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City of Gresham Parks & Recreation Volunteer Updates: April 2008

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By admin - Posted on April 11th, 2008
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Greetings, Parks & Recreation Volunteers!

We hope that spring is treating you well. The daffodils and tulips are emerging and reminding us why we like this time of year so much. Not to mention, Earth Day is right around the corner!

This is Gresham Parks & Recreations - Volunteer Program's April Volunteer Update, which contains information about upcoming volunteer opportunities we have to offer. If you can join us for any of the projects below, please use the contact listed.

Volunteer Opportunities and Events April-June 2008

Before we get to the information below, I want to thank all of you on behalf of Gresham Parks and Recreation for the time you give to take care of the earth and to encourage others to do so. There seems to be a major shift taking place in the public's awareness of environmental issues, and you have helped make that critical change happen. In honor of National Volunteer Week April 27-May 3, we thank you for the time you give to City of Gresham's environmental efforts and the environmental work you do in other areas of your life.

Whether you decide to join in on these activities or just get out into the fresh air to have a picnic, plant your garden or go on a nature hike, we hope you'll find a way to enjoy the beauty and renewal that nature offers at this time of year. During this Earth Day month, we celebrate you and all you do to care for our planet.

Rachel Zarfas
Community Volunteer Coordinator
City of Gresham Parks & Recreation Division
NWSA AmeriCorps Volunteer
(503) 618-2789
www.ci.gresham.or.us/parks


City of Gresham Photo Contest (Deadline: Friday, April 11th)

Take a shot at the City of Gresham first photography contest! We are look for photos in the following categories: Life in Gresham, Places in Gresham, Gresham's Events and Activities, People in Gresham, Potpourri, and Youth. Amateurs and professional photographers are both encouraged to enter for a chance to win prizes and special recognition. But hurry...the deadline is this Friday! Please see the attachment for more information.

Contact: Laura Bridges-Shepard, laura.bridges@ci.gresham.or.us, (503) 618-2247, City of Gresham - Communications and Community Outreach


Gardening at the Zimmerman House: Saturday April 12th & May 10th 2008, 9am-2pm

Take a step back into history by volunteering at the Zimmermann House. This 1874 farmhouse is a perfect reflection of typical Columbia River dairy farm life in the late 1800s. Volunteers are needed to weed and prune in the garden, which will contribute to the historical site's overall beauty.

Location: Zimmerman Park, 17111 NE Sandy Blvd.

RSVP: Dodi Davies, volunteer@frwhs.org, (503) 261-8078, Fairview-Rockwood-Wilkes Historical Society


Earth Day Celebration: Saturday April 19th, 2008, 10am-2pm

What sounds more fun then helping little kids understand the importance of bugs in nature? The Parks Earth Day booth will focus on teaching children about the importance of lady bugs, spiders, butterflies, bees, and other insects in the Parks and gardens with live bug displays and arts and crafts from reuse materials! Volunteer and also enjoy the rest of the booths at the celebration. Refreshments and snacks will be provided!

Location: Gresham City Hall, 1333 NW Eastman Parkway

RSVP: Rachel Zarfas, Rachel.Zarfas@ci.gresham.or.us, (503) 618-2789


Yamhill Community Garden Workshop: Gardening 101: Wednesday April 30th, 1-3pm

Not sure how to start your garden? Come to our workshop for garden beginners, which will cover basic planting techniques, testing your soil content, what to plant and when, what tools to use, correct weeding, and yearly maintenance of your garden. (English/Spanish presentation.) Volunteers are needed to help with set up and take down. Refreshments and snacks will be provided!

Location: Yamhill Community Garden, 19309 SE Yamhill St.

Contact: Rachel Zarfas, Rachel.Zarfas@ci.gresham.or.us, (503) 618-2789


SOLV Down By the Riverside at Butler Creek Invasive Removal Project: Saturday May 17th, 9am-1pm

Hold it weeds! It's time to go! Volunteer to help restore Butler Creek's native landscape by volunteering at this upcoming restoration event. Volunteers will be removing ivy, holly, and blackberry from a section of the Butler Creek Trail to help ensure the preservation of future native species in Butler Creek Greenway. Refreshments and snacks will be provided!

Location: Undetermined. Call for meeting location.

RSVP: Rachel Zarfas, Rachel.Zarfas@ci.gresham.or.us, (503) 618-2789


Yamhill Community Garden Workshop: Composting: Wednesday May 28th, 1-3pm

What is the importance of compost and how do you make it? This informational workshop will cover the benefits of composting for your home or community garden and how to use it as a soil amendment. (English/Spanish presentation.) Volunteers are needed to help with set up and take down. Refreshments and snacks will be provided!

Location: Yamhill Community Garden, 19309 SE Yamhill St.

Contact: Rachel Zarfas, Rachel.Zarfas@ci.gresham.or.us, (503) 618-2789


Yamhill Community Garden Workshop: Bugs and Critters in your Garden: Wednesday June 25th, 1-3pm

While the environmental problems of the world may seem beyond your control, you can make a difference right now in your own garden. Learn about some natural gardening strategies that may result in fewer pest problems, and well as some of the benefits of insects and pests common to the Pacific Northwest (English/Spanish presentation.) Volunteers are needed to help with set up and take down. Refreshments and snacks will be provided!

Location: Yamhill Community Garden, 19309 SE Yamhill St.

Contact: Rachel Zarfas, Rachel.Zarfas@ci.gresham.or.us, (503) 618-2789


Needed: Adopt-A-Park/Trail Volunteer Groups!

Do you know of a group that wants to adopt a park, trail, or open space? We need groups of volunteers to help with invasive plant removal, shrub bed/tree well maintenance, native planting, park patrolling and a number of other opportunities for various parks, trails, and open spaces throughout Gresham.

Requirement of 8 hours of volunteer service per year; commitment of one year.

For more details contact: Rachel Zarfas, Rachel.Zarfas@ci.gresham.or.us, (503) 618-2789.