Opportunity Details
TeamWorks: Explore Nature in the City! (age 18+)
What do depaving, farming, restoration work, and tree inventories have in common?
They're all included in the fun array of projects we have scheduled for our newest TeamWorks volunteer team! This Teamworks will focus on exploring natural spaces within the city and how our urban and natural environements intersect and coexist -- both intentionally and untentionally.
As a team, we'll be breaking up asphalt in favor of greenspaces with DePave, prepping farmland at Zenger Farm, restoring riparian and savanna habitat near the former St. Johns Landfill, inventorying trees with Portland Parks & Recreation, and learning more about our region's Intertwine Coalition and the Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network. All the while, we'll be discussing some of the complexities of living in an urban environment and supporting our natural environments at the same time. There will be some short reading assignments interspersed throughout the TeamWorks to deepen our understanding and discussion of the issues we'll be exploring.
If you've ever been curious to explore some of the nonprofits doing great things for our local environment, now's your chance -- this is the perfect team to get you outside this summer!
What is TeamWorks? TeamWorks teams consist of approximately 10-12 people, who, like you, are interested in getting to know our region through volunteerism. Led by a Hands On trained volunteer leader, your team will work together on a series of projects (listed below) with opportunities to discuss the impact your service is having on our community. Some projects will be paired with happy hour or a meal to allow your team to continue the conversation (meal/drink expenses are the responsibility of each individual team member).
Signing up for the FIRST session will sign you up for the entire TeamWorks. Commitment to every project in the series is important, so please carefully check the schedule below before signing up! If you know in advance you'd have to miss one of the projects, let us know and you may still be eligible to join the team. Questions can be directed to Melia Tichenor, melia@handsonportland.org or 503.200.3370.
Team Schedule:
Session 1:
Thursday, July 23rd, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Nature in the City Team Kick-Off
Downtown Portland
Let's come together to meet our team and dig into the topic of "Nature in the City". We will hear from Kim Smith, Sociology Instructor and Coordinator of the Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network to learn about how our community is stewarding the green spaces in our city that already exist, and what programs are helping us reclaim and maintain those urban/natural environments moving forward. Focused on helping us become educated, empowered, and engaged, this introductory reflection session will explore how we help support these urban/natural intersections as individuals by combating thought traps, creating cycles of hope, and identifying ways to participate in sustainable solutions. Pizza dinner provided!
Session 2:
Saturday, July 25th, 9:45 am - 2:00 pm
(Project 9:45am - 1:30pm; post-project debrief 1:30pm-2pm)
DePave the Atkinson Elementary Nature Playground!
SE Portland
During our second session, we'll be working with Depave to removing pavement and make way for a nature play area for the kids of Atkinson Elementary. This will include a dug out canoe for the kids to play in! There is already a play structure at Atkinson Elementary, and our efforts will provide more space for kids to enjoy. The depaved area will also function to help stormwater runoff percolate into the ground rather than running directly into the storm drain, minimizing pollutants that are carried into the stormwater system.
Volunteers orientation begins at 9:45 and DePave will provide all the necessary tools, safety gear, snacks and lunch. Due to the physical nature of asphalt removal, volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants and clothing appropriate for tough work. Closed-toe shoes are required to depave – NO EXCEPTIONS.
Session 3:
Wednesday, July 29th, 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Inventory Street Trees with Portland Parks and Rec
NE Portland
We will join other volunteers and Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry to help map, measure, and identify street trees throughout the Irvington neighborhood. No experience is necessary, as novice volunteers will be paired with a Team Leader to identify trees and explain the inventory protocol. As data-collection helpers, our duties will include measuring trees, recording data on trees and the site, and mapping trees. Our work will contribute to the work neighborhood tree teams are doing throughout many communities to create a tree plan for stewardship of the urban forest -- a canopy that helps our neighborhoods both practically and aesthetically!
Session 4:
Friday, August 7th, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Get Your Hands Dirty at Zenger Farm
SE Portland
Come out and get your hands dirty at Zenger Farm! For our fourth session, we'll learn more about this nonprofit and working urban farm promoting: sustainable food practices, youth education, environmental stewardship, and community and economic development. We will be completing an assortment of tasks that will contribute to the maintenance of a working urban farm and youth garden. Zenger Farm currently brings over 6000 people a year to the farm, including international visitors, community members and students of all ages. Our programs provide hands-on opportunities in Youth and Adult Education, Sustainable Urban Agriculture, Environmental Stewardship, and Green Economic Development.
After the work party, we'll take a tour of the farm to learn more about how it supports three types of livestock (see if you can guess what they are!) and a nearby wetland that is home to a wide variety of native animals.
Session 5:
Thursday, August 13th, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Natural Area Restoration Near the St. Johns Landfill
N Portland
Work to improve the riparian and savanna habitat near a former landfill in North Portland! We will join Toby Query, Ecologist with the City of Portland, to learn about the natural and human history of the site, which is a former landfill of incinerator ash. The site is now home to rare wildlife such as the Willow Flycatcher. To help restore the site and improve soil conditions for plants, volunteers will be adding wood chips to plants to improve their growth and reduce weed competition.
After the project, we'll circle up at a nearby location for our final TeamWorks wrap-up. Time to explore what we've learned and set our intentions for future engagement!
*Optional* Learning Session:
Wednesday, August 12th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group
N Portland
For those who are interested, some of us will attend the Portland Harbor's Community Advisory Group meeting on Wednesday, August 12th, to learn more about the Portland Harbor Superfund Site cleanup process and progress. This is a monthly meeting open to the public. The Portland Harbor Superfund Site is the result of more than a century of industrial use along the Willamette River. For more information about the site, check out OPB's excellent overview here. Attendance not required but recommended if you can make it!
Click "Sign Up" below to reserve your spot on the team! Need help signing up? Call 503-200-3355.
Age Minimum (with Adult): 16+, Minimum Age:16+
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