Getting instructions – Photo: Andrew Cohen On April 12th, Friends of Oaks Bottom worked on mulching plants in Oaks Bottom’s South Meadow. These young native plants (Oregon grape, spiraea, serviceberry, etc.) need some protection in order to survive our dry summers. There were 18 volunteers, including a cohort of Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) members, as …
Article and photos by John Sparks Three species of frog, one of them a predatory interloper, call Oaks Bottom home. Two native frogs, the well-known Pacific chorus frog and the red-legged frog, seem to be increasing in numbers. The “interloper” is the American bullfrog, which – alas – is the amphibian you are most likely …
As the end of the year approaches, we wanted to take stock of all the wonderful work that we’ve done together to take care of our beloved refuge. Here are the highlights. Jenna and Wayne (FOOB crew leaders) with Christian (Portland Parks) at a litter pickup in July Over the course of the year, we …
Hooded merganser male (Lophodytes cucullatus) There were nine attendees on Friends of Oaks Bottom’s fall nature walk, Saturday, November 9th. Joshua Meyers and John Sparks were the official guides, but we were fortunate to be joined by Laura Guderyahn, one of Portland Parks’ five urban ecologists. Laura contributed much interesting information about refuge projects. It …
Friends of Oaks Bottom is pleased to announce the winners of its first “Take Your Best Shot” photo contest. All first and second place winners had their photos printed and hung at the Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters in Sellwood (7901 SE 13th Ave.) during the month of July. Mike Liggett and Marianne Nelson, Friends of …
Scanning the main pond for bird life from the Springwater Corridor It was a rainy Saturday morning, but we still had nine hardy attendees! Joshua Meyers and John Sparks led the group around Oaks Bottom, noting spring blooms and an abundance of bird life, 51 species tallied in the three hours we were out. Cinnamon …
Four Friends of Oaks Bottom formed a team to participate in the City Nature Challenge on the morning of April 27th. This is a worldwide “contest,” and we were invited to participate by the local Nature Conservancy. We split into two groups, one focusing on birds and the other on plants. Everything had to be …
On Saturday, April 13, more than a dozen volunteers worked with Friends of Oaks Bottom to remove invasive species on the south side of the refuge. The intrepid and spirited Ann Marie Santos from Portland Parks led the effort, and the work was both joyful and productive. We are so grateful for all the volunteers …
Friends of Oaks Bottom Photo Contest “Take Your Best Shot”In the spring of 2024, The Friends of Oaks Bottom (FOOB) will be hosting a photo contest to raise awareness of our beautiful park, get people outside enjoying the park, learn about FOOB, and participate in making beautiful Art. Submit your photos that show the beauty …
On the morning of February 10th, Friends of Oaks Bottom joined forces with Portland Parks and Recreation to plant spirea, red flowering currant, willows and more to improve habitat for local wildlife. Some thirty volunteers of all ages, from the neighborhood and beyond, participated, and the weather cooperated wonderfully as you can see from the …
Article and photos by John Sparks Friends of Oaks Bottom volunteers working near the seasonal Aurora Lake in the North Meadow Three species of salamander call Oaks Bottom home. These amphibians breed, lay eggs, and live their lives in the various habitats that the Bottom offers. Two of the salamanders are terrestrial breeders, while the …
by John Sparks Thanks to all those who visited the Friends of Oaks Bottom tent at Sundae in the Park! The annual event, sponsored by the Sellwood Community House and SMILE (Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League), was held again this year at Sellwood Park on Sunday, August 6th, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Tables and canopies were …