Park it Forward28thApril
I've got a secret. The other day we had a booth at the Earth Day fair put on by Portland Parks and Recreation and City Repair. So many people came up to tell me how happy they are to have Trackers as a staple in Portland, particularly in the Sellwood neighborhood. Since I grew up in Milwaukie, spending much of my youth in SE Portland parks and wild spaces, I was particularly proud of this accomplishment.
But here's the secret. Trackers did not do this alone (not really a secret). Trackers was guided into this role by several folks that both forged the way and created the opportunity. One of those key leaders has been Portland Parks and Recreation. Here's why Trackers and all of us owe them a debt of gratitude…
1) Leading Edge Conservation I believe Portland Parks has led the way in habitat restoration to a degree rarely seen so close into the city. As a result, we have green spaces where you can truly feel wild within a 5-minute bike ride from most parts of the city. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, the park Trackers is graced to reside by, is a shining example of this. Although this park is completely surrounded by suburbs (with the Willamette River to the west) you find deer, otters, beavers, eagles, osprey, numerous amphibians and even a deliberate returning of sensitive native plant species.
2) Camps and Youth Programs Integral to our Neighborhoods Parks set the standard for nature education camps in Portland localized to neighborhoods. Trackers will continue to learn from this. Their programs have a sense of place and a clear affinity for the people that live there. They draw from many of the same nature awareness and wilderness lore we do, and they've been doing it with excellence since long before we started. Plus - they have been able to keep their programs very cost effective, helping to make outdoor learning accessible to families of all economic strata. I consider many of their crew good friends. From Sue Thomas to Kelly Simpson, everyone at Parks is doing more than a job, their passion is indelibly sincere. You won't find a more dedicated and caring crew than the Portland Parks nature education team (Trackers is working to emulate this).
3) Always Ready for a Conversation I personally have been impressed by how Portland Parks has always been ready to engage in dialogue with everyone they serve: from their communication with Trackers to innovative support for innovative projects. And this is why I owe them this letter. Trackers owes them a debt and a wholehearted "Thank you!" not simply for what they have done for us, but what they have done for the city and the green place near and dear to my heart.
Here are some things we can all to do support our parks…
Respect Sensitive Areas Many areas are set up to restore habitats that are sensitive. Leave all animals and plants in the park, especially amphibians (tadpoles and frogs). Also, keep your dog on a leash. Many birds nest on the ground and Fido could accidentally cause irreversible damage, especially during Spring. Learn more about the restoration efforts of PPR
Sign Up for Parks Camps These camps have some of the best instructors in the city (along with Trackers J). I have personally found them to be highly innovative and creative, leading the way in cultivating more depth and heart for outdoor education as a whole. Learn more about and register for PPR Camps
Help Clean Up and Care For Parks Many Portland Parks have opportunities for the public to take part in clean-up and restoration efforts. You can also help role model and set the standard for others to keep dogs on leash and respect sensitive habitats. Learn more about volunteering for PPR
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No Trackers commercials today. Please check back next week J)
