Join Willamalane and the City of Springfield Stream Team for a volunteer planting event along the Middle Fork Path in the Georgia Pacific Natural Area!
Willamalane is working on habitat enhancements to protect native ecosystems at Georgia Pacific Natural Area. In addition to many other activities, habitat enhancement often includes invasive plant removal and replanting the area with native plants. This volunteer party will be working to plant approximately 400 plants in a cleared area accessed via the Middle Fork Path with the hopes of reforesting the Willamette river corridor for pollinators and wildlife.
This planting project is part of ongoing restoration and protection of important riparian areas in the park that benefit the ecosystem by filtering water, reducing erosion, and providing habitat for sensitive species like the Northwestern Pond Turtle. By installing native plants along the riverbank, we will be ensuring that there are many areas to nest, bask, and to provide relief from extreme weather events and human-derived disturbance.
You can be a part of beneficial work to protect these species! To volunteer, "respond" to this opportunity and be sure to check your email for more information and reminders. Please include your dietary needs in your response notes as pizza lunch will be provided.
WHEN
Friday, April 5th from 9am to 2pm.
WHERE
Park and meet at Clearwater Park in second parking lot (the big parking lot with the boat ramp). From there, volunteers will board the shuttle van for a short ride down the Middle Fork Path to the planting project area and any volunteers who prefer to walk or bike are welcome to travel the distance and meet at the project area.
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-toed 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.
*** BONUS! If you happen to have a large amount of old newspapers at home feel free to bring them with you as we are collecting as many as we can to use as mulch/weed suppressant around the new plants.
