Event When:  Saturday, March 6, 2010 - 6:00pm - 10:00pm

• Transition PDX

Event When:  Friday, April 9, 2010 - 9:00am - Saturday, April 10, 2010 - 5:00pm

Transition PDX will be sponsoring a two-day Training for Transition (T4T) on Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10.  The training will be held in the main hall of Sunnyside Methodist Church, 3520 SE Yamhill Street, Portland.   The T4T course is designed to introduce you to a community engagement model for responding and adapting to the threats of climate change, fossil fuel dependence and economic instability.  It will give an introduction to the ideas underpinning the Transition Initiative, and the most important skills needed to get a Transition Initiative off the ground in your locality.  The course is designed both for people who are already in a group working to achieve this, and those who are thinking of creating such a group.   This training will follow the Transition model in paying attention to both the outer work and the inner work necessary for a successful transition process.  The course is participatory, action-learning-based and fun, with participants invited to share their own experience and learn from the different Transition projects represented in the group.   The cost of the training is $200, of which a $40 deposit will be due with your registration to hold your place.  Registration information will be available in about a week.  We hope to offer some partial scholarships, and will do our best to find rooms in members’ homes for visiting participants.    One of the two certified Transition US trainers will be David Johnson.  After building an award-winning ecological house in Wales, David explored the overlap of ecology and spirituality through a Masters Degree program in Transpersonal Psychology with a concentration in Ecopsychology at Naropa University.  During this time he also trained with Joanna Macy.  This training informed his thinking around the inner aspects of Transition work.  David was involved in a think tank set up by Rob Hopkins in the early days of Transition Town Totnes in England, and recently moved to Portland where he has been in the central group helping to bring the Transition approach here.   The other trainer, Lena Soots from Vancouver, BC, is a community educator and facilitator with a focus on community sustainability and resilience.  With an academic background in Environmental Studies, Lena’s work has involved environmental consulting, community planning, local food system development and facilitation across a wide range of community settings.  She is currently an Instructor and Research Associate with the Centre for Sustainable Community Development at Simon Fraser University and a PhD Candidate in the Faculty of Education.  Lena’s current research is in transformative community learning and exploring the inner and outer dimensions of change.  She is also a yoga instructor and tries to spend as much time as possible hiking in the mountains or paddling a canoe.   Stay tuned for registration info and further details!

• Transition PDX

Event When:  Repeats every month on the Thursday until Sat Jun 19 2010 .Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 7:15pm - 9:00pm When:  Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 7:15pm - 9:00pm When:  Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 7:15pm - 9:00pm When:  Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 7:15pm - 9:00pm

Recode will be offering a series of four consensus trainings beginning March 18th from 7:15-9 and continuing once a month through June.  The training will be held at 1131 SE Oak in the St. Francis Church block, follow the signs.  Below is a description of the series.  There will also be time for participants to get specific information based on their individual situations regarding group decision making.

* Why consensus? What is it?: discussion and training with Kathey Sutter.

(consensus session 1) Third Thursday, March 18th, 7:15 - 9 pm, This begins a new series of monthly consensus trainings for the spring of 2010. We'll start with comparisons of deliberation and voting, in theory, and in practice. Watch here for more information as it comes available.

* Overview of General Meetings, What to Expect: discussion and training with Kathey Sutter.

(consensus session 2) Third Thursday, April 15th, 7:15 - 9 pm,This session looks at the agenda, being realistic, clear, and forgiving. This session is open to the public. It builds on the previous session, but previous involvement is not necessary.

* How Do We Know We've Decided? : discussion and training with Kathey Sutter.

(consensus session 3) Third Thursday, May 20th, 7:15 - 9, This session focuses on the flow of decision making, from naming a problem to knowing when to implement solutions. It builds on the previous session, but previous involvement is not necessary.

* We Send it to Committee Because...: discussion and training with Kathey Sutter.

(consensus session 4) Third Thursday, June 17th, 7:15 - 9 pm, This session looks at well formed committees and collaboratively governed organizations with accountability. It builds on the previous session, but previous involvement is not necessary.

Location St. Francis Che Room1131 SE Oak Portland, OR

• ReCode Oregon

Event When:  Saturday, February 27, 2010 - 9:00am - 1:00pm Link:  Friends of Trees Calendar

 

It's so easy to make a big difference by planting trees!  All you need to do is simply show up at the planting sites listed below and Friends of Trees will provide gloves, tools and guidance from trained crew leaders.  Please plan to arrive around 8:45am to register, be assigned to a crew, and enjoy some coffee and breakfast treats.

