Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a free educational urban tree walk this spring! Local leaders and tree experts Brittany Gadbury, Ryan Gilpin, and Thomas Meinzen will facilitate conversations about the trees between NE Ainsworth Street and NE Alberta Street. The canopy here reflects the reality of racist historical zoning and neighborhood design in NE Portland. The trees here tell stories about the past that can be felt today and force us to talk about people and trees in the city. Join us for a dynamic, outdoor conversation bouncing from tree to tree, story to story, street to street. This event is free and open to all ages.

What to bring: Pack along water and snacks if you’d like. Drinks and light snacks will also be provided. Wear shoes comfortable for walking.

Getting There: We will meet at the NE corner of Alberta Park (NE 19th Ave and NE Ainsworth) in NE Portland. Free neighborhood parking will be available. Taking public transportation? Bus lines 8, 17, and 72 make stops near the park.

Accessibility: The group will be walking along flat paved paths and potentially some flat dirt paths. No public restroom access.

Questions or want to be added to a waiting list? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Brittany Gadbury is a NW grown, rain-obsessed, book nerd who has been immersed in community resource development and advocacy for over a decade. She’s honored to work in Urban Forestry’s Community Stewardship, supporting our tree ecosystem, population health, and community stories. Britt's education is in the arts and geopolitics, with postgraduate study at Manipal University in Karnataka, India in Peace and Gandhian Studies. Outside of work, she cooks, folds laundry, plays tennis, and outlines a book about African Americans in forestry.

Ryan Gilpin is a consulting arborist, founder of Nidus Consulting, and trip leader on bird walks throughout the Columbia Slough watershed. Ryan is chair of the Tree Care for Birds committee, has written Best Management Practices for arborists to minimize impacts to nesting birds and trains arborists to improve habitat in urban forests.

Thomas Meinzen is the Neighborhood Trees Specialist in North Portland & Vancouver for Friends of Trees. In addition to organizing tree planting efforts, Thomas is the Operations Director for the Vanport Placemarking Project and created theVanport History Audioboxes. Thomas is also an avid bicycle birder and transit user, and leads bird, butterfly, and dragonfly walks for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council.

Come join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council to restore a beautiful walking path near NE 166th and Airport Way!  We will be installing a variety of native plants, including spirea, snowberry, goldenrod, and more!

People of all ages and abilities are welcome at this event, no experience necessary.  We will provide all the tools and help you need to participate, as well as snacks, coffee and hot water for tea/cocoa.  This is rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty!

**Note: Please register for the event in order to be notified for any updates or cancellations!**

Date & Time: Saturday, April 12th, from 10am to 1pm

Location: NE 166th Pump Station, NE 166th and Airport Way (45.555797, -122.492570).  There is a small parking lot onsite.

Transit: Going East, take the Trimet Line #87 toward 182nd and Powell, stop at 16400 Block NE Airport Way.  From here, continue walking East about a quarter mile to the driveway. Look for Columbia Slough event signs.

Accessibility: This event will involve bending and stooping to dig and plant on soft, uneven ground. Restrooms are not available onsite.

Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

Questions? Reach out to our  Stewardship Director, Caitlin, at caitlin.costello@columbiaslough.org.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for the monthly Slough Science event series! This month we are excited to welcome Leah Bendlin for a conversation about the basics of mushroom identification and common spring mushrooms of the PNW. We will focus on common edibles like oysters and morels, indicator species, as well as other interesting and beautiful non-edible species. We will learn how to tell edibles apart from poisonous or just otherwise tricky potential look alikes, noting particular physical features and habitats that will help you to identify them on your own.

Getting there: This event will be held in the “Annex” at Level Beer. Keep an eye out for Columbia Slough Watershed Council signs when you arrive. Parking is free in their lot. Public Transportation? Bus 87 and 21 make stops nearby.

Level Beer: This is an all ages venue. Drinks (alcoholic and NA) can be purchased in the brewery throughout the event. Food is also available for purchase through on site food carts Pita Giovanni, Tidal Boar “Shuck Truck”, Flor de Guilaguetza.

