Opportunities From: Willamalane Park and Recreation District

 

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.

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

JULY 2026 LOCATION UPDATE - July 8 will take place at Clearwater Park. This is due to closure at Dorris Ranch. Stay tuned for location updates in August. Volunteers who have responded will receive an information email with specific parking instructions prior to the opportunity. Thank you!

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 natural area. Instruction and tools will be provided. Volunteers should anticipate walking and 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.

Schedule Notes:

July 2026 - Updated project location is Clearwater for the month, future location to be announced.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!

Lend a hand at Ruff Park on Wednesday, July 22 from 9:30 – 11:30am. Volunteers will help in this summer service opportunity at beloved Ruff Park to help with tasks like mulching, removing invasive species like blackberries, pulling weeds from the garden beds, and more. This seasonal effort will help the park look beautiful for the community to enjoy this season. No experience necessary. Tools, gloves, supplies and light refreshments are provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and water bottle if available, and to dress comfortably for outdoors/gardening activity. To sign up, click "respond" and submit. If spots are full you are encouraged to click "waitlist" so that you will be notified if a spot opens up.

Ruff Park is located at 1161 66th St., Springfield. Park and meet in the main parking lot at the main entrance off of 66th.

Help with safety improvements and Lively Dog Park on Wednesday, July 15 at 9:00am - 11:30am. This year's project will involve graveling around the water basins, filling holes, and putting a gravel path around the small dog park. These activities are important in improving the safety of canine park users to reduce risk of injury and disease exposure. Volunteer activities will include shoveling, pushing a wheelbarrow or carrying a bucket, picking up litter or other similar tasks, no experience necessary.

Getting there:
Meet at the dog park entrance at Lively Park, around the back of Splash! located at 6100 Thurston Rd., Springfield 97478. To get to the dog park, follow the driveway past the Splash! parking area around the east side to dog park/playground parking lot. The dog park is on the east side and follow the signs/paths to the entrance.

What to bring and prepare:
• Bring your own full, refillable water bottle.
• If you have work/gardening gloves, you’re welcome to bring those. Otherwise, we’ll have everything you need available.
• Be comfortable with a moderate activity level of movement, inclement weather, bending, lifting, and walking on uneven or slippery terrain. We will be moving gravel!
• Come wearing sturdy closed toe shoes and clothing that can get dirty (long pants and long sleeve shirts are recommended). Dress for the forecasted weather, it is rain or shine.

Additional Information:
• Work gloves and tools will be provided. Volunteers may bring their gardening/work gloves if they are able.
• Restrooms are available onsite near the playground.

We are excited to improve Willamalane’s one and only dog park!