 

Additional & Contact: 

Please contact Andy at AndyM@FriendsofTrees.org or 503-282-8846, ext. 24 for more information.  We hope to see you out there!

Event When:  Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm Wednesday March 3rd - Gardening When It Counts Reading Circle   Chapter 6 - Watering. . .and not   In this chapter we will be looking at plant spacing, soil types, sprinkler systems, and other factors that affect how your garden uses water.    Gardening When It Counts by Steve Solomon is about how to grow a sustenance garden under less-than-ideal conditions, for example if you are not able to irrigate your crops.  He rates crops on how easy they are to grow, and tells you how to be successful with each kind.  There is information about how to start a new garden or restart an old one, how to work with only hand tools (no gas/electricity), what to look for or look out for when buying plants and seeds, how to water or grow (mostly) without watering, how to make good compost, and what to do about many diseases and pests.  His focus is on self-sufficient gardening for the coming hard times - a compelling message!   After March there will be 2 chapters left - Chapter 7, making compost will be April 7 and Chapter 8, insects/diseases will be May 5th. Location St. Francis Church1131 SE Oak st. Che Room, across the street from Red & Black Cafe Portland, OR

• Transition PDX

Event When:  Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Richard Heinberg's appearance Tuesday, February 23, will be at the NW Neighborhood Cultural Center at NW 18th and Everett.  Doors will open at 6 for chatting and refreshments.  At 7 sharp there will be a panel featuring Richard Heinberg along with local transition leaders, after which Heinberg will lead a discussion with Transition PDX members and other guests on the role of local actions and grassroots movements in responding to the energy and economic crises of the 21st century.  Expect a wide-ranging and invigorating discussion around concrete actions we can take here in the Portland area. 

The main entrance to the Center is on NW 18th.   It can be reached via several buses:  #17 is closest, running on Everett and Glisan, while #15, #18 and #20 run on E. Burnside.  The Max Red and Blue lines stop at PGE Park, and the Portland Streetcar stops at 18th and both Marshall and Lovejoy.  The Center has limited parking, accessible from 19th and Flanders.  Some overflow parking will be available at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral lot, accessible from either Davis or Everett between 18th and 19th.   

Location NW Neighborhood Cultural Center1819 NW Everett Street Portland, OR

• Transition PDX

Event When:  Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 9:00am - 1:00pm Link:  Friends of Trees Calendar

All you need to do is simply show up around 8:45am at the staging sites listed below.  Friends of Trees will provide morning refreshments, gloves, and tools, as well as guidance from experienced volunteer crew leaders. We just ask that you wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. 

 

PORTLAND

Piedmont & Woodland neighborhoods.  Join our experienced crew leaders to plant almost 200 street trees.  Meet at Holy Redeemer Church.  25 N. Rosa Parks Way.

 

I-205 Multi-Use Path – Lents neighborhood.  Plant over 150 native trees and shrubs as part of this groundbreaking three-year, 15-mile urban green space project.  Meet at SE 94th Avenue & SE Pardee Street.

Additional & Contact: 

Please contact Andy at AndyM@FriendsofTrees.org or 503-282-8846, ext. 24 for more information.  We hope to see you out there!

Event When:  Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Presented by: Dr. Scott Burns, Professor of Geology, Portland State University - http://soils.geology.pdx.edu

Portland is earthquake country.  Three different types of earthquakes are possible in Oregon with two creating big threats for Portland.  One is movement on local faults in the Portland area like the Portland Hills Fault.  The other is the “Big One’ that could generate a magnitude of 9 along the coast and could last three minutes.  Portland would be greatly affected by both. 

Dr. Burns will talk about the sources of these quakes and their past history and future chances and specifically will talk about both Haiti and Chile and their relevance to Oregon. Chile is a perfect example of what could happen in Oregon with the Big One.

