In honor of Native Plant Diversity Week, sponsored by the Native Plant Society of Oregon, we invite you on an adventure to learn more about your unique eco-region!
Elk Rock Island is part of an ancient volcano that erupted 40 million years ago. It's located on the Willamette River just offshore from the City of Milwaukie and iscurrently owned and managed by Portland Parks & Recreation. If you love to explore the flora and fauna of oak and prairie habitats, Elk Rock Island is a great place for those explorations. On this trip you will get to enjoy the adventure via a canoe.
In 2010, the thirteen acre island underwent a small oak restoration project to reduce
shading of established Oregon white oak trees. Since that time the city has been recruiting volunteers to assist in the monitoring of the unique island oak and prairie plant communities. That monitoring led to City of Portland staff and volunteers re-discovering more than 20 plant species that are uncommon and rare to Portland. Some of those include Saxifraga occidentallis, Lomatium triternatum, Fritillaria affinis, Piperia elegans, Plagiobothrys figuratus, Gratiola ebracteata. Vernal pools on the island are particularly interesting. City staff has been monitoring unique plants, water quality, and critters in the vernal pools. Each time we visit the island we find several new species! Join us on this trip and help discover more!
Willamette Riverkeeper will be providing use of canoes, PFD's, and paddles free of charge. No paddling experience is necessary. If you have your own boat and plan to bring it along please let us know when you register.
Bring warm layers, rain gear, close toed shoes, water, and a snack. If you plan to bring a camera or phone it would be best to have it stored in a water tight dry bag.
