Watershed

Volunteers; Johnson Creek Days Clean-Up Event & BBQ: Sat Aug 25, 2012 8:45AM-2PM

08/25/2012 - 8:45am
08/25/2012 - 2:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
Volunteers, join us for Johnson Creek Days Kick-off Event, Saturday Aug 25, 2012 8:45AM-12PM. Free BBQ follows. Sign-up here!

Bring Your Work Gloves
And Join The Fun!

When: Sat Aug 15, 2012 8:45AM-2PM
Where: Mill Park in Milwaukie
(SE Linwood Ave and Overland St)
Get Map!

Join Johnson Creek Watershed Council, Overland Park Coalition and their partners to clean trash and debris directly out of Johnson Creek. This work will help improve natural habitat for fish and wildlife. They also need at least 2 more people to sign up to clean-up Gresham Woods at SW 14th Drive and Binford Ave, Gresham. Get Map!

Clean-up: 8:45AM-12PM, Barbarque: 12PM-2PM.

Pre-registration required (link below). Groups welcome. Bring gloves. Closed-toe shoes required (no sandals). Children under 12, accompanied by an adult, will be assigned to Mill Park.

Weed Watcher Workshop: Jun 12, 2012 7PM-8:30PM

06/12/2012 - 7:16pm
Etc/GMT-8
Himalayan blackberry along the Springwater Trail in Gresham. Help us fight off Gresham’s weedy invaders by participating as a Weed Watcher. Free class: Jun 12, 2012 7PM-8:30PM, Gresham City Hall, Springwater Trail Room. Info here!

Weed Watcher Workshop

When: Tue Jun 12, 2012 7PM-8:30PM
Where: Gresham City Hall
SpringwaterTrail Room
1333 NW Eastman Pky
Get Map!

What spring weeds cause problems here? Help us fight off Gresham’s weedy invaders by participating as a Weed Watcher.

The Spring Weeds workshop will cover milk thistle, bull thistle, Scotch thistle, yellow archangel, shining geranium, morning glory, garlic mustard, Russian knapweed and Tree of Heaven.

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.

All you have to do is attend one (or all) of our free invasive weed ID classes and use your new plant ID skills to alert us to weeds in Gresham. With your help, we can keep our city and homes weed free.

Brunch with the Birds Columbia Slough Water Quality Facility: Apr 27, 2012 10AM-1PM

04/27/2012 - 10:00am
Etc/GMT-8
Brunch with the Birds Columbia Slough Water Quality Facility: Apr 27, 2012 10AM-1PM. Info here!

Birds Galore!

When: Wed Apr 11, 2012 5PM-6PM
Where: Columbia Slough Water Quality Facility
19595 NE Sandy Blvd
Get Map!

Let's do lunch
Join Metro Naturalist James Davis for a lunchtime birding tour at a hidden wetland in Gresham.

Look for songbirds and spring migrants before settling down to a delicious lunch provided by the Columbia Slough Watershed Council.

RSVP required below.

Wilkes Community Group- Open House: Oct 4, 2011 6:30PM

10/04/2011 - 6:30pm
10/04/2011 - 8:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
Wilkes Community Group- Open House. A panel from Portland Parks and Recreation will answer questions about the Wilkes Creek Headwaters at this “Open House” meeting, Oct 4, 2011 6:30PM. Info here!

Wilkes Creek Headwater discussion

When :Tue Oct 4, 2011 6:30-8PM
Where: Margaret Scott Elementary School
14700 NE Sacramento
Portland OR
Get Map!

Save the Date

Wilkes Community Group is hosting an open house meeting to provide information on the recent acquisition of the Wilkes Creek Headwaters property. The following panelists will share information and answer questions.

