Restoration Program: Restoring Balance at Tryon Creek
Friends of Tryon Creek envisions an inclusive community intricately connected to our cherished urban forest. A foundational aspect of this vision is the cultivation of a reciprocal relationship with the environment, with a focus on creating a healthy and sustainable ecosystem for future generations. We are dedicated to serving our diverse community, we want Tryon Creek to be a place where people can establish or rekindle their connection to the land and build upon the amazing restoration efforts that Friends and Oregon State Parks volunteers and staff have been doing for years.
Our Vision: A Thriving and Inclusive Community Connected to a Cherished Urban Forest
Our Goals: Restoring Balance, Health, and Resilience of the Forest
Our overarching goal is for community members to foster a deep connection to the land, emphasizing reciprocity and intentionality in all our endeavors. We aim to implement practices that enhance the overall health and resilience of the urban forest and community. Traditional Western restoration approaches often exclude people from the land, whereas we choose to incorporate Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge, recognizing the inherent connection between people and the land.
Learn more about our latest restoration program efforts in this recent Trillium Times article, Restoring Balance to the Land, Winter 2023.
Climate Vulnerability Assessment
As we move forward with our restoration program, we wanted to engage and understand the park and surrounding community. In spring 2024, with guidance from Dr Kari Norgaard, Professor of Sociology and Environmental Studies at the University of Oregon, we conducted a Climate Vulnerability Assessment Survey. Thank you for over 300 responses! You can now read the compiled survey results in our Fall/Winter 2024 recent Trillium Times article. Survey results summarize community concerns, perspectives, and priorities that “illustrate the strength and diversity of our park community, the many ways that the park matters for you, and point to what is needed next.”
How you can get involved: On the ground work
On-the-ground activities include but are not limited to, planting, seeding, harvesting, opportunistic plant & ladder fuel removal, monitoring & and maintenance. All efforts will be guided through a cultural-ecological practice, involving youth and families to build ecosystem resilience for future generations.
Volunteer Opportunities: Join our Land Tending Days, and find more volunteer opportunities on our Calendar or Volunteer Page. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
Educational Programs: Attend our seasonal Love the Land outreach series events, see details our Calendar.
Together, Let's Sustain and Cultivate Our Urban Forest for Generations to Come!
For more information and to get involved, contact Nanda Ramos, Restoration Program Coordinator.