Accessibility: This site has restrooms and seating available. There is a small door frame lip at the entrance to the event area, but otherwise no stairs present.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Leah Bendlin is a Portland based mushroom and community science enthusiast. She caught the mycology bug after her first outing hunting chanterelles with a friend. She was amazed at the diversity of other mushrooms that day, and set out to learn the science of identification. That curiosity proved insatiable, and now, 12 years later, she has become an expert taxonomist and aspires to learn the name of every mushroom she encounters, and delights in teaching others. Leah has special interests in taxonomy, uncommonly known edibles, mycoheterotrophic plants, slime molds, ascomycetes (cup fungi) and social justice. She regularly leads mushroom ID classes and walks through various Pacific Northwest organizations and has volunteered as a teacher, identifier and board member of the Oregon Mycological Society. Find her on Instagram at @leah_mycelia!

Join the Council at Oakshire Beer Hall to kick off Earth Month! One dollar for every Core pin and 10% of Brew Fare food sold throughout the day (12-10 pm) will be donated to CSWC! We will be tabling from 5-8 pm and available to answer questions about our programs and upcoming events.

RSVP is recommended but not required. Those under 21 years of age are welcome until 10pm.

Getting there: This event will be held at the Oakshire Beer Hall on NE 42nd Ave. Free neighborhood parking is available.

Taking Public Transportation? Bus line 75 stops nearby at NE 42nd & Alberta St.

Questions? Email Maya.

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon, Ryan Gilpin of Nidus Consulting, community leader Thomas Meinzen, and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a spring paddle focused on birding! Participants are welcome to bring their own boat, or reserve a seat in one of ours for this paddling event on the Columbia Slough. This event is free and open to all ages, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting There: We will meet at the boat launch located at Portland Water Bureaus Pump Station - look out for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council sign and go through the gate to the free parking area. You must arrive by 10:10 AM as we will be locking the gate once the event begins. Taking public transportation? Bus 74 & 87 drop riders off at the 16400 block on Airport Way, ~0.2 miles from the meeting location. 

What to Bring: Pack along water and binoculars. If you are bringing your own boat, don’t forget your life jacket and paddle! If you are borrowing a seat in one of our boats, make sure to register in advance as space is limited. We will have snacks, drinks, and binoculars to share!

Accessibility: Previous paddling experience is not required. There is a short dirt/gravel hill we must navigate up/down to get to the boat launch. Participants must be able to sit for 1 – 2 hours during the paddle. There will be a porta potty on site.

Questions or want to join the waiting list if the event fills up? Reach out to Amanda at, amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Are you interested in joining our 2025 Paddle Team? Join us for a live Q&A session where you can connect with our team, learn more about the upcoming season, and get your questions answered!

Before attending, all participants are required to watch the 2024 season informational webinar to ensure you have a solid understanding of team expectations, training, and logistics. This session is designed to clarify any remaining questions and help you determine if the paddle team is the right fit for you.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s Board meetings are open to the public! Join us this month to get involved with the Council’s behind-the-scenes operations. This meeting will be held virtually on zoom.

Questions or trouble accessing the link? Please reach out to Acting Executive Director, Amanda Gallegos at, amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join The Street Trust and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a trash cleanup along the levee! This event will offer volunteers an opportunity to learn more about the levee system, learn about The Street Trusts work in the area, and work to clean up trash and debris along the levee itself and the Columbia Slough Trail, both of which surround the Columbia Slough. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting There: Free parking (and bike parking) will be available at Speed’s Towing (14333 NE Whitaker Way). Taking public transportation? Bus #21 and the MAX Blue Line make stops nearby.

What to Bring: Pack a long a water bottle, and come dressed for the weather - we’ll be working rain or shine! Light snacks, drinks, gloves, trash bags, and trash pickers will be provided.

Accessibility: Participants must navigate up a gravel hill at the beginning of the event, and back down at the end. There will be options throughout the event to work on flat gravel surfaces, as well as along hillsides. There will be no restroom on site.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for the monthly Slough Science event series! This month we are excited to partner with East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District for a workshop on edible landscaping. Presenter Lydia Cox will give you insight and tools for incorporating edible plants into your landscape. From annual veggies and herbs to perennial berries and fruit trees, we’ll discuss design tips, ways to build fertile soil, and how to conserve water while producing a harvest. You will also learn about native plants that feature edible fruit and nuts, and how to invite beneficial insects to your garden. You’ll walk away ready to assess your site and make a plan for a beautiful (and delicious) landscape!

