New year, new volunteer? Portland Parks & Rec provides ways to give back in 2025

Published 8:58 am Tuesday, December 31, 2024

The age-old “New year, new me” has been done before, so how about a twist.

Volunteering will likely find a place on many new years resolutions lists, and Portland Parks & Recreation is providing a number of ways to get involved.

New year, new volunteer. 

Here’s a list of things to try: 

Enhance the trails near Washington Park 

From 9-11 a.m. on Jan. 6, 13 and 27, people can work on managing invasive plants along the MAC Trail, particularly near the amphitheater and the International Rose Test Garden. 

Participants will remove disruptive plants, hand-weed and perform other basic land care tasks, as the MAC Trail provides access to the park’s amenities and activities. 

Volunteers of all skill levels and abilities are welcome; no previous experience is necessary. Training, tools, gloves and parking passes will be provided for all participants. 

The park is located at 1786 S.W. Sherwood Blvd., Portland.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/2vvdyn23.

Volunteer at Spring Garden Park 

From 9-11 a.m. on Jan. 13 and 24, volunteers will work in the garden beds, planting and/or removing litter and disruptive plants, at Spring Garden Park, 3332 S.W. Spring Garden St., Portland. 

Tools, gloves and project instructions are provided. Attendees are asked to dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes and brings water and snacks. 

Everyone is welcome and no prior experience is required. The event is family-friendly, and all ages can participate. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their friends and family. 

To register, visit tinyurl.com/3tkv2pfm.

Restore natural beauty across Portland 

A number of Natural Areas Stewardship Events are held throughout the year, which allow volunteers to restore native plants in places across the city. 

Here’s a few coming up soon:

• Terwilliger Parkway from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 18.
• Forest Park from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 4 and 11. 
• Powell Butte from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 11. 
• Mt. Tabor from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 25. 
• Irving Park from 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16. 

How about for those looking to stay indoors?

Oregon winters are wet and fairly cold, but options to give back are still available for people wanting to stay warm and dry.

Here’s a few:

SUN Community School math tutoring

In partnership with Portland Public Schools, Portland Parks & Recreation is helping provide tutoring to fifth and sixth graders. 

Those who are good at math, can explain concepts to a 10-year-old child and can spare two hours for one afternoon a week are the perfect candidate. 

More details will be provided over the phone, and an in-person interview will be held.

To learn more, email steve.pixley@portlandoregon.gov, or call 503-823-5121. 

Railroad History Museum guided tours

The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation provides maintenance, operations and public enjoyment of Portland’s historic locomotives, equipment and artifacts. 

Volunteers will explain the stories and details about its equipment and railroading in an entertaining manner, while ensuring the public’s safety in a working engine house.

Training will be provided. 

For more information, visit the ORHF Volunteer page, or email steve.pixley@portlandoregon.gov.