Parks Stewardship Opportunities
Dig In and Restore the Natural Areas! No Experience Needed!
Join a Stewardship work party and help restore the habitat. Lake Oswego has over 460 acres of park natural area and needs your help to "Free the Trees" and plant native species.
Stewardship work parties are led by friendly Friends of the Parks groups.Volunteers of all ages, families and groups are welcome. Get outside, lend a hand and make an impact as you restore the natural environment!
Work parties are continually added to this site, so please check back for new habitat restoration opportunities!
Want to coordinate a group to do a volunteer work party? Contact Babs Hamachek, Parks Stewardship Coordinator:
bhamachek@ci.oswego.or.us or (503-534-5697)
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR WORK PARTY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
Gnomes are notorious for being mischievous! These 3 tricksters are now hiding in 3 NEW parks:
Foothills Park Natural Area
Iron Mt. Park Park
Southwood Park
Details on this website!
Gnomes love natural areas...cooking, movies & sports! Their Bios tell all!
The 3 gnomes challenge you to Nature Jokes! (C'mon, give us your best guess!)
Listen to bird songs & animal calls on the "Wildlife in Lake Oswego Nat'l Areas" link.
SA 10a - 12p
"Dig In" and remove invasive species in habitat that's home to owls, woodpeckers and deer. Join Friends of Southwood Park to restore the natural park. Dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. Please bring gloves and water to drink.
VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING A WORK PARTY.
TO REGISTER: Contact: Mary Solares (503-320-2070) or solaresmm@gmail.com
- Volunteers MUST fill out and bring the Volunteer Waiver (see Attachments or visit lo-stewardship.org)
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others. Wash hands before and after the work party.
Parking: 6200 Pamela St., Lake Oswego/Portland
Restrooms: Not available
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR WORK PARTY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
What have you discovered in Lake Oswego's natural areas? Can you add to these lists? Follow the links on each bullet point to learn more about the plants and animals!
Blossom, Greenie and Oak MOVE THE 1st OF EACH MONTH to 3 new parks!
* Find 3 gnomes hiding in different natural park areas from Apr. to Oct.
* Take a photo of you, your dog or anything else by a gnome!
* Post your gnome photos on social media at #LOparksgnomes
* #LOparksgnomes photos go in a contest to win a gnome in Oct!
Blossom, Greenie and Oak MOVE THE 1st OF EACH MONTH to 3 new parks!
MAY GNOME HUNT (See Map in Attachments)
FOOTHILLS PARK (NATURAL AREA) (199 Foothills Rd.)
This 10 acre park has trails by the Willamette River and along the
edge of the meadow area.
1. Blossom is peeking out from a Cottonwood tree as she gazes at
Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies near the Veterans Memorial.
2. Stroll the paved trail under the cantilevered viewing platform and watch
osprey work the river for fish. Greenie is hiding in a Red Flowering Currant
bush near the Stafford Stones (Basalt columns etched with poetry).
3. Oak has gone rogue! Take the mown grass path on the edge of the
natural meadow. Oak is counting Spotted Towhees from his tree near the bocce ball court.
IRON MT. PARK (2401 Iron Mt. Blvd.)
Explore 3 miles of trails in this 53 + acre natural park with wetlands, a pond, historic
signage and a nature play area.
1. Cross the footbridge and go Left on the lower trail. Blossom is near a Pacific
Madrone tree, watching Blue Heron and American Beaver in the pond.
2. This lower forest trail winds offers views of historic Oswego Hunt Club and its fields. Greenie is perched on a Douglas Fir tree shaped like a “C”, hoping to spot a Black Capped Chickadee.
3. Oak likes to gaze at Red-tailed Hawks that soar over the fields. He’s found a
cool, shaded spot near 7 Big Leaf Maple trees and some Sword Ferns.
SOUTHWOOD PARK (6200 Pamela St.)
Discover a hidden oasis! This 2.5 natural park is host to Black-Tail Deer and Spotted Towhees.
1. Weave through the forest on circuitous trails and watch for mountain bike cyclist enjoying the trails! Blossom is hiding on a Douglas Fir tree.
