Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for the monthly Slough Science event series! This month we are excited to welcome Brodie Cass Talbott for a conversation about the basics of bird ID. Whether you are starting from scratch or trying to advance your skills - this free event is for you!

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: Seating will be available throughout the event. A restroom is available on site.

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

Brodie Cass Talbott is the Adult Engagement Manager for Bird Alliance of Oregon, where he leads birding trips, teaches classes on natural history, and strives to engage all Oregonians in conservation. Living near the Slough, he counts it among his favorite birding areas, both for it's example of urban restoration, and it's awesome birding!

Join us at the Council office to get to know the Council! Our Program Directors will each talk about what they plan to accomplish this year. Our end of year fundraising is kicking off in November so you will hear all about Give!Guide! We also have exciting new prizes for becoming a monthly donor. Drinks and snacks will be provided. 

Donors who give at this event will be entered to win an extra prize from Wyld CBD!

There will be an Owl Prowl with owl expert Elaine Murphy at the end of the event (7:30-8pm)!

Registration is free and all are welcome to attend!
Please park at Whitaker Ponds and follow signs to our office.

UPDATE: This event is canceled due to weather. Stay dry and happy Halloween!

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for some Halloween fun for all people of all ages - come dressed in your Halloween best!

This year, there will be trick-or-treating stations set up throughout Whitaker Ponds - don’t forget your candy bag! People of Color Outdoors will be hosting an activity in the gazebo - make sure to stop in! And while you’re on your walk at the park, make sure to keep an eye out for the Earth Weave provided by Cedar Tree Learning. This is an opportunity for all trick-or-treaters to find something special (a leaf, a stick, feather, etc) and contribute to the weave!

Getting There: This event will be at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park. Free parking is available here, and at NAYA located at 5135 NE Columbia Blvd. If parking at NAYA, there will be signs directing you to the lower parking lot. Free parking is available at both sites. 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, be prepared for the weather, and BYO trick-or-treating bag. Beverages will be available throughout the event.

Accessibility: A porta potty will be located in the parking lot at Whitaker Ponds. Participants will have the option to navigate flat pavement, as well as a flat grassy area.

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

This two part film photography series is being held on October 15 and October 29 at Whitaker Ponds. Advence registration is required.

Please visit the Part 1 event listing for more details about this event, and to register.

Come join Columbia Slough Watershed Council in this region-wide event to rid our natural landscapes of the pesky weedy growing species, English ivy!

The event will take place at Wilkes Creek Natural Area and will focus on removing English ivy to improve this important natural area. Come and hang out with your neighbors and see who can pull the longest piece of ivy! Wilkes Creek is one of the only remaining surface creeks that still flows into the Columbia Slough, making it a critical freshwater source in the watershed. Work being done at this event will help protect the existing tree canopy and open areas for new native plant installation for the betterment of water quality and wildlife.

After the work party, join us to celebrate. There will be an after party at Forest Park or Mount Tabor Park from 12-1:30 including lunch and raffle prizes. For more information about celebrations, please contact Monica Hescheles monica.hescheles@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-8367. 

Join Mosquito Fleet and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a Halloween themed on-water cleanup! Participants can bring their own boat, or reserve a seat in one of ours. This is for people 14 and older, minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

Getting There: We will meet at the corner of NE Alderwood & NE Glassplant. Parking is available along the shoulder of NE Glassplant Rd. Taking public transportation? Bus #87 makes the closest stop to the area by dropping riders off at NE 105th & Simpson, a 0.2 mile walk. 

What to bring: Pack along water, come prepared for the weather, and plan to get dirty! Muck boots are a great idea if possible. And in the spirit of Halloween… come in costume! Columbia Slough Watershed Council will have trash bags, trash pickers, work gloves, as well as snacks and drinks to share. 

Accessibility: This event requires participants to navigate uneven/gravel terrain from the parking area to the launch. This is a relatively short distance, and support will be provided by all event leaders to get everyone and their boats to the water. There is a porta potty on site. Previous paddling experience is not required. 

