gardening/farming

Want to grow organic food but not sure how? Boost your garden IQ with simple steps to success. From picking edibles for the right spot and season to prepping the soil and watering waste-free, get the story on weeding, managing pests and growing a bountiful garden without toxic chemicals. Plus, learn where to find plants, seeds and more tips for easy organic gardening. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.

Join Willamette Riverkeeper, Patagonia, and REI for the 2012 Wild & Scenic Film Festival!

Don't miss this outstanding evening of INSPIRATION and ENTERTAINMENT, all while supporting a worthy cause- a clean and healthy Willamette River!

Considered one of the nation's premiere environmental and adventure film festivals, the Wild & Scenic Film Fest is a call to action. Enjoy award-winning films that illustrate the Earth's beauty, the challenges we face, and the work communities are doing to protect the environment.

Featuring 11 invigorating films including the exclusive premier of Wild & Scenic's People's Choice Award Winner: "Rock the Boat" a story about Los Angeles and the little river that could, with cops in helicopters, civilians in kayaks, and fish stranded on concrete.

When: Thursday, December 6th

Where: Bagdad Theater, SE Hawthorne & 37th, PDX

Time: doors @ 5:30pm, films begin @ 7pm

Who: all ages

Tickets: advanced tickets sales available at the Portland REI: $8 for students/youth, $10 for adults ($12 for adults at the door)

And there is more...

LIVE music beginning at 6:15pm from Flat Rock String Band

FREE entry into the RAFFLE drawing with your festival ticket! Everyone will have a chance to win prizes from Patagonia, REI, Keen, Osprey and more!

Wear or buy a Willamette Riverkeeper t-shirt and receive an additional raffle ticket!

Join or lead a Tree Care Team in 2013:

Learn tree care skills while helping to improve the health and productivity of urban fruit trees!

Each Tree Care Team will care for a cluster of PFTP-registered fruit trees, visiting each tree once per season to complete the full spectrum of care. Each team is instructed & guided by two 'Team Leaders' with experience and skills in organic fruit tree care. This is a unique opportunity to develop strong skills in organic fruit tree care, meet new people, and care for trees providing food to your community!

Members and Leaders will participate in ten 3-hour work-parties over an 11-month period (January-November, 2013). Topics/tasks will include: Winter & Summer Pruning, Young Tree Training & Care, Pest & Disease Management, Fruit Thinning, and more. At the end of the program you will receive a certificate of completion.Volunteer position descriptions: Tree Care Team Member Tree Care Team Leader

To apply: Call 503-284-6106 or email bob@portlandfruit.org to request an application form.

Learn to Grow 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 www.emswcd.org/workshops-events/register-for-a-workshop. Information: 503.222.7645

Get down and dirty with the Columbia Slough Watershed and Friends of Nadaka Park to help mulch their planned community Garden. Nadaka Nature park is already a large part of the community, but the Garden Project hopes to include even more members of the neighborhood, and you can help! From 9:00-1:00 PM, the Council, Friends of Nadaka and other volunteer will be mulching approx. 7,000 sq. feet! Come on out, and help protect your Watershed!