Just a few weeks ago, when the water was cold and still, I paddled to work for the first time in quite a while. On this day, the river was tranquil, somewhat swollen, but with the gradual increase in river levels from the soft rain that had been coming down for a while. This particular morning was clear, and over head on East Island which rests against Ross Island's southeast flank, two bald eagles were perched in the bare cottonwoods. I could hear their high little cries occasionally as I passed by. It was a good trip to work, and the paddle back upstream was a good workout, but not tough. It would be very tough to make my way upstream this week. While that was only three weeks back, the river is now altogether different.
 
The water his high, built up by the recent storms, and brown in color from the mass of runoff that has made its way to the main flow. In the swirling eddies are trees, other woody debris, bits and pieces of plastic, and more. Under the surface, there are also spring Chinook making their way upstream, enjoying a brief reprieve from those seeking a nice fresh Willamette Salmon for their dinner table - as the muddy turbid water makes it tougher to catch these fish.
 
Even with the high flows that can challenge those fishing, and make it tough on paddlers (and one must be very cognizant of high flow conditions), the wildlife can be seen all around, with some returning from afar. Osprey can be seen again overhead, as most of them are returning from their winter in Mexico and beyond. Sea lions are prowling the lower river seeking salmon, and mergansers are grouping along the river's edge.
 
Up along Willamette Narrows, the wildflowers will be blooming soon, with a variety of native Oregon species that can be seen, including Camas, Checker Lily and others. Of course, in this wonderful public property just upstream from the Tualatin River, you have to watch out for the abundance of Poison Oak.
 
As spring moves on, we look forward to seeing you on the river with us. We have a variety of events coming up over the next couple of months, from restoration work parties on Ross Island, to our River Discovery paddle trips. Of course as we enjoy the river, and provide opportunities to learn about it, Willamette Riverkeeper is engaged daily in a variety of issues from implementing the Clean Water Act from Eugene to Portland, to working hard on the Portland Harbor Superfund site. 
 
If you like our work, please become a member! You can do this online, or by check! Hey, we are flexible - and appreciate your support however you can provide it.

 

See you on the river.

 

Travis

Travis Williams
Executive Director and Riverkeeper

 

photo: Green Island on the Upper Willamette by Barbara May, Willamette Riverkeeper's sensational Board President!

Beginning at the SE Portland Boathouse, we will peddle down the Springwater Cooridor, over the Sellwoood Bridge, continue along the SW shore, back onto the esplanade, until we cross back over the river at the Hawthorne Bridge Bridge. We will enjoy a casual pace, stopping ocasionally to note areas of interest such as restoration projects, advocasy issues, and wildlife. See this bike map of the area.        

Participants must provide their own bike. Pack water, snacks, and a repair kit!  

    

THE place to be THIS THURSDAY night!

 

Come and experience entertainment for a great cause-- Willamette Riverkeeper, of course!

 

Once again, Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe is bringing the Reel Paddling Film Festival to Portland!  
 
This international film tour features the world's best whitewater, sea kayaking and canoeing action and lifestyle films of the year! Enjoy twisting river canyons surging with whitewater, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, coast-to-coast canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries, and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of paddling life. 

 

All proceeds benefit Willamette Riverkeeper and our River Discovery Program. Plus, you can enjoy Fish Brewing's organic Willamette Riverkeeper Paddler Pale Ale!
 
Get there early to enjoy LIVE MUSIC from local favorite TapWater the first and only World Twang ensemble!  

When: THIS Thursday, April 8th; doors open @ 6pm, live music @ 6:30pm, films begin @ 7pm

 

Where:

McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub, SE 37th & Hawthorne

Willamette Riverkeeper's Volunteer Monitoring Program has a new partnership to be excited about!

Students from Outside In's Urban Ed Alternative School have adopted our monthly water quality monitoring site at Sellwood Riverfront Park. Outside In is a Portland based non-profit helping homless youth and other marginalized people move towards improved health and self-sufficiency. 

 

After a hands-on training with Water Quality Coordinator Julia DeGagné, the class is ready to get out in the field this month and start testing samples.

 

As part of Outside In's Employment and Education Resource Center (ERC), the Urban Ed School helps homeless youth prepare to take the GED and enter the workforce. Many of the students are already familiar with and concerned about the water quality issues facing the Willamette. All will gain practical experience in scientific field work while contributing to our knowledge about water quality trends in the Willamette Basin.

 

photo: a volunteer practices using a pH meter.

Calling all volunteers! Your help is needed on the soon-to-be Wild & Scenic Molalla River, a key tributary of the Willamette. Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day by enjoying and improving this remarkable Oregon river!

what: Molalla River Corridor Enhancement-- including a Clean Up, Restoration Planting, and Trail Work
when: Saturday, April 17th @ 9am

where: Meet at Feyrer Park (driving directions below), then on to the Molalla River Recreation Corridor

 

bring: gloves, appropriate clothing, and water. BBQ at Feyrer Park in the afternoon for all volunteers!

directions: From Highway 211 on the east side of Molalla, follow Mathias Rd and Feyrer Park Rd to Feyrer Park.    
  
Registration/waiver forms will also be available at Feyrer Park.

This event is organized by the Molalla River Watch. We believe a healthy Willamette requires healthy tributaries. Willamette Riverkeeper and the Molalla River Watch are members of the Molalla River Alliance, a not-for-profit, all-volunteer conservation group dedicated to playing a leading role in protecting and preserving the water quality of the Molalla River and sustaining the wildlife, fish and plants that inhabit its watershed. Join us in making the Molalla River a better place!

For more information, contact Molalla RiverWatch at riverwatch@molalla.net or 503-824-2195.

photo: Volunteers help improve the Molalla River

THANK YOU to everyone who emailed and/or attended the April 1st North Reach River Plan Hearing. 

Portland city commissioners unanimously voted to advance an environmental mitigation plan for the North reach of the Willamette River. Council will vote formally on the North Reach "River Plan" on April 15. It's co-sponsored by the mayor and City Commissioner Amanda Fritz (read more from the Oregonian).

 

Mayor Sam Adams recently shared his thoughts on the plan in his opinion article The Portland River Plan: Meeting Our Vision For The North Reach.

 

photo: (left to right) Mike Houck of Urban Greenspaces Institute, and Bob Sallinger of the Audubon Society of Portland, join Willamette Riverkeeper Executive Director Travis Williams to advocate on behalf of the North Reach before Portland City Council on April 1st.  

 

   

 

Become a FAN on our NEW Facebook Page!

 

 

 

 

 

  

Visit our Willamette Riverkeeper channel on YouTube!

 

 

photo: River Discovery paddler pauses by a noisy heron rookery on the Lower Willamette's Goat Island during last month's trip.