Are you interested in joining our 2026 Paddle Team? Join us for the Paddle Team Webinar, where you can connect with our team, learn more about the upcoming season, and get your questions answered!

We at the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, are officially kicking off our paddling season with a required webinar on Thursday, April 16th from 6PM - 8PM. This is a great opportunity to learn more prior to committing if you are new. For all new Paddle Team volunteers and volunteers interested in joining the Paddle Team this webinar is required. In addition if you are a volunteer who participated in the 2024 or an older season this is required for you to attend as well. For anyone coming back from the 2025 season this webinar is optional.

The webinar will be held on Zoom - the link will be sent to your email 1 week before the webinar.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and community bird walk leaders Thomas Meinzen and Ryan Gilpin for a day of biking and birding! The group will ride ~8 miles from Vanport to Smith and Bybee and back, hitting some of the best bird habitat that Portland has to offer. All participants will also be entered to win a pair of Nocs binoculars and a guide book!

What To Bring: Bring a bike, helmet, lock (just in case), water, binoculars, and your sense of adventure on this unique ride. Snacks will be available, as well as extra binoculars!

Getting There: This event will start and end at 1809 N Broadacre Rd, Portland, OR 97217, a short ride from the Delta Park/Vanport MAX Station. Free parking is available on site.

Accessibilty: The ride will be mostly paved with some gravel. This ride is best suited for intermediate riders. Participants can also expect to walk ~0.25 miles throughout the event.

Questions? Reach out to Cedrion at Cedrion.Gloria@Columbiaslough.org or at 971-413-1921

Come join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Portland Parks & Recreation as we mulch and care for recently planted native shrubs and trees! Adding mulch around plants helps them hold onto moisture during the dry summer months, and helps keep weedy plants out.

Kelley Point Park is located at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, where the Columbia Slough meets the Willamette. The park includes over 100 acres of natural areas and hosts a variety of wildlife, including beavers, otters, deer, ospreys, and bald eagles. We will be continuing restoration efforts to improve the riparian area next to the Columbia Slough.

**Note: Please register for the event in order to be notified for any updates or cancellations!**

To ensure your comfort and safety, please remember to dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty!

All tools, gloves, and training to do the task is provided.

Date & Time: Saturday, April 11th from 10am to 1pm

Location: Kelley Point Park. Project is near the first paved parking lot on your left after you turn onto N. Kelley Point Park Road.

Transit: TriMet bus #11 stops at N Columbia and Simmons but runs very infrequently on Saturdays! It is 1 mile to the park from there. 

Accessibility: We will be working in an area that has uneven, sandy ground and some slopes. There will be a porta potty (non ADA compliant) within walking distance.

Overview: Curious to see what happens to your recyclables after they're picked up at the curb? The largest recycler in North America is now using AI to improve recycling in Oregon. The WM Portland Recycling Facility is a state-of-the-art facility equipped to drive new levels of efficiency and support recycling growth in the state. Don't miss the opportunity to see a high-tech WM recycling facility in action! There are two tours scheduled, from 10-11am and 11am-12pm. When registering, please select the time that works best and attend that time. We have limited spaces and want to ensure folks registered can attend proper tour times.

What to wear: Wear sturdy, closed-toed, non-heeled shoes; avoid dangly jewelry; and tie back long hair. WM will provide safety glasses, vests, gloves, ear protection and hard hats. Avoid closed-toed, non-heeled shoes; avoid dangly jewelry; and tie back long hair. WM will provide safety glasses, vests, gloves, ear protection and hard hats. toed, nonheeled shoes; avoid dangly jewelry; and tie back long hair. WM will provide safety glasses, vests, gloves, ear protection and hard hats.

Getting There: The address is 8601 N Albina Ave and pull in through the main gate. Follow the Columbia Slough event signs. Park on the paved lot. WM staff will greet you in the lot and lead you to the visitor door. Watch for traffic, as trucks come and go through the main gate.  (If you arrive late, park on the paved lot, check for traffic, walk up the pedestrian ramp and enter through the visitor door.)

Accessibility: This tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it is necessary to climb several flights of stairs to view the facility.

