Nature

By Garret Hartung,
Wilkes East Neighbor, Meteorologist

After yet another warmer-than-average summer, the transition to cooler, wetter, and more active weather is well underway across the Pacific Northwest with some of the highest peaks already seeing their first snowfalls of the season.

The fall and winter often feature our most impactful weather events here in western Oregon. October through December is our typical southerly windstorm season, where strengthening low pressure systems moving in from the Pacific can bring heavy rainfall and breezy southerly winds to the region. While rare, if these systems take the proper path and are strengthening on their closet pass to Portland, stronger damaging winds could develop in the Willamette Valley with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph in the strongest of storms. If one of these storms happens to come into the forecast sometime this season, it’s a good idea to prepare by securing outdoor items, preparing an emergency kit with flashlights and batteries, and keeping devices charged. During strong winds it’s best to remain in an interior room of your home and away from windows.

As we head deeper into the winter, the effects of another weak La Nina will be felt across the Pacific northwest. La Nina is characterized by cooler than average sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial pacific. This typically favor a blocking ridge of high pressure in the Gulf of Alaska, which tends to bring cooler northwesterly flow into the region. While variability is highest with weak La Ninas, on average it favors wetter-than-normal conditions and slightly cooler temperatures for the Pacific Northwest. This is usually great for the snowpacks around the region so long as we maintain an active pattern through the early spring.

While there isn’t a strong signal for the intensity of potential cold snaps, it is likely that we will have one or two encounters with colder Arctic air coming through the Columbia River Gorge, most likely in January and February. This usually brings strong east winds that can be accompanied by snowfall and/or freezing rain. So once again its always a good idea to be prepared for potential power outages or travel impacts if a colder winter storm starts to be forecasted later this winter.

When: Sat, Apr 16, 2022 9AM-12PM
Where: Columbia View Park
1000 NE 169th Ave.
Get Map!

Join us at Columbia View Park to plant trees in celebration of Arbor Day. Make a lasting contribution to the health of our community by planting a tree.

RSVP by April 8

• Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided.
• The City will provide tools.
• Please bring your own gloves.

For more information, contact Tina.Osterink@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2392.

Learn more about Arbor Month

Gresham is a proud member of Tree City USA.

Source: Gresham Outlook, January 3, 2022
By Angel Rosas

Project Zero interns also shared values of conservation with East County community

With growing fears of climate change and its effects on the Pacific Northwest, Portland General Electric is attempting to face those challenges through its Project Zero internship that allows young adults to experiment with and learn about environment-specific careers. Ellie Taylor was one of those interns. Taylor was paired with the nonprofit Play Grow Learn as she taught East County children about the environment by removing invasive species and planting native ones at Nadaka Nature Park in Gresham.

COURTESY PHOTO: PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC - PGEs Project Zero interns help in forest restoration at Nadaka Park in Gresham

"The entire purpose of this program is because climate change is here and we have to face that," said Taaj Armstrong, PGE Project Zero dean of cohort. "And the way we do that is working with underserved communities to make that change. We understand that people of color and low income people are the first affected by climate change and are often not represented in these organizations."

PGE started the program in 2020 and Taylor's cohort is only Project Zero's second group of interns. The six month program chooses interns to work with environmentally focused nonprofits.

The program works to recruit opportunity youth, which are young adults disconnected from work and school. Armstrong said there has also been a large push to prioritize offering this opportunity to BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and low income individuals.

"We look to have about 50 percent of our interns to reflect one of those demographics (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, low income)," said Kimberly Howard Wade, the Project Zero director. "This year we have 75%."

'A rewarding experience'
Taylor, who was originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, moved to Oregon in February. Her stay in Oregon was a struggle as she became homeless. Taylor connected with Project Zero and was accepted into the program.

Working with Play Grow Learn and the city of Gresham's Environmental Services, Taylor and another intern removed invasive species and planted native plants like Oregon grey and swamp rose at Nadaka Park, while also teaching East County children about environmental stewardship.

"One of my favorite parts of the program would be the connections we made between us and the community of Gresham and Rockwood," Taylor said. "A lot of the kids we were working with came from disadvantaged home lives and to offer some stability while also teaching them how they can better their community through stewardship was just great."

During the internship the group also had days where they focused on specific themes with their fellow interns like equity and also took trips to visit other environmentally focused organizations to learn about careers there. To give interns more one-on-one help, they are also paired with mentors who help the interns with some of the growing pains of returning back to a more structured environment while also providing comfort and guidance throughout the program. Mentors even stay with the interns three months after the program has ended to help with their job search.

Noelle Saint-Cyr only recently started working with PGE as a transportation project manager, but when she heard about the opportunity to be a mentor she jumped at the opportunity. She ended up working with Taylor as her mentor/champion.

"I helped her as she returned to the workforce, which isn't an easy thing," said Saint-Cyr. "I just have to say it was such a rewarding experience to see her grow."

