Phil Hamilton, 80, honored for 20,000 hours of stewardship work at Tryon Creek

Long time Friends' volunteer Phil Hamilton

On May 18th, 2013, southwest Portland resident Phil Hamilton reached a huge milestone: He completed his 20,000th hour doing stewardship work at Tryon Creek State Natural Area (TCSNA).

Phil Hamilton recognized for his 20,000 hours of stewardship work

Phil, who has been volunteering with the Friends of Tryon Creek for 20 years, has filled many roles at the park. His activities include invasive species removal, trail maintenance, Friends of Tryon Creek Board Member, and Chair of the Stewardship Committee. Phil runs the field aspect of TCSNA's  Restoration Program.

The completion of his 20,000th hour marked two decades of dedicated, hands-on stewardship work in the forest at Tryon Creek.

Friends' Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Kreisman MC'd the event

The Friends and OPRD acknowledged Phil's incredible achievement with a celebration in the Nature Center on June 24th. Friends and OPRD staff, including Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Kreisman (above) and Park Manager John Mullen, congratulated Phil, to the enthusiastic applause and appreciation of his family and the fellow volunteers and park personnel that have seen Phil's dedication in action.

Park Manager John Mullen acknowledges Phil's dedication and service

Originally, Tryon Creek was so overgrown with nonnative invasive species that it was doubtful whether the ecosystem could recover. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers such as Phil, more than 200 acres - nearly 1/3 of the park's overall acreage - have been cleared of invasives.

OPRD volunteer Dave Johnston and OPRD Director Tim Wood

Friends' Board President Gary Pagenstecher

Celebrating Phil's achievement with a party in the Nature Center

Lively music by Curls and Scruff

Phil averages an astonishing 1000 stewardship hours per year at TCSNA. "The urban forest is an important ecosystem niche", says Phil. "I'm helping to save the forest. I love hanging out in the woods and I always have. I don't like to hold still."

Phil Hamilton, English Ivy conqueror

The Friends applaud Phil Hamilton for his outstanding achievement and appreciate his dedication and stewardship work. He has made a significant, positive impact at Tryon Creek. Thank you Phil!

The Friends Welcome Mexican Professors to Tryon Creek for World Environment Day

World Environment Day (WED) was on Tuesday, June 5, 2013. The UN selected Portland as the host city for this international event and the Friends of Tryon Creek (FOTC) partnered with the City and other local organizations to showcase the environmental education and stewardship programs that have earned Portland its preeminent “green” reputation.

The Friends, PSU Capstone Instructors, and visiting Mexican Professors at Tryon Creek

One such WED event happened on a sunny day at Tryon Creek. The Friends, joined by PSU Capstone instructors, welcomed a group of professors visiting from Mexico.

The Friends have a longstanding partnership with PSU, and Matthew Collins, the Friends' Education Director, teaches eighteen credits a year through the Capstone program. Because of the success of Matthew’s courses as a model for service learning, PSU proposed that the Friends host the Mexican professors as they participate in a week-long course to learn about integrating the community into coursework and the education processes that relate to service activities.

Matthew Collins and FOTC volunteer Terry Gibson, who teaches classes in sustainability at Marylhurst University, co-lead the visiting professors in a park ivy pull, and FOTC and OPRD staff shared Tryon Creek's history.

Pulling ivy at Tryon Creek for World Environment Day service activities

As the Friends and the professors discussed the importance of environmental preservation and community involvement it became clear that although we are from different countries and cultures, we share the same ethic of stewardship and belief that a lifelong connection to nature is essential for a healthy Earth and its inhabitants.  The Friends support this connection to nature through a variety of environmental programs for children, families and adults, as well as volunteer and stewardship opportunities.  

The Friends are honored that these Mexican professors came to Tryon Creek to learn from us and support us. We hope they will take what they learn and share it with their own communities.