Hey Folks - 

Somehow, here we are in November! Whenever I look ahead from Summer to Fall, I always seem to think, "ahh, by November things will slow down a bit, and I can get to those projects." Well, things are definitely not slowing down as we round into the cold months. 

Of course, WR will be engaged in a variety of issues as always, with the Superfund Cleanup, Habitat Restoration projects to our River Discovery trips. 

There is one Opportunity this Fall that You should be aware of, and that is the Willamette Week Give Guide! WR has once again been selected to take part, and this is a great way to donate to help WR carry out its programs. The give guide launches this WEDNESDAY! Vist the the GiveGuide! and consider a donation to WR!

Thank YOU for your support - and Give to WR Today to support our work to protect and restore the Willamette River!

For the River, 

Travis 

Riverkeeper & Executive Director

Last River Discovery Trip of the year- Paddle to Protect Norwood Island!

Photo by Neil Schulman

There are places in this world that can INSPIRE you- Norwood Island is one of these. This island is a remarkable ECOLOGICAL and RECREATIONAL asset, and presents a tremendous opportunity for the general public to both EXPERIENCE and ENHANCE nature along Oregon's great Willamette River!     

Located along the upper Willamette River at the confluence of a small tributary called the Long Tom, Norwood Island has been privately owned for decades. TODAY Willamette Riverkeeper -and all of you- have an opportunity to purchase the island thanks to the land owner's interest in protecting the river, and in creating a new publicly accessible site. This island can belong to ALL of us and it will be managed as part of the Willamette River Water Trail system. 

We invite you to Enjoy, Explore, and Learn about Norwood Island with our Riverkeeper team!   

What: Paddle to Protect Norwood Island!
When: Saturday, 11/16
Where: McCartney Park to Peoria Park (15 miles)
Cost: Minimum donation of $40 required          

 

Details: This is an all-day trip on the scenic upper Willamette River, including up to 5 hours of paddling. Due to the distance and dynamic river conditions (such as current, eddylines, and woody debris), prior paddling experience is required (wet exit/assisted rescue expereince recommended).  

Dress appropriately: rubber boots (we will be getting out of our boats to have lunch and explore), immersion wear or waterproof jackets/pants/hats with wicking/fleece layers underneath. Bring extra layers as well, gloves too!    

Also on this route- a scenic alcove at RM 143

Bring: sack lunch, snacks, waterproof camera, water, thermos for a warm drink, a headlamp/light

Meet: Participants will meet at Peoria Park at 8:30am sharp. From here we will work together to set our vehicle shuttle to McCartney Park with the help of WR's van and trailers.

Boats: BYO kayak or canoe that is 12ft or longer and has flotation (bulk heads/float bags). Riverkeeper canoes are available upon request. You must have a paddling partner as well as prior success canoeing!       

Payments: Will be accepted via check or credit card upon meeting at Peoria Park, and will contribute to the purchase of Norwood Island, helping us meet our goal of raising 20K by the end of the year. 

Tickets: available soon at REI Portland        

Today, under the city, they still flow, out of sight and out of mind... until now. That's because urban dwellers are on a quest to reconnect with this denigrated natural world. Lost Rivers takes us on an adventure down below and across the globe, retracing the history of these lost urban rivers by plunging into archival maps and going underground with clandestine urban explorers. 

Could we see these rivers again? To find the answer, we meet visionary urban thinkers, activists and artists from around the world.

"Lost Rivers" Trailer

 

Volunteers collecting water samples to test for E. coli

The Water Quality Program is  currently seeking a committed volunteer E. coli sample collector for the upper watershed! This volunteer would collect water samples from 4 different sites between Corvallis and Keizer. Sampling will take place once a month from October 1st through May 1st and twice a month from June1st and September 1st.  

So if you like scenic drives, long walks on the beach (with a collection pole and a cup), big cups of Starbuck Coffee and saving our beautiful Willamette River then please contact Water Quality Coordinator Suzi Cloutier at suzi@willametteriverkeeper.org.

You're Invited to the River View Natural Area Management Plan Open House!       

River View Natural Area (RVNA) is a 146 acre undeveloped forested parcel located in southwest Portland south of the Sellwood Bridge, between River View Cemetery and Lewis & Clark College. The site is connected to the Willamette River through culverts under Highway 43 and is an important link in the Westside Wildlife Corridor (an upland forested corridor in Portland's west hills that protects natural habitat and provides connectivity for wildlife).

In 2011 several agencies worked together to acquire the site for the protection of its natural resources, as RVNA is in a key position in the corridor and contains important aquatic resources that discharge into the Willamette. These agencies include Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R), the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES), The Trust for Public Land (TPL), and Metro. Willamette Riverkeeper is participating in the Public Advisory Committee for this Natural Area Management Plan.   

When: Tuesday, 11/12 - 5:30pm-7:30pm

Where: PDX Church, 125 SW Miles Pl, Portland 97219

We will bring the natural area to you - come view displays and maps to better understand the wildlife, watershed, and recreational opportunities at this unique 146-acre natural area. Discover why this site was identified as a high priority for ecological preservation, and learn more about the planning process. Project staff and public advisory committee members will be on-hand to answer questions and to hear from you.  

Thanks to our former board member, Scott Fogarty, for sending this 1935 "Morning Oregonian" political cartoon to us! Scott's friend found this treasure inside the wall of a house that he was renovating.

The text on the bottom left reads "A beautiful river and world port that could and should be a source of health and pleasure to thousands of residents and visitors."

Wow.

For the first time in 40 years, a new bridge will soon span the Willamette River in Portland. The car-free bridge will connect the eastside and westside, helping improve commutes and transit across the region.   

While we know what the bridge will do and even what it will look like, we don't know what it will be called, that's why TriMet needs your help.    

Dream up a name for the region's newest bridge, and you could make history! Read more and submit your suggested name HERE.