Canyon fans will have plenty of ways to keep themselves busy this Saturday, as Portland kicks off the start of summer with a slew of outdoor events. First on the list is the annual Mother’s Day Rhododendron Show and Plant Sale just across the street from Reed at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden on SE 28th avenue. The garden is open from dawn to dusk and there’s a $3 admission charge. (Be sure to check out their gigantic Gunnera.)
Just a little further west you can find the Oaks Bottom Migratory Bird Festival from 9am to 3pm in Sellwood. Portland will be proclaiming the 163-acre site to be the city’s first migratory bird park, and there will be all sorts of activities. There will be bird walks every 30 minutes to see some of the 200 species in the refuge. There will also be a birds of prey exhibit, games and crafts, invasive weed removal parties, and presentations by experts on park ecology and preservation efforts. Portland is one of five cities selected for a three-year $50,000 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish the refuge as a migratory bird park.
Finally, if you have some extra energy to burn off before the start of finals week, you might consider helping out with No Ivy Day 2004. Over 1,000 volunteers will be fanning out to a number of parks and public spaces in the Portland area to help remove the invasive English ivy that is killing the native trees and shrubs. Training will be provided and organizers would love to have your help. There will be work parties from 9am to noon and a picnic in the downtown park blocks at 12:30pm. For more info, visit the Ivy Removal Project.
OK, that should keep you busy. Don’t let me catch you watching Saturday morning cartoons….
– posted by Niels
