First off, what is the Forest Park?
Brief History and Information: The Forest Park is a naturally preserved region in Portland, Oregon that is Douglas-fir dominant. In 1851 settlers in Portland attempted to log the land, however, due to steep slopes and loose silt from the annual rainfall the land was impossible to urbanize. Many locals were unsure what to do with the land until Thomas Eliot, a civic leader during the late 1800's sought to preserve the forest.
Currently - The land remains as a conveniently preserved forest accessible to all individuals in or outside the Portland metropolitan region. Below is an aerial image of Portland, Oregon and then Forest Park, there is significant transition in between the two areas.
Now, what is the Forest Park Conservancy?
An organization where leaders and volunteers perform in trail maintenance and habitat enhancement. The organization also focuses on larger scale issues such as climate change, invasive species, urban growth and development pressures.
The goal of the organization as stated, "The mission of the Forest Park Conservancy is to protect and foster the ecological health of Forest Park, maintain and enhance the park’s extensive trails network, and inspire community appreciation and future stewardship of this iconic urban forest as a gift for generations."
Brief History: The organization origins come from an original civic leader group called the Committee of Fifty who had organized efforts to end attempts at logging the land. Eventually the Committee of Fifty evolved into a group now known as Friends of the Forest Park, which the name eventually changed to the Forest Park Conservancy in 2008.
Access to Website: www.forestparkconservancy.org/conservancy/initiative/
An organization where leaders and volunteers perform in trail maintenance and habitat enhancement. The organization also focuses on larger scale issues such as climate change, invasive species, urban growth and development pressures.
The goal of the organization as stated, "The mission of the Forest Park Conservancy is to protect and foster the ecological health of Forest Park, maintain and enhance the park’s extensive trails network, and inspire community appreciation and future stewardship of this iconic urban forest as a gift for generations."
Brief History: The organization origins come from an original civic leader group called the Committee of Fifty who had organized efforts to end attempts at logging the land. Eventually the Committee of Fifty evolved into a group now known as Friends of the Forest Park, which the name eventually changed to the Forest Park Conservancy in 2008.
Access to Website: www.forestparkconservancy.org/conservancy/initiative/
Volunteer Requirements:
"All volunteers must come prepared to get dirty in a pair of long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Be sure to bring warm layers (synthetic or wool material is best for cold, rainy days), a waterproof layer, and a full personal water bottle. All training, tools and gloves are provided. No previous experience necessary."
A waiver form must also be filled out for safety measures. If the volunteer is under 16 then a parent or guardian must cosign. The processes is relatively easy and the schedule is usually consistent.
"All volunteers must come prepared to get dirty in a pair of long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Be sure to bring warm layers (synthetic or wool material is best for cold, rainy days), a waterproof layer, and a full personal water bottle. All training, tools and gloves are provided. No previous experience necessary."
A waiver form must also be filled out for safety measures. If the volunteer is under 16 then a parent or guardian must cosign. The processes is relatively easy and the schedule is usually consistent.