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

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and community song holder, Ary Solomon, for an afternoon of Songs on the Slough! Learn some short, simple, water-themed songs that we'll sing first on land, followed by a paddle on the Columbia Slough. This will be an exploratory and experimental paddle where we will play with sound and see how it feels to sing on the water together. No prior singing experience required! This event is for all people of all ages - minors must be accompanied by an adult. This will be a fully masked event.

What to bring: We encourage you to pack light, bring along water, and dress for the weather. Boats, life jackets, paddles, light snacks, and drinks will be provided, as well as extra masks if you need one.

Getting There: We will meet at the boat launch located at Portland Water Bureaus Pump Station - look out for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council sign and go through the gate to the free parking area. You must arrive by 1:10 PM as we will be locking the gate once the event begins. Taking public transportation? Bus 74 & 87 drop riders off at the 16400 block on Airport Way, ~0.2 miles from the meeting location. 

Accessibility: Previous paddling experience is not required. Participants must be able to sit for 1 - 1.5 hours during the paddle. A porta potty will be available.

Questions or want to be added to a waiting list? Reach out to Amanda at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Ary Solomon (they/them) is a song holder and teacher living on the ancestral lands of the Chinook tribes, also known as Portland, OR. They host monthly song circles and have been facilitating music and song spaces for 15 years. Stay up to date with their events by joining their mailing list here.

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s Education Director, Jennifer Starkey, and Reneé Heister of Blue Moon Camera for a two part outdoor film photography workshop where participants will learn how to use a Holga camera, a 100% mechanical classic medium format camera, in the spooky setting of Whitaker Ponds at dusk. This event is for those 16 and older. Beginners VERY welcome, but all experience levels can sign up.

This series will take place at Whitaker Ponds on Tuesday, October 15, and Tuesday, October 29, both from 6 - 8pm.

In Part 1 the workshop will cover Holga film cameras, how to load them, focus, take black and white photos at long exposure, how to play with lighting at sunset, and more - all without batteries and electricity! Time will be given to participants to work in pairs, explore, and take their own photos. You will leave the film with Blue Moon to be developed. In Part 2, on October 29, we will review the developed photos, discuss how to improve focus, etc, and then do another round of spooky Slough photos at the park. At the end of the 2nd class, participants will receive a coupon to develop their 2nd roll of film at Blue Moon in downtown St Johns where they can pick it up on their own time.

Getting There: We will meet at gazebo located near the parking lot at Whitaker Ponds. Free parking is available, however carpool if possible as it is a small lot. Taking public transportation? Bus #75 drops riders off at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd, a .25 mile walk from Whitaker Ponds. Bike parking is also available!

What to bring: A headlamp or flashlight - we will primarily be working in the dark, and it could make for some spooky photo ops. Halloween props, costumes, and fun lighting you’d like to play with are very welcome! We will have snacks and drinks to share, Holga cameras, and black & white film for all participants at Part 1 and Part 2.

Cost: Columbia Slough Watershed Council will cover the majority of the associated costs of this event including the facilitator, cameras for borrow, rolls of film, and the development of the first roll of film. We ask for $25 to help supplement some of these costs. If cost is a barrier to your participation, please do not hesitate to reach out to Amanda!

Accessibility: The group will be navigating flat dirt paths, with options to venture into areas with more trees and roots. There is a porta potty on site.

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

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon, Ryan Gilpin of Nidus Consulting, Thomas Meinzen of Friends of Trees, and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a fall paddle focused on birding! Participants are welcome to bring their own boat, or reserve a seat in one of ours for this evening paddle event on the Columbia Slough. This event is free and open to all ages, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting There: We will meet at the boat launch located at Whitaker Ponds. Free parking is available, however please carpool if possible as it is a small lot. Taking public transportation? Bus #75 drops riders off at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd, a .25 mile walk from Whitaker Ponds. Bike parking is also available!

What to bring: Pack along water and come prepared for the weather. 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 as space is limited. We will have snacks, drinks, and binoculars to share!

Accessibility: Previous paddling experience is not required. Participants must be able to sit for 1 – 2 hours during the paddle. A porta potty will be available on site.

