Leisure

Save Water, Reduce Runoff When: Sat May 17, 2014 9AM-1PM Where: Troutdale Community Conference Bldg 223 S Buxton Rd Troutdale OR Get Map!

You're invited
Attend a free Naturescaping Basics workshop. Learn about the practice of designing (or redesigning) your landscape so that it reduces water use and decreases stormwater runoff while saving you time, money and energy.

This introductory workshop introduces the core concepts of naturescaping, and also explores

• pollution prevention through the reduction/elimination of chemical use how native plants naturally resist pests & tolerate drought conditions while attracting native
• birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to your garden
• basic site planning principals, and many other great natural gardening & design tips

Register Here!

Weed Watcher Workshop When: Sat May 17, 2014 10AM-11:30AM Where: Rockwood Library 17917 SE Stark St. Gresham OR Get Map!

Weed identification class
nvasive weeds damage property and crowd out the native plants that animals rely on for food and shelter. Please join us for a free workshop focusing on Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) of Gresham's most invasive weeds. Learn to identify and report new invaders before they become a problem.

Free workshop. No RSVP required

Help us fight off Gresham’s weedy invaders by participating as a Weed Watcher in our Early Detection, Rapid Response Program. By familiarizing yourself with problem weeds in our area, you can help us stop these plants in their tracks.

Let's Ride Bikes When: Sun May 18, 2014 10AM-12PM Meet: Main City Park 219 S Main Ave Springwater Trail Entrance Gresham, OR Get map!

Adult Fun!
Join experienced riders on a 30-mile bike ride in and around the Gresham, Troutdale and Sandy River area. The group will take a break along the route, where food and beverages will be available for purchase. The ride begins and ends in Main City Park, at the junction with the Springwater Trail.

Over 90 vendors • Local Farm Fresh Produce, Fruits & Berries • Crafts • Fine Art • Artisan Foods • Unique Services • Music • Fun

Located in the NE corner of the Gresham Kmart parking lot at Eastman Parkway and NW Burnside Road with plenty of convenient parking. Open every Saturday now through Oct. 25. Accepting SNAP and WIC.

Let's Go Walking! When: Thu Jun 05, 2014 8:30AM-5PM Where: Strawberry Island Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This four-mile hike begins at North Bonneville City Hall. We will start on the paved Big Foot trail, looking for carved Sasquatches. After going through a tunnel, the path leads to natural trails on Strawberry Island, where we will climb 200 feet for views of the Columbia River Gorge. Then we will traverse many of the trails that Lewis and Clark once used, before following the Southwest Loop Birding Trail into the woods. At the tip of the island, Hamilton Creek spills into the Columbia River. Here we will get a view of Beacon Rock and the Pierce Wildlife Refuge to the north. From the viewpoint, we will head back through wetlands and onto the Gorge beachfront where we will stop for lunch. Following lunch we will follow perimeter trails before heading up grassy hillsides back to our cars. Wear layered clothing, as the gorge can be windy, and bring sunscreen. Hiking boots and poles are recommended, but not required. Beware of poison oak. Pack a lunch, water and snacks and bring a pad to sit on for lunch along the river. On the way back, we will stop in Cascade Locks for ice cream

• Round-trip travel: 70 miles
• •Suggested donation per rider: $7.50 (includes two-way toll for crossing the Bridge of the Gods)
• Difficulty: Easy/moderate
• Elevation gain: 200 feet

Over 90 vendors • Local Farm Fresh Produce, Fruits & Berries • Crafts • Fine Art • Artisan Foods • Unique Services • Music • Fun

Located in the NE corner of the Gresham Kmart parking lot at Eastman Parkway and NW Burnside Road with plenty of convenient parking. Open every Saturday now through Oct. 25. Accepting SNAP and WIC.

Let's Go Walking! When: Wed Apr 16, 2014 8:30AM-5PM Where: Coyote Wall - Labyrinth Hike Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This will be a five-mile hike in the Columbia River Gorge, east of White Salmon, Wash. We should see wildflowers and beautiful views of the river and mountains. Please bring a lunch to eat along the trail. There is a new trailhead here with ample parking and restrooms. You will need hiking boots and long pants, as there are ticks and poison oak along the trail. This area is exposed to the gorge, so be prepared for both wind and sun.

• Round-trip travel: 120 miles
• Suggested donation per rider: $12
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,200 feet

Let's Go Walking! When: Wed Apr 16, 2014 8:30AM-5PM Where: Lake Sacajawea Walk Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This 3.5-mile walk loops around Lake Sacajawea in Longview, Wash. The paved trails wind under landscaped bridges past many species of trees and flowers in bloom. We'll walk through rhododendron gardens, past two spectacular fountains, through the Frank Willis Arboretum and past the Japanese Gardens island. Watch for nine granite markers on the solar system section of this walk, and for creative squirrel crossings. Pack water and snacks for our break, and bring a lunch. We will eat our lunch in a picnic shelter along the lake. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Round-trip travel: 103 miles
• Suggested donation per rider: $10
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: None

Stretch your grocery dollars at the farmer's market

Enjoy the best produce, flowers, and plants starts direct from the garden.

Healthy and fresh
Farmer’s markets are a fantastic source for fresh, seasonal, locally produced foods and artisan products. Plus, you'll find great activities and fun for the whole family. Come experience the markets. Meet the vendors. Meet local cooks. Enjoy the freshest produce and products. Make your own statement in support of local food.

Portland's east side Farmer's Markets

• Fairview Farmers' & Artists' Market
• Gresham Farmers Market
• Hollywood Farmers' Market (year-round)
• Lents International Farmers' Market
• Lloyd Farmers Market (year-round)
• Montavilla Farmers Market (closes Nov 23)
• Parkrose Farmers Market
• Portland Farmers Market (year-round)
• Troutdale Farmers' and Artists' Market (year-round)

(Complete details on these area markets below)

You'll find plenty of root vegetables, braising greens and lettuces, and of course plant starts for your own vegetable garden.

Bring your reusable shopping bags and plenty of small bills, though some of the markets will trade you a credit/debit card for wooden tokens that all vendors accept, which can be easier to handle than cash. We've indicated those markets that accept EBT or other food assistant coupons.