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 set up near the swimming pool. Live musical entertainment provided a backdrop, Alpenrose offered a choice of sundaes, and various local organizations included activities in their displays.
The Friends of Oaks Bottom booth attracted visitors throughout the afternoon. Many were delighted and surprised to examine Tom Nelson’s photo book of the critters of Oaks Bottom, including otter, mink, and osprey. A matching game where kids could place photos of local mammals and birds with their name proved immensely popular, with Marianne Nelson egging youngsters on and providing educational details.
John Sparks also displayed a more difficult option where visitors could place name cards next to real specimens of 12 native plants found in Oaks Bottom, including Oregon grape, black cottonwood, and poison oak. This game was popular with adults although there were youngsters, obviously raised with the correct priorities in life, who did very well. Big-leaf maple was probably the most recognizable plant to most, while Pacific ninebark was unknown to almost everyone! Mike Liggett also provided a beautiful, looping drone video of Oaks Bottom.
Activities for the youngsters included the chance to make a bookmark using colored stampers, and those attempting the matching games could choose from a selection of rather quirky erasers. Andrew Cohen and Joshua Meyers, both members of FOOB’s steering committee, were also there to engage the many interested attendees.
