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Happening’s At Nadaka Nature Park & Garden Fall 2018

Happening’s At Nadaka Nature Park & Garden Fall 2018. A place that nurtures nature, food, and families

“A place that nurtures nature, food, and families”

Turned leaves are falling, the mornings are cool, and our plants are drinking up the first rains of the season as we settle into a beautiful autumn here at Nadaka Nature Park.

By Monica McAllister & Grace Graham

After a summer buzzing with community celebrations and gatherings, gardeners tending their bountiful harvests, and many educational workshops and volunteering events, we at Friends of Nadaka (FON) are looking forward to our winter programming and have already begun planning for next year’s events. Over the next several months, we will be offering indoor gardening workshops, forest restoration projects, and other community engagement events that we encourage all of our neighbors to attend. Before diving into information about our upcoming park activities, however, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the past season’s successes and thank our community members and partners who helped make them possible.

This year’s 8th Annual Nadaka Community Festival was a huge success! We had over 350 participants, 3 performances, and 34 partnering organizations & businesses. We were thrilled to have The Aztec Dancers, Ukrainian Folk Singer Natalia Hougan, and the NW Panmen Terry Baber and Brad Hirsch on the Steel Drums perform again at this year’s festival. The Audubon Society of Portland education birds and handlers, City of Gresham Police Cadets and Fire Department had a ton of fun connecting with the community and teaching them about the amazing work they do. Environmental education activities, crafts, and face painting were led by our Nadaka Interns, East County Nature Crew, Centennial Park High School, Gresham High School Key Club, and TALON Apprentices from Audubon Society of Portland while the Boys & Girls Club kept the fun going with games and activities at the picnic shelter! We extend a big thank you to our Festival Committee, volunteers, partners, and everyone else who made the festival a marvelous success! Our Festival sponsors and donors included: Owens Corning, City of Gresham, and St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, as well as Albertsons, Starbucks, and Rockwood PUD who donated hot dogs & chips, coffee, and water respectively. We are extremely grateful for their support!

Friends of Nadaka would like to recognize the amazing work of our two Nadaka SummerWorks Interns and nine East County Nature Crew who helped lead and teach bilingual events for the Human Solutions apartment complexes and lead nature activities for the SKIP Program (City of Gresham’s Summer Kids In the Park Program, which includes free lunch and family-friendly activities) hosted at Nadaka with the Boys & Girls Club this summer. This year, Lilia from the SummerWorks Intern Program joined the ranks of the Nadaka Ambassadors, and Trey has returned as an Ambassador after his internship with the East County Nature Crew to continue working at the park year-round. We also want to recognize the amazing work of our year-round Ambassadors who have been working to engage the community, lead events, and keep the park safe and clean!

For the fall season, volunteers from the neighborhood showed their love for Nadaka at our SOLVE Beach and Riverside Cleanup in September and the No Ivy Day event in October. For this year’s No Ivy Day event, Friends of Nadaka was awarded a $2,000 SPACE Grant from East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. This grant enabled us to purchase native plants and tools, and help support the Nadaka Park Coordinator and Nadaka Ambassadors in running the event. We were lucky to have “College Possible” high school youth and community members come together to prep the garden for winter. Another great annual event was our Fall Bird Walk with Audubon Society of Portland, where we cataloged the number and variety of species passing through the park during fall migration. In the garden, we finished up our free hands-on gardening workshop series with Outgrowing Hunger, and did an end-of-the-season cleanup. For those who are interested in gardening at the park, new garden registration for Nadaka begins February 1st. Contact Adam Kohl of Outgrowing Hunger (adam@outgrowinghunger.org) for more information and how to register for a garden plot.

New to our team at Nadaka Nature Park this fall is AmeriCorps Member Grace Graham, who recently started an 11-month term of service as the Events & Outreach Specialist for both Nadaka Nature Park & Garden and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council. Grace was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and graduated from Willamette University in Salem, OR last May with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and degree emphasis in Social Sciences. During her time in school, Grace managed her university’s Outdoor Program, assisted her academic advisor in climate research, and spent a semester studying biodiversity and the local social impacts of ecotourism in Bocas del Toro, Panama. After graduating, she worked for a diversified organic farm in Salem before moving to Portland to begin her service with AmeriCorps.

Grace is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring her passions for environmental conservation and social justice together through her position as the Events & Outreach Specialist. At Nadaka, she has begun facilitating and leading environmental stewardship programming with the SUN Program at HB Lee Middle School and students from Centennial Park Alternative High School. She is also looking forward to becoming more involved with communities and organizations in the Wilkes East neighborhood. At the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, she assists with outreach and communication efforts, and provides logistic and administrative support for community events. She is excited about becoming more engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion work in the environmental field, and looks forward to building many more relationships with the communities she serves! If you have questions about Grace's role, the AmeriCorps program, or opportunities to collaborate, please contact her at grace.graham@columbiaslough.org.

Even though winter weather will be upon us shortly, Friends of Nadaka will still have many fun events coming up rain or shine! Join us for our Urban Weeds Workshop with EMSWCD on Thursday 11/8 from 6-8:30 PM in the community hall at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. MLK Day of Service will be at the park on Monday, January 21st, and the Community Planting Event will follow on February 9th. Starting in March, we will be offering our Annual Free Indoor Gardening Workshop Series with Oregon Food Bank in English, Spanish, and Russian. Another event to keep an eye out for is our Spring Bird and Nature Walk Day with Audubon Society of Portland.

These are just a few of the activities we have in store for the community at Nadaka. For more information and opportunities to get involved and help create a positive social and environmental change in the Wilkes East and Rockwood community, visit www.friendsofnadaka.org, “Friends of Nadaka” group and Nadaka Nature Park page on Facebook, or contact Monica at monica@friendsofnadaka.org or 503-956-8558.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the park!

No Ivy Day Cleanup at Nadaka Nature Park; Meet Eddy Morales, City Council Candidate: Sat Oct 27,2018 9AM-12PM

10/27/2018 - 9:00am
10/27/2018 - 12:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
Volunteer! No Ivy Day Cleanup at Nadaka Nature Park; Meet Eddy Morales, City Council Candidate: Sat Oct 27,2018 9AM-12PM. Info here!

Come Lend A Hand,
Meet the Council Candidate

When: Sat, Oct 27, 2018 9Am-12PM
Where: Nadaka Nature Park
17615 NE Glisan St
Gresham, OR
Get Map!

Volunteer!
Come lend a hand to restore a healthy habitat at Nadaka Nature Park with Friends of Nadaka’s Annual No Ivy Day Saturday, October 27th at 9 AM! We will be removing English Ivy and other invasive plants from the 10 acre forested portion of the park and replacing them with native plants!

Tools, gloves, and light refreshments will be provided. Dress to work in natural areas: long pants and closed-toe sturdy shoes. Please bring a water bottle and a friend!

Register HERE!

Candidate Meet & Greet
Meet Eddy Morales, Gresham City Council candidate from 11AM-12PM

There are two locations for parking:

  • St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church parking lot next to Nadaka Nature Park located at 17405 NE Glisan Street Gresham, OR 97230.
  • Nadaka Nature Park’s north entrance is at NE Pacific Street and 176th. You may park in the neighborhood and follow the path through the forest to get to the picnic structure.

More Info
We look forward to seeing you there. For more information about this event contact Monica McAllister at 503-956-8558 or monica@friendsofnadaka.org.

Free! Trick-or-Treat Path. The Haunted Forest at Glendoveer Golf & Tennis: Wed Oct 31, 2018 4PM-6PM

10/31/2018 - 4:00pm
10/31/2018 - 6:00pm
Etc/GMT-8

Free! Trick-or-Treat Path. The Haunted Forest at Glendoveer Golf Course: Wed Oct 31, 2018 4PM-6PM. Costumes Encouraged. All Ages. Glendoveer Golf & Tennis, 14015 NE Glisan, Portland. Info here!

2018 Halloween Events and Activities Around the Portland Area

Portland area 2018 Halloween Events and Activities list. Fun for the whole family. Something for everyone. Click for Halloween history!

Distance shown is from downtown Portland to the event location.
Click the link in each activity for event details.

Halloween Trail. Wenzel farm in Oregon City, October 01-30, 2018, 7-10PM. Info here!

Halloween Fantasy Trail
October 01-30, 2018

26 miles SE
Families love the lighted Halloween Fantasy Trail, with its decorated castle, suspension bridge, tunnel, and maze at Wenzel family farm in Oregon City. 7-10PM Daily. 19754 South Ridge Rd, Oregon City, 503-631-2047

Davis Graveyard. Excellent sights and sounds, Milwaukie, October 01-31, 2018. Info here!

Davis Graveyard
October 01-31, 2018

6 miles SE
Visit Davis Graveyard in Milwaukie any day, or after dusk to see the lights, or wait for special effects Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Excellent sights and sounds!! Free. SE 43rd Ave & Johnson Creek Blvd, Milwaukie.

Halloween on a Farm. Several locations, Greater Portland, October 01-31, 2017 Info here!