2. Meander along a paved trail by a babbling creek. Greenie is watching for Barred Owls along this serene trail.
3. Oak is peeking out of a Western Cedar tree on the edge of a large grassy area. Maybe he’ll see Black Tail Deer amber by in the wee hours!
Prior to attending a work party, please check lo-stewardship.org for work party cancelations due to weather or conditions beyond control. We hope to see you soon volunteering in the park natural areas!
Dig in and restore the habitat! No experience needed!
- Plant native species
-
Remove invasive species
-
Learn about native birds, plants and pollinators
A hearty "Thank You" to all our valued Volunteers! We hope you enjoy the photos and summaries of past events in 2022 and 2021..
Upcoming work parties are found at lo-stewardship.org, or contact
Babs Hamachek, Parks Stewardship Coordinator: bhamachek@ci.oswego.or.us 503-534-5697
SA 9 - 11a
"Go Wild" and help build a 10 foot birds nest! Join Friends of Springbrook Park to restore the natural play area, mulch trails and remove invasive species. Family friendly. Dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. Please bring gloves and water to drink.
VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING A WORK PARTY.
TO REGISTER: Contact: Babs Hamachek (503-534-5697) or bhamachek@lakeoswego.city
- Volunteers NEED to fill out and bring the Volunteer Waiver (see Attachments or visit lo-stewardship.org)
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others. Wash hands before and after the work party.
Parking: Uplands Elem. School (2055 Wembley Park Rd., Lake Oswego) The Park kiosk is below the school playground.
Restrooms: Not available
PLEASE CHECK LO-STEWARDSHIP.ORG FOR CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
10:45 - 11:45a
Celebrate Arbor Day and learn about trees! Friends of Springbrook Park will provide nature guides and exploration buckets with a magnifying glass, bug catcher and more.
Be a Tree Doctor! Let's help our friends the trees be healthy. We'll discover what trees do to thrive and survive.
(Preschoolers need to be accompanied by an adult. No need to pre-register, Free!)
Contact: Anne Lider (503-701-2291) or anne.lider@gmail.com
Parking: Uplands Elem. School (2055 Wembley Park Rd.) Springbrook Park is behind Uplands Elem. playground.
Restrooms: Not available
COVID INFORMATION: We value your safety first and foremost!
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others
- Wash hands before and after the event
PLEASE CHECK LO-STEWARDSHIP.ORG FOR CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
SA 10a -12p
Let's help Mother Nature with Spring Cleaning at this 49 acre natural area. We'll remove invasive species and clean up garbage near the reservoir. Dress for weather, wear closed toe shoes and bring water to drink. Gloves provided by Mitek Co.
VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING A WORK PARTY.
TO REGISTER: Contact: Radu Stancescu: 503-780-9971 or radu_stancescu@yahoo.com
- Volunteers MUST fill out and bring the Stewardship Waiver (see Attachments or visit lo-stewardship.org)
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others. Wash hands before and after the work party.
Parking: 2286 Palisades Crest Dr., Lake Oswego
Restrooms: Not Available
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR WORK PARTY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
SU 1 - 3p
It's Arbor Month so let's Free the Trees from invasive ivy! Thanks to Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods for leading the family friendly habitat restoration work party. Dress for weather and wear closed toe shoes. Bring gloves and water to drink.
VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING A WORK PARTY.
TO REGISTER: Contact Christy Clark (916 -261-1514) or triangle3.c@gmail.com(link sends e-mail)
- Volunteers MUST fill out and bring the Stewardship Waiver (see Attachments).
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others. Wash hands before and after the work party.
Parking: Hallinan St. or Hemlock St. (Hallinan Woods is behind Hallinan Elem. School soccer field). Follow the paved trail into the woods.
Restrooms: Not available
PLEASE CHECK LO-STEWARDSHIP.ORG FOR CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
SU 1 - 3p
Let's Pull Together at this 52 acre natural park! Friends of Iron Mt. Park will lead us to remove invasive species so the native species have room to flourish. Dress for weather and wear closed toe shoes. Bring gloves and water to drink.
VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING A WORK PARTY.
TO REGISTER: Contact: Mike Buck 503-914-8607 or m.bucks@comcast.net(link sends e-mail)
- Volunteers MUST fill out and bring the Stewardship Waiver (see Attachments or visit lo-stewardship.org)
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others. Wash hands before and after the work party.
