Family fun at Leach ‘Spring Garden Fair’

WATCH A VIDEO TOUR! Take a look at all the folks enjoying a day in nature in outer East Portland, as Leach Botanical Garden hosts their first major event since the pandemic …

Enjoying a stroll along the Aerial Tree Walk in Leach Botanical Garden, located in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood, we found the Pouliot family, visiting from the Richmond neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Portland Parks & Recreation owned Leach Botanical Garden – like many organizations – couldn’t host public events.

That changed on March 13 when, staffed primarily by volunteers of their nonprofit support organization, Leach Garden Friends, again held their Spring Garden Fair.

Take a brief video tour of this event!

“We’re glad you came out to our Spring Garden Fair; we’re holding it today in honor of Lilla Leach’s birthday!” exclaimed Leach Botanical Garden Manager of Volunteer Services Annie Winn.

“We have had some outdoor events; we hosted one for the winter solstice, and have had some nature walks,” she added.

Leach Garden Friends Tour Guide Lisa Kirby spends a moment with the Manager of Volunteer Services, Annie Winn, on the Grand Staircase.

A good spot for photos is right here –the courtyard in front of the Leach Manor House.

“Today we have tool sharpening, a seed exchange, kids’ crafts, kids’ Bumblebee Hikes, and tours of the historic Stone Cabin. The old the bridge is out, so folks are walking in on the 122nd Avenue Viaduct,” Winn told East Portland News.

“Today’s event is important to the mission of the garden, because we want to celebrate people being out in nature, and out in gardens – all kinds of gardens,” explained Winn.

Helping with crafts in the Manor House, here’s Leach Events Coordinator each Katherine Takata.

OSU Washington County Master Gardener Lisa Hansen provides information to visitors about gardening.

“Part of our mission is to inspire people to be more connected with nature, and to provide learning experiences. So, for example, we have Master Gardeners here to offer information,” she pointed out. “We’re very happy that we can celebrate the coming of spring, and we hope to inspire people come out here to our garden, as well as to enjoy their gardens at home.”

Have you experienced the feeling of “walking on air” around the Aerial Tree Walk in the Leach Botanical Garden? Perhaps it’s time to do so now, with your family!

Leach Botanical Garden is now open regularly; parking is convenient in the “Upper Garden” parking lot, as well as the lower lot, across the 122nd Avenue Viaduct.

You’ll find it at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue, 97236. For more information, including upcoming programs, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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