Opportunities From: Willamalane Park and Recreation District

Join Willamalane for a volunteer planting event meeting at Quartz Park!

Willamalane is working on natural restoration by replacing invasive species with native species. This volunteer party will be working to plant approximately 250 plants along the banks of the waterways at this site. This planting project is part of ongoing restoration and fuel reduction project in natural areas that benefit the community and ecosystem.

You can be a part of beneficial work to reduce wildfire risk and control invasive species!  To volunteer, "respond" to this opportunity and be sure to check your email for more information and reminders. Be sure eat lunch before coming to volunteer as lunch will NOT be provided, but Willamalane will provide snacks and beverages.

WHEN

Thursday, March 19th 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

WHERE

Park and meet at Quartz Park located at 2300 South 60th Avenue, Springfield , OR. Please note that the park is accessed through a residential neighborhood. If needed, you can use the link below for directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YinE9qe45QjiKYTt7

HOW

Volunteers should be comfortable with inclement weather, bending, lifting, and walking on uneven terrain if coming to this planting event. We will be primarily using shovels and wheelbarrows to install the planting. Some personal protective equipment will be provided but be sure to wear hiking boots (waterproof boots are best, closed toe shoes required), long pants, and be sure to bring rain gear with you. Although unlikely, there may be portions of this site that are muddy and slippery. Snacks and beverages will be provided by Willamalane Parks and Recreation. 

Join us for this monthly volunteer opportunity at Dorris Ranch where dedicated volunteers make a difference to save trees, protect water quality and improve habitat. No experience necessary!

This takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 9:30am - 12pm. To sign up, "respond" to each date below you plan to attend. In your response notes, please indicate your dietary needs so that we may provide pizza accordingly (if blank, we will assume you don't have any dietary needs).

Volunteers lend a hand by using basic tools to remove invasive vegetation, especially targeting English Ivy, and protect the riparian woodland area of this historic ranch. Instruction and tools will be provided. Volunteers should anticipate walking about 1 mile round-trip on a level path and the terrain in the project area includes uneven surfaces.

Volunteers under age 16 and/or parents of youth volunteers, contact Volunteer Coordinator maggie.odriscoll@willamalane.org or 541-852-8766 to respond to this opportunity as volunteers under age 16 may be approved on an individual basis.

Dorris Ranch is located at 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR. Volunteers should park in the parking lot (the parking area in front of Tomseth House or uphill of the barn/closest to the entrance gate are closest, the Middle Fork Trailhead parking area has restrooms) and meet in front of the barn. From there, plan to walk as a group to the project area (about 1 mile round-trip). Parking accommodation for closer access to the project area is available, please let us know in advance.

Schedule Notes:

October 2026 - No Woodland Wednesday due to Halloween events (come carve pumpkins at Dorris Ranch!)November 2026 - No Woodland Wednesday due to Veteran's Day HolidayAs of February 2026, the updated project location is Dorris Ranch. Volunteers completed ivy removal at Willamette Heights in January 2026!

 

Put your green thumbs to work for a good cause helping to plant, maintain, and harvest a large garden at Lively Park that supports Willamalane's food pantry. Early in the season, volunteers help around the garden and clear, fertilize, and plant the 40x40-foot plot. Then, we’ll maintain the plot and clear weeds until harvest time. Join us for one shift or respond multiple shifts throughout the season. To sign up, "respond" to each date below you plan to attend.

If the spots are full, you are encouraged to click on "waitlist" to secure a volunteer spot if one opens up.

Be sure to click "next" in the bottom right corner of the shift schedule below to see the full schedule of available shifts.

Please bring:

Sunscreen Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear that’s OK to get dirty Your favorite water bottle and gloves,

We’ll provide:

Bottles of water and snacks Gloves and gardening tools

Getting here:

The community garden is located at Lively Park. Drive in the park entry and head around toward the back of the Splash! building. Park near the play structure and dog park. Then walk along the path north of the dog park and meet us at the community garden.

Schedule:

We plan to spend Tuesday mornings in the garden during the early season. In mid-summer we will add Thursday's to the schedule for harvesting. The schedule is subject to change based on seasonal needs and weather conditions. Volunteers should be sure to check your email for important volunteer information and will be notified via email in the event of cancelation.

Youth Volunteers:

Volunteers under age 16 and/or parents of youth volunteers, contact Volunteer Coordinator to respond to this opportunity and make arrangements. Volunteers under age 16 may be approved to volunteer independently on an individual basis. Youth volunteers may volunteer with parent/guardian supervision and prior arrangement with Volunteer Coordinator is needed. 

How to contact the Volunteer Coordinator:

Email maggie.odriscoll@willamalane.org or call 541-852-8766.