Leisure

Greetings, Parks & Recreation Volunteers!

We hope that spring is treating you well. The daffodils and tulips are emerging and reminding us why we like this time of year so much. Not to mention, Earth Day is right around the corner!

This is Gresham Parks & Recreations - Volunteer Program's April Volunteer Update, which contains information about upcoming volunteer opportunities we have to offer. If you can join us for any of the projects below, please use the contact listed.

Volunteer Opportunities and Events April-June 2008

• Apr 11- City of Gresham photography contest
• Apr 12- Gardening at the Zimmerman House
• Apr 19- Earth Day Celebration
• Apr 30- Yamhill Community Garden Workshop: Gardening 101
• May 17- SOLV Down By the Riverside at Butler Creek
• May 28- Yamhill Community Garden Workshop: Composting
• Jun 25- Yamhill Community Garden Workshop: Bugs and Critters
• Needed: Adopt-A-Park/Trail Volunteer Groups!

Before we get to the information below, I want to thank all of you on behalf of Gresham Parks and Recreation for the time you give to take care of the earth and to encourage others to do so. There seems to be a major shift taking place in the public's awareness of environmental issues, and you have helped make that critical change happen.

Expect root veggies, assorted greens and plants starts now... the next few months bring more produce and more markets!

(excepted from the Oregonian 'FOODday' Apr 1, 2008)

Although it brings showers for May flowers, April also brings farmers markets - and lots of them. Starting Thursday April 3, 2008, parking lots and parks around Portland and the surrounding communities will bustle wth tent poles, tarps and metal cash boxes as area farmers present their fare to resident cooks.

Local Area Farmers Markets

• Fairview Farmers and Artists Market
• Gresham Farmers Market
• Parkrose Farmers Market
• Portland Farmers Market at PSU
• Troutdale Farmers and Artists Market

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

Native Planting at Butler Creek Greenway

When: Saturday, March 22, 2008 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Where: Along SW 27th Drive, between SW 29th Drive and SW 30th Drive Click here for a map!
(Let us know if you can only make part of the project.)

We're still looking for volunteers to help at a native planting this Saturday, and the weather looks like it shaping up to be pretty nice! Come join us at Bulter Creek Greenway to say goodbye to Winter and "Hello!" to the planting season by removing English Ivy and planting 500 trees and shrubs . These restoration efforts will encourage native growth within Gresham's natural areas and in return, improve the creek's water quality, increase biodiversity and enhance local habitat.

Refreshments and snacks will be provided!

10 volunteers are still needed for this clean up. For more information or to sign up yourself or a group, please contact me at Rachel.Zarfas@ci.gresham.or.us or phone (503) 618-2789.

You are invited to participate in our exciting new lineup of Metro natural gardening programs!

• Show off your garden!
  Deadline Apr 1st
• Free seminars with celebrity gardeners and chefs
  March - July
• Visit the new garden at Blue Lake Park
  Daily thru Summer
• Natural Gardening Tips on KATU's AM Northwest
  Watch now!

Enjoy these great outdoor opportunities sponsored by Metro!

Gresham's No Dumping Sign

This picture submitted by a Gresham Oregon resident appeared in a recent edition of San Francisco Chronical newspaper.

ARTISTS OPEN GARDEN Saturday Aug 18, 2007 10:00am - 4:00pm

ARTISTS OPEN GARDEN

16820 NE Hassalo St, Portland, Oregon 97230

• Lee Dayfield's Photography
• Eliz Plam Jewelry & Fiber Items

Tidy Town (c)Lee Dayfield

Local Artist Lee Dayfield Honored

The City of Gresham's Tenth Annual Juried Exhibit held June 5 - July 19, 2007 featured the works of fifty-three local artists.

Wilkes East resident and photographic artist Lee Dayfield won The Mayor's 1st Place Choice, the Art Committee's 2nd Place Choice, and the People's 3rd Place Choice for her photograph title "Tidy Town"

10th Annual "Rockin Round The Block" Show'n Shine! Saturday, August 11, 2007 Downtown Gresham Oregon

Hosted by Northwest Motorsports Association

Entertainment by Rockin' Ron Ruedi and the Hurricanes 50's thru 90's Rock & Roll

Proceeds from this event benefit the Mt Community College Automotive Scholarship Program. Over $83,000 has been donated in the last 9 years!

Nadaka Park

Nadaka Park is a lovely 10-acre parcel of land formerly known as the "Campfire property." It is located in the Wilkes East neighborhood north of NE Glisan Street. The entrance to the park is at NE 176th Ave and NE Pacific St. It is a natural area with a walking/hiking loop trail.

Columbia View Park

Columbia View Park is a 7.48 acre undeveloped park located at 1050 NE 169th Ave (click here for map). This park may not have the amenities that other parks have, but it is definitely a beautiful park!