Hood River Community Cleanup: A Volunteer’s Reflection
Martin Guzman picks up trash while searching for pinecones along Hood River’s Powerdale Corridor, Oct. 19, 2024, in Hood River, Ore. (Photo/Terra King)
At Native Fish Society, we believe that every act of stewardship helps restore our homewaters and build a thriving groundswell for wild abundance. In October 2024, dedicated volunteers and partners gathered for the Hood River Cleanup, rolling up their sleeves to remove debris, protect habitat, and make an impact on this beloved river. One of those volunteers, Terra Friedman King, captured the spirit of the day in a thoughtful reflection, which we’re excited to share below:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hood River community cleanup
BY TERRA FRIEDMAN KING
PORTLAND, Ore. — On the morning of Sat. Oct. 19, 30 volunteers spent three hours filling trash bags with litter from the banks of the Hood River.
Native Fish Society steward Daniel Peirce said the main purpose of the trash cleanup was to reconnect the local community to the Hood River. “It’s a short river, and most of it is tucked away so it’s easy to forget about.”
Even though the Hood River runs only 25 miles from its headwaters to the Columbia River, it plays a unique environmental role. Fed from glaciers on Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest mountain, its year-round cold waters attract the most native fish species in the Columbia River Basin.
“The more that you can get people involved in being around this watershed, the more they'll feel empathetic for the problems and the more that they'll want to be part of the solutions,” said Peirce.”
While there is no immediate threat to river, Pierce emphasized its vulnerability. “Nestle could want to come in and pull the water for water bottles like they did in Cascade Locks.”
Peirce encouraged volunteers to look for microplastics along the Powerdale Corridor section of the river, and some locals flocked to areas they were familiar with.
Devyn Carrol and Riley Curren crossed the train tracks and returned with heavy bags brimming with stinking debris. “The main spot that I would hang out at for years was right down there where we just finished picking up trash,” said Carrol. “I always bring my dog down there, so it felt good picking up so much glass.”
Carroll and Curren work at pFriem, a local Hood River brewery that hosted the after-party. “We're able to make such good beers because we have such good water around here. So maintaining those waterways is part of that overall greater thing for making good beer.”
Healthy waterways do more than contribute to pFriem’s many award-winning beverages. The health of the native fish population is a strong indicator of the overall health of the environment, according to Executive Director of Native Fish Society Mark Sherwood.
“Many of them will swim as far as Japan or Russia. And then they come all the way back to their home stream,” said Sherwood. “When these fish are present, they tell us that all the little habitat links in the chain and the environment are still holding together.”
Volunteer and local Bethany Kharrazi cheerfully combed through underbrush to find small pieces of litter and plastic. “Our work is to protect farms, fish, food, and family,” she said. “Part of being out here today is to work on all those things.”
Bethany Kharrazi looks for litter along Hood River’s Powerdale Corridor, Oct. 19, 2024. The Powerdale Dam was decommissioned and removed in 2010, in Hood River, Ore. (Photo/Terra King)
Volunteer Amy Garrahan works for Patagonia, one of the event’s sponsors. Garrahan said Patagonia gave Native Fish Society a $15,000 grant this year through their 1% for the Planet give-back program.
“This river in particular has a lot of amazing swimming holes,” said Garrahan. “It's great to keep it clean.”
Native Fish Society organized the event with sponsorship from Doug's Hood River, Patagonia, SOLVE, and pFriem Family Brewers.
Native Fish Society offers regular river cleanups and educational events to connect locals to their watershed through community action.
Still curious?
Learn more about Terra's portfolio, background, and credentials, and read what people are saying about her work.
CONTACT TERRA >
Follow Terra Friedman King:
Website: www.terrasform.com
Instagram: @terra__form
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank You, Volunteers!
A huge thank you to Terra for sharing her experience and to all our volunteers who show up for wild fish and rivers. Terra’s story reminds us that small actions create big ripples. If you’re inspired to get involved, we have plenty of opportunities for you to make a difference!
Upcoming NFS Volunteer Opportunities:
Molalla River Replanting – February 22nd | Molalla River, OR
Help restore vital riparian habitat along the Molalla River! We’re still looking for 5-10 more volunteers to join us this weekend in planting native trees and shrubs to improve water quality and fish habitat. Sign up here!Homewaters: Run Wild – 30th Anniversary Benefit Banquet & Auction - April 12th | Portland, OR
Join us in celebrating 30 years of wild fish conservation at our Homewaters: Run Wild benefit banquet and auction! This exciting event supports our mission while bringing together community members, conservationists, and anglers to champion healthy rivers. Don't miss your chance to bid on incredible auction items and contribute to the future of wild fish. Learn more and get your tickets here!Volunteer Gathering – April 25th - 27th, 2025 | Sisters, OR
Mark your calendar! We’re bringing together NFS volunteers for a weekend of connection, learning, and hands-on conservation in beautiful Sisters, Oregon. Visit here to learn more and RSVP!Get Involved with Your Local Chapter
Our Portland, Rogue, and McKenzie Chapters lead hands-on conservation efforts throughout Oregon. Whether it’s habitat restoration, advocacy, or community science, there’s a way for you to help. Learn more about our chapters and upcoming gatherings by following us on Instagram at @native_fish_society and @nfs_pdx.
Want to stay updated on other future volunteer opportunities? Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our Events Page for upcoming ways to get involved!
