FT 11 - Restoring Ecosystem Services in the Urban Environment

Tuesday, August 8, 2017: 8:30 AM-1:00 PM
M.L. King Jr. Lobby, Oregon Convention Center
Organizer:
Samantha Wolf, Clackamas County
Co-organizers:
Tonia Williamson, North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District; and Gail Shaloum, Clackamas County
We will visit two rehabilitated natural areas in the urban heart of Clackamas County. This region is rapidly developing and natural areas are fractured and degraded. Clackamas County has invested in improving forest, wetland, and stream environments needed for valuable services such as water quality, wildlife habitat, pollution mitigation, and ecosystem resilience. 

Stop 1: 3-Creeks Natural Area is home to a rare Oregon White Oak habitat and was once severely degraded by pollution. Now the site has been returned to valuable wildlife habitat with the addition of a wetland mitigation area. Over the last decade, 3-Creeks has been restored by State Agencies, County staff and volunteers to mitigate contaminated soil, enhance stream health, and install native plants.

Stop 2: Newly restored Spring Park Natural Area lies along the shore of the Willamette River. Renovations at the park include updated trails, an overlook along the river, and restored wetlands. Enhanced in-stream fish refugia were built for juvenile fish such as the threatened Lower Columbia salmonids and the native Lamprey.

Registration Fee: $55

Equipment and Attire: Participants should be prepared for rain or shine and wear sturdy boots. We will be walking on steep and rocky terrain as well as flat and easily accessible walking trails. Weather this time of year is normally warm and dry. Bring plenty of water and a snack.

Itinerary:
8:30 am - Check-in at the Oregon Convention Center (777 Northeast Martin Luther King Junior Blvd, Portland, OR 97232) outside the lobby along Martin Luther King Junior Blvd.
9:00 am - Leave Oregon Convention Center for STOP 1: 3-Creeks Natural Area (Adjacent to North Clackamas Aquatic Park 7300 SE Harmony Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97222) to arrive by 9:30 am
10:50 am - Leave 3-Creeks Natural Area for STOP 2: Spring Park (SE Sparrow St & SE 19th Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222) to arrive by 11:10 am
12:30 pm - Leave Spring Park to return to the Oregon Convention Center (777 Northeast Martin Luther King Junior Blvd, Portland, OR 97232) by 1:00 pm

See more of: Field Trips