Reconnect Portlanders with the Willamette

Blackberry Harvest Event Aims to Restore Ross Island

Photo Courtesy of PortlandFruit.org

The Portland Fruit Tree Project is inviting the community to help remove invasive Himalayan blackberries while supporting efforts to restore Ross Island during its second annual "If You Can't Beat 'Em, Eat 'Em!" harvest and eradication campaign on July 25.

The event combines blackberry harvesting, paddling and environmental stewardship, encouraging participants to safely forage the invasive plants while learning about the ecological challenges facing Ross Island and the Willamette River.

The campaign is a collaboration between the Portland Fruit Tree Project, the Human Access Project, the Mosquito Fleet and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. Organizers say the event is designed to raise awareness about the need for long-term restoration of Ross Island, including improving water quality, removing debris and expanding public access to the river.

The Human Access Project has been advocating for city and state investment to address toxic algae blooms and deteriorating shoreline conditions. The organization is also raising funds for a multi-phase restoration effort that would include ecological rehabilitation and ongoing water quality monitoring.

The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership will provide two 29-foot Big Canoes capable of transporting up to 22 paddlers to the island. Participants may also bring their own nonmotorized watercraft, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The Mosquito Fleet will provide safety support and loaner paddlecraft for registered participants.

"Ross Island is a forgotten gem with incredible potential," said Scott Fogarty. "Through this collaboration with the Estuary Partnership and Portland Fruit Tree Project, we're showing what it looks like when grassroots environmental justice meets joyful action. We want the public to see the island up close and understand what's at stake — and how we can all take action to enjoy our city and take back the Willamette."

Heather Keisler Fornes, executive director of the Portland Fruit Tree Project, said the campaign offers Portlanders a practical way to address an environmental problem while making use of a plentiful local resource.

"Blackberries may be invasive, but they're also a symbol of resilience, and they are delicious to boot," Fornes said. "This campaign gives Portlanders a tangible way to confront land mismanagement, use what we have abundantly all around us, and support ongoing advocacy to restore access to our river and hold responsible parties accountable for cleaning up after themselves."

The Ross Island Harvest & Action Day begins at 10:30 a.m. July 25 at Willamette Park, located at South Macadam Avenue and Nebraska Street. The group will paddle to Ross Island at 11 a.m.

Participants must register in advance through the Portland Fruit Tree Project. Those bringing their own kayaks or paddleboards are required to wear personal flotation devices. Oregon also requires nonmotorized boat users to carry a Waterway Access Permit, though loaner boats provided by the Mosquito Fleet already have the required permits.