On May 30, 1948, the Columbia River completely destroyed the city of Vanport, just west of East Columbia. In one afternoon, the Vanport Flood left more than 18,000 people homeless and killed at least 15.
Through the Lost City, Living Memories project, part of this year’s Vanport Mosaic Festival, 30 flood survivors have told their stories on camera.
is hosting a community meeting about the air quality in North Portland on Monday, June 20 at 7 p.m. in the Buckley Center Auditorium at the University of Portland.
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The grant will pay for a five-year project to enhance two open areas in PEN 2. Over the five years, the project will restore 12.6-acres of habitat in the Columbia Children’s Arboretum as well as 3.5-acres surrounding the four wetland ponds that comprise the Blue Heron Wetlands. The current invasive plant cover will be removed and these acres will be replanted with native plants and shrubs in order to restore native vegetation communities, improve water quality and filtration, and improve the wildlife habitat and connectivity in the area. This project also helps PEN 2’s stormwater conveyance in those areas by clearing the invasive vegetation and opening up channels to increase flow.
Many thanks to PEN 2 resident Maryhelen Kincaid for championing the project, bringing partners together, and making this work happen.
If you’re interested in helping, keep your eyes open over the next years for volunteer restoration opportunities.
East Columbia Neighborhood Association 