Hello Everyone,
Spring is saying farewell with a good dose of rain, which is helpful to all the plants our stewardship team and volunteers put into the ground last fall but creates a barrier to getting out as much as we love to as the days start to warm and get longer. I, for one, appreciate the rain and the deep greens of the season. I also appreciated getting out on the slough at Kelly Point Park last weekend for the Pride Paddle – so much fun and laughter, and many a bird was sighted!
As we transition into the sunny summer days, I invite you to join a CSWC event. It's a great opportunity to meet our amazing team, make a new friend or two, and explore a new area of the watershed. You can always find upcoming events on our calendar. We have 6 community events scheduled for the remainder of June and 9 more in the pipeline for July!
At this moment, I would encourage you to save the date for these upcoming events!
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McMenamin’s Friends and Family Night at the Kennedy School: Enjoy a meal in the Courtyard Restaurant. CSWC will receive 50% of the proceeds – It is happening THIS Tuesday, June 11, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
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Great Slough Clean-Up : This annual event is not just about having fun getting dirty. It's about making a positive impact on the watershed. It's a great way to contribute to our environmental stewardship efforts while having fun!
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Explorando el Columbia Slough: We are excited to bring back this family-friendly festival for the first time since before COVID! July 20 from 1 PM– 4 PM.
As always, if we are both at the same event, feel free to say hello and share your favorite thing about our watershed!
Heather King
Executive Director
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The Blueprint Foundation is Hiring! |
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See the full job description and more info here! Applications accepted until 6/14/2024 and applicants will be notified within a week of closure date.
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Take a moment to help win $10,000 for Slough School!
It’s easy and takes just a minute or two to vote. Votes can be placed every 24 hrs until June 17th!
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A Message From Our Volunteer and Outreach Manager Valeria |
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As the warmth of June envelops us and we transition into the vibrant summer months, I wanted to take a moment to address an important personal update.
Beginning this month, I will be taking a family leave of absence. This decision was not made lightly, but I have to take care of my personal well being.
It has been a privilege to work alongside you all. I look forward to returning with renewed energy and exciting ideas.
During my absence, Maya Hickman, will be your point of contact and will continue to provide support and voice all of our new and exciting projects here at The Council. Email Maya and say hello!
Thank you once again for your support and cooperation. Wishing you all a productive and fulfilling June!
Sincerely,
Valeria Villanueva
Volunteer & Outreach Manger
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Llego junio! Y con el mucho sol, mucha energia y nuevas oportunidades para ser voluntario! Quiero compartirles una actualización personal.
A partir de este mes, estaré ausente por una situación familiar. Esta decisión no fue tomada a la ligera, pero tengo que cuidar mi bienestar personal,
Ha sido un privilegio trabajar junto a ustedes. Espero regresar en unas semanas con energías renovadas e ideas interesantes.
Durante mi ausencia, Maya Hickman será su punto de contacto y continuará brindando apoyo. ¡Envía un correo electrónico a Maya y salúdala!
Gracias una vez más por su apoyo y cooperación. ¡Les deseo a todos un junio productivo y lleno de buenas vibras!
Un abrazo fuerte,
Valeria Villanueva
Volunteer & Outreach Manger
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It's our great honor to award community member, Leigh Rappaport, with our 2024 Henrietta Award for Environmental Leadership & Achievement!
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Annually, This award recognizes an individual, project, and/or organization who has made a difference in the health of the Columbia Slough and its watershed through community engagement, education, and restoration. This year, the community nominated Leigh Rappaport, an amazing mentor to high school students, and young adults.
For over 21 years, Leigh has served as the Natural Resource and Pathways Manager at a local alternative high school, POIC - Rosemary Anderson, where she helps students grow into strong, persevering, and successful adults.
Visit this blog post to learn more about Leigh and all that she does for the community:
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Slough Celebration Success! |
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What a success this year's Slough Celebration was! Between hail, sun, and rain, 400+ people joined us at Whitaker Ponds to celebrate the Columbia Slough, the watershed, and the community!
