Habitat Enhancement at Leach Botanical Garden

Join us in removing invasive weeds from the Leach Botanical Garden! This work helps to create new spaces and supports our collaborative Back 5 educational project. No experience necessary!

Since 2018 Johnson Creek Watershed Council has been working with a group of partners to restore 5 acres on the east side of Leach Botanical Garden that borders Johnson Creek. The partnership includes: Wisdom of the Elders, Inc, African Youth Community Organization, The Blueprint Foundation, David Douglas High School, Leach Botanical Garden, along with help from experts at Portland Parks and Recreation, and many dedicated volunteers. 

We created an awesome video and website to share what is going on with the project and partnership. Find out what we have been up to on the Leach Back Five Website.

What: Invasive species removal, grubbing, and weeding.

When: Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, 9am-12pm

Where: Leach Botanical Garden (see directions below)

What to bring: Bring a filled water bottle and snacks. You’re welcome to bring gloves and tools, if you want to use your own.

What to wear: Dress for the weather! Wear long thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy, close-toed shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a raincoat or a hat and sunscreen, as appropriate. 

What we provide: Gloves, tools, and instruction on how to safely use tools and remove invasive weeds. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact info@jcwc.org to arrange bus fare.

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an attentive adult. This work is around and near prickly plants and can be challenging for young children. We recommend children ages 12 and up for this type of event.

Health and Safety: We will follow current Oregon Health Authority guidelines. Masks are not required, but encouraged in indoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

Accessibility: This event may require standing or squatting/kneeling for long periods of time, walking over uneven ground, bending and lifting heavy objects. Bathrooms are available for this event. 

Directions to site:

By transit: Take route #73 or #10 to SE Foster & 122nd. Walk about 0.2 miles south on SE 122nd Ave to the main entrance to the garden.

By bike: Take the Springwater Corridor Trail east, then turn right on 122nd Ave. Cross SE Foster Rd, then turn left into the main entrance. Or bike east on SE Foster Rd and turn right onto SE 122nd Ave, then left into the main entrance.

By car: Take SE Foster Rd east and turn right on SE 122nd Ave. Park at the upper parking lot at the main entrance. (If you find yourself going down a steep hill you have gone too far!) Meet at the main entrance near the admissions kiosk. Do not leave any valuables in your car!

Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. The Mintkeski Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Portland General Electric, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, and Portland Parks and Recreation.