    Representing Portland Parks and Recreation:

  • Planning Manager
  • Natural Areas Supervisor with City Nature
  • Zone Four Manager
  • Park Security Manager
  • Public Involvement Manager
    Representing Bureau of Environmental Services:

  • Program Coordinator, Watershed Services
    Representing Portland Police Bureau:

  • Policeman from North Precinct

Representatives from other community organizations with interests in the future development of this new park property have expressed intent to also attend this meeting

To expedite the open microphone forum, please come 15 minutes early to sign in on the speaking list.

Natural Resources and Sustainability Committee Meeting: Oct 11, 2011 6:30PM

10/11/2011 - 6:30pm
10/11/2011 - 8:30pm
Etc/GMT-8
The Natural Resources and Sustainability Committee (NRSC) advises the Gresham City Council on policy development matters and actions related to the protection, restoration and enhancement of natural resources. Tue Oct 11, 2011, 6:30-8:30PM. Info here!

Creating A Green Future

When: Tue Oct 11, 2011 6:30-8:30PM
Where: Gresham City Hall
Oregon Trail Room
1333 NW Eastman Pky
Gresham, OR
Get Map!

Public Invited
Natural Resources and Sustainability Committee Oregon Trail Room
The Natural Resources and Sustainability Committee (NRSC) advises the Gresham City Council on policy development matters and actions related to the protection, restoration and enhancement of natural resources, including watershed health, water quality, urban tree canopy and the development of city parks amenities.

The NRSC meets the second Tuesday of each month. The public is encouraged to attend.

Volunteer, Freshwater Mussel Survey, Gresham Bundy Reserve: Sep 24, 2011 10AM-1:30PM

09/24/2011 - 10:00am
09/24/2011 - 1:30pm
Etc/GMT-8
Johnson Creek Watershed Council seeks volunteers for native freshwater mussel surveys this summer, July-Sept 2011. This event represents a unique opportunity for the general public to assist with important field research. Apply here!
Freshwater mussel

Volunteer Opportunity!

When: Sat, Sep 24, 2011 10AM-1:30PM
Where: Bundy Reserve
(contact for exact location)
Gresham OR
Get Map!

Find Freshwater Mussels
The City and Johnson Creek Watershed Council seek volunteers to come learn about these creatures and spend two hours searching for them from 10AM to 1:30PM on Saturday Sep 24 in Gresham. All ages welcome.

Last year's survey results were astounding. Extensive beds of Western pearlshell mussels were identified. This, and finding four adult Coho salmon last fall, tells us the Gresham reaches of Johnson Creek are able to once again support these native fish. Probably in part due to the cleaning power of the mussels!

Free Rain Garden Workshop, $200 Grants Available: Aug 27, 2011 9AM-1PM

08/27/2011 - 9:00am
08/27/2011 - 1:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
Free Rain Garden Workshop, $200 Grants Available. Improve water quality and wildlife habitat at home by building your own rain garden, disconnecting your downspouts and gardening with native plants: Aug 27, 2011 9AM-1PM. Info here!
Rain Garden, Functional beauty

Ready for the rainy season?
Add a rain garden!

When: Sat Aug 27, 2011 9AM-1PM
Hollydale Elementary School
505 SW Birdsdale Drive
Gresham, OR
Get Map!

Rain garden: Landscaping that absorbs water from your roof or driveway

Free Workshop
Improve water quality and wildlife habitat at home by building your own rain garden, disconnecting your downspouts and gardening with native plants. This free rain garden workshop with City staff includes classroom discussion, hands-on activities, rain garden tour, free raffle and refreshments. Space is limited – call or email (below) to register.

Gresham Rain Garden Grants Available: Deadline Apr 15

Gresham Rain Garden Grants Available: Deadline Apr 15. Info here!

Upgrading Your Landscape?

Install a Rain Garden and receive up to $200

Hurry, Deadline April 15th

The Healthy Streams Program offers free services for Gresham residents including $200 rain garden grants for homeowners, free downspout disconnection services, at-home natural gardening consultation visits, free workshops and free trees. To be eligible for downspout disconnection services and rain garden grants, staff must confirm the safety of your site. Deadline to pre-qualify for rain garden grants is April 15

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2021 Newsletter here!

