| WHAT: Join the City of Salem and Willamette Riverkeeper to help hand pull aquatic invasive species Ludwigia (water-primrose), Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrotfeather), and more in the Willamette Slough at Riverfront Park. These aquatic weeds continue to degrade fish & wildlife habitat in our rivers and have negative impacts on our native vegetation, water quality, and the overall watershed health. We have 8 tandem canoes (16 SEATS) for volunteers, so if you'd like a seat in one for the event, you MUST SELECT this option in the "Add On" section of registration. If you are registering with a partner, be sure to select a ticket for each of you, as well as a canoe seat for each. If you prefer, you may bring your own canoe or kayak, but PLEASE contact Vanessa ahead of time to make sure your boat will meet the needs of the day. This paddle will involve a short portage over a small gravel bar, so be prepared to lift and carry a canoe in teams.
Reserve a seat, and make a new friend!
If you are interested in learning identification tips, safe removal methods, how to report & dispose of invasive weeds, and have some fun on the water, then this is the perfect event for you!
WHEN: Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 9:00am - 2:00pm
WHERE: We will meet at the Riverfront City Park parking lot in Salem (near the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler) and get folks checked in. From there we will do introductions and explain the flow of the day and our goals for this volunteer event. This event is all about community building, education, pulling aquatic weeds, and enjoying this beautiful off channel slough in the heart of Salem. We will definitely be getting our hands dirty so be prepared.
We couldn't do this important work of saving our aquatic habitat without you all, so THANK YOU!
See link above or map below for location.
DETAILS: Dress for the weather and a day on the water, where you might also get muddy. Waterproof shoes (that stay on your feet) preferable. Please bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks, and sunscreen. Other (optional) items that you may want to bring include: shade hat, sunglasses, dry bag, and towel. Willamette Riverkeeper will have 8 tandem canoes (so 16 single seats) to loan out for the day, and each will include 2 PFD's & 2 paddles. If you would like to reserve a seat in one of our canoes, you MUST select this option in the "Add On" section of registration. If you prefer to bring your own kayak or canoe that's okay too, BUT if that's the case YOU MUST contact Vanessa to make sure your watercraft will meet the needs for this event and the day.
Minors 12-17 are also welcome to join this event if they will be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for the minor and is authorized to sign their participation waiver. |