Parking: 2401 Iron Mt. Blvd., Lake Oswego
Restrooms: Available
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR WORK PARTY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
SU 1 - 3p
Listen for the Pileated Woodpecker as you restore Freepons Park! No experience needed. Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods will lead our habitat restoration. Bring gloves and water to drink. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING A WORK PARTY.
TO REGISTER: Contact: Debbie Craig (503-704-5732) or debbiefcraig@gmail.com
- Volunteers MUST fill out and bring the Stewardship Waiver (see Attachments or visit lo-stewardship.org)
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others. Wash hands before and after the work party.
Parking: 1399 Bickner St., Lake Oswego
Restrooms: Not available
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR WORK PARTY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
SA 9 - 11a
Let's Pull Together at East Waluga Park and remove invasive species that threaten the native species. Friends of Waluga Parks will lead this work party. No experience needed. Bring gloves and water to drink. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING A WORK PARTY.
TO REGISTER: Contact: Will Mahoney-Watson (503-752-3430) or will@waluganeighborhood.org
- Volunteers MUST fill out and bring the Stewardship Waiver (see Attachments or visit lo-stewardship.org)
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others. Wash hands before and after the work party)
Parking: 15505 East Waluga Dr., Lake Oswego
Restrooms: Available
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR WORK PARTY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
SU 1 - 3p
Let's Pull Together at this new natural park! Friends of Iron Mt. Park will lead us to remove invasive species that crowd out native species. Dress for weather and wear sturdy shoes. Please bring a mask, work gloves and water to drink.
VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING A WORK PARTY.
TO REGISTER: Contact: Mike Buck 503-914-8607 or m.bucks@comcast.net(link sends e-mail)
COVID INFORMATION: We value your safety first and foremost!
- Volunteers MUST fill out and bring the Stewardship Waiver (see Attachments or visit lo-stewardship.org)
- Due to an abundance of safety, bring your own gloves.
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others. Wash hands before and after the work party.
Parking: 2401 Iron Mt. Blvd., Lake Oswego
Restrooms: May be available
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR WORK PARTY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
SU 10a - 12p
Join Friends of Woodmont Park to remove invasive species. We may also spread mulch to protect native species in this restored natural park. Dress for weather and sturdy shoes. Please bring a mask, gloves, a shovel and water to drink.
VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING A WORK PARTY.
TO REGISTER: Contact Babs Hamachek 503-534-5697 or bhamachek@ci.oswego.or.us
COVID INFORMATION: We value your safety first and foremost!
- Volunteers MUST fill out and bring the Stewardship Waiver (see Attachments or visit lo-stewardship.org)
- Due to an abundance of safety, volunteers need to bring their own tools and gloves.
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others. Wash hands before and after the work party.
Parking: Near intersection of Atwater Rd. and Knaus Rd., Lake Oswego
Restrooms: Not available
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR WORK PARTY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
SA 9 - 11a
Plant native conifer trees and remove invasive species in this 50 acre natural park. No experience needed as Friends of Springbrook Park will lead us! Dress for weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring a mask, water to drink, work gloves and a shovel.
VOLUNTEERS NEED TO REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING A WORK PARTY.
TO REGISTER: Contact: Laura Tanz at 503-702-7932 or blmjt2205@gmail.com
COVID INFORMATION: We value your safety first and foremost!
- Volunteers MUST fill out and bring the Stewardship Waiver (see Attachments or visit lo-stewardship.org)
- Due to an abundance of safety, volunteers need to bring their own tools and gloves.
- Stay home if you have symptoms of any contagious illness or had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others. Wash hands before and after the work party.
Parking: Uplands Elem. School (2055 Wembley Park Rd., Lake Oswego) Follow the playground fence to a park kiosk.
Restrooms: Not available
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR WORK PARTY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER OR COVID-19 REGULATIONS.
SA 9 - 11a
Thanks to Friends of Waluga Parks and volunteers that restored the habitat in the woods near Royal Oaks neighborhood.
SU 1- 3p
3 cheers to the volunteers that Pulled Together with Friends of Iron Mt. Park to free native plants from overcrowding by ivy and other invasive species.