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2021 Newsletter here! Wilkes East Neighborhood, Gresham Oregon USA. Diversity, Harmony, Community- Together 'WE' can make a difference.

Summer 2021 Newsletter

"Diversity, Harmony, Community -
Together 'WE' can make a difference!”


alt=Read it now!

Summer 2021 Newsletter

Inside This Issue:

  • Trackers, Never Lose Stuff Again
  • New Special Needs Adult Program
  • Wilkes East Land-Use Update
  • Saving 267 Trees; Shaull Woods
  • Meet City Councilor Dina DiNucci

Download your copy here. (includes active web links)

Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our general meetings.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

Got a story or tip to share?
Wilkes East residents are encouraged to submit articles and tips for the newsletter. Articles should be limited to 300-400 words and may be subject to editing. Include a related photo. Send by email to chair@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: 17104 NE Oregon St • Portland OR 97230.

Volunteers Needed
Newsletters are hand-delivered to Wilkes East residents and businesses by neighborhood volunteers. There are always routes that need delivery people. Routes are small and many. We can always use your help.
To volunteer contact chair@wilkeseastna.org.

How should Gresham spend $5.4M Metro parks funds?

How should Gresham spend $5.4M Metro parks funds? Survey ends April 26, 2021. Info here! Click to enlarge.
PMG PHOTO: TERESA CARSON - Barbara Kinzie Christman is one of the residents who objects to the Headwaters project in Southwest Gresham. The 30-home development would require removal of 250 mature fir trees, which abutt a undeveloped park and two wetland areas.

Source: Gresham Outlook, April 8 2021
By Teresa Carson

Survey asks folks to rate 10 possible projects, buying Headwaters site is one option

The city of Gresham launched a survey on how to use its Metro parks funds, and depending on public input, could purchase the controversial proposed Headwaters housing development site for park land.

The survey opened Monday, April 5, and asks people's opinions on how to use the $5.4 million that Gresham is getting from the 2019 Metro Parks and Nature bond measure.

There are 10 proposed parks projects totaling $13 million. That's more than twice the funds available from the Metro bond. The survey asks folks to pick the three projects they see as most important.

"The mayor and City Council want to provide an opportunity for public input and want to hear how residents would like to see the city spend our "local share" of this money," said Elizabeth Coffey, Gresham's director of communications. The Headwaters property is included as one of 10 potential projects that could be purchased with these funds," "There are lots of competing needs for this $5.4 million, which is why it is critical that residents tune in and let us know what their priorities are," she added.

The $5.4 million can be used for parks or natural resources projects that boost access to nature, water quality, habitat and protect against climate change. The money cannot be spent on playgrounds, sports fields, recreation programs, pools or fountains.

City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 4, to review the results of the public outreach and vote on disposition of the Metro funds, including potential purchase of the Headwaters property.

The proposed Headwaters development has stirred controversy in Gresham and beyond.

Development of the 7.82 acre tract would cut down a dense stand of more than 250 mature fir trees adjacent to a protected wetland area and park. The city approved the project and no appeal was filed.

Formerly owned by the late Helen Shaull, the wedge-shaped property is at 3535 W. Powell Blvd. It is about half-mile east of the Highland Fair shopping center.

The forested site is next to Fairview Creek headwaters, the undeveloped Southwest Community Park and near the Grant Butte Wetlands owned by the city of Gresham. The southwest portion of the site is a Habitat Conservation Area.

A project at Fujitsu Ponds is one of the 10 proposed uses for the $5.4 million in Metro bond funds. The city of Gresham has opened a survey for residents to rank the 10 projects in importance. Info here!
COURTESY PHOTO: CITY OF GRESHAM - A project at Fujitsu Ponds is one of the 10 proposed uses for the $5.4 million in Metro bond funds. The city of Gresham has opened a survey for residents to rank the 10 projects in importance.