East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District is excited to partner with the Columbia Slough Watershed Council to present a Tackle the Weeds: Hands-On Tool Training for Gardeners workshop.

Join us for a hands-on workshop on effective weed removal using a variety of gardening tools. We’ll cover proper tool use, safety tips, and how to select the right tool for different types of weeds. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice these skills by removing common weeds at Wilkes Creek. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this workshop will equip you with practical skills to tackle invasive plants more efficiently and confidently.

Please come prepared by wearing long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes to stay safe and comfortable while working outdoors.

Event Update, 3/30/26: Originally planned for Whitaker Ponds, the event location is moving to Wilkes Creek Park. Address is updated on this event page. We will be working in the green space across from Wilkes Creek Park.

Accessibility Notes:

Water: Water is provided; however, we recommend participants bringing a reusable water bottle to reduce single use plastic.

Parking: Free street parking within neighborhood.

Snacks: Light snacks are available, including gluten-free and vegan options.

Interaction level: High. This is a hands-on workshop that teaches and provides you an opportunity to use specific tools to remove popular weeds. Participation is highly encouraged.

If you need any additional accommodations to fully participate in our programs, please email Cat (cat@emswcd.org) or Ced (Cedrion.Gloria@Columbiaslough.org). To better serve you, six (6) business days prior to the event is preferred.

Join the Council at a Portland Trail Blazers game to help us sell raffle tickets for the Trail Blazers 50/50 Raffle. Requirements: Willing to be loud and proud, be on your feet for 4 hours, and comfortable in large crowds.

Bonus: You will get a free seat to watch the game after your shift, 30% off concessions, and if you sell the most raffle tickets you will win a Leatherman Multi-Tool from the Council!

What to bring: Water bottle, comfortable shoes, fun hat, or clothing that will help you stand out!

Parking: Parking near the Moda Center on game day is in high demand. Free street parking is VERY limited and neighboring lots usually charge between $10 and $25, but you are welcome to pay to park in any of these spaces. DO NOT park in the Lloyd Center parking structure or any neighboring lots without permission, as you risk getting your vehicle ticketed or impounded.

Transportation: Several public transportation options including the bus, MAX, and Street Car can be taken to the Moda Center. The Rose Quarter Transit Center is located at the South end of the Moda Center and the Street Car stops are at the North end. Visit trimet.org if you need help planning your trip.

Questions? Reach out to Liz Coll, at Liz.coll@columbiaslough.org.

Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s Board meetings are open to the public! Join us this month to get involved with the Council’s behind-the-scenes operations. This meeting will be held in person at the McKinstry offices, located off of Airport Way. An RSVP is encouraged, although not required.

Questions and RSVP’s can be directed to Executive Director, Amanda Gallegos at, amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join us for a cheers to the Slough! One dollar from every Core pint & 10% of Brew Fare food sold all day (12 pm - 10 pm) will be donated to CSWC. Your purchase supports our free programs! CSWC will be at Oakshire from 5 - 7 pm. Come say hello, we'd love to see you there!

No RSVP needed.

Getting there: By bus, take the 75 to NE 42nd & Alberta St.

Parking: There is free parking on the street and around the neighborhood off 42nd Ave.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Bird Alliance of Oregon, and local bird walk leaders Ryan Gilpin and Thomas Meinzen for a bird walk at Wilkes Creek.

This event is part of a larger event series, Slough Fest, hosted by Bird Alliance of Oregon. This event is the final outing of the series and will be followed by a celebration event at Level Beer — all ages are welcome to attend this family-friendly gathering!

What to Bring: Pack along water, binoculars, and warm layers. Snacks, warm drinks, and extra binoculars will be available.

Getting there: We will be meeting at Wilkes Creek Headwaters. There is parking available on the street. Taking public transportation? Take bus line #21 and get off at NE Sandy & 154th. Walk south on NE 154th Ave for about 5 minutes and make a right turn where the road curves left and becomes NE Fremont.

Accessibility:  The group will navigate ~1.5 miles along mixed surfaces (some flat, uneven, dirt, grass) including some sloped hills. The group will move at a slow pace, and make frequent stops. There is a restroom at Wilkes City Park about .1 miles away or about a 3-minute walk.

Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

Questions? Reach out to Cedrion at cedrion.gloria@columbiaslough.org or 971-413-1921.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Bird Alliance of Oregon, and local bird walk leaders Ryan Gilpin for birding at Mason Flats. This event involves little to no walking, a full paved birding area, and a chance to bird in place in this unique area in the city!

This event is part of a larger event series, Slough Fest, hosted by Bird Alliance of Oregon. Visit their website to learn more about other Slough-focused outings, and educational opportunities related to protecting the Slough!

What to Bring: Pack along water, binoculars, and warm layers. Snacks, warm drinks, and extra binoculars will be available.

Getting There: Parking is available at McKinstry.

Public Transportation: Bus #74 and #87 make stops nearby.

Accessibility: This event involves little to no walking, the group will primarily be birding in place on a flat surface. The event area, including the parking lot, is entirely paved. There is no restroom on site.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org or 971-940-3673.

Come join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Portland Parks & Recreation as we plant native plants. This hidden gem of a park is host to wetlands, black cottonwood forests, and a collection of trees from all over the world.

**Note: Please register for the event in order to be notified for any updates or cancellations!**

To ensure your comfort and safety, please remember to dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty!

All tools, gloves, and training to do the task is provided.

Prior to the workday, Rose City Bird Collective will host a bird walk open to all experience levels. The walk will conclude in time to join the Stewardship Saturday event. Registration is required for both events—please visit the Rose City Bird Collective website to sign up for the bird walk.

Date & Time: Saturday, February 21st, from 10am to 1pm

Location: Columbia Children's Arboretum.  Park/enter through the NE 6th Dr entrance and follow the event signs into the park where we will be set up.  Parking will be available in the parking lot and along NE 6th Dr.

Transit: Trimet Line #6 to NE Vancouver way and NE Walker, from here follow NE Walker to NE 6th DR and continue less than 1/4 mile to the park on your right.

Accessibility: This event will involve bending and stooping to dig and plant on soft, uneven ground. There are 2 ADA Porta Potties on site at either entrance of the park. Please stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact our Stewardship Director, Kara, at kara.caselas@columbiaslough.org.

Come join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Portland Parks & Recreation as we plant native wild flowers. This will help our efforts in restoring one of the only remaining surface creeks flowing into the Columbia Slough, at Wilkes Creek Headwaters!

To ensure your comfort and safety, please remember to dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to get dirty!

All tools, gloves, and training to do the task is provided.

Getting there: We will be meeting at Wilkes Creek Headwaters. There is parking available on the street. Taking public transportation? Take bus line #21 and get off at NE Sandy & 154th. Walk south on NE 154th Ave for about 5 minutes and make a right turn where the road curves left and becomes NE Fremont. Look for Columbia Slough event signs.

Accessibility:  This event will involve bending and stooping to dig and plant on soft, uneven ground. There is a restroom at Wilkes City Park about .1 miles away or about a 3-minute walk.

Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

Questions? Reach out to our  Stewardship Director, Kara, at Kara.Caselas@columbiaslough.org.

Join CSWC for a fun networking opportunity!

Our office will be open from 9am to 12pm for you to stop by and chat. Whether you’re a long-time partner of the Council, interested in getting your organization involved with our work, or a communtiy member, we’d love to meet you. This is also a good opportunity to talk with other local organizations and agencies. Coffee and pastries will be provided! 

We will have a speed-networking activity with Council staff, local organizations, and agency representatives at 10am.

Parking: Please park at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park. If possible, please carpool or take public transportation as parking spots are limited.

Tri-met: Take the #75 bus to NE 47th and Columbia blvd, walk south on NE 47th ¼ mile to Whitaker Ponds on your right.

Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s Board meetings are open to the public! Join us this month to get involved with the Council’s behind-the-scenes operations. This meeting will be held virtually on Zoom.

