Portland's local green spaces are beckoning community members to get their hands in the dirt for an earthy and essential cause. In an event announced by Portland Parks & Recreation on social media, volunteers are invited to join in the stewardship of the Columbia Children's Arboretum, a lush enclave in NE Portland. This will happen today, from 10 am to 1 pm, and helpers will engage in the spirited task of weeding and mulching to protect the burgeoning spring life of native trees and plants.
With a collection that spans three species worldwide, a quaint apple orchard, and diverse habitats that offer solace for beavers, turtles, and birds alike, the 27-acre site presents a sanctuary and an educational canvas. Volunteering their hands, during the event guided by Portland Parks & Recreation and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, will mulch, a simple yet vital act that helps the arboretum's denizens retain moisture and thrive during drier times.
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to come prepared with a refillable water bottle, attire suitable for the fickle embrace of April weather, and shoes that offer protection and affirm their commitment to the ground. The promise in return is the loan of tools, the snug fit of gloves, and the sagacious direction of those who know the land. As noted by Portland Parks & Recreation on Facebook, sweetening the deal are refreshments such as coffee, tea, and light snacks.
