August Slough Activites

The lazy days of August are upon us, which means it's time to relax by the Slough!  Join us this month for some enjoyable excursions:

• Bat Night - this Friday!
• Nadaka Community Festival
• Subs on the Slough
• Bring Your Own Boat Paddle
• Or check out photos from last week's Regatta
   

Bat Night

Friday, August 3, 7:30-9:30pm
Whitaker Ponds, 7040 NE 47th Ave

It's batty that we still have spots available!  Sign up now to bring your family with kids aged 5+ for a nighttime hike all about bats.  We'll search for these flying mammals with a handheld bat detector. $5 suggested donation.
 

Nadaka Community Festival

Saturday, August 11, 9am - 3pm
Nadaka Nature Park, NE 174th & Glisan

Celebrate new parks in Gresham with this community festival at Nadaka Nature Park!  Help pull weeds from 9am - noon, then enjoy hot dogs, live music, kid's activities, and community information from noon to 3pm.  The Council will be hosting a table at this fun event.
 

Subs on the Slough

Friday, August 17, 11:30am - 1pm
Columbia Slough Trailhead, 16650 NE Airport Way

Join the Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a free lunchtime tour. Learn about protecting Portland’s underground drinking water source in the Columbia Slough Watershed, and view the solar array that helps off-set the Portland Water Bureau's energy needs. Lunch is provided at picnic tables along the scenic Columbia Slough trail. Advanced registration required; suitable for adults and children 10 & up.
 

Bring Your Own Boat Paddle

Wednesday, August 22, 5:30-7:30pm
Simpson Launch, 11198 NE Simpson

Have you been out to the "secret" launch on NE Simpson yet?  Bring your canoe or kayak to join this group paddle exploring the mysterious nooks and crannies in the Upper Slough.   RSVPs requested; $5 suggested donation.  No equipment is available to borrow.  

Regatta Recap

Thank you to all 477 people who came out to the St Johns Launch last Sunday for the Council's 18th annual Columbia Slough Regatta!  Over 210 boats launched with festive balloons attached, and families enjoyed the free t-shirts, free snacks, lemonade, and community information.  Congratulations to Carol H, our raffle winner who went home with over $470 worth of prizes!

If you'd like to see photos from the event, check out the Council's Facebook page.  You might even see yourself out on the water!
 

Summer Fun Events

Upcoming events from the Columbia Slough Watershed Council. 

I've been to many of their events and they are always interesting informative and fun.

Slough Tour: Vanport Flood

Wed, May 30, 4 - 5pm
Delta Park / Vanport Park & Ride, 1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland

Honor the 64th year since the tragic 1948 flood of Vanport City. Learn about the history of Vanport (the second-largest city in Portland at the time and predominantly African-American) and the specifics of the flood at this outdoor tour at the historic site. Free, RSVPs requested.
 

Cycle the Well Field

Sat, June 2, 8:45am - 1:30pm
Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station, 9920 NE Cascades Pkwy, Portland

Bring your bike and your friends for a tour of Portland's drinking water wells! Experts from the Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council will lead this 16-mile trip on easy terrain. Learn about the safety, functionality and history of Portland's underground drinking water system, which supplements the main supply from the Bull Run. Helmets required; light refreshments provided; recommended for ages 12+. Meet at Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station. Free. Pre-registration required.
 

Bring Your Own Boat Paddle

Wed, June 20, 5:30-7:30pm
Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, 7040 NE 47th Ave, Portland

Load up your own canoe or kayak for a springtime paddle! Council Member and naturalist Troy Clark will lead this group trip in search of otters, turtles, and osprey. $5 suggested donation, suitable for adults and teens 12+, pre-registration requested.