Fishy Fun at the Foster Floodplain Natural Area
Guest Writer: Marie Walkiewicz (Bureau of Environmental Services)
There's something about Sunday Parkway that brings out the quirky side of Portlanders (though that's probably not too hard to do). Folks familiar with the East Portland route know that fish hats are just the thing to trick out your helmet for the first ride of the season.
Where can I get a fish hat, you may ask? Just stop by the Foster Floodplain Natural Area, where the Springwater Corridor Trail crosses Foster Road (around SE 106th Avenue). This stop along Johnson Creek is the place for all kinds of nature-based fun!
Bird fanciers will enjoy Audubon’s Birds of Prey. Or, they can identify birds in the natural area, with help from an expert birder from the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, who will have a spotting scope set up.
Crafty folks can make Mother’s Day cards using nature-inspired wood block prints.
Gamers can play pine cone toss and a fishing game.
And there’s plenty to learn about landscaping with native plants, the hydrology of streams and their watersheds, taking care for green streets, tree planting, reducing pavement, and getting active in the Johnson Creek watershed.
If all of the activity has worn you out, then stop to listen to bluegrass music by Train River and refresh yourself with Scoop Handmade Ice Cream.
Whatever you do, you’re bound to enjoy this beautiful spot next to Johnson Creek and the Springwater Trail. We hope to see you there!
The Bureau of Environmental Services is sponsoring activities at this site. The following organizations are also taking part:
East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District
Environmental Services Tree Program
Green Lents Community Tool Library
Johnson Creek Watershed Council
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership