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Vancouver Family Magazine September 2023 - Helping Hands: Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership
Visitors to Southwest Washington can instantly see that our entire ecosystem centers around the Columbia River. As locals, we feel both a sense of pride in the river, as well as a desire to keep it clean and beautiful. I have rarely seen garbage left behind when hiking on trails in the Gorge, but when I do, I am happy to pick it up and take it back with me and have seen others do the same. But beyond a lack of trash, there are other things the river needs to keep it supporting wildlife and the local economy that depends on it.
Nonprofit Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership knows what the river needs. For many years, the group has overseen projects from Clark County to Astoria to revitalize and protect different sections of the Columbia River as well as smaller rivers and creeks that flow into it. “It is important that streams and creeks provide high quality habitat for the species that live there,” explains Samantha Dumont, volunteer coordinator with the Estuary Partnership. Locally, when Clark County Parks Department finds an opportunity to improve habitat for fish and wildlife, they will craft a plan of action. Oftentimes, that plan includes involving community members and even local schools to help rebuild habitats. The Estuary Partnership is a key partner in helping coordinate and support these efforts.
The Estuary Partnership hosts roughly 25 volunteer projects throughout the year, in both Washington and Oregon. What makes volunteering with them different from other clean-up efforts, such as at a community park, is that in addition to enjoying the beautiful outdoors you’ll be taught exactly how your work is impacting the larger environment. “The Estuary Partnership has an excellent team of environmental educators trained in plant and animal identification and ecology,” shares Dumont. “At the beginning of each volunteer event, volunteers learn about how the work they are about to do supports clean water and healthy habitat for fish and wildlife. Volunteers are also trained on how to accomplish the task ahead: planting trees, removing weeds or another project. People also learn about native trees and shrubs, what they are and how to plant and care for them. It’s a great way get inspiration for your own garden at home.”
All ages are welcome at the volunteer events, too. “We really try to make it family friendly,” says Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky, public affairs specialist. She told me that it is not unusual to see toddlers toddling around the trees nearby their parents, or families with strollers and adults wearing babies in carriers as they work. Even if the children play more than work, they gain a greater respect for nature watching their caregivers give of their time to improve wildlife habitats and make public parks beautiful for all visitors. “We also strive to make events as accessible as possible to people of all mobilities,” adds Dumont. All the tools, including work gloves, are provided by the Estuary Partnership; simply come as you are and enjoy your day.
“Right now, our volunteer events in Clark County are focused on Salmon Creek and Burnt Bridge Creek,” shares Dumont. Another important project, Steigerwald Lake, in Washougal has been in the works for over a decade, and volunteers have been crucial in helping restore the lake as a wetland and floodplain connection to the Columbia River. The Estuary’s YouTube channel showcases an amazing timelapse of the progress that’s been made so far. Dumont says that watching the impact
of their work expand and grow over time keeps volunteers coming back each year. Plus, “It’s a great way to get ‘off trail’ and experience a familiar park or natural area in a new way.”
Dumont wants those who have volunteered before, as well as those who may be interested in starting, to know, “We appreciate volunteers of all ages, walks of life and abilities! We feel fortunate that they choose to spend their free time enhancing local habitat and the waterways that flow into the lower Columbia River.”
A complete list of volunteer opportunities with the Estuary Partnership is available on their website. “The volunteer event list is updated frequently so if there isn’t a time or date that works for you, check back in later; the best way to stay in the loop about volunteer events is to join our mailing list,” says Dumont. The Estuary also has projects specific for school groups, which can book up fast. Any teachers or schools who are interested should reach out before summer break.
Sarah Mortensen holds a degree in marriage and family studies and works for Vancouver Public Schools as a paraeducator in addition to her role as associate editor of Vancouver Family Magazine. When Sarah is not reading to her kids or students, she is probably in her backyard taking care of her garden. She also enjoys hiking, hot chocolate and dressing up for Halloween. She lives in Vancouver with her husband, son and daughter.
