Norwood Island Work Party Weekend 

Help us improve habitat on Norwood Island!

Join us for a weekend work party retreat. You will explore and learn about this newly purchased 90-acre island, which sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Long Tom Rivers. We'll camp, and leave the island better than we found it.

What: We’ll paddle 15 miles of the mid-Willamette River over two days, launching from McCartney Park in Harrisburg on Saturday morning, camping at Norwood Island, and taking-out at Peoria Park in Peoria on Sunday afternoon.

Work party activities will take place on Saturday afternoon and Sunday mid-morning and will include removing plastic sleeves from native plantings, and invasive species removal.

We’ll also have time to explore “Norwood east” or a portion of the Norwood property that lies across the river from the island.

When: Saturday and Sunday July 26th - 27th  Meet at McCartney Park at 8:30am on Saturday. We'll pack our boats, and then work together to run shuttles before we launch.

Provided: Willamette Riverkeeper will help facilitate a group shuttle before we launch (we’ll work together on this). We will also provide a vegetarian group dinner on Saturday night*, hot water and coffee in the morning, a camp toilet, on the water safety support, and educational opportunities throughout the weekend.  *If you have dietary restrictions/allergies, please pack your own dinner.

Cost: $50

Participants: This trip will be limited to 25 participants. We can expect dynamic/moving water, braided channels, and hazards such as intermittent woody debris on this stretch of river. Participants must have prior paddling experience. While we will have leaders on the river, ultimately you are responsible for your own safety. Kids are welcome, youth 15 and under need to paddle with an adult. 

Boats: Willamette Riverkeeper canoes will be available for rent for an additional $30 or Bring-Your-Own canoe or kayak. Keep in mind that you are responsible for packing your personal camping gear and water into your own boat! It is not safe or acceptable to pile your camping bags on the deck of your kayak for this trip.  Gear must be secured INSIDE of your boat.  

Bring: Pack a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothes, rain/sun hat, rain gear (if needed), sunglasses, sunscreen, 2-3 water bottles, headlamp, work gloves, meals (lunch for Saturday, breakfast + lunch for Sunday, extra snacks), waterproof camera, aquatic invasive species permit, dry bags to keep your personal gear dry when packed in your boat.