This event is reserved for our QTBIPOC/BIPOC/LGBTQ2S communities.

Please join Russell and Davida for a tour of Vanport, which holds a special place in Portland’s Black History. We’ll talk about the Vanport flood and the city’s mythical history. We’ll also discuss how YOU feel as a person of color living in the PNW. And how did the current climate for people of color in Oregon come to exist? Also, the whole area is one of Russell’s personally favorite spots for birdwatching and exploration! Around the restored wetlands, we’ll likely see birds, especially at Force Lake, and a variety of wild plants. It’s surprisingly wild and known only to a few locals and dog walkers. Optional social gathering afterhours is at Casa Maya, 8233 N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217.

Meeting location: Delta Park / Vanport Station for MAX Yellow Line, West side Park and Ride lot . We will meet near a small building next to a C-VAN bus stop and silver U-shaped bicycle parking

Event location: Vanport Wetlands and Force Lake

Required gear: 1-2 L water, snacks, sunscreen, rain gear

Recommended gear: sunglasses, bug spray

(See Wild Diversity’s full packing list here.)

Parking: Free parking at Delta Park / Vanport Station Park and Ride

Accessibility: Distance and Elevation: 2.49 mi / 62 ft. This walk will be either on paved surfaces or mowed grass.

Important considerations: No restrooms available along the route, but we can make a 0.75 mile detour to Heron Lakes Golf Course if necessary, where restrooms, water and snacks are available. Dog friendly!

More location info can be found here.