Nature

Vaux's Swifts descend into the Chapman School chimney in NW Portland each evening during September

Get Ready for the Swifts Return

Come and see the amazing return of Vaux’s Swifts as they gather at various sites in the Portland area during the month of September on their Fall migration south. Each evening tens of thousands seek a communal roost site in the Portland / Vancouver area (as well as north and south of here. Chapman School in NW Portland being the most well-known).

When: Sunday Jun 3, 2012 7-9PM Where: Linnemann Station Springwater Corridor Trailhead 18200 W Powell Loop Gresham OR Get Map!

You're Invited
Join Portland Audubon and City of Gresham naturalists for a walk along the newest section of the Gresham-Fairview Trail between Division and Powell. This nighttime walk will focus on the American bitterns that breed in the large wetland just off the trail, as well as some owl calling and identification. Dozens of other songbirds and waterfowl are likely to be seen. Meet at Linnemann Station on the Springwater Trail.

No registration required.

More Info
Contact Laura Guderyahn, 503-618-2246 or Laura.Guderyahn@GreshamOregon.gov

Neighborhood Connections is a publication from the City of Gresham
Communications & Community Outreach offering City of Gresham news, Public Safety information, Community Activities & Events, Training & Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, and more.

Neighborhood Connections is Back
The City is pleased to resume production of Neighborhood Connections. Thank you for your patience in April while staff transitioned management of the e-newsletter to the City's Communications Department.

We’re looking forward to continuing to provide you with useful information and reconnecting with our subscribers and many new readers to come. It’s good to be back.

Inside this Issue

• Gresham Celebrates National Bike Month
• May is Building Safety Month
• Dusk Bird Walk - June 3
• Solar Gresham Workshop - June 5
• Community Information Fair - June 6
• Planning a Community Event this Year?
• Crime Reports on GreshamOregon.gov
• Volunteer With Girl Scouts
• Make Your Voice Heard: Transportation Survey

Keep up with what’s Happening in your City!

Friday May 18, 2012
For Immediate Release

Regional funding improves access to West Gresham nature park and supports community garden

On May 17th the Metro Council awarded $238,000 in capital funding to the Nadaka Nature Park and Garden Project, building momentum to this community-driven garden and nature park project in West Gresham. The competitive Metro grant award comes from capital bond funds approved by voters as part of the 2006 Regional Natural Areas Bond Measure and will support new park features like a nature based-play area, rain garden, community garden and more. The new funding adds to over $150,000 in existing financial support from East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, Meyer Memorial Trust and the City of Gresham.

Frogs, frogs & frogs! When: Wed Apr 11, 2012 5PM-6PM Where: Columbia Slough Water Quality Facility 19595 NE Sandy Blvd Get Map!

Join the fun
Bring the whole family to a hidden wetland in Gresham in search of cold, slimy, and fun frogs.

With amphibian scientist Laura Guderyahn from the City of Gresham, learn about a frog’s life cycle and use a net to hunt for amphibians in the water.

Recommended for kids aged 4+ with their parents; pre-registration requested. $5/family suggested donation to host Columbia Slough Watershed Council.

Radon gas occurs naturally. It is present in nearly all soil and rock; you can't see, smell or taste it - but it's there.

Radon forms when uranium breaks down to radium, which in turn breaks down to form radon. As radon decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that are inhaled. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking -- and the number one reason why non-smokers die of lung cancer. It's estimated to be responsible for over 21,000 deaths annually in the United States.

Radon enters a home through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings. Once inside, radon can become trapped and build up to unsafe levels, especially in areas below ground-level. Nationwide it's estimated that 1 in every 15 homes has elevated radon levels. In the Portland / Vancouver area that number can skyrocket to 1 in 4 homes.

Neighborhood Connections is a publication from the City of Gresham
Communications & Community Outreach offering City of Gresham news, Public Safety information, Community Activities & Events, Training & Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, and more.

Inside this Issue

• Crime Reports
• Gresham Charter
• We’re Looking for Solar Gresham Volunteers
• Chilly Inside at Home? Get Tips With Our Video Series
• Expect Big Changes in 2012 for Main City Park
• Gresham Composts!
• Learn How to Identify Wintering Birds in your Yard
• Learn About Naturescaping and Native Plants – February 26
• Renewable Energy Project Seeks Input – March 8 at 6 p.m
• Spring Gardening Grants and Resources
• Weed Watcher Workshop March 13
• Fair Housing Training for Gresham Landlords
• Community Forum for Wireless Communication Facilities
• Class: Winter Birds in Your Yard
• Workshop: Brain Science and Conflict Resolution – March 7
• National Passport Day – March 10
• Water Flushing Around Town
• Upcoming Opportunities to Make your Voice Heard
• Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation’s 2012 Phone-A-Thon

Keep up with what’s Happening in your City!

Facebook - Read more
Twitter - Read more
Subscribe to City media releases - Read more

Gresham Neighborhoods listing

For more information, visit the Neighborhood Associations page at GreshamOregon.gov or contact Cathy Harrington at 503-618-2482, or email Cathy.Harrington@GreshamOregon.gov.

Freshwater mussel

Volunteer Opportunity! When: Sat, Aug 6, 2011 10AM-1:30PM Where: Ambleside Creek (contact for exact location) Gresham OR Get Map!

Find Freshwater Mussels
The City and Johnson Creek Watershed Council seek volunteers to come learn about these creatures and spend two hours searching for them from 10AM to 1:30PM on Saturday Aug. 6 in Gresham. All ages welcome.

Last year's survey results were astounding. Extensive beds of Western pearlshell mussels were identified. This, and finding four adult Coho salmon last fall, tells us the Gresham reaches of Johnson Creek are able to once again support these native fish. Probably in part due to the cleaning power of the mussels!

Wetlands. Important to plants, animals & people

When: Sat, Apr 30, 2011 8:45AM-1PM Where: Whitaker Ponds Nature Park 7040 NE 47th Ave Portland, OR 97218 Get map!

Learn About Urban Wetlands

Join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a free workshop all about local wetlands. Learn why wetlands are important to urban communities, how wetland mitigation occurs, and what plants and animals rely on wetlands to survive. Finish up the class with an outdoor field trip focusing on wetland restoration projects in NE Portland.

Columbia Slough Watershed map

Advanced registration required; suitable for adults and teens 14+.

Click Here to Register!