FT 7 - SOLD OUT - River Hike/ Careers in Conservation Chat with the Nature Conservancy for SEEDS

Trip Overview
The Nature Conservancy has been preserving the lands and waters on which nature thrives for over 70 years and is one of the largest conservation nonprofits worldwide. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and volunteers and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 76 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners. In 1970, The Nature Conservancy received a donation of 156 acres of land along the Sandy River by the Diack family. The Sandy River is the last undeveloped Western Oregon river near a Metropolitan area. The Sandy River provides recreation activities for the Portland metro region and is a critical habitat for coho and chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Today, most of the Sandy River Gorge is protected and managed for scientific, education, recreational values. The Sandy River Preserve property is not publicly accessible.

This secluded spot provides a great opportunity for members of SEEDS to connect with nature, learn more about the ecology of the Portland metro area, and hear from conservation professionals about their career journeys. Attendees will engage in a two mile roundtrip hike that slowly descends out to the river. At the river, we will have lunch and a chance to put our feet in the water of the Sandy River.

Note: If something happens where we are no longer able to host the event at Sandy River Gorge (For Example: If water levels were to be abnormally high) we can host the event at Camassia Natural Area in West Linn a backup.
Equipment and Attire
Attendees should wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Hats, sunglasses, bug spray, and a towel are recommended. The Nature Conservancy can probably help attendees by providing sunscreen and towels if needed. We are hopeful that attendees will be able to wade in the water of the Sandy River, so having pants that can be rolled up or shorts would be beneficial. In August the water should be relatively warm. The trip will involve a two-mile round-trip hike on a wide trail that slopes downwards. The weather should be relatively warm, with it cooling down near the water.