Taylor had the same sentiment. "I honestly don't know how I would have gotten through this program without Noelle," Taylor said. "She was the one that I vented to, and also just offered so many tips."

Starting a career
Now that Taylor's internship has concluded she is making plans to get her career started. She is thinking of going to community college to get a certificate to work in waste water treatment after a trip the group took got her invested in the work that is being done at Clackamas Water Environment Services.

However, Taylor believes the most impactful thing that Project Zero did for her was bring people unfamiliar with the field and make connections to people in those careers. "This program offers you an opportunity to make connections," Taylor said. "You are often required to have previous experience. But this internship gives me the ability to meet many different people in these fields that I am interested in."

This story first appeared in The Outlook. Support community newspapers. Subscribe at http://savinglocalnews.com

Retired, have a flexible schedule, want some exercise, need school credits? The City of Gresham is requesting volunteer support to help manage trails and plant species in the forest at Nadaka Nature Park, 17550 NE Pacific St.

Work will be led by PGE interns and will include digging, pulling and pruning. Work will require use of shovels, loppers and wheelbarrows. Equipment and work gloves will be provided, we suggest you bring your own water bottle. Bring sturdy work shoes and clothing you’re comfortable working in, as we approach fall weather please ensure to come dressed for the weather.

Covid-19 protocols: Everyone must be wearing a mask at all times, unless more than 6ft away from others. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Volunteers will be required to complete an application and sign a waiver.

Volunteer schedule: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1:00pm-5:30pm, Thursdays and Fridays 10:00am-2:30pm

More Info?
Please email keri.handaly@GreshamOregon.gov to inquire/rsvp.

Summer 2021 Newsletter "Diversity, Harmony, Community - Together 'WE' can make a difference!”

Read it now!

Summer 2021 Newsletter Inside This Issue: Trackers, Never Lose Stuff Again New Special Needs Adult Program Wilkes East Land-Use Update Saving 267 Trees; Shaull Woods Meet City Councilor Dina DiNucci

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 general meetings.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

Seeking Volunteers When: Sun, May 16, 2021 1PM-3:30PM Where: Online workshop<

Learn how to landscape for clean water and healthy habitat from the safety and comfort of home.

In this workshop, get to know the most common garden and landscape weeds, plus some notorious plant invaders in our area. We'll teach you some simple tips to try without turning to synthetic herbicides.

Learn more and register.

These free online classes are offered by the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. For more information, contact the EMSWCD office at 503-222-7645.

Saving Our Streams When: Sat, May 15, 2021 9AM-1PM Where: Online workshop

Learn how to landscape for clean water and healthy habitat from the safety and comfort of home.

In this workshop, get to know the practice of designing your landscape so it reduces water use and decreases stormwater runoff . while saving you time, money and energy.

Learn more and register.

These free online classes are offered by the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. For more information, contact the EMSWCD office at 503-222-7645.

Learn, Share, Grow When: Wed, May 26, 2021 9AM-11:30 am Where: Online workshop

Learn how to landscape for clean water and healthy habitat from the safety and comfort of home.

In this workshop, meet the beetles, bugs, flies, lacewings and other invertebrates (spiders!) that work around the clock to provide free pest control, aka the good guys.

Learn more and register.

These free online classes are offered by the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. For more information, contact the EMSWCD office at 503-222-7645.

Let's Grow Together! When: Sun, Apr 04, 2021 1PM-3:30PM Where: Online workshop

Learn how to landscape for clean water and healthy habitat from the safety and comfort of home.

In this workshop, get advice for how to include edible plants in your landscape, from annual veggies and herbs to berries and fruit trees.

Learn more and register

These free online classes are offered by the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District.

For more information, contact the EMSWCD office at 503-222-7645.

PMG PHOTO: TERESA CARSON - Barbara Kinzie Christman is one of the residents who objects to the Headwaters project in Southwest Gresham. The 30-home development would require removal of 250 mature fir trees, which abutt a undeveloped park and two wetland areas.

Source: Gresham Outlook, April 8 2021
By Teresa Carson

Survey asks folks to rate 10 possible projects, buying Headwaters site is one option

The city of Gresham launched a survey on how to use its Metro parks funds, and depending on public input, could purchase the controversial proposed Headwaters housing development site for park land.

The survey opened Monday, April 5, and asks people's opinions on how to use the $5.4 million that Gresham is getting from the 2019 Metro Parks and Nature bond measure.

There are 10 proposed parks projects totaling $13 million. That's more than twice the funds available from the Metro bond. The survey asks folks to pick the three projects they see as most important.

"The mayor and City Council want to provide an opportunity for public input and want to hear how residents would like to see the city spend our "local share" of this money," said Elizabeth Coffey, Gresham's director of communications. The Headwaters property is included as one of 10 potential projects that could be purchased with these funds," "There are lots of competing needs for this $5.4 million, which is why it is critical that residents tune in and let us know what their priorities are," she added.