Getting there: This event will be held in community space at Double Mountain Brewing on Killingsworth. Free neighborhood parking is available. Public Transportation? Bus line 72 makes a stop right out front. The MAX yellow line also makes nearby stops.

Double Mountain: This is an all ages venue. Food and drinks (alcoholic and NA) can be purchased in the brewery throughout the event.

Accessibility: Seating will be available throughout the event. A restroom is available on site.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org, or Cat at cat@emswcd.org

Join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Oregon Walks, and HOKA for a group run in N Portland! There will be options for a 3 mile loop, or a shorter walking loop. Meet up starts at 5:45pm, event begins at 6pm. HOKA will be demoing shoes - do your feet a favor and try them out for your run! No drop, all speeds welcome, good times guaranteed.

What to bring: Dress for the weather and pack along water. Snacks and drinks will be available after the run.

Getting there: Meet us on the south side of Pier Park in N Portland, where N Seneca St and N St Johns Ave meet (this is near Pier Pool). Taking public transportation? Bus 11, 75, 44, and 4 make stops nearby.

Raffle: All participants will have the opportunity to enter our raffle for a pair of HOKA shoes and a swag bag from Oregon Walks. Winner will be drawn after the run. Attend the February 23 run for an extra entry into the raffle!

Accessibility: There are a couple of restrooms located inside the park. All paces welcome. The route will be have some hills, and be a mix of dirt trail and pavement.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Come join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Portland Parks and Recreation as we continue work to restore one of the great hidden gems of the watershed, The Columbia Children’s Arboretum!  Come and help us install native plants to improve habitat, look at the state trees for all 50 states, and have fun outside on a nice spring morning. 

People of all ages and abilities are welcome at this event, no experience necessary.  We will provide all the tools and help you need to participate in the event. As well as snacks, hot coffee and hot water for tea/cocoa.  This is rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty!

**Note: Please register for the event in order to be notified for any updates or cancellations!**

Date & Time: Saturday, March 1st, from 10am to 1pm

Location: Columbia Children's Arboretum.  Park/enter through the NE 6th Dr entrance and follow the event signs into the park where we will be set up.  Parking will be available in the parking lot and along NE 6th Dr.

Transit: Trimet Line #6 to NE Vancouver way and NE Walker, from here follow NE Walker to NE 6th DR and continue less than 1/4 mile to the park on your right.

Accessibility: This event will involve bending and stooping to dig and plant on soft, uneven ground. There are 2 ADA Porta Potties on site at either entrance of the park. Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact our Stewardship Director, Caitlin, at caitlin.costello@columbiaslough.org.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for the monthly Slough Science event series! This month we are excited to welcome Elaine Murphy for a conversation about mason bees. Come learn more about these amazing pollinators role in nature, about the life cycle of our native mason bee, and learn more about how you can start your own backyard colony. We’ll also be raffling off a mason bee box, and giving away mason bee cocoons at the event!

Getting there: This event will be held in event space at Double Mountain Brewing on Killingsworth. Free neighborhood parking is available. Public Transportation? Bus line 72 makes a stop right out front. The MAX yellow line also makes nearby stops.

Double Mountain: This is an all ages venue. Food and drinks (alcoholic and NA) can be purchased in the brewery throughout the event.

Accessibility: Seating will be available throughout the event. A restroom is available on site.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda at, amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Elaine Murphy has been a birder for nearly 40 years, and has been teaching nature classes and leading bird walks since 1990. She currently leads events for the Backyard Bird Shop, speaks at garden clubs, and offers other events on wildlife and birds. In the late summer, you can also find Elaine leading the Watershed Councils bat walks!

Join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a group run in N Portland! Together we will be running a 5 mile loop. Meet up starts at 9:45am, run begins at 10am. No drop, all speeds welcome, good times guaranteed!

