gardening/farming

Come meet these hard working friends of the farm at Pollination Celebration, our annual event in support of  National Pollinator Week. Pollination Celebration, presented by Whole Foods Market, will offer guests a sneak peek into the world of pollinators, the challenges they face and the important role pollinators play in our food supply.  In addition to Sauvie Island Center's own staff, subject matter experts from our event partner Metro will be on hand for the celebration. A donation of $10 per family is suggested to cover event costs and pre-registration is requested.

Incredible Edibles Plant Sale 2016

From seedlings to supper, grow your own!

Join the campaign for healthy eating with organic veggie, fruit and herb starts for your home garden at the fifth annual Multnomah County Master Gardeners' Incredible Edibles Plant Sale on Saturday, April 30, 10 am to 4 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock St., Portland.

Plant starts from the Incredible Edibles Plant Sale are local, organically-grown varieties specifically selected because they thrive in Pacific Northwest conditions. So when you "pick up something for dinner," you'll be harvesting nutritious, fresh-picked goodness for your table! Look for a luscious array of both heirlooms and hybrids among the proven varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuces, herbs, edible flowers and more.

OSU Extension-trained Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand so you can 'Get the Real Dirt' on plant problems, pest control and other gardening questions.

'Plant. Grow. Eat.' workshops are scheduled throughout the day to inspire and instruct, with guest chefs and Master Gardeners sharing tried and true tips for the best ways to grow your own food -- and bring it to the table. The Incredible Edibles Sale is the place for new and veteran gardeners, with lots of information and helpful Master Gardeners to launch you successfully growing your own food.

Even the littlest sprouts can join the fun at the Kids Grow station with hands-on garden activities and discoveries.

Bop while you shop to lively local musical entertainment. Eat, drink and be merry at Thrive Sauce and Bowls, Salvador Molly's and Nossa Familia Coffee.

Find inspiration from artist Jessica Soliel of A Little Sun, who returns with her "illustrations that feel like a hug," and Joe Wirtheim, who will be on hand with his retro "Victory Garden of Tomorrow" shirts and posters celebrating green urbanism and community building.

Proceeds from the sale further the work of the Multnomah County Master Gardeners, whose mission is to support the OSU Extension Service Master Gardener program and to educate the public about all aspects of successfully and sustainably growing and caring for plants.

You've seen Multnomah County Master Gardener volunteers at your neighborhood Farmers Market and other community events. Master Gardener volunteers also:

*Donate produce from the Multnomah County Community Demonstration Garden to local food banks

*Host a monthly Speaker Series, free and open to the public, where guest horticulture experts share their knowledge on a range of relevant gardening and environmental topics

*Provide horticulture lessons to young people being treated at Doernbecher Children's Hospital

*Instruct Seed to Supper classes in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank

*Teach gardening methods that support successful gardening and environmental stewardship at area schools, libraries, parks, and community gardens throughout Multnomah County

For more information go to www.multnomahmastergardeners.org/edibles or email multmastergardeners@gmail.com, or call (503)445-4608

Free admission. Everyone welcome.

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Summer Pruning 
Tuesday July 12th, 6pm - 8:30pm
SW Portland, Maplewood neighborhood 

In this hands-on workshop you will learn the basics of summer pruning in order to increase the health and abundance of local fruit trees! Summer Pruning is a great time to de-invigorate an overgrown tree and encourage the continued development of fruiting laterals. This fun workshop will be an opportunity to gain a basic understanding of the different types of pruning cuts and when these cuts should be used.

<<Click here to register now>>

About the instructors:

Ben Gibson has been working with trees since he was a skidder operator as a teenager. Since 2008, he has been working in the urban arboriculture field. He has taken on the roles of ISA Certified Climbing Arborist, Crew Lead, and Salesman. In April 2013, he started his own small business as "The Tree Nerd." This allows his to focus on the beauty and long term health of trees. He specializes in ornamental pruning of all kinds, and is happy to share his passion and knowledge of trees with any who will listen.

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

<<Click here to register now>>

Spring Tree Care: Pest & Disease Management/Fruit Thinning
Sunday May 22nd, 1pm - 4pm
SW Portland, Washington County, off Canyon Rd
 

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

<<Click here to register now>>

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.

<<Click here to register now>>

Getting dirty at the Arboretum has never been easier!

We're inviting all who are able to come help us with some mulching, trail work, trimming, hauling, weeding, etc. There are four opportunities for you to help us throughout the month, April 2 and 30th. 

The work this group will do will help us get our grounds in tip top shape this very important month.... Arbor Month!

If you're interested, you should expect to get super dirty, meet some really fun people, and feel sore the following day from a good morning's work. We have all the tools and gloves, but you should wear clothes you don't mind getting messy and that are appropriate for the weather.... it's Portland, so it's probably a safe bet that it might rain.

The last thing to bring along is snacks! No one likes to be hungry, so please come prepared.