Celebrate with Tualatin Riverkeepers

Meet Green Heron Award Winner Sarah Pinnock

Sarah Pinnock is an exceptional nature educator who has dedicated her life work to protecting the Tualatin River watershed by engaging children and adults in education programs at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. Sarah and Jackson Bottom staff and volunteers serve 7,000 kids each year through school field trip, day camp and mentor programs. Eager students "nature nuts in training," are learning about the Tualatin River and what they can do to protect and restore it. These experiences enrich the lives of young people and increase their appreciation and enjoyment of nature. Their understanding of habitats and the needs of our local wildlife will create informed and passionate future community leaders for environmental conservation.

About 25,000 people visit the Preserve each year. Sarah develops interpretive programs at the Preserve, such as the Bald Eagle Nest Exhibit, to educate visitors. Through these experiences, visitors develop new perspectives on the watershed they call home and the significance of natural areas to their quality of life. Join us at the Green Heron Gala on May 17th at the Tualatin Country Club to recognize Sarah's incredible achievements.

Jen K. loves TRK

TRK featured in review on yelp

One of the reasons I love Oregon with a passion is our community's dedication to preserve and improve our environment. What can I tell you, I'm a water girl. I was in a pool swimming before I could walk and have a life long love affair with water in its many forms.

Most of my favorite memories involve water. Taking a hike then frolicking in the cool waters of a lake in the High Sierras, or sitting at night with my toes in the sand listening to waves crash on an ocean beach.

I love a city view, but there is something about looking out across the water that does it for me. I don't think I could ever live in a landlocked region. Just this week I was driving downtown to meet some friends and took I-5 over the Marquam Bridge through downtown. It was 5:30p and it was just getting dark and I get practically teary taking in the view. The same view I've seen thousands of times.

So that brings me to this wonderful organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Tualatin River system. Now I have a personal stake here since I live on the Tualatin River, so I feel personally responsible to be one of its caretakers.

Our family has a canoe and kayaks and we get out on the many local rivers when we can. In fact, part of the fun is usually collecting trash from the river. What will we find this time?

The photo was taken earlier this year when my husband and son took the canoe out. He calls me from the river and asks me to meet him on the bank with garbage bags, gloves and a camera. Now, I watch the Sopranos, so I was a little concerned. No need to worry, it was just a giant haul of stuff that day.

So for all of you that love our rivers so, considered getting involved. You can donate your money, time (river clean up) or take one of their paddle trips.

- Review by Jen K.