The native species breathe sighs of relief

On July 6th, this fine looking group met at the Keller Woodlands to work with the Three Rivers Land Conservancy and the West Willamette Restoration Partnership to tear out unwanted ivy - one of the main invasive species threatening our urban forests. We worked along the Marquam Nature Trail ripping out heaps and heaps of ivy vines. Some of the vines really put up a fight and we were working on the side of a hill meaning our legs and backs had quite a workout. There was also pretty constant risk of falling back down the hill when the vines finally gave way. Still I think we made great progress and covered a lot of ground.

The problem of invasive species really can be daunting but the work party organizers did a good job of giving us some facts to keep our spirits up. Given a chance, the native species really are quite resilient so work like we did on Saturday can really do a lot to give the good plants a window to grown and reclaim their territory. The Three Rivers staff admitted that we'll probably never rid our forests of ivy completely but that they have made several passes over large sections of land in the Portland Metro Area and have seen marked improvement. Check out their latest progress on the West Willamette Restoration Project here.

** On a personal note, I (Emily) have to mention a most wonderful thing that happened at this work party. Amanda, the amazing woman with Three Rivers organizing our group turned out to be my summertime best friend from day camp when we were seven years old in Kansas City, Missouri! We haven't spoken in 21 years and had completely lost touch and this was such a great surprise. More proof of the benefits of volunteering! **

Some Thanks from New Avenues

Following the art supply drive completed in May by Return Serve members and friends, our efforts were sweetly recognized by the folks at New Avenues for Youth. Our contribution of all things crafty seems to have been truly appreciated. Our supply drive was featured in the NAFY newsletter and we had a thank you note from Angela Pratt, Development Coordinator at NAFY.

You may have also seen our blog's first public comment from NAFY Board Member Scott Johnson.
Scott writes: 'Your group is doing some really great community service. Thank you for the wonderful contribution of art supplies to New Avenues! - Scott Johnson, NAFY Board Member'

Thank you to all who contributed to our art supply drive, and look for more opportunities to volunteer with NAFY in the future.

What's a Little Lead Dust When it's for the Good of the Earth?

The group headed to the Rebuilding Center on N. Mississippi on June 3rd. This was one of our harder volunteering efforts. Two of us who showed up were sick and went home before the work really got started, and the three who stayed had to deal with an amazing amount of dust and dirt and grime. Face masks next time! The mission of the Rebuilding Center is amazing, no question, and it takes this kind of dirty volunteering to get the job done. Salvaged materials are brought here and sorted and resold to
1. make sure those reusable materials are diverted from landfills and to
2. allow shoppers to avoid buying newly manufactured products!
It really is a win-win and along the way there is a lot of community happening in the process. Our team transferred materials off shelves in order to set up a new set of bigger shelves in the "Miscellaneous" department. Great job to all, and to the rest of us, please go shop at the Rebuilding Center!