NORTH FORK CORRIDOR, OR – Marion County Parks, Oregon Parks Forever, Trailkeepers of Oregon, and SOLVE are hosting two volunteer events on May 4 and May 5, 2024, to aid in restoration efforts in the ongoing response to the 2020 Labor Day fires. Volunteers can sign up for a.m./p.m. shifts between 8:30a.m. -12:00p.m. or 12:30p.m. – 3:30p.m. at North Fork Park on May 4th and Minto Park on May 5th.
Volunteers will work on light construction tasks, including building trails, assembling picnic tables, installing signs, debris and invasive species removal, and more. Shuttle service will be available from Lyons, OR (ODF parking lot at Hwy 22) to North Fork Park on May 4, 2024, and from Gates, OR (Gates Park and Ride) to Minto Park on May 5, 2024. Event organizers will provide all tools, and there will be an award-winning food truck onsite for volunteers to enjoy from 11:00a.m. to 1:30p.m. each day. These efforts will be instrumental in reopening some of these beloved parks in time for the 2024 recreation season.
On labor day weekend 2020, the Beachie Creek Fire swept through the Santiam Canyon growing at 2.77 acres per second. Ultimately, it burned 193,565 acres, including 700 residential and 85 commercial properties. This fire left behind a devastated community, decimated habitat for fish and wildlife, and altered the landscape for years to come.
Take this opportunity to be a part of the recovery efforts in the Santiam Canyon before these parks reopen to the public. There’s plenty of work to be done to get these parks ready for the public, and volunteers must sign up for their preferred task and shift to participate. Sign up to volunteer on May 4 at North Fork or May 5 at Minto now.
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