Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Join Friends of the Columbia Gorge for Gorge Summerfest at our beautiful Cape Horn Preserve just outside of Washougal, Washington. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Columbia Gorge, this end-of-summer celebration is free, open to both Friends' members and the general public, and perfect for community members of all ages. Enjoy dancing to live music from Portland multi-genre jam band @familymystic, delicious offerings from food and drink vendors, unique creations from arts and crafts vendors, and learn from conservation organizations tabling at the event. We'll also have lawn games, a bouncy house for the kids (wind permitting), and a dunk tank! It's the perfect way to say goodbye to summer. Don't miss out on this unforgettable party. Visit https://lnkd.in/geyvakvF to register.

???????????? ???????????? ????????: In collaboration with 301 Gallery, Friends of the Columbia Gorge is thrilled to present "????????????????!," a unique art exhibition showcasing the beauty of conserved lands in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, including Friends' preserves. While most of the artworks will be 2D paintings, drawings, and photographs, we also anticipate the inclusion of various 3D sculptural pieces. This dynamic fusion of artistic expressions promises to offer viewers a multi-dimensional experience, capturing the essence and diversity of the Columbia Gorge region. The show will be curated and displayed at 301 Gallery in downtown Hood River throughout August and September 2024. 301 Gallery is generously donating 10% of its proceeds from the event to support Friends' conservation efforts. Artists: Celeste Bergin, Thomas Kitts, Aimee Erikson, Michael Orwick, Anton Pavlenko, Paloma Ayala, Teagan White, Tony Furtado, Bhavani Krishnan, MacRae Wylde, and Jen Smith. In addition, a group of member artists from 301 Gallery will participate (301gallery.com/artists). Visit gorgefriends.org/inspired to learn more, and stay tuned for additional details in the coming months.

Welcome to Share the Wonder, Friends' $6.6 million campaign to acquire land, restore habitat, and build trails in the Columbia Gorge. If we are to ensure the Columbia Gorge remains a natural wonder, we must protect it while inspiring younger generations and new leaders to carry on this critical work in the years and decades ahead. The time is now to permanently protect land, restore and expand habitat to strengthen climate resilience, build new trail networks to benefit Gorge communities, and offer new opportunities for all to be immersed in and inspired by the grandeur of the Gorge. Visit https://lnkd.in/gFjuYvZe to explore the campaign and make a donation.

Join Friends of the Columbia Gorge for our annual meeting in Hood River on April 21, 2024, and be among the first to learn about Friends' next big endeavor, including new land acquisition, climate resiliency work, and trail building! After the meeting concludes, come with us to explore Friends' newest preserve, a breathtaking cliffside property near Lyle, Washington. We’ll reveal our name for the new preserve during the annual meeting and discuss why it’s one of Friends’ most treasured acquisitions in our history. RSVP at https://lnkd.in/g5niDwGY.

Join us tonight for our Wildlife Webinar Series featuring the Gorge's most special resident the Pika. We can't wait to see you there! #gorgefriends #wildlifewebinarseries https://lnkd.in/g4BBkfZ8

We're thrilled to announce that Friends will be leading a collaborative effort with the U.S. Forest Service to create a new trail linking Mosier to The Dalles! This is a major development in our Gorge Towns to Trails project, an initiative that aims to create a 200-mile, world-class trekking network encircling both sides of the Columbia Gorge. From now through fall 2024, we will be gathering public input on a preferred trail corridor, potential trailheads, trailhead amenities, and types of trail use that align with local and regional values. The initiative will culminate in a comprehensive final report summarizing the outreach process, community engagement, and preferred concepts for the trail.. Your input is crucial in shaping this trail to reflect the values of our community. Throughout the year, we'll be hosting online open houses, targeted meetings, and providing other opportunities for public comments. We want to hear your thoughts on the preferred trail corridor, potential amenities, and the types of trail use that resonate with you. Visit mosiertothedallestrail.org to learn more, then click the "Visit Open House #1" button on the webpage to take the public survey. Together, let's blaze a trail of beauty and adventure in the Columbia Gorge!

??Calling for entries! Friends of the Columbia Gorge is thrilled to announce our ninth annual photo competition, "GorgeGram: Framed in Beauty." ??This year's competition is once again sponsored by the Portland metro area's go-to photo equipment store Pro Photo Supply. We invite all photographers from all over the PNW area to seize the opportunity to showcase the awe-inspiring beauty of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. ??Whether you have professional skills or just enjoy capturing moments, we await your unique perspective of the Gorge's charm. Submit your photos at https://lnkd.in/gXQEsTE The deadline to submit is Sunday, March 17th, at 11:59 p.m. PST.