WHAT: Join Willamette Riverkeeper and BirdHers for an on water birding adventure around Ross Island in Portland. Ross Island, a 34.28 acre property, is a part of the Holgate Channel and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge complex. This complex makes up a significant regional fish and wildlife habitat and is one of the most scenic reaches of the lower Willamette River. It has been designated an Important Bird Area by the Audobon Society of Portland because of its use by both migratory and resident birds. Bald eagles are often spotted, as well as great blue herons from a rookery on the islands north tip.
Willamette Riverkeeper is excited to partner with BirdHers for this event. BirdHers is a community organization that offers birding events for women, queer, trans and non-binary folks.
WHERE: Meet us at the gravel lot near the Hawthorne Dock, located at SE Clay St & SE Water Ave in Portland. This is just north of OMSI. There is a large paved parking lot under the overpass, where free parking is available.
Light rail A and B are near this event, as well as Tri-Met lines 2, 6, 10 and 14.
WHEN: Saturday, August 27 from 12pm - 4pm. Participants should be ready to participate in our safety chat and quick paddle instruction right at 12pm.
DETAILS: The event will begin with a short paddling 101 and safety talk from Willamette Riverkeeper. From there, our group will be launching boats from the Hawthorne Dock in SE Portland. We will paddle up river to circumnavigate Ross Island and spend time birding. On our way back, we will make a pit stop in the Holgate Channel to remove trash and debris from the riverbank before paddling back to the Hawthorne Dock.
Please pack along your paddle craft (kayak, canoe, SUP), PFD, whistle, water, weather appropriate clothing, sunscreen, binoculars (or borrow some of BirdHers), a dry bag if you have one, and sturdy close toed shoes for when on land. Willamette Riverkeeper will provide ice cold beverages and some snacks, but feel free to bring your own snacks as well!
Don't have a boat? Reserve a seat in one of ours! Willamette Riverkeeper has a limited supply of tandem canoes available for no charge. Each reservation comes with a paddle and PFD. Feel free to recruit a friend as your paddling partner (make sure they register and reserve a seat) or make a new friend and be paired up with another participant.
This event is great for all skill levels of paddling and best suited for those 18+ or those 16+ with a parent or guardian.
There are no restrooms available on this stretch. Should nature call, there are plenty of private spaces to take a bio break in the great outdoors.
*Participants should be comfortable paddling consistantly for 2 - 2.5 hours.
*PFDs are required to be worn for the duration of this on water event.
QUESTIONS? Email Amanda, at [email protected]
