This weekend is filled with celebrations of our Willamette River in Portland.  It’s also World Rivers Day on Sunday, when communities across the globe will be raising awareness and celebrating their local rivers. 

How will you enjoy and help Portland’s rivers and streams this weekend?

Portland’s party kicks off Saturday, Sept. 26 with a screening of the new film UPRIVER, right on the banks of the river.  Bring your picnic blanket to this family-friendly event at Sellwood Riverfront Park.  Activities like music, free boat rentals from Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe, and 200 free Chipotle burritos start at 5pm.  The film starts at 7pm. 

UPRIVER comes from the talented team at Freshwaters Illustrated, and is presented by the Portland Eco Film Festival in partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper.  The film is sponsored in part by Environmental Services and Portland Parks and Recreation.  Find out more about the film at www.up-river.org. 

On Sunday, Sept. 27, hop on your bike for the final Sunday Parkways of the season: Tilikum Crossing/Sellwood.  This new route crosses the Willamette River on the Bridge of the People – a great way to enjoy views of the river and experience this new part of our bike and transit network.

Get the map and brochure of the route here. 

Along the way, stop at the 2^nd Annual Salmon Celebration at Westmoreland Park. The Sunday Parkways route takes you right to the festivities.  Native American cultural activities, a salmon and lamprey roast, games and crafts are part of the fun.  Check out the restored Crystal Springs Creek through the park and keep your eye out for Coho salmon and other native fish.  And of course, grab your fish hat at the Environmental Services booth and show your salmon love for the rest of your ride!  For more details see Portland Parks and Recreation’s press release.   

Both Sunday Parkways and the Salmon Celebration are happening from 11am – 4pm.  You can also get to the Salmon Celebration without a bike: take the new Orange Line MAX to the SE Bybee Station.  http://catchtheorange.com/

And finally, if you’d rather dig in with some hands-on help for Portland’s streams, check out these two volunteer events with SOLVE and local organizations on Saturday:

Last Saturday Weed Warriors at Mt. Tabor

Tryon Creek Watershed Invasive Weed Removal