Questions or trouble accessing the link? Please reach out to Executive Director, Amanda Gallegos at, amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join local bird walk leaders Ryan Gilpin, Thomas Meinzen, and Troy Clark, Metro, and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a free bird walk at St. John's Prairie. This 240 acre site, once a landfill, is now a protected prairie providing habitat for wildlife. A space typically closed to public access, will be open for the group to bird, learn, and explore!

What to bring: Pack along water, binoculars, and warm layers. Snacks, drinks, and extra binoculars will be available.

Getting There: Follow directions to 9387 N Columbia Blvd, the closest address, then continue north over the bridge. The group will gather in a large free parking area just over the bridge. Please try your best to arrive on time - once the event starts, we will be closing the access gate.

Public Transportation: Bus #11 and #44 make stops nearby.

Accessibility: This walk will include moderately rugged terrain, including walking through fields, shrubbery, and some off trail spaces with a ~15% incline. Based on the group size and interest, we will drive to different sites on the property - KN95 masks will be available, or participants are welcome to drive their own vehicle. There is no restroom on site.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org or 971-940-3673.

Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s Board meetings are open to the public! Join us this month to get involved with the Council’s behind-the-scenes operations. This meeting will be held virtually on Zoom.

Questions or trouble accessing the link? Please reach out to Executive Director, Amanda Gallegos at, amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join us, along with East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District for a free presentation on rain gardens! Adding a beautiful rain garden to your yard can help protect local streams and reduce flooding. Learn how to assess your property for the best rain garden location and size, choose the right plants, and how to construct and maintain your rain garden.

Getting there: This event will be held in the “Annex” at Level Beer. Keep an eye out for Columbia Slough Watershed Council signs when you arrive. Parking is free in their lot. Public Transportation? Bus 87 and 21 make stops nearby.

Level Beer: This is an all ages venue. Drinks (alcoholic and NA) can be purchased in the brewery throughout the event. Food is also available for purchase through on site food carts Pita Giovanni, Tidal Boar “Shuck Truck”, Flor de Guilaguetza.

Accessibility: This site has restrooms and seating available. There is a small door frame lip at the entrance to the event area, but otherwise no stairs present.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

UPDATE: Due to inclment weather (strong wind and heavy rain) this event is cancelled. We anticipate rescheduling for a later date.

Join local bird walk leaders Ryan Gilpin and Thomas Meinzen, Metro, and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a free bird walk at St. John's Prairie. This 240 acre site, once a landfill, is now a protected prairie providing habitat for wildlife. A space typically closed to public access, will be open for the group to bird, learn, and explore!

What to bring: Pack along water, binoculars, and warm layers. Snacks, drinks, and extra binoculars will be available.

Getting There: Follow directions to 9387 N Columbia Blvd, the closest address, then continue north over the bridge. The group will gather in a large free parking area just over the bridge. Please try your best to arrive on time - once the event starts, we will be closing the access gate.

Public Transportation: Bus #11 and #44 make stops nearby.

Accessibility: This walk will include moderately rugged terrain, including walking through fields, shrubbery, and some off trail spaces with a ~15% incline. Based on the group size and interest, we will drive to different sites on the property - KN95 masks will be available, or participants are welcome to drive their own vehicle. There is no restroom on site.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org or 971-940-3673.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and facilitators Ryan Gilpin of Nidus Consulting, and Julie Jansen of Earthbody Presence, for a unique experience combining bird watching and forest bathing!  This event is free and open to those 16 and older.

Forest bathing, also called forest therapy, is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku.  It is a guided experience that allows us to slow down while connecting with nature, community, and with ourselves.  Julie will start our time together with two forest bathing invitations that will help us step out of the fast pace of daily life and connect us with our senses.

Then we will move our focus more specifically to the plants and life around us. Slowing down can help us to patiently and deeply observe any visible birds. Ryan will help participants listen for and learn to identify bird songs. If the birds are quiet and hiding, Fairview Woods has hundreds of trees to explore. 

Our time together will end with tea in the forest! Julie sustainably harvests plants and leaves from many places around Portland to create hand-forged tea.  We will sip tea together as we share about our experiences from the day.  

Getting There: We’ll meet at Fairview Woods. The closest address is at 444 Bridge St. We’ll meet at a small trailhead near the house. Although limited, free neighborhood parking is available. Taking public transportation? Bus #21 and #77 make stops nearby.

