Join Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Friends of the Forest®
to help restore and rehabilitate the
Sandy River Delta
Volunteers Needed: 9am-1 pm , Saturday, June 28 2008
Just 10 short years ago, the Sandy River Delta was a mass of overgrazed land overrun by a maze of Himalayan Blackberries.
However, thanks to a large-scale restoration effort by the U.S. Forest Service and partners, the 1500-acre parcel, where so many of Portland's dog walkers, anglers, and hikers flock to enjoy nature moments from the city, increasingly resembles the marshy riparian forest that Lewis and Clark once called an "impenetrable thicket."
Many agree. The Delta is well on its way to becoming a true "Gateway to the Gorge." With construction already underway to add a new parking lot, off ramp, and bathrooms to the site, future opportunities for recreation at the already well-used site look very promising.
On Saturday, June 28, up to 50 volunteers will team up with the National Forest Foundation and Friends of the Gorge to resume the construction of a trail that will lead visitors to a new bird blind, which will open to visitors this summer. The bird blind is one of seven installations in the Gorge that make up Maya Lin's Confluence Project. This volunteer day has been made possible by CNET-Techtracker.
Friends of the Forest Day at the Sandy River Delta is a great opportunity for families and individuals to experience and discover their public lands, and have fun while learning something new and contributing to the well- being of the public land. Forest lovers of all ages are welcome. Families with children over seven will find the day most rewarding. Lunch will be provided to all registered volunteers by the Hood River Inn while the crowd enjoys a talk about the historical significance and geological history of the Sandy River Delta by Andrew Brahe, Project Manager of the Confluence Project.
Volunteers should sign up at http://www.becomeafriend.org or call Meghan McGuire with Friends of the Forest at (503) 808-2695. Information on what to bring, where to meet and driving directions will be provided in email form to all registered volunteers a week previous to the event.
The National Forest Foundation (NFF) hosts Friends of the Forest Days around the country in partnership with local organizations. The NFF is dedicated to engaging citizens in the stewardship and enjoyment of our National Forests and Grasslands. With a regional office in Oregon , the NFF serves communities and forests throughout the Northwest. To learn more about the NFF, please visit http://www.natlforests.org; for information on recreation and volunteer opportunities in our National Forests and joining Friends of the Forest, visit http://www.becomeafriend.org.