Whitaker Ponds Belonging Project planting event

Volunteer Event
Join Portland Parks & Recreation and other community organizations to plant native trees in a former baseball field at Whitaker Ponds!
10:00 am 1:00 pm

Project details: Join Portland Parks & Recreation, NAYA, Columbia Slough Watershed Council, and People of Color Outdoors, to kick off a restoration project in a former baseball field at Whitaker Ponds Natural Area. Referred to as the Belonging Project, the intention of the project is to authentically tell the stories of Whitaker Ponds and the communities who have lived in this space over many thousands of years.  It is our aim to create a place for current and future visitors, human and more-than-human alike, to find safety, serenity and a place for exploration. At this event, we will be planting large-stock Oregon white oak and Madrone trees, and other native plants. This event is family friendly and there will also be nature games, courtesy of the Big Red Tent!

Everyone welcome, and no experience necessary! Children welcome and must be accompanied by an attentive adult. See below for important information about what to expect, and what to wear and bring to the event.  A reminder email will be sent to registered participants 1-2 days before the event from Friends of Trees; please read the reminder email for updated and detailed instructions.

Meet up Location: Whitaker Ponds Nature Park (7040 NE 47th Ave, Portland, OR)

REGISTRATION REQUIRED, please register here with Columbia Slough Watershed Council.

Questions: For more information contact PP&R Stewardship Coordinator Yoko Silk at yoko.silk@portlandoregon.gov; 503-278-1341.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering to keep Portland's natural area parks healthy, beautiful, and safe for people and wildlife! 

Here are a few tips to get you ready for your stewardship event.

  • Registration is requested for all stewardship events.  
  • Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness, or have tested positive for Covid-19.  There will be other opportunities to volunteer!
  • Face coverings are welcomed, but not required. We do encourage volunteers to wear them inside shared spaces (such as the portable toilet/bathroom). Bring your own face covering, or PP&R will provide face coverings for anyone who doesn’t have their own and wants one.    
  • Bring a water bottle! Coffee/tea, snacks and water will be provided.
  • Work may involve bending over and walking on uneven ground. 
  • Instruction, tools and gloves will be provided for anyone who does not have their own.
  • In order to ensure your comfort and safety, please remember to dress for the weather, wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes; long pants and long-sleeved shirts; and be ready to get dirty! 
  • Unless otherwise noted, all events are family-friendly and all ages are welcome to participate. However, children under 14 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult for the duration of the event. We encourage you to attend events with members of your household/family!  
  • While groups are welcome to join many of our regularly scheduled stewardship events, please contact the event coordinator listed in the description before arriving with a group. This will ensure that there are enough gloves and tools and project tasks for everyone. We are also available to schedule special service events at your group's convenience during the week or on weekends. Learn more about programs for groups

Location

Park Location or Entrance
7040 NE 47th Avenue
Portland, OR 97218

Contact

Yoko Silk (she/her/hers)

Natural Areas Stewardship Coordinator and Interim YCC Sponsor

Neighborhood