Halloween Pumpkin Patches
October 01-31, 2018

Greater Portland area
Enjoy pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes.

Portland Greek Festival. Greek food, crafts, music, and dance, NE 32nd & NE Glisan. October 05-07, 2018. Info here!

Portland Greek Festival
October 05-07, 2018

2.8 miles east
Portland Greek Festival has Greek food, crafts, music, and dance at NE 32nd Ave. & NE Glisan St. Free.

Apple Tasting at Portland Nursery. 60 kinds of apples and pears. October 12-14 and 19-21, 2018. 50th & SE Stark. Info here!

Apple Tasting
October 12-14 and 19-21, 2018

3.8 miles east
Taste and buy 60 kinds of apples and pears, visit a kids’ tent, see cider making, and hear live music at Apple Tasting at Portland Nursery on Stark St. Free. Apples still only $0.99 LB!

Halloween Doll Asylum. 700 creepy and gory dolls. A must see!! October 26-28 and 31, 2018. Info here!

Doll Asylum
October 26-28 and 31, 2018

96 miles north (Worth the drive!)
Doll Asylum. See 700 creepy and gory dolls in an Astoria home. A must see!! Donations of dolls are welcome. Free!

Howloween at the Zoo. A perfect family event.  Sat, October 20, 2018 9:30AM-3PM. Info here!

Howloween at the Zoo
Sat, October 20, 2018 9:30AM-3PM

3 miles west
Kids 3 to 11 will enjoy scavenger hunts, goody bags, and activities like watching animals eat pumpkins during Howloween at the Oregon Zoo.

Corn Mazes. Old fashion family fun! Daily thru October 31, 2017. Info here!

CORN MAZES

Gardeners! Bring your over populated plants! Neighborhood Plant Swap: Sat Oct 13, 2018 10AM-12PM

10/13/2018 - 10:00am
10/13/2018 - 12:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
Gardeners! Bring your over populated plants! Neighborhood Plant Swap: Sat Oct 13, 2018 10AM-12PM. Bring one - Take one. Info here!

Free Event!
Bring one- Take one

When: Sat Oct 13, 2018 10AM-12PM
Where: Eastrose Fellowship Church
1133 NE 181st Ave
Get Map!

Neighborhood Plant Swap
Want to add to your garden plants & at the same time share some of your over populated plants!

In an effort to connect with our community and encourage camaraderie amongst us gardeners, Eastrose Fellowship is hosting a plant swap on Saturday, October 13th, 10 am - noon.

How it Works
Pot up the extra plants in your yard and bring them over. Be sure to label plants with their name and best growing conditions. Pick up some cool new treasures for your garden. This is a fun way to introduce more diversity into your garden.

Feel free to bring these to swap: plants, seeds, houseplants, tools, decor, mason bee houses, etc. No invasive plants please.

Join us for this fun, community affirming event!

More Info
For more info, contact Karen Pyle kpyle23@gmail.com

Happy Gardening!!!

Volunteer! SOLV Annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup at Nadaka Nature Park: Sat Sep 29, 2018 9AM-12PM

09/29/2018 - 8:00am
09/29/2018 - 12:00pm
Etc/GMT-8

Join Friends of Nadaka for the SOLV Annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup at Nadaka Nature Park on Saturday, September 29th 9AM to 12PM! Tools, gloves, and light refreshments provided. Bring a water bottle and a friend! Register Here!
Nadaka Nature Park, Gresham Oregon

When: Saturday Sep 29, 2018 9AM-12PM
Where: Nadaka Nature Park
17615 NE Glisan St
Gresham, OR
Get Map!

Sign-Up
Here!

Bring A Friend!
Join Friends of Nadaka for the SOLV Annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup to restore a healthy habitat at Nadaka Nature Park on Saturday, September 29th- 9 AM to 12 PM!

We will be removing litter and invasive species such as English Ivy from the 10 acre forested portion of the park. There will also be an opportunity to work in the community garden and front 2-acres of the park.

Tools, gloves, and light refreshments will be provided. Dress to work in natural areas: long pants and closed-toe sturdy shoes. Please bring a water bottle and a friend!

Meet at the picnic structure on the south side/Glisan Street side of the park. Parking available in St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church parking lot and along NE Pacific Street.

FREE EVENT! 8th Annual Nadaka Community Festival: Sat Aug 18, 2018 12PM-3PM

08/18/2018 - 12:00pm
08/18/2018 - 3:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
FREE EVENT! 8th Annual Nadaka Community Festival: Sat Aug 18, 2018 12PM-3PM. Live music, Free hot dogs, Aztec Dancers, Audubon Educational Birds, Activities, Face painting, Sports and more! Nadaka Nature Park, 176th & NE Glisan, Gresham OR. Info here!
Aztec Dancer

It is time for the 8th Annual Nadaka Community Festival!

