JCWC ‘Bird Talk’ draws a crowd in East Portland brewpub

Find out why the Johnson Creek Watershed Council hosted this educational meeting at an East Portland establishment …

Double Mountain Brewing seems to be the right place for people to attend a Johnson Creek Watershed Council “Bird Pub Talk”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

When what ended up being about 20 people gathered in a side room at the Woodstock neighborhood’s Double Mountain Brewing, on Wednesday evening, April 16, they were there for an evening of “Bird Pub Talk” – hosted by the Johnson Creek Watershed Council (JCWC).

As the attendees purchased beverages and food, the speaker, Dr. Tom Virzi, a research scientist and Executive Director Conservation Insight, told East Portland News the purpose of the meeting.

Before this Bird Pub Talk session begins, JCWC Community Outreach Coordinator Sara Volk chats with the evening’s speaker, Tom Virzi.

“Currently, I am working in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation and the Johnson Creek Watershed Council, on a project up at Powell Butte – evaluating the effects of the recent restoration of native prairie habitats in the reservoir areas,” Virzi began.

“I’m putting together a project that studies the effect that this restoration has on the bird populations – specifically, as it relates to grassland breeding birds.”

To aid the effort, Virzi explained, he’s advocating “Community Science Surveys” – projects designed for people in the local community to survey birds to glean additional data.

Dr. Tom Virzi tells about the “State of Science”, as he sees it.

“Anybody – advanced birder, or amateur birdwatcher – can sign up for this through JCWC,” Virzi pointed out. “I provide all the training and data management for the project through my organization.”

Additionally, Virzi spoke about the “State of Science” as it relates to actions being taken by the federal government. Specifically, the increasing necessity of recruiting people to participate in “community science” projects, such as this.

Any and all are invited to volunteer with this “Community Science Survey” on Powell Butte, says Dr. Tom Virzi.

“I encourage all of you here to consider signing up, and taking part in our project,” Virzi urged.

Find out more, and sign up through the Johnson Creek Watershed Council website: CLICK HERE.

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