On Oct 28, come as you are (or as you aren’t!) to a Halloween themed Work Party
Oregon City, OR – The Clackamas River Basin Council is looking for volunteers to help save trees from invasive English ivy along the Clackamas River in Oregon City. To celebrate Halloween, costumes are encouraged – but optional.
English ivy is an invasive weed that endangers trees, plants and wildlife habitats in the areas along rivers and streams. The noxious weed creeps along the ground and climbs trees leading to a loss in the variety of plants and an increase in tree blowdown.
“Once this weed takes a stronghold along a creek or river, it may outcompete and kill off the other plants and trees,” says Amy Barton with the Clackamas River Basin Council. “Also, English ivy has very shallow roots which do not hold onto soil or filter storm water like native plants. These shallow roots lead to increased erosion and poor water quality.”
The Clackamas River is a drinking water source for over 300,000 Oregonians. It is also home to wildlife including threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead. This work party will help save large trees just upriver from the drinking water intake. These trees help provide shade to keep water cool and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. Event details:
Halloween No Ivy Day
Saturday, October 28th from 9 am – 11 am
Bring a water bottle, gloves, sturdy shoes, and if interested – a costume! Donuts, coffee, and tools provided. Register here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/halloween-no-ivy-day/
“What’s great is this event coincides with No Ivy Day, an observance here in the Portland Metro to help engage volunteers and educate about the harm ivy causes,” adds Barton.
The Clackamas River Basin Council is also offering a webinar series to help locals create beautiful wildlife habitats and protect drinking water quality in their own yards. Details as follows:
Invasive Plants and Suitable Native Alternatives: Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 @ 12 pm. Learn about some common invasive species in the Pacific Northwest, techniques to remove each, and native plants to put in their place.
How to Protect Water Quality in your Yard: Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 12 pm. Over 300,000 Oregonians get their drinking water from the Clackamas. Learn a few simple ways you can protect this water in your own yard.
Beavers and How to Live with Them: Friday, Jan. 19, 2023 @ 12 pm. Beavers are many things: important, cute, mischievous, and sometimes, a challenge. Learn some common beaver woes and tips on how to overcome them.
How to Build a Rain Garden: Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 @ 12 pm. Rain gardens are a fun way to control your storm water and introduce some water loving plants. In this workshop, you will learn about design, permitting, building, plants and more!
Pesticide Alternatives: Friday, Mar. 15, 2024 @ 12 pm. You have likely heard some of the negative impacts of pesticides; in this workshop, you will learn effective pesticide alternative methods and products.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Friday, Apr. 19, 2024 @ 12 pm. Hear some pro tips on how to attract beneficial insects to your PNW yard from a local entomologist.
All are welcome to these webinars. You can register free here: https://clackamasriver.org/events/.
The Clackamas River Basin Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fosters partnerships for clean water and to improve fish and wildlife habitat and the quality of life for those who live, work and recreate in the watershed.
For more information, interviews or live coverage, contact Amy Barton at amy@clackamasriver.org or 503-303-4372 x 101.