stewardship

We will be pulling Ricefield Bulrush, an invasive plant. Ricefield Bulrush threatens the health of Refuge wetlands by pushing out native plants that wildlife need for food and cover. Due to volunteer efforts, ricefield bulrush on the refuge is being contained and reduced. Volunteers will be able to set foot in areas of the refuge which are normally closed to the public.

All work days are from 9AM - 12:30PM, Rain or shine. Wear waterproof shoes and dress for the weather. Meet by the visitor kiosk in the River 'S' Unit. Gloves, snacks, and drinks will be provided to keep you fueled up. Registration is encouraged, but not required. To register or for more info contact Tatyana_Klepanchuk@fws.gov, or call (360) 887-3883.

WEDNESDAYS; 9AM-12:30PM

June - 25

July - 2,9,16,23,30

August - 6,13,20,27

September - 3,10

SATURDAYS; 9AM-12:30PM

June - 28

July - 12,19,26

August - 2,9,16,23,30

September - 6

Join wild food expert John Kallas to explore traditional foodways of Native North Americans. Discover foods that were used and how they were prepared and stored. Food caches, berry collecting techniques, pemmican, fruit leathers. The workshop is about how Native North Americans made a living off of the abundance of food they found in nature. How was it possible, what they did and how they managed their foods to support a complete diet for many people all year long. This core workshop helps provide a deeper understanding of the real potential of today's use of wild foods. Anyone genuinely serious about wild foods will benefit from this seminar. Lecture/slides/resources. For information or to register visit the Wild Food Adventures workshops page.  Enrollment Limited! - Advanced registration reserves you a place in the workshop.

Join wild food expert John Kallas to explore edible and poisonous plants in one of Portland's most diverse and unique landscapes. See and sample from plants you pass by everyday and others you'll find regularly. Most of these plants can be found in your own neighborhoods, fields, and local woodlands. Learn identification, use, and processing of fennel, chicory, black mustard, knotweed, wild sweet pea, bull thistle and many others. See poison oak and poison hemlock.  For information or to register visit the Wild Food Adventures workshops page.  Enrollment Limited! - Advanced registration reserves you a place in the workshop.

Join wild food expert John Kallas to explore several habitats on Sauvie Island.  See this spring's early green delectables. See and sample from plants you pass by everyday. The earlier you start in the spring, the more foods you can harvest in the year. It also pays to see plants at different stages of growth. Many plants will have emerged, others we will identify where they are going to grow.  For information or to register visit the Wild Food Adventures workshops page.  Enrollment Limited! - Advanced registration reserves you a place in the workshop.

Spring Plankhouse Opening Event April 13th,
12pm-4pm
Sewing seeds of the past and planting for the future; 
A camas planting and First Food presentation
 
Several species of camas, Camassia quamash andCamassia leichtlinii are key parts of the Gary Oak ecosystems that span the west side of the Cascade Range from British Columbia down to Northern California. Today widely regarded as a beautiful wildflower, camas plays a crucial part in the traditional lifeways and cultures of many Indigenous peoples in the Northwest. Before colonization by euro-American settlers, Chinookan Peoples, Nimi'ipuu (Nez Perce), Kalapuya, and many other Tribes  tended, dug, traded, and ate camas corms since time immemorial. Camas is still regarded as a special First Food for many Tribes in our and is still tended and dug with care. For our spring opening we will honor and celebrate this beautiful lily with  a special presentation about the cultural significances of camas, learn how to restore the camas prairies that have painted the hills and valleys of our region blue for generations, and begin a camas meadow restoration project next to the Cathlapotle Plankhouse.
12pm-4pm : Children's activities, Plankhouse tours, and Garry Oak Ecosystem restoration information.
1pm : Presentation on Cultural and Historical significance of Camassia  spp.
 
2pm :Camas Blessing and Restoration Work Party