Unpave paradise

Want to help convert a parking lot to a natural area?

Friends of Baltimore Woods and DePave will hold a volunteer “food, music and sledge hammers” party on Saturday, July 28 to remove a two-acre parking lot in North Portland.

The groups are working to protect and restore the Baltimore Woods area, and prepare the land under the parking lot to become part of a native Oregon white oak prairie.

DePave will provide volunteers with tools and safety gear, but participants must wear closed-toe shoes.

The hard work takes place from 10 a.m. to noon, at the west end of North Catlin Avenue in Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood.

The celebration continues until 3 p.m., featuring food, music, art and other activities.

For more information: friendsofbaltimorewoods.org or depave.org.

Paddle away

The Columbia Slough Watershed Council holds its annual Columbia Slough Regatta on Sunday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants can experience what it’s like to paddle on the restored waterway. Bring your own craft or reserve a complimentary boat for a 45-minute spin, at regatta2012.eventbrite.com. The slough provides calm waters that are suitable for the entire family.

There is a suggested donation of $7, which gets you a free t-shirt and activities on land.

Show up at the St. Johns Launch, at 9387 N. Columbia Blvd. in Portland.

Register in advance at columbiaslough.org.

Viva la riverlution

The Willamette River in downtown Portland is safe for swimming again, with the completion of the city of Portland’s Big Pipe project that eliminated most of the summertime discharges of untreated sewage.

To experience the river directly, residents are invited to join a flotilla of inner tubes and other water craft that will cross the river Sunday, July 29 at the Big Float 2, near the Hawthorne Bridge.

There will be a pre-float parade across the bridge and an after-party featuring live music, food and libations. New features this year include awards for the most outlandish water craft and best-of-cruise costume. There also will be a floating barge with live music, and a paddlers’ parade.

Registration costs $5 and takes place from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a parade at 12:30 p.m., then the crossing and the party.

Proceeds benefit Willamette Riverkeeper. All floaters must wear life jackets, which also will be sold at a discount price of $8.

For more information: thebigfloat.com.