What to bring: Pack along water and come prepared for the weather as the event will happen rain or shine. Light snacks, tea at the end, and binoculars will be available.

Accessibility: There is no public restroom available. Our group will be walking along mostly flat dirt paths, with some spaces of uneven ground and small hill trails.

This event has a limited capacity. If you register and find later that you are unable to attend, please reach out to cancel your spot. If the event is full, we will create a waitlist.

Questions or want to join the waitlist? Reach out to Amanda Gallegos, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Julie Jansen guides individuals and groups in meditation, movement, and land-based practices.  Through her gentle, trauma-informed guidance Julie empowers individuals to bring presence-based practices into their lives.  She is a certified Forest Therapy Guide and co-founder of Earthbody Presence.  Currently, Julie teaches meditation and movement at Portland State University along with facilitating retreats, forest bathing, and other offerings with Earthbody Presence. 

Ryan Gilpin is the Principal Consultant at Nidus Consulting in Portland, Oregon. Ryan spends most of his days looking at, thinking about, and writing about trees. When not working as a consulting arborist, Ryan is often looking for birds. For the past 4 years, Ryan has been leading bird and tree walks as a volunteer for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council.

Join Outdoor Afro and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a fall paddle at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park in NE Portland! This event is exclusively for BIPOC community members.

Things to Bring:  Water (staying hydrated is very important), a camera, and water shoes or sandals. If you have your own boat that you prefer to be in, feel free to bring it! All equipment, canoes, paddles, life vests, dry bags, light snacks, and cold drinks will be provided at no charge.

Getting There: We’ll meet at Whitaker Ponds, parking is free. Our staff and volunteers will be available to check you in at the boat launch. Taking public transportation? Bus #75 stops at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd. Walk north on NE 47th Ave about 0.25 miles, and Whitaker Ponds Nature Park will be on your right. 

Accessibility: A porta potty is available. Previous paddling experience is not required. There is a short walk from the parking lot to the canoe launch, part of it on an uneven gravel path.

Questions? Reach out to amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Register through Outdoor Afro's app here.

Join Irene Bailey from Temenos Rising, and Columbia Slough Watershed Council, for a free guided 2 hour nature connection and mindfulness exploration walk. This event is recommended for those 16 and older. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Forest bathing is a nature connection experience inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. These immersive experiences offer the chance to break away from the stress of daily life and to find healing and nourishment through intimate engagement with the beings with whom we share this Earth home.

While offering a renewed sense of interconnection with the natural world, forest bathing also allows access to beneficial nervous system states that can support our long-term health and well-being. Research has proven that forest bathing boosts immune strength, improves cognitive functioning, and reduces stress, anger, anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness.

Offered through a series of guided invitations, the walk will help participants move beyond the chatter of the thinking mind and find a deeper sense of embodied engagement, enabling access to new ways of being while exploring relationship to self and others. This intentional practice of embodied presence cultivates access to powerful experiences of curiosity, awe, and wonder thatare essential for resilient engagement with this era of dramatic change and transformation.

Getting There: We’ll meet near the gazebo at Peninsula Park. Free parking is available in the area surrounding the park. Taking public transportation? Bus 4, 44, and 72 make stops nearby.

What to bring: Pack along water and come prepared for the weather - we will be hosting this event rain or shine. Light snacks and drinks will be available at the beginning of the event.

Accessibility: Restrooms are available in the park. Our group will be walking along flat surfaces with options to go into areas with a ramp or stairs as well. 

If the event is full, we will create a waitlist. Questions or want to join the waiting list? Reach out to Amanda Gallegos, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for the monthly Slough Science event series! This month we are excited to welcome back Leah Bendlin for a conversation about the basics of mushroom identification and common fall mushrooms of the PNW. We will focus on common edibles, indicator species, as well as other interesting and beautiful non-edible species.

Getting there: This event will be held in the Von Ebert Brewing on Glisan! Parking is free in their lot. Public Transportation? Bus 25, 77, and 86 make stops nearby.

