educational course

Spring Tree Care: Pest & Disease Management/Fruit Thinning
Tuesday May 17th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
SE Portland, Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood
 

In this hands-on workshop you will learn the basics of springtime pest and disease assessment and fruit thinning to increase the health and abundance of local fruit trees! This fun workshop will be an opportunity to gain a basic understanding of the different types of pests and diseases commonly found in the Portland area as well as the importance and how-to of fruit thinning. If you have samples of pest and/or disease affected fruit, leaves, or twigs - please bring them to the workshop in a sealed container so we can try to ID them

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About the instructor:

Heidi Noordijk studied horticulture at Michigan State University and Cornell University - specializing in pomology (tree fruits). Heidi has participated in research projects involving apple tree physiology, berry production, and tree fruit entomology. Heidi has also worked on various orchards and farms in the PNW and east coast. Heidi currently works for OSU's Small Farms program.

 The location address and other details will be provided after you register.

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Young Fruit Trees & Berries: Planning, Selection, Planting, & Care
Sunday April 17th, 1pm - 4pm
SE Portland, Pleasant Valley neighborhood
 
April is a good month to plant fruit trees and berry bushes. Learn which types are the best to grow in the sun, shade, and containers.  Emphasis on: organic methods, easiest to grow, most productive varieties and techniques, sustainability.

In this informative workshop you will learn the basics of fruit tree and berry selection in order to choose an appropriate variety for your space. This fun workshop will be an opportunity to gain a basic understanding of the various factors one should consider when selecting a fruit tree or berry plant for a given site. We'll do some hands-on planting together and participants will also learn some basic steps for young (0-4 yrs) tree and berry care.

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About the instructor: 
Jeffrey Harrison holds an M.A. in literary theory and has tutored writers of all ages at Street Roots, PCC - Rock Creek, and in online services.  His landscape contracting company is in its 7th year of providing consultation and building services to enhance native ecology, beauty, and sustainability.  He has also provided education and leadership to volunteers at Portland Fruit Tree Project for the past 4 years through the Tree Care Teams program.  He enjoys writing poetry and songs to sing and play on his guitar.

This workshop will be hosted by one of our registered tree owners in SE Portland, Pleasant Valley neighborhood. 

 The location address and other details will be provided after you register.

<<Click here to register now>>

Celebrate Earth Day with us!

Enjoy a guided tour with local expert and author, James L. Davis.
We'll walk around the trails looking for birds before enjoying a delicious lunch from the Council.  Space is limited to 20 people; suitable for adults and children 12 & up. 

Advance registration required. $5 suggested donation.

Learn about the nature and culture of your local area while making friends and getting outdoors! Join us for a fun and engaging four-day naturalist training to explore topics in wildlife, history, and Chinookan Culture.

Be the friendly guide that connects people of all ages and backgrounds to the land. Work with us this spring and summer on projects with the public, connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to the outdoors while enjoying a unique natural area.

No experience needed! Volunteers do the following and more...

• Exploring trails with students during field trips
• Welcoming and orienting visitors to two Refuges in the area
• Connecting people to local culture in the Plankhouse
• Engaging people in learning during special events

We will meet four Fridays in April at both Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (Ridgefield, WA) and at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Washougal, WA). Training is 10 am to 3 pm on April 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th.

Contact Park Ranger Josie Finley at 360-887-4106 or by email at Josie_Finley@fws.gov to learn more about this training series and other ways you can get involved.

Want your garden to yield more food with less work? Plan now and get a jump on year-round abundance!

Learn to:

Grow food year-round in Portland's mild climate - year after year

Save time, money and water 

Plant each crop at the right time and place  

Map your garden

Understand planting calendars, seed packets and seed catalogs

..and more.

To get the most out of this class, please bring a map of your garden site and a list of what you hope to grow.

This class introduces our 2016 program in the Year Round Harvest

www.handmadegardenspdx.com/year-round-harvest-course/