Ongoing Monthly Volunteer Opportunities

Monthly Work Parties:

1st Saturday of the Month- Mary S. Young Park

 Contact: Judy Jennings, msypvolunteercoordinator@gmail.com

3rd Saturday of the month- Burnside Park

Contact: Steve Miesen, smiesen@hotmail.com

3rd Saturday of the month- Maddax Woods

Contact: Claudia Davis, worriedgrandma@gmail.com

3rd Saturday of the month-Willamette Park

Contact: Tom Curran, tomjcurran@gmail.com

McLean House Park and House- McLean Park Garden Keepers

Judy Hutchinson 503-657-5875, land77am@msn.com

Volunteers at Mary S. Young Park are large in number and dedication. Here are some frequently asked questions about Mary S. Young Volunteers:  

Who are “Mary S. Young Volunteers” and what do they do? We are dedicated to the restoration of the riparian habitat for citizen education, recreation and enjoyment. We work in cooperation with the City of West Linn, Parks and Recreation. With this vision to return the park to its native habitat we take several approaches. With the removal of invasive plants, the reintroducing of appropriate native plants, and the restoration of stream beds, the flora and fauna may return to its near original state. We also promote the development of excellent walking trails and general park maintenance.

When do they meet?
Groups and individual volunteers are encouraged to come out on the 1st Saturday of the month from 9 am - noon for native restoration work. Meet at the covered picnic shelter (across from the dog park). To register for upcoming work parties, visit the SOLVE website volunteer registration at SOLVE WEBSITE

To schedule a school or organization work party at another time or perform community service hours contact David Kleinke, Mary S Young Park Volunteer Coordinator, at 503 799-1777 or msypvolunteercoordinator@gmail.com. Bi-weekly Invasive Species Removal & Trails Restoration- Our citizens enjoy walking the nature trails at Mary S Young Park but trail erosion and noxious weeds are a constant threat requiring management. On Mondays and Wednesdays Park Volunteers host work parties at Mary S. Young Park from 8:30 am – 11:30 am. There is no registration required for the work parties, however, it is recommended that you contact David Kleinke, Mary S Young Park Volunteer Coordinator, at 503 799-1777 or msypvolunteercoordinator@gmail.com prior to showing up to ensure someone is available to meet you. Volunteers should show up at the shed in the dirt/gravel parking lot at 8:30 am with weather appropriate clothing (warm, waterproof, long sleeved shirts and long pants, and sturdy footwear). Tools and gloves will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them due to our limited number of tools and gloves.

What is an invasive plant?
A non-native plant that establishes easily and spreads aggressively into new areas and environments with detrimental effects on native plant species and the ecosystem.

What are native plants?
A native (indigenous) species is one that occurs in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat without direct or indirect human actions. Species native to North America are generally recognized as those occurring on the continent prior to European settlement.

What is a riparian habitat?
Areas adjacent to rivers and streams with a differing density, diversity, and productivity of plant and animal species relative to nearby uplands. Habitat that is next to, or affected by, water sources such as rivers, creeks, lakes and springs. These areas often shelter plants and animals that couldn't survive in nearby areas.

What is the flora and fauna of the northern Willamette Valley?
The region was once covered by rolling prairies, oak savanna, coniferous forests, extensive wetlands, and deciduous riparian forests. Today, it contains the bulk of Oregon’s population, industry, commerce, and agriculture. Productive soils and a temperate climate make it one of the most important agricultural areas in Oregon.

Can you dig it?
In 1969 Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that provides statutory protection of natural ecosystems on federal lands, and also offers the public the opportunity to consider the environmental implications of revegetating federal landscaped with introduced versus native plants (Richards 1998). Then in 1995, 9 federal agencies and 53 organizations created the Native Plant Conservation Initiative National Strategy for the protection of native plants. Work on the National Strategy is continued today by the Plant Conservation Alliance.

The Mary S. Young volunteers have a mission of eradicating Mary S. Young Park of invasive species. This group, in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Department, provides oversight and coordination of volunteer projects at Mary S Young Park.

We hope to see you at the park or on the trails!