Von Ebert: This is an all ages venue. Drinks (alcoholic and NA) and food can be purchased in the brewery throughout the event. Thursday is BOGO pizza, or get there early to order from their Happy Hour menu.

Accessibility: This site has restrooms and seating available.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Leah Bendlin is a Portland based mushroom and community science enthusiast. She caught the mycology bug after her first outing hunting chanterelles with a friend. She was amazed at the diversity of other mushrooms that day, and set out to learn the science of identification. That curiosity proved insatiable, and now, 12 years later, she has become an expert taxonomist and aspires to learn the name of every mushroom she encounters, and delights in teaching others. Leah has special interests in taxonomy, uncommonly known edibles, mycoheterotrophic plants, slime molds, ascomycetes (cup fungi) and social justice. She regularly leads mushroom ID classes and walks through various Pacific Northwest organizations and has volunteered as a teacher, identifier and board member of the Oregon Mycological Society. Find her on Instagram at @leah_mycelia!

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for a conversation about the cleanup project at Moore and Wright Island Natural Area, located on the Columbia Slough.

Sarah Miller and Heidi Nelson, both from DEQ, will discuss project updates, the current status of the project, next steps, and more. Space will be reserved for questions at the end of the presentation. Updates are also being provided on this Moore & Wright Island Story Map.

Where: This virtual meeting will be held on Zoom. Link will be sent with registration confirmation.

Questions or interested in receiving a recording? Reach out to Amanda at, amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join People of Color Outdoors (POCO) and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a paddle at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park in NE Portland! This free event is exclusively for BIPOC community members.

Things to Bring:  Water, comfy clothes (we recommend dressing in layers), and any snacks you might need. Please leave large bags and backpacks at home. All equipment, canoes, paddles, life vests, dry bags, light snacks, and cold drinks will be provided at no charge.

Getting There: We’ll meet at Whitaker Ponds, parking is free. Our staff and volunteers will be available to check you in at the boat launch. Taking public transportation? Bus #75 stops at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd. Walk north on NE 47th Ave about 0.25 miles, and Whitaker Ponds Nature Park will be on your right. 

Accessibility: A porta potty is available. Previous paddling experience is not required. There is a short walk from the parking lot to the canoe launch, part of it on an uneven gravel path.

Questions? Reach out to amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

If the Watershed Council’s registration is full, there may be spots available through POCO’s MeetUp page.

Whether you donate your time or funds to Columbia Slough Watershed Council, we are taking an evening to celebrate YOU — our amazing volunteers and donors!

Please join us for a party including:

• 1 drink on us

• Light food

• Raffle prizes

• Awards

• Live music!

We will be gathering at Double Mountain’s Overlook Taproom on October 1st from 6-8pm.

Join facilitator and educator Jo Linden from Temenos Rising and Columbia Slough Watershed Council, for a free guided 2 hour nature connection and mindfulness exploration walk. This event is for our LGBTQIA2S+ community and is recommended for those 16 and older.

This offering is an opportunity to connect more deeply with our authentic selves, with each other, and with the larger webs of community, humanity, and nature within which we are all nested. By slowing down and being present, we offer our bodies, minds, and hearts a nourishing breakfrom the stress and challenges we are currently facing. This offering offers support in calming the nervous system with reminders to be present to the gift of life. You will be invited to wander, be curious, and open to your childlike wonder and playfulness. 

Through a series of guided prompts and invitations, this offering will help participants move beyond the chatter of the thinking mind and find a deeper sense of embodied engagement, enabling access to new ways of being while exploring relationship to self and others. This intentional practice of embodied presence cultivates access to powerful experiences of curiosity, awe, and wonder that are essential for resilient engagement with this era of dramatic change and transformation.

Getting There: Keep an eye out for the Columbia Children's Arboretum sign, just past the school bus yard. Parking is free, however, limited at the Arboretum. Give yourself extra time to find parking in a nearby neighborhood if necessary. Taking public transportation? Bus #11 and #6 make stops near by.

What to bring: Pack along water and come prepared for the weather - we will be hosting this event rain or shine. Snacks and drinks will be available at the beginning of the event.