What to bring: Dress for the weather and pack along water. Morning snacks and drinks will be available after the run.

Getting there: We’ll meet in the NE corner of Kenton Park (N Brandon Ave & N Willis Ave). Taking public transportation? Bus 35, 75, and 4, as well as the MAX Yellow Line make stops near by.

Raffle: All participants will have the opportunity to enter our raffle for a pair of HOKA shoes. Winner will be drawn after the March 10 run. Attend both runs for two chances to win!

Accessibility: There is no public restroom available during this event. All paces welcome. The trail will primarily be on pavement with some elevation change at the beginning and end.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Come join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Portland Parks and Recreation to help us steward Big 4 Corners, a vital green space that's right off of a major trucking route, Marine Drive! We would love your help to install bare root plants to provide more native habitat, aiding in reducing carbon emissions, as well as other pollutants, and to have fun outside!

People of all ages and abilities are welcome at this event, no experience necessary. We will provide all the tools and help you need to participate in the event. As well as snacks, hot coffee and hot water for tea/cocoa. This is rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty!

**Note: Please register for the event in order to be notified for any updates or cancellations.**

Date & Time: Unfortunately this event has been cancelled due to the weather. Please stay warm at home, and we’ll see you at the next event!

Location: Big 4 Corners! Park here 45°33'31.3"N 122°28'48.6"W - Google Maps, then follow the event signs to the Event Welcome table where you can check-in. Follow the link above for parking directions, be mindful that there is limited parking. Carpooling is always welcomed.

Transit: No public transportation available.

Accessibility: This event will involve bending and stooping to dig and plant on soft, uneven ground. There will be ADA Porta Potty Access. Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact our Stewardship Director, Caitlin, at caitlin.costello@columbiaslough.org.

Please join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a cleanup at a unique site, the Parkrose Boat Launch in NE Portland. This space, usually closed to the public is a part of a large restoration project with the Council and Mosaic Ecology, and needs community support for trash removal. This event is best suited for those 14 and older - minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What to Bring: In order to ensure your comfort and safety, please remember to dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty! Snacks, tools, trash bags, trash pickers, and gloves will be provided.

Meeting location: Please meet us at the dead end of NE 112th Ave, just north of NE Marx Pl.  The closes address to map to is 5598 NE 112th Ave, however please note that this address is private property. Keep an eye out for Watershed Council signs!

Parking:  There is some street parking available.  Carpooling or using transit is encouraged. 

Public Transportation: Trimet Line #21 drops you off at NE Sandy and NE 112th. Walk two blocks north on NE 112th to reach event. Trimet Line #87 drops you off at NE Marx Ln and NE 105th Ave, from here walk east on NE Marx to NE 112th and then go North on 112th one block to the event location.

Accessibility:  This event will involve bending, stooping, and lifting materials of varying weights. There are some spaces at this work site that are on uneven ground, however, participants can choose to remain on flat terrain throughout the event. There will be no restroom on site.

*Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.    

Questions? Contact our Stewardship Director, Caitlin, at caitlin.costello@columbiaslough.org, or our Event Director, Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join Columbia Slough Waterhshed Council and local bird walk leaders, Ryan Gilpin and Thomas Meinzen for a bird walk at Force Lake. This free event is open to all people, of all ages.

What to bring: Pack along warm layers and binoculars. Coffee and snacks will be available, as well as extra binoculars will be available for those that don’t have their own. *Don't have a warm/waterproof jacket? Reach out to Amanda.

Accessibility: The walk will be less than 1 mile along a flat paved trail. There is no restroom on site. Free parking is available.

Getting there: Follow directors to Heron Lakes Golf Club (3500 N Victory Blvd), you’ll find our group .5 miles before reaching the golf club. Keep an eye out for Columbia Slough Watershed Council signs.

Public Transportation: Bus #11 drops riders off at Marine Dr/Middlefield Rd, a ~0.4 mile walk to Force Lake. Yellow MAX line drops riders at the Expo Center Station, a ~0.7 mile walk.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join CSWC for a fun networking opportunity!

