It’s not too late to get outside for some events with our partners this fall to enjoy, learn, and lend a hand for healthy watersheds in Portland. 

If you’re an old hand or a curious newcomer to north and northeast Portland’s Columbia Slough, join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for one of these events:

Saturday, October 12: Help clean up Force Lake as part of Parke Diem, the largest park clean up in Portland Parks history!  What? You’ve never heard of Force Lake? This gem is one of the most accessible spots in the city for wildlife viewing.  It needs your help to battle blackberries and trash, and get some new dogwood trees planted.  Find more information and register for this event here.

Thursday, October 24: Join the morning watershed walk along the slough to watch for eagles, herons, ducks and more.  Get some fresh air on this 4.6 mile loop trail starting and ending at Kenton Park, passing by wildlife themed art installations and the famous Paul Bunyan.  Find more information and register for this event here.  

Friday, October 25: A family-friendly Owl Prowl will get the kids in the spirit of the season.  Learn about local owls, then head out on a nighttime stroll at Whitaker Ponds to listen for owls and other wildlife. Find more information and register for this event here.

More information on these and other events is at: www.columbiaslough.org

And a little farther south, on the Willamette River:

Enjoy the fall colors from river-level and help plant some new native plants at Ross Island.  Saturday, October 26 is the last of this year’s Paddle to Preserve Ross Island events.  This is your chance to get out to historic Ross Island with Portland Parks and Willamette Riverkeeper. 

Find more information here or contact marissa.dorais@portlandoregon.gov.