Volunteers Needed for Portland Parks & Recreation’s 22nd Annual No Ivy Day

(Portland, Oregon) -

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)'s No Ivy Leagueinvites you to volunteer for the City's 22nd annualNo Ivy Day eventson Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9am to 12pm. When left unchecked, ivy vines can grow to the size of large tree branches, harming native trees and reducing biodiversity in our valued Northwest ecosystems.

You can help!

Join a volunteer event at one of many sites across the Portland metro area to show your support. Since 2011, PP&R volunteers have removed nearly a quarter million square feet of ivy from Portland's parks and natural areas. Along the way, they've spotted hawks, salamanders, hummingbirds, and other amazing wildlife. Volunteers have also worked with staff to remove trash from our beloved green spaces and plant new, beneficial, native vegetation.

What to expect

Volunteers should expect the events to involve hiking and working on uneven ground. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, and bring a water bottle and snacks. PP&R will provide project instruction, tools, gloves, water, and snacks.

If you have questions, contact PP&R Stewardship Coordinator Monica Hescheles at [email protected]or (503) 823-8367.

2025 No Ivy Day Locations

Click on each site to learn more and register.

N Portland:

• Pier Park

NE Portland:

• Rocky Butte
• Woodlawn Park

SE Portland:

• Leach Botanical Garden
• Mt. Tabor Park
• Indian Creek Natural Area

SW Portland:

• Hoyt Arboretum
• Marquam Nature Park
• Marshall Park
• River View Natural Area
• Terwilliger Parkway
• Woods Memorial Natural Area

NW Portland:

• Forest Park

Greater Portland Area:

• Homewood Park - Clackamas

Know-Ivy Crafting Workshop

Keep the fun going into the afternoon! Come learn about more weedy introduced species, get creative and use readily available materials during our first Know Ivy Crafting Workshop Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 1 to 3pm at PP&R's newly renovated Mt. Scott Community Center. You must register for this event.

Thank you to our site hosts!

A huge thank you to Friends of Pier Park, Leach Botanical Garden, Forest Park Conservancy, Tryon Creek Watershed Council, Friends of Rocky Butte, Hoyt Arboretum Friends, Mt. Tabor Weed Warriors, Westside Watershed Resource Center, Friends of Terwilliger, and Portland Parks & Recreation staff for hosting events.

Why remove ivy?

English and Irish ivy are not native species to the Portland area but rather are noxious weeds. They grow aggressively, outcompeting native plants that support local wildlife. Ivy carpets forest floors, climbs and weakens trees, and its shallow roots increase erosion, harming waterways and aquatic life. Because it lacks natural predators here and thrives in mild winters, ivy spreads rapidly. Removing it and planting native species helps restore balance and protect our local ecosystems.

Want to stay involved throughout the year?

Check out upcoming stewardship opportunitieswith Portland Parks & Recreation.

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