Projects
Good Samaritan Program
In short, how this works is that you adopt a neighbor within your immediate neighborhood and assist them in keeping their driveway and sidewalk free of snow or maybe picking up a couple of needed items from the market if you are headed there anyways. Our Good Samaritan Assistance Program has grown immensely, represented by fellow neighborhood associations and volunteers throughout the city. Our hope is this, if we can help a few of our neighbors live at home with dignity we are all a good deal better off for it. And to boot it’s not a major commitment, as 15 minutes of a volunteer’s time shoveling a walkway goes a long way in helping an elderly neighbor stay safe throughout the winter. As well, it also provides us valuable information in identifying neighbors in our neighborhood who may need checking in on or assistance in the event of a disaster.
In the past we have had great kids who committed to shoveling sidewalks along their own street, neighbors who helped neighbors with splitting wood, city staff who volunteered during their lunch breaks to shovel driveways for elderly folks and countless random acts of kindness. In the event of very heavy snows (say a few feet) we do have back up plans in effect, meaning local businesses with heavy equipment are also willing to be good neighbors!
In the past we have had great kids who committed to shoveling sidewalks along their own street, neighbors who helped neighbors with splitting wood, city staff who volunteered during their lunch breaks to shovel driveways for elderly folks and countless random acts of kindness. In the event of very heavy snows (say a few feet) we do have back up plans in effect, meaning local businesses with heavy equipment are also willing to be good neighbors!
Let's Pull Together
Lets Pull Together is a multi-county noxious weed eradication event consisting of collaborative partnerships with city and county government and boards, parks, schools and irrigation districts, neighborhood and homeowners associations, utility companies, private and public entities, businesses and our incredible volunteers all join together for good times and clean country (city) living.
Why pull noxious weeds you ask?
Noxious weeds are non-native invasive species which threaten our ecosystem. They not only crowd out native plants, but they starve wildlife, use water and create allergens. Noxious weeds also provide tremendous ladder fuel which during wildfires can radically change the speed and fury at which wildfires burn. And yes...they are trying to take over Oregon!
www.letspulltogether.com
Why pull noxious weeds you ask?
Noxious weeds are non-native invasive species which threaten our ecosystem. They not only crowd out native plants, but they starve wildlife, use water and create allergens. Noxious weeds also provide tremendous ladder fuel which during wildfires can radically change the speed and fury at which wildfires burn. And yes...they are trying to take over Oregon!
www.letspulltogether.com
Laurel Pocket Park
In line with the Bend 2030 Vision, pocket parks are frequently created on small or irregular pieces of land not otherwise generally suitable for development. They provide neighborhoods an area of green space and can create a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
The idea behind the park was to create a place of beauty while inspiring education in the community. Laurel Park will be built with sustainable landscape from the ground up. It is filled with educational components that will provide insight to local children, neighbors, and the community as a whole. The landscape consists of a virtual oasis of native and drought tolerant plants and trees that can readily become established in Central Oregon. The irrigation embraces the most innovative practices available, including a smart station and on site weather monitoring, an advantage with Bend’s many microclimates. The park also features permeable pavers which allow water to flow directly through them and an attractive storm water management system.
www.laurelpocketpark.org
The idea behind the park was to create a place of beauty while inspiring education in the community. Laurel Park will be built with sustainable landscape from the ground up. It is filled with educational components that will provide insight to local children, neighbors, and the community as a whole. The landscape consists of a virtual oasis of native and drought tolerant plants and trees that can readily become established in Central Oregon. The irrigation embraces the most innovative practices available, including a smart station and on site weather monitoring, an advantage with Bend’s many microclimates. The park also features permeable pavers which allow water to flow directly through them and an attractive storm water management system.
www.laurelpocketpark.org
Franklin's Corner Community Garden
On the ground Franklin's Corner is entirely organic, utilizes water wise conservation techniques, and serves the neighborhood in which it is located.
At the foundation, this is a storm water infiltration system. The less technical term is a rain garden. It is design to capture, hold and naturally treat storm water in the neighborhood, which was having a negative impact. This filtered and clean storm water will eventually rejoin our groundwater supply.
The lot had been irrigated turf for decades, but was never used for any meaningful purpose. It is situated in a high visibility area, so aesthetics of the completed garden are very important for the surrounding neighborhood throughout the different seasons. Likewise, it is situated in what is considered a banana-belt. This geographic area provides an almost ideal growing situation in our high desert climate.
This community garden features an edible food forest which is open to the entire neighborhood to care for and to utilize without cost. Plots are available for rent for the growing seasons to anyone. Some plots are sponsored to assist families who are low income, so that they are able to grow organic fruits and vegetables to serve at their own tables.
www.franklinscorner.org
At the foundation, this is a storm water infiltration system. The less technical term is a rain garden. It is design to capture, hold and naturally treat storm water in the neighborhood, which was having a negative impact. This filtered and clean storm water will eventually rejoin our groundwater supply.
The lot had been irrigated turf for decades, but was never used for any meaningful purpose. It is situated in a high visibility area, so aesthetics of the completed garden are very important for the surrounding neighborhood throughout the different seasons. Likewise, it is situated in what is considered a banana-belt. This geographic area provides an almost ideal growing situation in our high desert climate.
This community garden features an edible food forest which is open to the entire neighborhood to care for and to utilize without cost. Plots are available for rent for the growing seasons to anyone. Some plots are sponsored to assist families who are low income, so that they are able to grow organic fruits and vegetables to serve at their own tables.
www.franklinscorner.org
Special Thanks
Special thanks to our many community partners and sponsors of efforts such as Let's Pull Together, Franklin's Corner Community Garden and Laurel Pocket Park. These projects would not be possible without their continued dedication to stewardship and community involvement.