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

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for the monthly event series, Slough Science! This month we will be joined by Sarah Miller and Heidi Nelson from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for a presentation about cleanup efforts on the Columbia Slough. This free event is open to all ages, advance registration is preferred.

Getting there: We will be meeting at the NE corner of N Columbia Blvd & N Fiske Ave (this is right next to the Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant). There is a free gravel lot available for parking located to the right once you cross the train tracks. Biking? There are multiple access points to travel via the Columbia Slough Trail, the 40 Mile Loop, etc. Public Transportation? Bus 4, 11, & 35 all make stops nearby.

What to bring: Pack along water and come prepared for the weather. We will have light snacks and drinks to share!

Accessibility: There is no public restroom available during this event. Aside from the gravel parking lot, the group will be navigating a flat paved trail with no incline for an approximate total of 0.6 miles (0.3 out and back).

Click the following links to learn more about the Columbia Slough and the Moore & Wright Island Natural Area Cleanup.

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

Columbia Slough Watershed Council board meetings are open to the public! Join us this month to get involved with the Council’s behind-the-scenes operations.

*Meetings are typically held virtually on Zoom, however this months meeting will be in person. Please reach out to Executive Director, Heather King, at heather.king@columbiaslough.org if you would like more information to attend the meeting.

We are thrilled to invite you to a special event in honor of our amazing Volunteers! Please join us for our Volunteer Appreciation Celebration as we celebrate their incredible dedication, hard work, and the positive impact they have made in our community.

This event is our way of saying thank you for all that they do. There will be food, fun, & a few surprises in store as we express our gratitude for their time, energy, and passion.
Please RSVP to ensure we have a headcount for catering. We hope to see you there as we celebrate you & all of our wonderful volunteers!

If you have any questions, please contact Valeria at valeria.villanueva@columbiaslough.org.

Accessibility: Level Beer has a large parking lot with free parking. 

Directions:

BUS
Coming from East (Fairview): 
Take 21 from Parkrose TC to NE Sandy & 148th (Stop ID: 10822) 
Coming from West (Parkrose):
Take 21 from Gresham TC to NE Sandy & 148th (Stop ID:10790)

DRIVE 
When on NE 148th, Level Brewery is on the left side of the street just North of NE Airport Way. 

BIKE
Coming from East (Fairview):
NE 162nd > NE 158th > NE Airport Way > NE 148th
Coming from West (Parkrose): 
 NE 122nd > NE Airport Way

Приєднуйтесь до Слов'янського громадського центру та Ради з вовідділу Колумбія Слау (CSWC), щоб покататися на веслах! Це захід для різного віку, неповнолітні мають бути в супроводі дорослих. Учасники можуть принести свій власний човен або забронювати місце в одному з наших! Цей захід призначений виключно для членів слов'янської громади. Під час заходу буде забезпечено український та російський переклад.

Присоединяйтесь к Славянскому общественному центру и Совету по водоразделу Колумбия Слау (CSWC), чтобы покататься на веслах! Это мероприятие для всех возрастов, несовершеннолетние должны быть в сопровождении взрослых. Участники могут принести свою собственную лодку или забронировать место в одной из наших! Это мероприятие предназначено исключительно для членов славянской общины. Во время мероприятия будет обеспечен украинский и русский перевод.

Join the Slavic Community Center and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a paddle in NE Portland! This is an all ages event, minors must be accompanied by an adult. All paddling gear will be provided! This event is exclusively for Slavic community members. Ukrainian and Russian interpretation will be available throughout the event.

Getting There: We will meet at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park! 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: Leave large bags and backpacks at home. Pack along water and come prepared for the weather. Boats, life jackets, and paddles will be provided. Additionally, once we are done with the paddle, a light lunch.

Accessibility: A porta potty is available. This event requires participants to be able into and out of a canoe from a dock as well as stay seated for ~1.5 hours. Previous paddling experience is not required. 

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

Join Outdoor Afro and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for an evening of paddling 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 quipment, 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.

Outdoor Afro Trip Waiver: Please make sure you review a copy of the Outdoor Afro trip waiver so that we can start this activity on time ( Outdoor Afro will bring paper copies for you to sign to the event)

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

Advance registration is required through Outdoor Afro’s Meetup page here.

