Join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a cleanup event beginning at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park in NE Portland! This event is best suited for those 18 and older. Minors 14 and older are permitted if accompanied by an adult.

This event will be held on the water rain or shine - participants are welcome to bring their own boat, or reserve a seat in one of ours! We will launch from Whitaker Ponds and paddle west towards the levee, collecting trash along the way. 

Getting There: We will meet at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, look out for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council sign! Free parking is available in the park. Taking public transportation? Bus #75 drops riders off at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd, a 0.25 mile walk from the park entrance. 

What to bring: Pack along water and come prepared for the weather - think warm layers, rain pants/jacket and shoes you don't mind getting dirty. 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 - register in advance, space is limited! All reservations will come with a life jacket and paddle. Columbia Slough Watershed Council will have trash bags, trash pickers and work gloves. We will have snacks and a hot drink to share after the event. 

Accessibility: A porta potty will be located in the parking lot at Whitaker Ponds. This requires participants to be able into and out of a kayak from a dock. Additionally, we will be staying in our boats for the duration of the cleanup - there are not many place to comfortably exit boats once we get on the water. Participants must be comfortable staying seated throughout the event. Previous paddling experience is not required. 

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

This event is made possible through the support of Paul Taylor (community steward who has adopted this stretch of the Columbia Slough) and Portland Metro.