Location St. Francis Dining Hall1182 SE Pine St. Portland, OR

• Transition PDX

Event When:  Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm

 

ABOUT:        Community Outreach of Our United Villages invites you to an interactive afternoon to connect with people and discover shared interests.  Snacks provided.  Child care, interpretation, and transportation provided upon request.  FREE and open to all. RSVP to outreach@ourunitedvillages.org or (503) 546.7499.  www.ourunitedvillages.org

 

Location Humboldt Gardens Opportunity Center5033 N. Vancouver Avenue Portland, OR

Event When:  Monday, February 22, 2010 - 6:30pm - 9:30pm Link:  http://illahee.org/lectures Link:  Purchase Tickets to 2010 Events

Senior Fellow-in-Residence at Post Carbon Institute, Mr. Heinberg is best known as a leading educator on Peak Oil—the point at which we reach maximum global oil production—and the resulting, devastating impact it will have on our economic, food, and transportation systems. But his expertise is far ranging, covering critical issues including the current economic crisis, food and agriculture, community resilience, and global climate change. Heinberg is author of nine books, including The Party’s Over, Peak Everything, and the newly released Blackout.

Location First Congregational Church1126 SW Park Portland, OR

• Transition PDX

Event When:  Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm Link:  Bright Neighbor Fruit And Nut Tree Pruning Training Link:  Portland Bright Neighbor Trees! (beta)

Randy White will show how to maintain fruit and nut trees for maximum food production. You will also learn the basics of grafting scions (branches from existing fruit and nut trees) to root stock, creating trees with multiple fruits.

This is part of our new re-skilling series. These will be offered on 4th Wednesdays. Randy White is the founder of Bright Neighbor. Want to share your skills by leading (or co-leading) a workshop? Please contact Transition PDX.

Location St. Francis Dining Hall1182 SE Pine St. Portland, OR

• Bright Neighbor

Event When:  Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm Wednesday February 3rd - Gardening When It Counts Reading Circle   Chapter 9 - What To Grow and How To Grow It   Rather than having a specific outline this month, please bring your questions or comments from the chapter for discussion.  (Remember this chapter is 84 pp long - it will take you a while to get through it, especially if you are using it to help choose what veggies you want to grow this year!)  We will spend approximately 1 hour on the chapter.  The second hour will be preparing our seed order.  Please remember to bring sufficient funds for your order, with a bit extra to chip in for postage.    Gardening When It Counts by Steve Solomon is about how to grow a sustenance garden under less-than-ideal conditionsLocation St Francis Church SE 11th & Pine cafeteria Portland, OR

• Transition PDX

Event When:  Sunday, February 28, 2010 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm Link:  Independence Gardens Classes

Readying the soil for spring-summer planting is one of the most important tasks gardeners face at this point in the year. But what is soil made of, and what does it need to benefit the plants we want to grow? This class will provide an overview of soil types and basic soil ecology, give gardeners tools for assessing their soils, and provide suggestions on when and how to use various soil amendments.

Independence Gardens classes cost $10; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

 

Additional & Contact: 

For more information, please e-mail IndependenceGardensPDX@gmail.com or call 503-929-7170.

 

Location Everybody's Garden Center2701 SE 14th Ave. Portland, OR, 97202

Event When:  Saturday, February 27, 2010 - 11:00am - 3:00pm Link:  Portland Permaculture Meetup Site

Permaculture concepts can be applied to backyard food gardens to increase productivity, diversify yields, build soil fertility, and reduce the need for weeding and other strenuous maintenance.

 

In this hands-on workshop, we'll construct a small garden discuss a number of topics, revealing ways to make make backyard vegetable gardening a more rewarding and successful experience, without making it a part-time job or spending a fortune.

Topics will include:

• Permanent mulched beds 
• Polyculture planting 
• Seed starting 
• Direct seeding 
• Permanent edible covercrops 
• Micro-climate creation 
• Keyhole beds 
• and more... 

 

Who should attend this workshop: Folks who are new to permaculture concepts and/or new to gardening would benefit from attending this workshop.

Runs for 4 hours starting at 11 AM. Bring a lunch!

 

For more info and registration, go to the Portland Permaculture Meetup site.

Location Tryon Life Community FarmPortland, OR

• Transition PDX

Event When:  Saturday, February 13, 2010 - 11:00am - 3:00pm Link:  Event Registration Page

We're still in the depths of Winter, but it's already high time to get this year's garden started. During the month of February, there are at least a dozen common vegetables that can already be seeded outdoors, with dozens more that can be started indoors, in greenhouses, cold frames, or cloches.

 

This workshop will cover the what, when, and how of giving your garden a jumpstart this year by starting NOW! Earlier planting means earlier harvests, and a longer season of fresh, ultra-local produce from your yard.

