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Opportunity Details

TeamWorks: Dig into the Environment this Summer! (age 18+) *Hands On*

Join a TeamWorks team of volunteers for a series of done-in-a-day projects led by a Hands On Greater Portland TeamWorks Leader. TeamWorks offers volunteers the opportunity to make a slightly longer-term commitment to volunteering, delve into a topic or issue-area, and get to know other volunteers in the process.

Time and time again, Portland ranks among the top "green" cities in the country, and those of us who live here know this isn't just a factor of the Northwest's rainy reputation. The Greater Portland area is home to a vast array of nonprofit and governmental organizations working hard to implement sustainable values and promote environmental stewardship within our communities. From habitat restoration to reuse/recycling initiatives, clean water campaigns to garden installations, local organizations are doing their part to work for a sustainable future. So what can you do to be a part of the effort?

This Teamworks will focus on exploring the different ways local nonprofits are impacting the local environment in positive ways. We'll be breaking up asphalt in favor of greenspaces with DePave, salvaging building materials at the Rebuilding Center, working at a local garden with Portland Community Gardens, canoeing to restore Ross Island with Portland Parks & Rec and Willamette Riverkeepers, and marking storm drains for the Bureau of Environmental Services, all while discussing what defines a healthy ecosystem and how we can contribute to the environmental health of our communities and our planet. If you've ever been curious to dig deeper into local environmental initiatives, now's your chance!

There will be some short reading assignments interspersed throughout the TeamWorks to deepen our understanding and discussion of the issues we'll be exploring. We will also have the opportunity to work alongside another Environmental TeamWorks team during two of our projects, to expand our opportunity to connect with other volunteers interested in learning more about environmental issues in our region.

See below for full schedule of TeamWorks events!

What is TeamWorks? TeamWorks teams consist of approximately 10-12 individuals, led by a Hands On trained volunteer leader, who commit to volunteering for every project in the series, so please carefully check the schedule below before signing up! Signing up for the FIRST session will sign you up for the entire TeamWorks. If you know in advance you'd have to miss one of the projects, let us know and you might still be eligible to join the team. Questions can be directed to Katie Seibly at kaitlin@handsonportland.org.

Team Schedule:

Tuesday, July 8th, 5:00-9:00pm:
Paddle to Improve Wildlife on Ross Island & TeamWorks Kick-off 

Willamette Park, SW Portland
We'll kick off our team on the Willamette River alongside other volunteers with a canoe trip out to Ross Island, where we'll help improve wildlife habitat on the island by removing invasive weeds, picking up litter and planting native plants (activities vary with the seasons). Canoes provided; no paddling experience necessary. Canoes, PFDs, paddles, and instruction will be provided, courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation and Willamette Riverkeepers. Before, during, and after the work party, we'll have a chance to connect, meet our team, and discuss the fun variety projects we have ahead of us!

Thursday, July 10th, 6:00-9:00pm: 
Salvage Building Materials at the Rebuilding Center
ReBuilding Center, N Portland
Reduce, recycle, reuse! Help reduce the flow of useable building materials into the waste stream by volunteering at the Rebuilding Center's non-profit store for used building materials. We'll be doing a hands-on project, so come ready to work and have fun! Closed toe shoes required and bring work gloves if you have them. Wear warm clothes as the building is chilly. Some tasks may involve medium to heavy lifting. We'll be joining another Environmental TeamWorks team for this shift, to double the amount we can get done! After the shift, we'll head across the street to Stormbreaker Brewing to enjoy a post-shift beverage and discuss the opportunities (and potential barriers) of the reuse culture in Portland. 

Saturday, July 19th, 9:30am - 2:00pm: 
DePave! at Pilgrim Lutheran Church
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, SE Portland
Get ready to rip up some asphalt, as we help turn the parking lot at Pilgrim Lutheran Church into a great big rain garden! 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. 

Friday, July 25th, 2:00-6:00pm:
Get Out and Garden with Portland Community Gardens!
Location TBD 
Get ready to put on some gloves and get dirty at one of the 47 gardens run by Portland Community Gardens. Our group will dive into an outdoor work party, providing a little loving care to keep the garden looking good by weeding, mulching, removing invasive species, cleaning up paths, and more, depending on the seasonal needs. We will again be joining another Environmental TeamWorks team for this shift, and together gather for a meal post-project to connect and discuss what we've been learning thus far.

Tuesday, July 29th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm:
Storm Drain Marking
Neighborhood Location TBD
We’ll take to the streets for Bureau of Environmental Services to mark neighborhood storm drains with “No Dumping, Drains to River.” These markers help educate the public and aim to reduce the dumping of hazardous pollutants in drains that eventually discharge into our rivers and streams. We’ll also learn about other initiatives spearheaded by the Bureau of Environmental Services to reduce storm water run-off and contamination.

After the project, we'll head across the street to a nearby restaurant or pub for our final TeamWorks wrap-up to discuss what we've learned and set our intentions for future engagement!

Optional Project: Friday, August 1st, 3:30-5:00 pm:
Tour of the Metro Transfer Station in N.W. Portland
Ever wonder just where your trash and recycling actually goes? Or how toxic chemicals get properly “disposed” of? For those who can make it, we will find out just that as we take a tour of Metro’s central transfer station, where everything is brought, sorted, and ultimately “dealt with”, either recycled into a new life or left to the landfill.

Optional Post TeamWorks Reunion Meeting: Friday, August 15th
Exact time and Location TBD 
For those who are interested and can make it, we will meet one last time as a group along with our friends from the other environmental team for one final follow up and discussion. Come and enjoy some great company and conversation with your Team! 

Click "Sign Up" below to reserve your spot on the team! Need help signing up? Call 503-200-3355.

The opportunity date and time you are looking for is no longer available.
Environment, Civic & Community
Animals, Families
Cleaning,Food Preparation & Meal Services,Gardening/Planting

Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age:18+

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