This event would not be possible without our amazing community that lifts us up. A huge thank you to the 45 volunteers who supported various roles throughout the event, our 14 tabling partners, 31 businesses who contributed to the raffle, and of course our Slough Celebration sponsors Big Brothers Big Sisters, Brown & Caldwell, Bureau of Environmental Services, City of Gresham, Department of Environmental Quality, Hydro, Leatherman, Level Beer, McKinstry, Metro, Mosaic Ecology, Multnomah Country Drainage District, Port of Portland, Portland Water Bureau, Swire Coca-Cola, Ventura Foods, Wolf Water Resources, and Wyld CBD. Thank you!
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Photos by Board Member Peter Hedman |
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Explorando El Columbia Slough! |
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Sábado, 20 de Julio de 1 a 4 p.m. en el parque Whitaker Ponds
Saturday, July 20th from 1-4pm at Whitaker Ponds
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¿Qué es Explorando?
Explorando es un evento comunitario bilingüe estilo festival. El objetivo del evento es presentar a las comunidades latinas y hispanohablantes en la cuenca de Columbia Slough, organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro y otros recursos en el área. ¡Habrá todo tipo de actividades divertidas, como remar, observar aves, comida y bebida gratis, música, y más!
What is Explorando?
Explorando is a festival-style, bilingual community event. The goal of the event is to introduce Spanish-speaking and Latino communities in North Portland to the Columbia Slough Watershed, local nonprofit organizations, and other resources in the area. There will be all sorts of fun activities, such as paddling, bird watching, free food & drinks, music, and more!
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McMenamins Friends and Family Night June 11th! |
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Great Slough Clean Up
Saturday July 13, 9 AM-12 PM
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Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for the annual Great Slough Cleanup! This year we will be working at two different locations to remove trash from in and around the Slough. These events are best suited for those 14 and older, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
What To Bring: Pack along water, dress for the weather (think sun hat and sun protection), and wear close toed shoes. The Council will have trash pickers, gloves, trash bags, and light snacks.
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Join the CSWC for a summer of events to help improve the watershed's important natural resources, learn about native plants, and connect with the community!
You can also find out more information about CSWC and our events on our website.
Saturday, June 8, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
This training will be held in person and is required for all Paddle Team volunteers who are new/returning and missed the April training. You must watch the Webinar Orientation and submit background checks to attend this training. If you have questions, contact Valeria.
Sunday, June 9, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Patagonia Portland for a group run along the Columbia Slough Trail! Together, we will be running 2 - 3 miles. The meet-up starts at 8:45 AM, and the run begins at 9am. A raffle from Patagonia will be available to all attendees!
Tuesday, June 11, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Join us at McMenamin's Kennedy School Courtyard Restaurant for dinner and drinks. This location has ample indoor seating and a beautiful patio! Half of all sales from the evening will be donated to the Council. All ages are welcome.
Wednesday, June 12, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Come explore a constructed wetland that cleans stormwater runoff before it enters the Columbia Slough! This 13-acre site looks and acts like a natural wetland and removes harmful pollutants before they impact the Slough.
Saturday June 15, 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council bird walk leaders Ryan Gilpin (Nidus Consulting) and Thomas Meinzen (Friends of Trees) for a spring walk at Company Lake! This urban lake, located in Troutdale and along the edge of the Columbia Slough Watershed, is a unique space for exploring as a group. This free event is open to all ages.
Thursday, June 20, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Join Black Men’s Wellness and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for their annual Wellness Week, Can I Kayak?! an event at Kelley Point Park in N Portland! This free event is open to all ages; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Wednesday, July 3, 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Join Feminist Bird Club and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for an evening on the water at Whitaker Ponds! Our partner, Feminist Bird Club, is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in birding while fundraising and providing a safe opportunity for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, and women to connect with the natural world. All who support that mission are welcome to join this free event. This event is free and open to all ages - minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Monday, July 8, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Bird Alliance of Oregon, Columbia Slough Watershed Council, and Ryan Gilpin of Nidus Consulting for a summer paddle focused on birding! Participants are welcome to bring their own boat, or reserve a seat in one of ours for this evening paddle event on the Columbia Slough. This event is free and open to all ages; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Tuesday, July 9, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council's Education Director, Jennifer Starkey, for an evening of working with natural materials to make paper. This free event is open to all ages; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Wednesday, July 10, 5:15 PM - 7:45 PM
Join Vanport Flood survivor Ed Washington, Columbia Slough Watershed Council, and Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District for a free educational talk and ~12-mile bike tour of Portland’s flood safety system - free dinner included!
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