On a quintessential Portland fall day (warm and with a torrential downpour), a group of 10 volunteers forwent their cozy cafe Saturday to pull English ivy at Hoyt Arboretum. This late October Crew marked Portland Parks & Recreation’s 21st annual No Ivy Day, and our final Saturday Crew of the season.
English ivy is one of the Arboretum’s most voracious foes, invading the understory, creeping up trees, damaging bark, and blocking light. Stewardship crews are crucial in the fight against ivy, especially in sloped areas where hand-pulling is our only option. This crew worked along the western slope between Creek Trail and Fischer Ln. where ivy was choking the yew, nutmeg, cedar, and native trees that grow in the area.
Despite the weather, spirits were high among the volunteers. A trio of friends collecting ivy to weave baskets chatted and laughed as they worked– even though a stylish, bright yellow raincoat was claimed by the mud (an unexpected in-kind donation to the Arboretum!). A father and teenage son pulled a massive ivy stem as thick as a wrist and as tall as the high school junior himself from the base of a yellow cedar.
Glen, one of our most dedicated stewardship volunteers, had to improvise mid-work when his belt broke—tying it back together with an ivy stem. He and Joe, a retired military physical therapist, participated in every single Saturday Crew of the year, pulling weeds, mulching, clearing debris, pruning, and so much more! Joe’s philosophy: physical work with a community like this keeps you young.
Thank you to all our volunteer stewards for keeping Hoyt Arboretum safe, beautiful, and accessible to all! We couldn’t do it without you!
Want to lend a hand? Learn more about volunteer stewardship.