NO IVY DAY
SA 10a - 12p
Over 50 volunteers lent a hand to Mother Nature for the first City-wide NO IVY Day event. Thanks to Friends of Springbrook Park, Oswego Watershed and the Parks Dept. for leading this successful work party.
SA 10a - 12p
Native species were planted by volunteers and Friends of Southwood Park to restore the natural habitat.
SU 1 - 3p
Thanks to Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods for leading volunteers to remove ice storm debris and restore the habitats.
SA 9 - 11a
Chers for participating in the Ultimate Pick Up Sticks activity in this 50 acre natural park! Friends of Springbrook Park lead this habitat restoration work party.
SU 1 - 3p
You really pulled together to help Friends of Iron Mt. Park restore the habitat in this 52 acre natural park!
SA 9 - 11a
Native conifer trees were planted by an eager crew of volunteers mentored by Friends of Springbrook Park.
SU 1 - 3p
We removed invasive species and cleared storm debris with Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods.
10:45 - 1145a
Friends of Springbrook Park led this Preschool Nature Walk with this fun theme: "Be a Tree Doctor! Let's help trees be healthy by discovering what they need to thrive and survive".
SU 10a - 12p
Friends of Woodmont Park led a great work party to restore the habitat with eager volunteers..
SU 10a - 12p
Thanks to Friends of Woodmont Park for mentoring volunteers to remove invasive species and spread mulch around native species in this newly restored natural park
SA 10a - 12p
YOU made a difference in Lake Oswego's newest park. Volunteers and Friends of Iron Mt. Park removed invasive species that were crowding out newly planted native species.
SA 10a - 12p
Memorial Day was celebrated by volunteers that Gave Back at the Friends of Iron Mountain Park work party. Thanks for removing invasive species that threaten to overtake the newly planted native species.
SU 1 - 3p
We tip our hats to the amazing volunteers that came out to help Friends of Springbrook Park continue with the massive clean-up from the ice storm.
SA 9 - 11a
Mother Nature needed a helping hand and the volunteers delivered! Thanks to Friends of Southwood Park and all the volunteers that removed invasive species and helped clear damage from the ice storm.
SU 1 - 3p
We scoured the woods for Garlic Mustard, Ivy and other invasive species with Friends of Iron Mt. Park. As we removed invasive species, we learned how to identify a variety of newly sprouted invasive species!
SU 1 - 3p
Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods and volunteers gave Parks a hand with cleaning up the massive storm damage in this treasured natural area. Thanks Team!
SA 9 - 11a
Chips Ahoy! Thanks to Friends of Springbrook Park and the 20 volunteers who spread chips on the trails and by native species. Many branches from the ice storm were also cleared off the trails.
SU 1 - 3p
Thanks for helping Mother Nature with Spring Cleaning at Hallinan Woods. Three cheers to the Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods who lead this removal of ice storm debris.
SU 1 - 3p
Bravo for helping Mother Nature with some Spring Cleaning at scenic Freepons Park. Thanks to Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods for leading the work party to maintain planting beds.
SU 1 - 3p
We planted native species in our new park! It was the first volunteer planting of native species in the NEW Iron Mountain Park! Thanks to the Friends of Iron Mountain Park for leading this exciting work party.
Sa 9 - 11a
Friends of Waluga Parks and volunteers restored habitat in West Waluga Park. They rolled up their sleeves to remove invasive species in the "swampy" natural area.
SA 9 - 11a
Thanks to the volunteers that restored habitat in a hidden oasis that's home to herons, otter and turtles. Friends of Lily Bay Natural Area led this successful work party to remove invasive species.
1 - 3p
CANCELLED DUE TO ICE STORM DAMAGE
SA 9 - 11
CANCELLED DUE TO ICE STORM DAMAGE
SU 1 - 3p
CANCELLED DUE TO ICE STORM DAMAGE
SU 1 - 3p
CANCELLED DUE TO ICE STORM DAMAGE
SA 9 - 11a
Friends of Springbrook Park and volunteers kicked off 2021 by restoring habitat in Springbrook Park!
STEWARDSHIP GNOMES
Wildlife in Lake Oswego's Natural Areas
Why Native Plants Matter
Invasive Species Replacement Info
Native Plants For Your Region