Accessibility: A restroom is available. Our group will be walking along mostly flat paved and gravel paths. 

If the event is full, we will create a waitlist. Questions or want to join the waiting list? Reach out to Amanda Gallegos, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s Board meetings are open to the public! Join us this month to get involved with the Council’s behind-the-scenes operations. This meeting will be held in person at the Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District offices in NE Portland - RSVP necessary.

Questions or want to RSVP? Please reach out to Acting Executive Director, Amanda Gallegos at, amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for our monthly speaker event - Slough Science! This month, we’ll be joined by local biologist and educator, Anna Le, for an on water conversation about salmon in the Slough. Participants will get to paddle, learn more about this critical habitat, salmon life cycle, and more. This free event is open to all ages, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting There: We will meet at the boat launch at Kelley Point Park - look out for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council sign. Parking is free, however, limited. Carpooling is recommended! Taking public transportation? Bus #11 drops riders at N Columbia Blvd & N Kelley Point Park Rd, a short walk to the launch area. Please note that service is limited in the evening.

What to bring: Pack along water, and shoes you don't mind getting dirty or wet! If you are bringing your own boat, don't forget your life jacket and paddle. If you are borrowing a seat in one of our boats, make sure to register in advance - space is limited. We will have light snacks and cold drinks to share!

Accessibility: There is no restroom available at the boat launch area, however there is one available further in the park/near the last parking lot for before or after the event. Previous paddling experience is not required. Participants must be able to sit for 1 - 2 hours. There is a low grade incline dirt/gravel hill that leads to the waters edge and our launching area.

Questions or want to join the waiting list if the event fills up? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

About the Speaker: Anna Le (who uses she/her pronouns) is a Fisheries Biologist, Environmental Educator, and Science Communicator. She is the Founder of Grayling Education, an environmental education consulting company dedicated to engaging people and inspiring the next generation of stewards by learning about conservation and science through intentional place-based learning, storytelling, and education. 

She serves as Vice Chair for the Environmental Justice Section for the Ecological Society of America, the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board, and the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition Board. Anna obtained her B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Oregon State University and a M.Sc. in Science Education from Montana State University. In her free time, she loves gardening, fly fishing, hiking, taking photos of nature, and spends time learning to knit and crochet!

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a cleanup at Kelley Point Park! This is a great all ages event, however minors must be accompanied by an adult. This beautiful 100+ acre park is located at the confluence of the Columbia Slough, Willamette River and Columbia River. This area offers a true refuge for wildlife (salmon, birds, turtles, coyote, deer and more) as well as people. If you have time after the cleanup, we recommend that you spend time after the cleanup enjoying a picnic on the sandy beach or walking the trails!

Getting There: When you turn onto Kelley Point Park Rd, follow the road until you reach the final parking lot - our group will be in this area. Free parking is available. Taking public transportation? Bus #11 drops riders at N Columbia Blvd & N Kelley Point Park Rd. Please note that service is limited in the evenings.

What to bring: Pack along water, wear close toed shoes, and come prepared for the weather as the event will happen rain or shine. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

Accessibility: Restrooms are available in the park. Participants will have the option to walk flat paved trails, grassy areas, or the sandy beach.

Questions? Reach out to Liz Coll, at Lizzy.coll@columbiaslough.org

What type of animal converts pesky mosquitoes into fertilizer, pollinates many of our favorite fruits, "sees" with its ears, and flies on outstretched fingers?  That's right... BATS!  Come explore the fascinating world of bats with Columbia Slough Watershed Council and our resident expert, Elaine Murphy! This free event is for all people of all ages.

What to bring: Pack along water and come prepared with layers (mosquito protection), binoculars if you’d like, and walking shoes. Columbia Slough Watershed Council will have cold beverages and snacks to share.  

Getting there: Free parking is available at Whitaker Ponds. Taking public transportation? Bus #75 drops riders off at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd, a .25 mile walk from Whitaker. 

Accessibility:  A porta-potty is on site. The loop around Whitaker Ponds is a mostly flat, .50 mile, dirt trail.

Questions or want to join a waiting list if the event is full? Reach out to event organizer, Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.