Who should attend this workshop: This workshop is aimed at folks at a beginner or intermediate level of gardening, especially those who traditionally don't begin their gardens until later (March/April) in the season. More experienced gardeners who would like to learn more about season extension will also find this workshop useful.

 

Additional & Contact: 

 For more information and registration, go to the Portland Permaculture Meetup page.

• Transition PDX

Event When:  Saturday, February 27, 2010 - 10:00am - 2:00pm

The creation of a Permaculture-Based, Disaster Resilient - Food Shed COMMUNITY Garden.

 

This project will serve as a template. 

A church in Damascus, Christ the Vine, has offered up a large amount of land to be used for the creation of a template garden that can be duplicated across the region. 

As the project coordinator, I have promised to get the garden designed and created.  the local community has stated that they will maintain it.

My goal is to create a beautiful, low maintenance, organic - Food Shed that will inspire others to do the same.  A prime location - right off of Hwy 212, just West of the City of Damascus - This garden has much potential...but more help is needed.

The first work party will be held Feb 27th from 10-2 and I need Zone Coordinators to help guide the volunteers.  A few folks have stepped up but we still need coordinators for:

Additional & Contact: 

Alice Lasher

971-563-3051 cell

503-237-4152 pager

sfd72fmo@hotmail.com

Location Christ the Vine Church, Damascus Oregon18677 SE Highway 212 Damascus, OR, 97089

Event When:  Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm Link:  Springboard Social Innovation Forum

 How can we make social innovation flourish in our city? What do communities need to recognize and support social innovators through all stages of their development? How can we best assess how our city enables or discourages social innovators to thrive?

 

Join us for a “working Forum,” where Portlanders will put our heads together to discuss the best ways to create and support social innovation in Portland and in other communities nationwide. We will be exploring Springboard’s latest initiative, Innovative Cities.

Additional & Contact: 

 Please contact Mary Grace at (503) 452-6898 or marygracehinkle@gmail.com

 

**There is room for only 40 participants; RSVP IS REQUIRED!**

Event When:  Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm Link:  event poster

Michael Becker, Oregon's 2007 Middle School Teacher of the Year, shares his story of teaching key concepts of sustainability while addressing state benchmarks and improving academic performance through field-based, experiential curriculum. Under his direction, Hood River Middle School's Outdoor Classroom Project has transformed the schoolyard and become a national model for linking curriculum with real-world application.

Doors open at 6:30 for snacks and tea, presentation and discussion from 7-9pm
Cost - $10 at the door, free with PSU student ID
Call 503-351-2075 for more info.

• City Repair

Event When:  Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm Link:  http://www.recodeoregon.net

 In this update:

1. Recode Monthly Meeting: January 26th

2. EcoBuilder's Guild Meeting: January 27th

3. Graywater Update

4. $25 for Recode

 

1. Recode Monthly Meeting, Jan. 26

 

Join us for our regular 4th Tuesday Public Meeting in the Che Room at St. Francis Church (SE 12th & Oak) from 6:30-8:30.

 

Last Saturday, 12 folks spent all day in the first ever Recode Annual Planning retreat, which was full of great energy and excitement about Recode and making things happen!   At this month's meeting we'll report back from the retreat, and make action plans for our priority campaigns and projects.  This meeting will be a good time to plug into existing and new action groups and have a hand in shaping Recode's actions for the year.

Location St. Francis Che Room1131 SE Oak, Che Room Portland, OR

• ReCode Oregon

Event When:  Monday, February 15, 2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm PPG Meeting Feb. 15 - GardenMedicine

When we learn about Permaculture - from a book or in a class - we often see that certain plants have "medicine" listed as one of their functions. But do you ever wonder what part of the plant to use? When to pick it? What kind of health issues the plant medicine is used for? Would it be handy to get some ideas about this before spring planting?

It's one thing to know that plants have medicinal functions, but Permaculture education rarely includes the body of knowledge needed to actually make use of plant medicines.

Join the Portland Permaculture Guild at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15 when herbalist, Permaculture designer and naturopathic physician Orna Izakson will discuss the functions and uses of many garden medicinals. The Garden Medicine slideshow draws from Orna's extensive study of herbal medicine, with an eye to Permaculture functions and practical ideas for putting the people's medicines back into the people's hands.

To learn more about Orna, see GardenMedicine.com or CeliloHealth.com, or read below!
Location Pacific Crest Community SchoolNE 29th & Davis (2 blocks N of Burnside) Portland, OR

• Portland Permaculture Guild