Join Through The Trees Collective and Columbia Slough Watershed Council on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 19th for a special BIPOC Nature Immersion Workshop aligned with the Fall Equinox which occurs a few days later on Sunday, Sept. 22nd.

During this session, we will discuss and learn ways to honor the upcoming seasonal changes happening in both the natural world and within ourselves. We’ll begin the evening with an ancestral grounding circle, connecting with the wisdom of those who walked the land before us. Next, we’ll embark on an easy hike around the arboretum, taking in the cyclical shifts that come with Fall, all while reflecting on our own transitions and cycles of life. Finally, we'll close out the evening with a short, guided meditation to center and prepare ourselves for this next season of change.

We hope you will come foster connection, reflection, and renewal as we align with the rhythms of the earth!

This session is held in partnership with the wonderful folks of Through the Trees Collective.

It is also the final event in Oregon Walks' Black to Nature Series - which explores Afro-Ecology based walks rooted in self-determination and spiritual connection to the earth.

***SPECIAL NOTES***

• This event centers Black-Identifying community members, however anyone who identifies as BIPOC is welcome. 

• This event is ALL AGES - minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

• Snacks/Refreshments will be provided.

• We will be doing an easy hike, so please wear comfortable walking shoes, as well as dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

• Binoculars will be available for participant use during the hike.

• A porta-potty is available on site.

Have you ever wondered where the Slough’s turtles go in the winter? Did you know our native turtles breathe through their butts?  What should you do with your pet turtle if you don’t want it anymore?  Answers to these questions and more can be found out at this month’s Slough Science with Laura Guderyahn, Urban Ecologist at Portland Parks & Recreation. This free event is open to all ages, advance registration is necessary.

Getting There: We will meet at gazebo located near the parking lot at Whitaker Ponds. Free parking is available, however please carpool if possible as it is a small lot. Taking public transportation? Bus #75 drops riders off at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd, a .25 mile walk from Whitaker Ponds. Bike parking is also available!

What to bring: Pack along water and come prepared for the weather (think coverage from mosquitos). We will have light snacks and drinks to share!

Accessibility: The group will be navigating a flat 0.5 mile loop dirt ADA-accessible trail. A porta potty will be available on site.

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

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District (formerly Multnomah County Drainage District) for a conversation about Portland’s flood protection infrastructure (free coffee and breakfast snacks included), followed by an on water trash cleanup on the Columbia Slough! Participants can bring their own boat, or reserve a seat in one of ours. This is for people 14 and older, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting There: Free parking will be available on the UFSWQD campus. Keep an eye out for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council sign. Taking public transportation? Bus #70 makes a stop at NE 21st & Riverside Way, a .3 mile walk. Biking in? Plenty of bike parking is available!

What To Bring: Pack along water, weather appropriate clothing and sturdy close toed shoes/muck boots - be prepared to get dirty! Work gloves, trash bags, and trash pickers will be available.

Accessibility: There will be options for participants to stay in their boat and/or stay on land to clean up (even gravel surface). A restroom is available on site. Previous paddling experience is not required. 

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

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a free educational urban tree walk to start wrapping up summer! Local arborist Ryan Gilpin and community member Naomi Rodriguez will lead conversations about the trees between NE Ainsworth Street and NE Alberta Street. The trees here tell stories about the past that can be felt today and force us to talk about people and trees in the city. Join Ryan and Naomi for a dynamic, outdoor conversation bouncing from tree to tree, story to story, street to street. This event is free and open to all ages.

What to bring: Pack along water and snacks if you’d like. Drinks and light snacks will also be provided.

Getting There: We will meet at the NE corner of Alberta Park (NE 19th Ave and NE Ainsworth) in NE Portland. Free neighborhood parking will be available. Taking public transportation? Bus lines 8, 17, and 72 make stops near the park.

Accessibility: The group will be walking along flat paved paths and potentially some flat dirt paths. No public restroom access.

