Spring is in full swing here in Portland, and it’s the perfect time to reconnect with the land and community. As the days grow longer and flowers bloom, we’re excited to share opportunities to get involved in local conservation efforts—whether through upcoming events, new job openings, or stories on our blog.

From  ways you can support tree health to wildfire preparedness, there’s something for everyone this season. Read on to dig in!

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Upcoming Events

-listed in chronological order-

• Ash and Oak Folk! Multiple Dates: 6/3, 6/11, 6/14, 7/12
  Registration now open, free.
  We’re looking for community scientists to keep an eye out for identifying healthy and sick Oregon Oak and Ash. At these free workshops you’ll learn to identify trees and track them in iNaturalist. All attendees will be entered in an awesome raffle!
• Be Wildfire Aware! Community Preparedness Event June 7-8
  Free, no registration required.
  In light of increasing wildfire risks, it’s more important than ever to understand how we can prepare and protect our communities, homes, and loved ones. Be Wildfire Aware is a free, two-day event designed to help families and individuals of all backgrounds learn practical strategies for wildfire preparedness. Hosted at the World Forestry Center.
• Love the Land: Wildfire Ready? Event at Tryon Creek 6/22
  Registration Now Open, free
  Another great opportunity to learn about wildfire preparedness with Portland Fire and Rescue and Lake Oswego Fire Department. See all the details and register for the  free event.
  

News from the District

We’re Seeking a Zone 4 Director! Are you interested in protecting natural spaces, plants, and animals in your area? Do you want to give back to your community? Our new director must live in and be registered to vote in Zone 4— click for a map and description, and to apply. (Opportunity closed 5/31/25).

Hiring: District Manager: We’re hiring a District Manager—someone with the skills to inspire, motivate, collaborate with, and align the 11 staff and 7 board directors toward common goals and strategies in fulfillment of the District’s mission. Sound like you? Apply, or share! Application deadline is May 25.

A Bittersweet Goodbye to Sauvie Island Center. We are sad to be ending our longtime partnership with The Sauvie Island Center as they move out of our service area and into the eastside. Fortunately, Sauvie Island Center will be continuing its work as it merges its programs under the umbrella of the Learning Gardens Lab in SE Portland beginning in early 2025. 

A Community Comes Together for Restoration. Mary wasn’t able to take on a restoration project by herself. With the help of our staff, a couple dozen neighbor volunteers and a mischievous alpaca, the project got done! Read on, and get inspired.

Welcome to Our 2025 Interns! We are excited to welcome James and Pavlina! They work on a variety of projects, from conservation plans and technical work in the office to site visits and invasives removal in our district. They each shared a bit about themselves to introduce themselves to the community.