Our office will be open from 9am to 12pm for you to stop by and chat. Whether you’re a long-time partner of the Council or interested in getting your organization involved with our work, we’d love to meet you. This is also a good opportunity to talk with other local organizations and agencies. Coffee and pastries will be provided!

We will have a speed-networking activity with Council staff, local organizations, and agency representatives at 10am.

Parking: Please park at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park. If possible, please carpool or take public transportation as parking spots are limited.

Tri-met: Take the #75 bus to NE 47th and Columbia blvd, walk south on NE 47th ¼ mile to Whitaker Ponds on your right.

Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s Board meetings are open to the public! Join us this month to get involved with the Council’s behind-the-scenes operations. This meeting will be held virtually on zoom.

Questions or trouble accessing the link? Please reach out to Executive Director, Heather King at, heather.king@columbiaslough.org

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Güero Bird Club, and community leader, Ryan Gilpin, for a combined event of two of our favorite things - birding and trash cleanup! This event will be held along the Alderwood Trail in NE Portland. This event is free and open to all ages.

What to bring: Pack along water, binoculars, and warm layers. Snacks, drinks, gloves, garbage bags, and pickers will be available. Additional binoculars will be available for borrow as well. *Don't have a warm/waterproof jacket? Reach out to Amanda.

Accessibility: Free parking is available along Glassplant Rd. There is no restroom on site. The path we will take birding is a flat paved 0.25 mile out-and-back trail.

Public Transportation: Bus #87 makes the closest stop to Johnson Lake by dropping riders off at NE 105th & Simpson. 

Güero Bird Club: Sign up for their newsletter, visit their Instagram (@guerobirdclub), or snag a tasty torta at their shop in NE!

Questions? Reach out to Amanda at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for the monthly Slough Science event. This month we are headed to Level Beer for a discussion on trees of Vanport, potential survivors of the 1948 flood with Ryan Gilpin, Dave Hedberg, and Thomas Meinzen.

Vanport, once Oregon’s second largest city was wiped out by floodwaters in 1948. While few physical remnants of Vanport exist today, several trees may have survived. Using archival research and field surveys, Ryan, Dave, and Thomas have documented several living trees that likely once grew alongside Vanport schoolchildren, shaded WWII shipyard workers returning from their shifts, and survived the catastrophic flood that destroyed Vanport in 1948. Vanport’s story has gained widespread attention from scholars, community activists, storytellers, and artists. Yet little has been documented about the landscape features of the site that connect back to its time as a city. Ryan, Dave, and Thomas would like to change that by sharing with you what they found and asking for your help in deciding about next steps to recognize this living history.

Getting there: This event will be held in the “Annex” at Level Beer. Keep an eye out for Columbia Slough Watershed Council signs when you arrive. Parking is free in their lot. Public Transportation? Bus 87 and 21 make stops nearby.

Level Beer: This is an all ages venue. Drinks (alcoholic and NA) can be purchased in the brewery throughout the event. Food is also available for purchase through on site food carts Pita Giovanni, Tidal Boar “Shuck Truck”, Flor de Guilaguetza.

Accessibility: This site has restrooms and seating available. There is a small door frame lip at the entrance to the event area, but otherwise no stairs present.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Ryan Gilpin is the Principal Consultant at Nidus Consulting in Portland, Oregon. Ryan spends most of his days looking at, thinking about, and writing about trees. When not working as a consulting arborist, Ryan is often looking for birds. For the past 4 years, Ryan has been leading bird and tree walks as a volunteer for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council.

Dave Hedberg is the Principal Historian at Outdoor History Consulting in Portland, Oregon. Dave wants to help people tell stories and connect them to places. He believes that, if we connect our history to place, we can understand change over time. Dave is author of From Stumptown to Tree Town: A Field Guide for Interpreting Portland’s History through its Heritage Trees. 

Thomas Meinzen is the Neighborhood Trees Specialist in North Portland & Vancouver for Friends of Trees. In addition to organizing tree planting efforts, Thomas is the Operations Director for the Vanport Placemarking Project and created the Vanport History Audioboxes. Thomas is also an avid birder, and leads bird, butterfly, and dragonfly walks for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council.