"The Shaull property would be a purchase, while all the other projects are for properties that the city already owns. If the Shaull property is not purchased by the city, it will be forever lost. The other parks projects may get money in the future," said Janet Unruh, who does not want to see the Headwaters development proceed.

In addition to the proposed Headwaters purchase, the other nine projects included in the survey are:

• Columbia View Park, 1000 N.E. 169th Ave. The city's $850,000 proposal calls for a nature play area, making trails accessible, a Columbia Gorge viewpoint and other improvements.

• Southeast Neighborhood Park, 3003 S.E. Barnes Road. Trails, picnic facilities, signs and a nature play area would be added to this 6.5 acre undeveloped park at a cost of $600,000.

• Jenne Butte Neighborhood Park, 2358 S.W. Border Way, would get a wetland viewpoint, trails, picnic facilities and more, for $1.2 million.

• East Gresham Neighborhood Park, 237 S.E. Williams Road, would get improvements such as signage, trails, picnic facilities and a nature play area at a cost of $650,000.

• Southeast Community Park, 5600 S.E. Salquist Road, would see soft and paved trails, picnic facilities, a restroom, nature play area, off-leash dog area, and more, at a price of $2 million.

• Southwest Community Park, 3333 West Powell Blvd., would get improvements that could include picnic areas, wetland viewing, trails community gardens, a restroom and more, at a cost of $2.25 million.

• Hogan Butte Nature Education Center, would purchase the undeveloped forest land north of Hogan Butte Nature Park, 757 S.E. Gabbert Road. A home on the property would become the accessible Nature Education Center to engage students in a native plant nursery and other operations. This would cost $700,000.

• Fujitsu Ponds, off Glisan Street near Salish ponds, would get improvements worth $1.75 million. The upgrades would eliminate warm water from going into these ponds, benefiting wildlife and reducing flooding risk. A public natural are would be created.

• Forest health recovery. The proposal is to spend $1 million on forest restoration and safety efforts all over Gresham.

SGS Development LLC, headquartered in Bend, bought the Shaull property for around $1 million and plans to develop the lots and sell the property to a builder to construct the 30 homes.

Chet Antonsen, of SGS Development, said Metro and Gresham had first right of refusal on the property and declined to buy it.

Another of the 10 proposals would spend $2 million on upgrades at Southeast Community Park, a 6. 5 acre undeveloped site on Southeast Barnes Road. Click to enlarge.
COURTESY PHOTO: CITY OF GRESHAM - Another of the 10 proposals would spend $2 million on upgrades at Southeast Community Park, a 6. 5 acre undeveloped site on Southeast Barnes Road.

SGS is asking $2.5 million for the acreage now. The city would spend about $500,000 for improvements for a total cost of $3 million.

The proposed development unleashed a torrent of public comment and controversy. The city received many comments, all opposed to the Headwaters development, from local residents to the The Audubon Society of Portland.

John Bildsoe, vice president of the Coalition of Gresham Neighborhoods, wrote that arrowheads and other artifacts from Indigenous people have been found on the site.

After similar community pushback in 2014, SGS sold the Gantenbein Farm property at 2826 N.W. Division St. it planned to develop, to Metro, Gresham and the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD). That property is now the part of the Grant Butte Wetlands.

Take the survey
Share your thoughts on how the city could use its portion of Metro parks funds by taking a survey at: GreshamOregon.gov/Parks-Planning

For more information email: ParkOptions@GreshamOregon.gov or leave a voicemail: 503-618-2145. Instructions will be in English and Spanish.

Paper surveys will be available upon request.

The survey is due by Monday, April 26.

Survey responses are limited to one per person. Duplicate submittals will be removed.


This story first appeared in The Outlook. Support community newspapers. Subscribe at http://savinglocalnews.com

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