The $5.4 million can be used for parks or natural resources projects that boost access to nature, water quality, habitat and protect against climate change. The money cannot be spent on playgrounds, sports fields, recreation programs, pools or fountains.

City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 4, to review the results of the public outreach and vote on disposition of the Metro funds, including potential purchase of the Headwaters property.

The proposed Headwaters development has stirred controversy in Gresham and beyond.

Development of the 7.82 acre tract would cut down a dense stand of more than 250 mature fir trees adjacent to a protected wetland area and park. The city approved the project and no appeal was filed.

Formerly owned by the late Helen Shaull, the wedge-shaped property is at 3535 W. Powell Blvd. It is about half-mile east of the Highland Fair shopping center.

The forested site is next to Fairview Creek headwaters, the undeveloped Southwest Community Park and near the Grant Butte Wetlands owned by the city of Gresham. The southwest portion of the site is a Habitat Conservation Area.

COURTESY PHOTO: CITY OF GRESHAM - A project at Fujitsu Ponds is one of the 10 proposed uses for the $5.4 million in Metro bond funds. The city of Gresham has opened a survey for residents to rank the 10 projects in importance.

"The Shaull property would be a purchase, while all the other projects are for properties that the city already owns. If the Shaull property is not purchased by the city, it will be forever lost. The other parks projects may get money in the future," said Janet Unruh, who does not want to see the Headwaters development proceed.

In addition to the proposed Headwaters purchase, the other nine projects included in the survey are:

• Columbia View Park, 1000 N.E. 169th Ave. The city's $850,000 proposal calls for a nature play area, making trails accessible, a Columbia Gorge viewpoint and other improvements.

• Southeast Neighborhood Park, 3003 S.E. Barnes Road. Trails, picnic facilities, signs and a nature play area would be added to this 6.5 acre undeveloped park at a cost of $600,000.

• Jenne Butte Neighborhood Park, 2358 S.W. Border Way, would get a wetland viewpoint, trails, picnic facilities and more, for $1.2 million.

• East Gresham Neighborhood Park, 237 S.E. Williams Road, would get improvements such as signage, trails, picnic facilities and a nature play area at a cost of $650,000.

• Southeast Community Park, 5600 S.E. Salquist Road, would see soft and paved trails, picnic facilities, a restroom, nature play area, off-leash dog area, and more, at a price of $2 million.

• Southwest Community Park, 3333 West Powell Blvd., would get improvements that could include picnic areas, wetland viewing, trails community gardens, a restroom and more, at a cost of $2.25 million.

• Hogan Butte Nature Education Center, would purchase the undeveloped forest land north of Hogan Butte Nature Park, 757 S.E. Gabbert Road. A home on the property would become the accessible Nature Education Center to engage students in a native plant nursery and other operations. This would cost $700,000.

• Fujitsu Ponds, off Glisan Street near Salish ponds, would get improvements worth $1.75 million. The upgrades would eliminate warm water from going into these ponds, benefiting wildlife and reducing flooding risk. A public natural are would be created.

• Forest health recovery. The proposal is to spend $1 million on forest restoration and safety efforts all over Gresham.

SGS Development LLC, headquartered in Bend, bought the Shaull property for around $1 million and plans to develop the lots and sell the property to a builder to construct the 30 homes. Chet Antonsen, of SGS Development, said Metro and Gresham had first right of refusal on the property and declined to buy it.

COURTESY PHOTO: CITY OF GRESHAM - Another of the 10 proposals would spend $2 million on upgrades at Southeast Community Park, a 6. 5 acre undeveloped site on Southeast Barnes Road.

SGS is asking $2.5 million for the acreage now. The city would spend about $500,000 for improvements for a total cost of $3 million.

The proposed development unleashed a torrent of public comment and controversy. The city received many comments, all opposed to the Headwaters development, from local residents to the The Audubon Society of Portland.

John Bildsoe, vice president of the Coalition of Gresham Neighborhoods, wrote that arrowheads and other artifacts from Indigenous people have been found on the site.

After similar community pushback in 2014, SGS sold the Gantenbein Farm property at 2826 N.W. Division St. it planned to develop, to Metro, Gresham and the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD). That property is now the part of the Grant Butte Wetlands.

Take the survey
Share your thoughts on how the city could use its portion of Metro parks funds by taking a survey at: GreshamOregon.gov/Parks-Planning

For more information email: ParkOptions@GreshamOregon.gov or leave a voicemail: 503-618-2145. Instructions will be in English and Spanish.

Paper surveys will be available upon request.

The survey is due by Monday, April 26.

Survey responses are limited to one per person. Duplicate submittals will be removed.

This story first appeared in The Outlook. Support community newspapers. Subscribe at http://savinglocalnews.com