Stewardship Project details: Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Portland Parks & Recreation to support the habitat at Whitaker Ponds. We will be maintaining turtle nesting habitat and removing invasively growing blackberry and ivy from around the ponds. Participants will also have the chance to engage with live turtles! Volunteers are welcome to come and go between 2:30 and 4:45pm to be able to enjoy the rest of the Columbia Slough Celebration (which runs 2pm-6pm).
Everyone welcome, and no experience necessary! Staff will provide gloves, tools, and any instruction needed.
Location: Whitaker Ponds Nature Park. The stewardship project location is along the walking trail that runs between the East and West ponds.
Please register through the Columbia Slough Watershed Councilto help us plan ahead. Note - This stewardship event is part of the full day family-friendly Columbia Slough Celebration at Whitaker Ponds, hosted by the Columbia Slough Watershed Council. In addition to stewardship, we invite you to attend the rest of the celebration to enjoy canoeing, birding, outdoor education, free food and drink, music, a raffle, and more!
Questions: For more information contact Amanda Gallegos, Community Outreach & Events Director at Columbia Slough Watershed Council: amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough…, 971-940-3673; or Yoko Silk, PP&R Stewardship Coordinator: 503-278-1341; yoko.silk@portlandoregon.gov
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.
- 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!
- 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