Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council, and local archivist and Birdhers co-lead, Marti Clemmons, for a birding and history walk. Throughout the walk, they’ll discuss the historical context of the area, Vanport (1942-1948), and Japanese American detainment at the Expo Center in the summer of 1942. This free event is for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color of all ages.

Vanport's Force Lake shoreline, circa 1944.

What to bring: Pack along water, warm layers, and binoculars. 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 ~1 mile along a mostly flat trail. There is no restroom on site. Free parking is available.

Getting there: Follow the road past 11415 North Force Ave to find a larger parking lot. 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.

Birdhers: Birdhers is a local community organization that facilitates weekly free bird walks for Womin, Non-Binary, and Trans folks. Visit their website, or follow them on Instagram to learn more (@birdherspdx).

There is limited space for this event. If you would like to be added to a waiting list, or have other questions, reach out to Amanda at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.