June Riverscape 

Newsletter
From The Riverkeeper



Hello River People - 
 
One recent Saturday found Willamette Riverkeeper (WR) staff and volunteers conducting an educational trip to Ross Island with a group of students, a community outreach session at a local retailer, and a restoration work party trip to Norwood Island to eradicate invasive weeds. On this day WR staff and volunteers engaged to make progress for the river. This kind of effort is not uncommon for WR. 
 
It seems to me this is one area where WR distinguishes itself. In addition to the many hearings, policy making sessions, legal actions, media and comment letters we've generated to make progress for clean water and healthy habitat over the years, everyone at WR -  staff and board - "get dirty for good" on a regular basis.
 

Calloused hands, occasional sore backs, and long days are part of our widespread field work. This is where we engage many of you, and together we make measurable progress for the Willamette. Each and every staff member engages in issues in the field, and when we are back in the office, we utilize that experience to do more - because there is plenty left to do. 
 
This month marks my 18th year in this position. I've had a unique opportunity to witness the Willamette's needs, and to work to make change. WR has built a talented team that engages in issues each and every day for the river. As a result, WR has helped to make positive change for clean water and healthy habitat. 
 
As I look at the breadth of projects that WR is carrying forward today, and at those of our colleagues in government and other organizations, there is a lot of fantastic work going on. That leaves me optimistic for the future of the Willamette. As always, it is about our members and other supporters who help sustain our work. Thanks for your membership, participation in our field work, and generosity. 
 
See you on the river. 

Travis

Travis Williams
Riverkeeper & Executive Director

VOLUNTEER: Timbers Stand Together Cleanup- 6/12



WHAT: Portland Timbers Stand Together Week  community beach clean up

WHEN:  Tuesday, 6/12 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm


DETAILS: Stand Together Week  is the Portland Timbers, Thorns FC, and T2 citywide volunteer initiative that brings the community together to support local nonprofit organizations. The week engages hundreds of supporters, including Timbers, Thorns FC, & T2 players, coaches, ambassadors and front office staff who work with various non-profits in the community.
 
Once again we are teaming up with the Timbers, Portland Parks & Rec, and Hands On Greater Portland to host a Stand Together Week project at Kelley Point Park, located in North Portland at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Come join us as we spend the afternoon removing trash to help clean up the sandy beach and riparian forest at this unique urban natural area.


VOLUNTEER: Trashy Tuesdays

Last month's Trashy Tuesday in Eugene was a doosey- nearly 200 trash bags were collected and hauled off the river bank by our heroic team of River Guardian Volunteers.  

EUGENE / SPRINGFIELD 

WHEN:  Tuesday, 6/12 at 8:30am 
WHERE:  TBD
 
DETAILS: This month's effort will require a land and river based team. Bring a water bottle, extra layers of clothes, and wear closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and pants. Gloves, pickers, garbage bags, tarps and coffee will be provided. Please contact Michelle at michelle@willametteriverkeeper.org or 541-913-4318 for further details and registration.

PORTLAND 6/19- FULL

SALEM 6/26- FULL

SUPPORT: Beers With Benefits- 6/14


Our friends at Produce Row are throwing a party, and... 

10% of all proceeds benefit Willamette Riverkeeper!
 
WHAT: New Taps on the Block
WHEN: Thursday, 6/14 from 5:00pm - 10:00pm
WHERE:  Produce Row Cafe
 
Celebrate the newest, freshest breweries & cideries to hit the Pacific Northwest at Produce Row Café! Join us on their award-winning patio with featured brewers like Dirty Pretty, Pono, Grains of Wrath, Rosenstadt and more. Live music from our Supper Set DJs, lawn games, raffle prices and fresh mug and token style tastes from celebrated beer & cider makers make this a not-to-be-missed beer week event!

LEARN: Aquatic Invasive Workshop- 6/19




WHAT:
 Aquatic Invasive Workshop

WHEN:  Tuesday, 6/19 from 10:00am - 3:30pm

WHERE:  Delta Ponds in Eugene

DETAILS:  The Willamette River supports diverse native plant and wildlife populations and provides clean water to Oregonians. Land managers, scientists, and concerned citizens are working together throughout the Willamette Basin to address the growing issue of aquatic invasives. 

Join staff from Willamette Riverkeeper, the City of Eugene, Benton SWCD, Portland State University, Oregon State Parksand other members of the Willamette Aquatic Invasive Network for a hands-on, canoe based workshop on the Willamette River at Delta Ponds in Eugene. 

Workshop participants will learn to identify, survey for aquatic weeds, and effectively hand pull priority weeds through an on-the-water workshop at Delta Ponds. Paddle your own boat, or reserve a space in a City of Eugene canoe. Water Weed Field Guide provided.

BRING : Pack two full water bottles, a warm layer, sun protection (glasses, hat and sunscreen), brown bag lunch, snacks, and closed-toe shoes.


DISCOVER: Evening Solstice Paddle & Pick Up- 6/21



WHAT:  Ross Island Evening Summer Solstice Paddle & Pick Up

WHERE:  Meet in the gravel lot at above the river access ramp, next to the Portland Boathouse parking lot (1515 SE Water Ave, Portland, 97214).

WHEN:
 Please arrive promptly at 5:30pm to check in, sign a waiver, and gear up. We will not hold up the group to accommodate you if you are late! We should return to the boat ramp by 8:30pm in the evening, and be wrapped up by 9:00pm.

DETAILS: You are invited to join us  and our partners at Portland Parks & Recreation  for an evening canoe adventure to explore Portland's urban island wilderness- Ross Island!

On this exclusive tour you'll be guided into the island's verdant interior (which is closed to the general public), learning about Ross Island's history, and the work we are doing to improve its habitat. We will also work together to pick up trash from the beach (clean up supplies will be provided). Registration is free, and includes a paddle, PFD, and seat in a canoe.

BRING: Dress appropriately for the weather (such as a rain coat, rain pants and extra layers). Tall rubber boots and long pants work well for walking around the island. Bring water, snacks, and a picnic dinner. 


ENJOY: Paddle Oregon 2018



Folks, registration is filling up! We anticipate that once again, we will need to close registration early. Don't risk getting shut out! Come and discover why our award winning Paddle Oregon adventure is the premier multi-day experience offered on our National Willamette River Water Trail.  Your enjoyable, educational, environmentally focused vacation awaits at www.PaddleOregon.org.

Interested in volunteering?  We are looking for qualified Pod Leader and Roving Safety Boater candidates. If you are an avid river and/or whitewater paddler, current or former guide, Swift Water Rescue and First Aid certified, please contact kate@willametteriverkeeper.org. See our Volunteer page for more details.


BEAUTIFY: Order "187 Miles of Wonder" Today


Oue new WPA-style graphic print is now available for purchase! Visit our homepage to review sizing and framing options and place your order. Proceeds of this purchase support our work!

Willamette Riverkeeper | 503-223-6418 | Email 


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