Paddling into Summer with Gratitude

As the trees stretch greener and the Slough flows fuller, we find ourselves in the joyful whirlwind of Canoe Weeks - the Council's annual celebration of nature, learning, and the incredible energy of young explorers.



Each spring, as school winds down, our banks and boats fill up with students eager to trade classroom walls for Slough views and slow currents. Today, we are halfway through Canoe Weeks, which this year offers 17 unforgettable field trips over just two short weeks! These hands-on, nature-based experiences connect students with the natural world in ways that leave lasting impressions.

None of this would be possible without the leadership and heart of our Education Director, Jennifer Starkey. Jennifer’s passion for environmental education and her tireless work organizing Canoe Weeks continue to inspire us all. Alongside her, a dedicated crew of volunteers has shown up with paddles and purpose, ensuring every student has a safe and magical time on the water. Ed Rosney, Paddle Team Volunteer since 2023, shares that:

“The most satisfying experience a Paddle Team member can have is observing a student go from tentatively stepping into a boat for the first time in their life to become a smiling, laughing paddler in the space of an hour or two.”

With just one week of Canoe Weeks to go, we want to take this moment to pause and say thank you— to Jennifer, our volunteers, our community, partners and funders such as BES, and every curious, muddy-booted student who reminds us why we do this work.

Here’s to many more moments of wonder - on the Slough and beyond.

Interested in supporting programming such as Canoe Weeks? Make a donation today!

Slough Science: Portland's Groundwater

This month we are excited to welcome Doug Wise, Groundwater Protection Manager, at the Portland Water Bureau for a conversation about Portland’s groundwater system and the Columbia South Shore Well Field. The event will offer an opportunity to better understand how groundwater provides flexibility and reliability to the City’s water supply, and what we as individuals can do to protect this important resource.

This event will take place outdoors, so bring your blanket/chair!

Run & Walk the Slough!

Join CSWC, Oregon Walks, and Patagonia Portland for a fun group run and walk at Blue Lake Park! We have a 3 mile running route and 1.5 mile walking route that are flat and mostly paved.

All participants will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for Patagonia items and Oregon Walks goodies! Winners will be drawn after the run.

Slough School Highlight

CSWC recently spoke with our partners at the Gray Family Foundation and has been highlighted in an article about our Education Program.

"Jennifer Starkey erupts into delighted laughter at the sight of a bald eagle overhead, like she’s run into an old boisterous friend. She’s walking the half-mile loop trail through the black cottonwood forest around Whitaker Ponds and alongside Whitaker Slough, a channel of the Columbia Slough—no longer a dumping ground and now a vibrant natural area."

Loco por la Aventura Basecamp Mountaineering Center

Our friends at Loco por la Aventura are opening the first Latino-led mountaineering center and outdoor gear store in Portland!

They will have a Grand Opening on Saturday, June 14th from 10am to 6pm. Space is limited so RSVP today!

Join us for a paddling event with Loco por la Aventura on July 17th! This event is reserved for those in the Latinx community.