Come join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Portland Parks & Recreation as we plant native trees and shrubs to help restore one of the only remaining surface creeks flowing into the Columbia Slough, Wilkes Creek Headwaters!

To ensure your comfort and safety, please remember to dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty!

All tools, gloves, and training to do the task is provided.

Getting there: We will be meeting at Wilkes Creek Headwaters. There is parking available on the street. Taking public transportation? Take bus line #21 and get off at NE Sandy & 154th. Walk south on NE 154th Ave for about 5 minutes and make a right turn where the road curves left and becomes NE Fremont. Look for Columbia Slough event signs.

Accessibility:  This event will involve bending and stooping to dig and plant on soft, uneven ground. There is a restroom at Wilkes City Park about .1 miles away or about a 3-minute walk.

Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

Questions? Reach out to our  Stewardship Director, Caitlin, at caitlin.costello@columbiaslough.org.

Discover the beauty of nature and celebrate community at the Pansy Walk. This event encourages queer community members of all ages to engage with the outdoors, find healing through nature, and connect with others in the community. Join us at 10am for coffee and snacks, actual event will begin at 10:30am.

Embracing the name "PANSY" reflects our mission to reclaim a term with historical significance, turning it into a symbol of resilience and empowerment within the LGBTQIA+ community. The PANSY flower, known for its ability to thrive in diverse conditions, symbolizes our commitment to inclusivity and strength in diversity. Join us as we explore the rich plant life around Whitaker Ponds, guided by Watershed Council staff Dim, Liz, and Amanda. Learn about plant identification and discover how plants can serve as sources of strength and resilience!

At the end of the event, all participants will get to take home plant seeds, courtesy of Portland Nursery.

What to bring: Pack along water! Dress for the weather. Light snacks and warm drinks will be provided.

Getting There: We will be meeting near the parking lot at Whitaker Ponds. Free parking is available but fills quickly. Overflow parking is available up the street at JFW Industries (6731 NE 47th). Taking public transportation? Bus #75 drops riders off at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd, a 0.25-mile walk from Whitaker Ponds.

Accessibility: We will be following a mostly flat dirt trail that we will navigate at a slow pace for 1 hour with breaks. There is a porta-potty located at the parking lot.

Questions or want to be added to a waiting list? Reach out to Amanda at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join CSWC and Portland Parks and Recreation for a morning of planting native plants! We’ll be working at Johnson Lake Natural Area and an adjacent riparian area owned by ACME storage.  This is a great opportunity to explore a lesser-known natural area and help improve the critical wildlife habitat in the watershed.

To ensure your comfort and safety, please remember to dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty!

All tools, gloves, and training to do the task are provided.

Getting there: we will meet in this area, which is the NE Colfax St entrance to Johnson Lake Natural area Parking is available on the street. Taking public transportation? Take the #87 to NE 105th and NE Marx. Walk north on NE 105th Ave, then take a left (west) on NE Alderwood Rd.  Then take a left on NE Glass Plant Rd, and follow one block to West Johnson Lake Trailhead on the right.  Follow the trail about a ¼ mile to the Johnson Lake North Trailhead.  OR take the Red Line to Cascade Station. Then walk south in NE Mt. St. Helens Ave, then take a left on NE Alderwood Rd. Take a right on NE Glass Plant Rd, and follow one block to West Johnson Lake Trailhead on the right.  Follow the trail about a ¼ mile to the Johnson Lake North Trailhead.

Accessibility: This event will involve bending and stooping to dig and plant on soft, uneven ground. There will be no restroom on site.

Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.   

Questions? Reach out to our Stewardship Director, Caitlin, at caitlin.costello@columbiaslough.org

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and bird walk leaders, Ryan Gilpin (of Nidus Consulting) and Thomas Meinzen on a winter bird walk. This event is at Company Lake, an urban lake located in Troutdale and along the edge of the Columbia Slough Watershed. This free event is open to all ages.

What to bring: Pack along water, a snack, and binoculars if you have them. Don’t have binoculars? No problem! We will have some available for borrow during the event.

Getting there: We will meet at Company Lake. Parking can be found in this area. Taking public transportation? Bus #81 drops riders off at NW Sundial & Rogers Circle, about 0.7 miles from the lake.

