Green Tip: Volunteer

Comment(0)

Facebook

RSS

A community building event funded by the East Portland Action Plan!

KELLEY CREEK TREE CARE PROJECT FOR PLEASANT VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD

A volunteer community event will be Saturday, October 20 at the Pleasant Valley Grange (17115 SE Foster Rd) from 10am-1pm. Volunteers will work to restore foliage along Kelley Creek (a Johnson Creek tributary).

In 2002 the Johnson Creek Watershed Council (JCWC) planted 300 trees along the banks of Kelley Creek on Foster Rd and SE 171st. Little maintenance has been able to occur since that time and the trees are battling invasive Himalayan blackberry. This project will mobilize volunteers to clear out the blackberry before these native trees and shrubs are damaged further. Funded by the East Portland Action Plan, this event will also serve to deepen a sense of community within the neighborhood.

Restoration volunteer Nancy Robrecht commented, “Every new site I visit and work at [in the Johnson Creek Watershed] deepens my commitment to that location, my own community and the work of protecting our environment.”

Invasive blackberry species prevent the growth of native trees and shrubs. Their dense, impenetrable thickets also block access of wildlife to water and cause problems for people trying to enjoy parks and natural areas. In addition, blackberry lacks the deep, bank stabilizing roots of native wetland shrubs and trees.

In addition to removing the blackberries, volunteers will remove garbage from the banks and channel of Kelley Creek. In 2002 four truckloads of garbage were removed from the property. This restoration event will also serve to build relationships between creek side land owners, volunteers, community members and JCWC.

Lunch, tools and gloves will be provided. Please RSVP with Amy at amy@jcwc.org or call 503-652-7477.

The mission of the JCWC is to promote restoration and stewardship of a healthy Johnson Creek Watershed through sound science and community engagement.

Hide Comments | Add Comments