When: Sat Aug 18, 2018 12PM-3PM
Where: Nadaka Nature Park
17615 NE Glisan St
Gresham, OR 97230
Get Map!

This fun and exciting event will be at Nadaka Nature Park in Gresham on Saturday, August 18th from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM!

This is a free event for the community with:

  • Aztec Dancers
  • Free food (while supplies last)
  • Nature & sports activities for all ages
  • Portland Audubon’s live educational birds
  • Community booths with information and activities
  • Face painting
  • Live music

Entrances & Parking: NE 175th & NE Pacific has parking in the neighborhood or NE 175th & NE Glisan with parking in St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church parking lot. Parking is also available on the south side of NE Glisan at NE 176th in the neighborhood. Crosswalk available across NE Glisan.

NO SMOKING – There is absolutely no smoking on site.

More Info
Questions prior to and/or during the event contact 503-956-8558.

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2018 Newsletter here!

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2018 Newsletter here! Wilkes East Neighborhood, Gresham Oregon USA. Diversity, Harmony, Community- Together 'WE' can make a difference.

2018 Summer Newsletter

"Diversity, Harmony, Community -
Together 'WE' can make a difference!”


Read it now!

Inside This Issue:

 

  • Walgreen’s 162nd Has A New Purpose
  • Wilkes Elementary Grand Opening 8/21
  • Diaz Named New Superintendent RSD
  • Happenings at Nadaka Nature Park
  • First Day of School Schedules
  • Old School Furniture - Where It Went

Download your copy here. (includes active web links)

Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our regular meetings.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

Got a story or tip to share?
Wilkes East residents are encouraged to submit articles and tips for the newsletter. Articles should be limited to 300-350 words and may be subject to editing. Send by email to info@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: PO Box 536 • Fairview, OR 97024.

Volunteers Needed
Newsletters are hand-delivered to Wilkes East residents and businesses by neighborhood volunteers. There are always routes that need delivery people. Routes are small and many. We can always use your help.
To volunteer contact info@wilkeseastna.org.

Free Screening! East County Parks: A Need & Opportunity for Renewal: Sat Jun 02, 2018 10:30AM-12:00PM

06/02/2018 - 10:30am
06/02/2018 - 12:00pm
Etc/GMT-8

Free Screening! East County Parks: A Need & Opportunity for Renewal: Sat Jun 02, 2018 10:30AM-12:00PM. Support our public parks! Info Here!

East County Parks: A Need & Opportunity for Renewal

Join us to view this new film 10:30 am to Noon Saturday June 2 at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in Rockwood!

Click to view trailer!<br />
 East County Parks: A Need & Opportunity for Renewal: Sat Jun 02, 2018 10:30AM-12:00PM. Support our public parks! Info Here!
Click to view trailer!

Support Our Public Parks

When: Sat Jun 02, 2018 10:30AM-12:00PM
Where: St Aidan's Episcopal Church
17405 NE Glisan St
Portland, OR 97230
(next to Nadaka Nature Park)
Get Map!

Following the 15 minute film we'll have a short discussion. Light refreshments will be served.

Can't Make June 2?
You can catch screenings at the following other times and locations:

  • June 20 screening for High School Students. Email for details.
  • August 18 the Nadaka Community Festival.
  • August 25 Rock the Block
  • Additional screenings will be posted here when scheduled.

Learn More
Springwater Parks & Community is a project of the East Metro Arts, Community & Culture

Volunteer! Nadaka Nature Park Earth Day Cleanup: Sat Apr 21, 2018 9AM-12PM

04/21/2018 - 9:00am
04/21/2018 - 12:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
Volunteer! Nadaka Nature Park Earth Day Cleanup: Sat Apr 21, 2018 9AM-12PM Info here!

Celebrate Earth Day!
Come Lend a Hand!

When: Sat Apr 21, 2018 9AM-12PM
Where: Nadaka Nature Park
(Meet at the picnic structure)
17615 NE Glisan St
Get Map!

Bring A Friend!
Join Friends of Nadaka to restore a healthy habitat at Nadaka Nature Park.

REGISTER HERE!

We will be removing invasive species such as English Ivy from the 10 acre forested portion of the park. Tools, gloves, and light refreshments will be provided.

Dress to work in natural areas: long pants, brimmed hat, and closed-toe sturdy shoes.

Please bring a water bottle and a friend!

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