conservation education

Join the Rock Creek Partnership on Saturday, March 12th in Happy Valley for our fifth annual Watershed Wide Event! We'll be planting a wide diversity of native trees and shrubs to create a hedgerow on the property that will attract native pollinators and contribute to watershed health. No experience is necessary and all are welcome -- families, neighbors, and friends! There will be live music, a delicious variety of breakfast snacks and coffee/tea provided to all volunteers, as well as raffle prizes! The staging site will once again be the Galaxy Barn at Pendarvis Farm - site of the renowned Pickathon Music Festival. Parking is limited at the Pendarvis farm so we ask that all volunteers meet us at the nearby Happy Valley City Hall where shuttles will bring you to the farm. Plan to arrive by 8:30-8:45am at City Hall to leave enough time after arriving at the farm to get registered and assigned to a crew, as well as to enjoy hot coffee and breakfast treats. The event will wrap-up around 1:00pm. Rock Creek is an important tributary of the Clackamas River, which provides high quality drinking water to more than 300,000 people and provides critical habitat for many sensitive species of plants, fish and wildlife. The Rock Creek Partnership works with landowners to revitalize streamside habitats by removing invasive species, such as blackberry and ivy, and replanting the areas with native vegetation. Restoring native plant communities grows a canopy over our creeks, which filters drinking water, provides wildlife habitat, and increases property value.

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/watershed-wide-event

Linnton Creek is a principle stream in Forest Park, one of the main trail heads in the north end of the park, and its confluence with the Willamette River will have a new lagoon, as part of the the 27 acre Linnton Plywood Mill site's restoration as animal habitat (a Superfund mitigation site). We are restoring the creek trail head, removing ivy and blackberry, planting natives, and installing an interpretive sign, trash can and custom (and amusing) dog waste bag dispenser designed by noted artist Ivan McLean. Part of a broad effort to eliminate dog waste from the park, this site is particularly important as the creek will flow into a new lagoon designed as a resting place for salmon fry, where clean water will be crucial. At the moment the main effort is ivy removal and the planting of almost 300 native plants. Hot and cold beverages, pastries, tools and gloves are provided. We'll be having a celebration of the project's completion in June. Activities include: Invasive Plant Removal, Native Planting.

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/linnton-creek-project-march

Women in Science Day provides a great opportunity for young women in grades 6-12 in our community to learn about careers and opportunities from successful women in the field of science. We will begin the day at the Portland Community College - Rock Creek campus Event Center in Portland with breakfast and a presentation on science careers as well as a chance for the girls to discuss careers and opportunities with the mentors. Following the breakfast session, we will walk out to the Rock Creek SOLVE-adopted restoration site to plant trees and shrubs as a part of our stream restoration project. What better way to learn about the opportunities in the field of science that await young women in our community than hearing about them from women in those fields?

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/women-science-day

The City of Seaside, Seaside Downtown Development Association, and Beach Drive Buccaneers invite you to join with us in cleaning up marine debris on our favorite Oregon Beach. Organized cleanups will take place, rain or shine, the first Saturday of every month. Sign in at The Seashore Inn on the Beach, 60 N. Prom, Seaside, get your bag, and, when done, drop it in a trash receptacle along the Prom. Stay the day and enjoy our shops and restaurants.

Register online here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/seasides-treasure-beach-march...

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.

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

Location and Transportation:  Most events take place at Whitaker Ponds Natural Area (7040 NE 47th Ave. Portland OR).  Programming also takes place at a variety of other locations across the watershed. Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the event site. Sites are generally accessible by car, bus, and bike.

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.