green living

The health and welfare of Oregon’s children is in decline, and this 
decline is strongly linked to the limited opportunities modern 
children have for free play. Today, more than one quarter of 
Oregon eighth-graders is overweight or obese, and one in ten 
children suffer from mental illness.

On September 11-15, a consortium of organizations 
and advocates is hosting a series of events directed at increasing 
public awareness of the important role free and outdoor play has 
in the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive health of our 
children. We invite you to participate in these “wild” events and hope you will join us!

Calendar of events

In Partnership with the Confluence Environmental Center, the Community Orchards Coordinator (COC) will enhance the capacity and impact of Portland Fruit Tree Project's Community Orchards program. In collaboration with volunteers, partners and staff, the COC will plan and facilitate Community Orchard events, providing learning opportunities for participants while maintaining and improving the orchards. The COC will conduct outreach to recruit diverse participants and partners, and will build volunteer leadership for each orchard site. Additionally, the COC will establish a new partnership to begin developing a new community orchard in outer East Portland. This position will build on the successes of previous AmeriCorps members. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to): 
? Coordinate tree care, site maintenance, and educational events at Sabin Community Orchard and Fruits of Diversity 
Community Orchard, in collaboration with partners and lead volunteers. 
? Coordinate harvesting at orchard sites and fruit distribution 
o Conduct pre-harvest site visits and fruit assessments 
o Co-lead harvesting events, coordinate logistics and materials. 
o Distribute fruit to people in need through food pantries and other partners 
? Coordinate Tree Care Team (TCT) at Green Thumb Community Orchard: 
o Recruit volunteers, and conduct orientation for TCT members and TCT leaders 
o Support team in performing ten tree care sessions throughout the 2015 season 
o Coordinate logistics, communications, and materials/tools 
? Conduct outreach to engage diverse program participants 
? Coordinate and support volunteers in leadership roles: 
o Recruit, train & support lead volunteers for community orchards and tree care teams 
o Convene and facilitate leadership team meetings 
? Support partners growing fruit trees through Community Orchard Affiliate program 
? Continue the development of new Community Orchard partnership in East Portland 
o Facilitate community planning sessions 
o Recruit participants 
o Begin to plan and implement planting, maintenance and educational activities (in collaboration with 
volunteers and partners) 
? Secure project materials as needed 
? Maintain tracking/information systems and administer participant surveys 
? Assist with program reports and program evaluation ? Complete and submit all necessary Confluence/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner. 
? Attend and complete all Confluence/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, training's, 
team meetings and national service days. 
? Wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or 
attending official events. 

Have you ever thought of re-using water from your shower or washing machine to irrigate your landscape? In this workshop you'll learn some graywater basics so you can get started on your own project. Participants will be introduced to some basics, including estimating how much graywater is available from your home, safety considerations, and the steps to getting a graywater permit. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Register at http://emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops/all-events/graywater-2/

Be blown away by youth that demonstrate a passion for restoring the health of the environment! Join us at our next Sharing Ideas event, featuring the Roosevelt High School Science Club, a group of students determined to counteract pollution in North Portland. These local youth are experimenting with planters that recycle polluted air into clean air and testing of air quality surrounding Roosevelt High School. They have been invited to Washington, D.C. later this year to present their findings.

Sharing Ideas events raise awareness of local grassroots efforts throughout Portland that strengthen community. Project presenters share the inspiration that launched their idea, how it moved into action, where they are today, and their hope for the future.

Everyone is invited. RSVP suggested online or by phone at 503.546.7499. Refreshments will be provided. Childcare (9 and under), transportation, and interpretation are provided upon request, with 48 hours advance notice.

Join wild food expert John Kallas and get hands-on experience on how some wild plants are processed for grain, flour, and essential oils. We'll see how to shell, grind, process and leach acorns so that they transform into wonderful additions to breads, muffins, pancakes, and pudding. By the end of the workshop we'll have gone from bitter acorns in the shell to a sweet acorn pudding that any normal human would enjoy. Also learn how to make a distillation setup from simple kitchen ware. We'll make a distillate from mint that you could use to flavor teas, use in cooking or aroma therapy. For information or to register visit the Wild Food Adventures workshops page.  Enrollment Limited! - Advanced registration reserves you a place in the workshop.