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

*Ryan Gilpin is a consulting arborist, founder of Nidus Consulting, and trip leader on bird walks throughout the Columbia Slough watershed. Ryan is chair of the Tree Care for Birds committee, has written Best Management Practices for arborists to minimize impacts to nesting birds and trains arborists to improve habitat in urban forests.

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 open to 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 dirt, 0.5 mile 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.

Discover the beauty of nature and celebrate community at the PANSY Walk. This event encourages queer community members to engage with the outdoors, find healing through nature, and connect with others in the community.

Embracing the name "PANSY" reflects our mission to reclaim a term with historical significance, turning it into a symbol of resilience and empowerment within the LGBTQIA+ community. The PANSY flower, known for its ability to thrive in diverse conditions, symbolizes our commitment to inclusivity and strength in diversity. Join us as we explore the rich plant life around Whitaker Ponds, guided by Watershed Council Program Coordinator, Liz Coll. Learn about plant identification and discover how plants can serve as sources of strength and resilience!

At the end of the event, all participants will get to take home flowers, curtesy of Portland Nursery.

What to bring: Pack along water! Pants and sleeve are recommended as the mosquitos might be out. Light snacks and cold drinks will be provided.

Getting There: We will meet near the parking lot. Free parking is available - carpooling is recommended if possible. Taking public transportation? Bus #75 drops riders off at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd, a 0.25-mile walk from Whitaker Ponds.

Accessibility: We will be following a mostly flat dirt trail that we will navigate at a slow pace for ~45 minutes. There is a porta potty located at the parking lot.

Questions or want to be added to a waiting list? Reach out to Amanda at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org.

Join Multnomah County Library and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a delightful Kid’s Story Time and Nature Walk at Whitaker Ponds! The group will enjoy stories, as well as traditional song and dance from library staff, Michael Fast Buffalo Horse and Eva Red Bird. This relaxed event welcomes youth of all ages. Following story time, we will take a leisurely group nature walk with Stewardship Director, Caitlin Costello. All youth participants must be accompanied by an adult.

What to Bring: Bring a blanket or chair for sitting through story time, water, and snacks. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Getting There: Meet us in the grassy area near the parking lot, look for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council sign. Free parking is available, but please carpool if possible as the lot is small. Taking public transportation? Bus #75 drops riders off at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd, a 0.25-mile walk from Whitaker Ponds.

Accessibility: Be prepared to sit for half an hour during the story time, and walk 0.5 miles along a flat dirt trail during the nature walk.

Questions? Reach out to Amanda at amanda.gallegos@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, Birdhers, and our resident expert, Elaine Murphy! This free event is for womin, queer, non-binary and trans people of all ages.

Our group will meet near the parking lot and start with some mingling, light snacks, and bird watching from the dock. At 7:30 Elaine will begin her presentation, and then together, we’ll walk the .5 mile loop at Whitaker Ponds. 

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 dirt trail.

Birdhers: Birdhers is a local community organization who facilitate weekly free bird walks for womin, queer, non-binary and trans folks. Follow them on Instagram (@birdherspdx) or their website to learn more.

Questions or want to join a waiting list if the event is full? Reach out to event organizer, Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@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, Birdhers, and our resident expert, Elaine Murphy! This free event is for womin, queer, non-binary and trans people of all ages.

Our group will meet near the parking lot and start with some mingling, light snacks, and bird watching from the dock. At 7:30 Elaine will begin her presentation, and then together, we’ll walk the .5 mile loop at Whitaker Ponds. 

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 dirt trail.

Birdhers: Birdhers is a local community organization who facilitate weekly free bird walks for womin, queer, non-binary and trans folks. Follow them on Instagram (@birdherspdx) or their website to learn more.

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

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Loco Por La Aventura for a paddle on the Columbia Slough! This paddling event is for the Latinx community of 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! 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, shoes you don't mind getting a little dirty or wet! All paddling gear will be provided. We will have seats in boats, life jackets of all sizes, paddles, light snacks, and cold drinks.