Accessibility: We will be following a mostly paved trail. Please note that at this time of year the parking area is quite muddy. There is no restroom available.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org

Join CSWC and Portland Parks and Recreation for a planting event at our favorite natural area, Whitaker Ponds! This natural area is home to 186 birds throughout the year and is the central hub for so many CSWC programs.  Come out and support improving wildlife habitat and water quality at this natural area that serves as an “introduction to the Columbia Slough” for so many people (and birds) every year

In order to ensure your comfort and safety, please remember to dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty!

All tools, gloves and training to do the task is provided.

Meeting Location: Whitaker Ponds Natural Area, 7040 NE 47th Ave, Portland, OR 97212.  Parking is available on site. Restrooms are available on site.

Tri-met: Take the #75 bus to NE 47th and Columbia blvd, walk south on NE 47th ¼ mile to Whitaker Ponds on your right.

Accessibility: This event will involve bending and stooping. There will be no restroom on site.

Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

Questions? Reach out to our Stewardship Director, Caitlin, at Caitlin.costello@columbiaslough.org

Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s Board meetings are open to the public! Join us this month to get involved with the Council’s behind-the-scenes operations. This meeting will be held virtually on zoom.

Come join Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Verde, Bird Alliance of Oregon, Friends of Trees, and Portland Parks and Recreation for a day of invasive removal, native species planting, giveaways, food, arts and crafts, and more!

Wilkes Creek is one of the last remaining creeks providing clean, cold water directly to the Columbia Slough. Help us continue to restore this beautiful natural area and provide important pollinator habitat by planting hundreds of wildflowers!

We provide gloves, tools, and guidance, as well as snacks and hot beverages. We ask that all volunteers dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting dirty, and be ready to have fun!

Getting there: We will meet at Wilkes Park. Parking is available on the street. Taking public transportation? Take the #21 bus line to NE 154th and Sandy. Walk ¼ mile south on NE 154th and Wilkes Park will be on your right.

Accessibility: This event will require bending over and walking on uneven surfaces. A portable restroom will be available at this site.

Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

Stick around after the planting for a plant giveaway and free lunch!

Questions: Contact our stewardship director Caitlin, at Caitlin.costello@columbiaslough.org

Join Queer Flockers and Columbia Slough Watershed Council leaders Ryan Gilpin and Thomas Meinzen, for a bird walk at Kelley Point Park! This event is for queer community members of all ages.

What to bring: Pack along water and binoculars. Light snacks, drinks, as well as binoculars for those that would like to borrow will be available!

Getting There: Meet us at the farthest parking lot area in Kelley Point Park about 0.5 miles from the entrance. Parking is free! Taking public transportation? Bus #11 drops riders at N Columbia Blvd & N Kelley Point Park Rd, a ~0.75 mile walk to the meeting point. Please note that service is irregular on weekends.

Accessibility: We will be following flat paved, and unpaved trails at a slow pace. Kelley Point Park also offers access to sandy beach and forrested areas if people want to venture off. There is no restroom available near our meeting location.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Queer Flockers is a monthly meetup group for queer folks to learn and experience birding while socializing. Find them on IG at @queer_flockers!

Come join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Mosaic Ecology for a day of planting large native species at a unique site along the slough!  We will also install cages around these plants to deter beavers and nutria. 

In order to ensure your comfort and safety, please remember to dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty!

All tools, gloves, and training to do the task is provided.

Getting there: We will meet at the Parkrose Boat Launch in this area. Dead end of NE 112th Ave just north of NE Marx Pl. Taking public transportation? Trimet Line #21 drops you off at NE Sandy and NE 112th, Walk two blocks north on NE 112th to reach the event, OR Trimet Line #87 drops you off at NE Marx Ln and NE 105th Ave, from here walk east on NE Marx to NE 112th and then go North on 112th one block to the event.

Accessibility: This event will involve bending and stooping to dig and plant on soft, uneven ground. There will be no restroom on site.

Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.   

Questions? Reach out to our Stewardship Director, Caitlin, at Caitlin.costello@columbiaslough.org