Foundation volunteers on the 1st Tuesday of the month for the Northside Green Streets off Alberta! Green Streets is a partnership between the City of Portland and the local Surfrider chapter that aims to keep our streets clean and our local bioswales healthy. Bioswales are those cool mini wetland garden thingies cut into the edge of many streets in town. Our Green Street Stewards, volunteer to clean up litter out of these swales and along the side of the road. This keeps litter out of our local watersheds, and since everything flows downstream, keeps litter out of our oceans. It's a great way to act locally, and make impacts globally! The Surfrider Crew leader will make this volunteer event a fun night to remember, with some cool tunes and sweet treats. Come join us as we work together to keep our waterways clean.

Register here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/surfrider-foundation-septembe...

Join the Weed Warrior effort to restore a healthy habitat at Mt. Tabor Park. The Weed Warrior Stewardship Coordinator and volunteer crew leaders will share their knowledge of the natural habitat, demonstrate how to remove non-native vegetation, and help keep us organized, safe and motivated! We will make sure that you are comfortable and contribute in ways that match your skills and interests. Wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for working in natural areas: long pants, long sleeves, brimmed hat to protect from sun/rain, and closed-toe sturdy shoes. Bring a water bottle. We provide you with tools, gloves, and snacks. Activities include: Invasive Plant Removal, Litter Cleanup.

Register here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/join-last-saturday-weed-warri...