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

Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council for an evening of poetry and reflection at our first Earth Poetry Night. This event, led by our Community Events & Marketing Intern, Dim, will explore our collective relationship with nature through diverse perspectives. This event aims to foster dialogue within our community where participants can deepen their understanding of the importance of nature and addressing environmental challenges. Participants are welcome to read their own poetry or simply enjoy listening. We encourage poets of all ages, and multilingual poems to celebrate the richness of all languages in expressing our connection to nature.

Getting There: When you turn onto Kelley Point Park Rd, follow the road until you reach the final parking lot. From there follow signs to find us! Additional meeting location details will be sent prior to the event. Free parking is available at Kelley Point Park. 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 a blanket or chair to sit on, your own arts and crafts if desired, and any food/drinks you want through the evening. Wear clothing suitable for the weather and to protect from potential mosquitos. Light snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and bug spray will be available.

Accessibility: A restroom will be nearby. The event will take place on flat even ground, close to the paved path.

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

Join Outdoor Afro and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for an evening of paddling 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 quipment, 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.

Outdoor Afro Trip Waiver: Please make sure you review a copy of the Outdoor Afro trip waiver so that we can start this activity on time ( Outdoor Afro will bring paper copies for you to sign to the event)

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

Advance registration is required through Outdoor Afro’s Meetup page here.

This free educational speaker event will feature Alex Staunch, Natural Resource Scientist at Mosaic Ecology for an evening on the water learning about the aquatic plant community of the Columbia Slough! Participants can reserve a seat in one of our boats, or bring their own. This event is open to all ages, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Originally from western New York, Alex earned a Master of Environmental Management degree from Portland State University. His research has focused on non-indigenous aquatic plant management and he has conducted various surveys in the Columbia Slough Watershed since 2015. Alex has filled many roles at Mosaic Ecology and still enjoys leading crews to conduct habitat restoration and vegetation surveys. He has expertise in wetland sciences, plant ecology, aquatic plant identification, and monitoring protocols. Outside of work, Alex can be found backpacking with his family or overcrowding his garden with native plants. 

Registration is free and all are welcome to attend. There is parking available at Whitaker Ponds Nature park and porta potty is located in the parking lot. CSWC will provide all equipment for paddling on the water, including lifevests, paddles, and safety gear. We will do a safety talk on land before getting in boats to explore. This event requires participants to enter/exit a boat from the dock, as well as stay seated for ~1.5 hours. Previous paddling experience is not required. 

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon, Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Ryan Gilpin of Nidus Consulting, and Thomas Meinzen of Friends of Trees for a summer paddle focused on birding! Participants are welcome to bring their own boat, or reserve a seat in one of ours for this evening paddle event on the Columbia Slough. This event is free and open to all ages, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting There: We will meet at the boat launch located at Whitaker Ponds. Free parking is available, however please carpool if possible as it is a small lot. Taking public transportation? Bus #75 drops riders off at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd, a .25 mile walk from Whitaker Ponds. 

What to bring: Pack along water and come prepared for the weather. 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 snacks, drinks, and binoculars to share!

Accessibility: Previous paddling experience is not required. Participants must be able to sit for 1 - 2 hours during the paddle. A port potty will be available on site.

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

UPDATE: Event cancelled due to extreme temperatures.

Join Through the Trees Collective and Columbia Slough Watershed Council for an on-water cleanup event for BIPOC individuals looking to give some extra support to the environment and the Columbia Slough. Participants can bring their own boat, or reserve a seat in one of ours. This event is for BIPOC identifying people 14 and older, minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

Getting There: We will meet at Whitaker Ponds. Free parking is available. 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, come prepared for the weather, and plan to get dirty! Please wear pants and close toed shoes. Columbia Slough Watershed Council will have trash bags, trash pickers, work gloves, as well as snacks and cold drinks to share. 

Accessibility: There is a porta potty available. This event requires participants to navigate a few stairs to get to the boat launch. Participants must be comfortable staying seated throughout the event. Previous paddling experience is not required. 

Questions about the event? Reach out to Amanda, at amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org. Questions about getting involved with Through the Trees Collective? Reach out to Nicole, at throughthetreescollective@gmail.com.

This event is made possible through our partnership with Through the Trees Collective and is supported by Healing Us Evergreen.