COVID-19 made my volunteering in Forest Park a challenge. Volunteer group trail activities were put on indefinite hold for the safety of the community. This is about how I found a way to still volunteer during a pandemic.
I’m retired, and Forest Park became my hobby. I found I could hike the park in 10 days covering all the trails from Holman Lane to Newberry Road. While I hiked, I cleared trails of branches and looked for issues to report. I prepared a weekly report of issues and sent it to the Forest Park Conservancy (FPC) and Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R).
Last fall, I found the “No Ivy League” was still operating in Forest Park on the 1st Wednesday and 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. PP&R was partnering with SOLVE to do off-trail ivy pulling and native plant replanting. No problems staying 20 feet apart when working off-trail. I became a regular three times a month.
This spring, the Forest Park Conservancy is now coordinating the same effort on Thursday mornings from 9:00 to 12:00 as their Restoration Work Parties. You can signup via the FPC Event Calendar.
Last fall, FPC held Zoom training for Rapid Responders. I attended, signed up, was approved. I was assigned to Fire Lane 2 and neighboring trails. Rapid Responders are asked to inspect their trail route periodically to know its condition and report on new issues. Following strong winds, heavy rain, or snow, the FPC notifies the Rapid Responders to enter the park to identify and report on storm damage.
Both FPC and PP&R saw more work needed doing and created the “Independent” volunteer title. This allowed for the removal of small fallen trees, trail drain cleaning, brushing, and raking. My past volunteering, Rapid Responder approval, and trail experience got me this title as well.
Late last year, the Rapid Responders were also asked to assist in trail raking. I took on 4 trail segments: Wildwood from mile 15 to Saltzman (1 mile), Tolinda (0.75 miles), Cleator (0.24 mile), and Upper Koenig (0.14 mile). I did a bit more than raking. I added in trail drain cleaning, brushing, and tree removal.
So what do I get for all my efforts? Many thanks from hikers, bikers, and runners as they pass and a huge improvement in my health. From Jan 2020 to Jan 2021, I lost 20 pounds, eliminated the need for my cholesterol pills, my A1C dropped to normal, and my blood pressure pill dosage is planned to be halved next year.
Forest Park is my giant health club, and my monthly donation to the park is my health club dues.
If you see me “playing in the park,” I’m always ready to take a break and say hello.
