seasonal natural interest

This rewarding tour features wildflowers, wetlands, meadows, and spectacular views along the trail and from a historic 1933 cabin and former lookout site.

We'll follow Rhododendron Ridge first up through reforested clearcuts with flowering meadows, then old growth, finally dropping into an unusual wetland-filled valley before climbing to the top of 5277 ft. Hawk Mountain. This route is easy to moderate and is 2.3 miles each way with about 900 elevation gain. Some sections require moderate climbs, but the grade on average is easy. The tour is within Berry Creek and Collowash sub-basins of the Clackamas Basin.

We will meet at the Estacada River Ranger District, located off of Highway 224. All tours are led by CRBC Board member Bryon Boyce.

Bring plenty of water, a camera, bug spray, and a lunch. Be aware that temperatures in the upper watershed are cooler than down below, and wear appropriate footwear.

Metro's North Logan Natural Area includes a multiple side-channel project funded by PGE. Clackamas River fisheries are benefiting now from this effort. The
property also saw a wildfire last summer, so we will be learning about fire ecology during this visit. Tour members will view the cool waters of the restoration project at the beginning, end and at several points along the way. We will look for evidence of the wildlife that lives within this reserve. Some off-trail walking required.

We will meet at the site. All tours are led by CRBC Board member Bryon Boyce.

Bring plenty of water, a camera, bug spray, and a lunch.  Be aware that temperatures in the upper watershed are cooler than down below, and wear appropriate footwear.

RSVP to attend by emailing Becki at REBECCA@CLACKAMASRIVER.ORG or calling 503-303-4372 Ext. 101.

Growing Gardens believes the seeds of a healthier world are planted in our own backyards! Each year Growing Gardens builds garden beds in the yards of low-income Portlanders through our Home Gardens program.  Home Gardeners are then enrolled into three years of support with seeds, plants, tools, compost bins and education through workshops and volunteer Garden Mentors.

We are recuriting Crew Leaders and Crew Members to help build Home Gardens in April.

Crew Leaders: Help organize, motivate, and lead volunteer crews of 5-8 people on garden building days. They play an essential role in creating a safe, fun, and productive atmosphere as we build gardens and improve food access. Crew leaders will receive training, materials, and support from Growing Gardens staff.

CREW LEADER RESPONSBILITES:

• Attend Crew Leader Training on Saturday, April 6 
• Commit to working at least two Garden Installation Days  
• Organize crew members into an efficient soil digging machine :)
• Help crew members understand individual roles and plan for the day
• Communicate with garden recipient and Growing Gardens staff 
• Keep track of tools
• Ensure that crew members are being safe and having FUN!

Crew Leader Training: Saturday, April 6 - 10am-4pm

Installation Dates (Crew Leaders will do at least two of these dates): Saturdays, April 13, 20, 27 - 10am-3pm each day

Crew Members: Help us build gardens, strengthen community, and increase food access around Portland. Crew members will work in groups of 5-8 with a Crew Leader to install garden beds for a family in need. No experience necessary, just a willingness to have fun and get dirty! Volunteers can sign up to be crew members on one or more dates.

Installation dates: Saturdays, April 13 & 27 - 10am-3pm each day

To sign up as a Crew Leader or a Crew Member contact Rodney Bender at rodney@growing-gardens.org or 503-284-8420

Spring is a great time of year to see and identify the birds of Cooper Mountain since they are in their full breeding plumage and singing up a storm. Join Metro naturalist and expert birder
James Davis for this bird walk for beginners and intermediate birdwatchers. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair on-site, and be sure to dress for standing outside on an open hilltop. (James Davis, Metro naturalist) For ages 12 to adult. Children must be registered with and accompanied by an adult.  Advanced registration required, call 503/629-6350.

Bring your kids and learn about our backyard birds, then build your own birdhouse or feeder to hang in your yard. Learn how to identify a variety of backyard birds and the habitats they need to survive. The fee ($31) is a family rate and includes one adult and up to two additional family members (child or adult) and supplies for a backyard birdhouse or feeder. Children must be accompanied by an adult.