*Pontoon Boat For Media* Community Blackberry Harvest On River With Human Access Project Tackels The Topic Of Mismanagement On Ross Island (Photo) -07/26/25

OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Portland Fruit Tree Project
Kathryn@portlandfruit.org
(503) 902.8550
www.portlandfruit.org

“If You Can’t Beat ’Em, Eat ’Em!”: Community Blackberry Harvest Events Tackle Invasive Cane, Community Resilience —and Mismanagement on Ross Island

PORTLAND, OR – 7.17.25 – The Portland Fruit Tree Project (PFTP) is excited to launch its seasonal “If You Can’t Beat ’Em, Eat ’Em!” blackberry harvest and eradication campaign, inviting Portlanders to roll up their sleeves, harvest invasive Himalayan blackberries, and reclaim neglected urban green spaces.
 

This hands-on series educates participants on safe foraging, methods for removing invasive cane from private properties, and supplies harvested blackberry cane (from Landlocked sites) to the Oregon Zoo’s animal browse program. The events blend community food access with environmental action—and this year, they come with a pointed call for accountability.
 

New for 2025: A special Ross Island Blackberry Harvest & Action Day will focus attention on the long-overdue ecological restoration of Ross Island, a site long neglected under Pamplin Media Group’s private ownership. In partnership with the Human Access Project (HAP) and The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, the on water event will spotlight both the urgency of the island’s restoration and the community-led vision to reimagine the Willamette as a clean, accessible, public waterway.
 

HAP has been ramping up lobbying efforts with city and state officials, urging leadership to invest in real solutions to the toxic algae blooms and deteriorating shoreline conditions that threaten the island and river users. In parallel, they are actively fundraising for a multi-phase restoration campaign that would include debris removal, water quality monitoring, and long-term ecological rehabilitation. Their campaign has already secured early commitments from local donors and environmental groups, and public events like this one are a part of their broader outreach and advocacy strategy.
 

The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership will support this event by bringing out one of their 29-foot Big Canoes for up to 12 paddlers to get out to the island with the collective of BYO watercraft (non motorized only please) and swimmers headed to the island.
 

“Ross Island is a forgotten gem with incredible potential,” said Willie Levenson. “Through this collaboration with the Estuary Project and Portland Fruit Tree Project, we’re showing what it looks like when grassroots environmental justice meets joyful action. We want the public to see the island up close and understand what’s at stake—and how we can all take action to enjoy our city and take back the Willamette.”

Event Details:

• Multiple harvest dates and locations across Portland – Full schedule at www.portlandfruit.org

• Ross Island Harvest & Action Day – July 27th 

  • 10am meet up at Willamette Park, S Macadam Avenue and Nebraska Street

  • Portland, OR 97219

  • BYO Kayak, SUP and always bring your Personal Floatation Devices
    Sign up at www.portlandfruit.org

“Blackberries may be invasive, but they’re also a symbol of resilience,” says Heather Keisler Fornes, Executive Director at PFTP. “This campaign gives Portlanders a tangible way to confront land mismanagement, use what we have abundantly all around us, and support ongoing advocacy to restore access to our river and hold responsible parties accountable for cleaning up after themselves.”

About Portland Fruit Tree Project:
PFTP is a grassroots nonprofit that empowers Portlanders to build a more just and resilient food system through community harvests, workshops, and environmental stewardship.

About Human Access Project:
HAP is a nonprofit working to transform Portland’s relationship with the Willamette River through public access, cleanup, restoration, and advocacy. Their mission is simple: a swimmable, fishable river for everyone.

About Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership:
The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is a non-profit, a National Estuary Program, and a collection of dedicated scientists, educators, and community members who are passionate about the Columbia River.

We focus on the lower 146 miles of the Columbia River, from Bonneville Dam to the Pacific Ocean, including the tidally influenced portions of tributaries in that area. The watershed includes 28 cities, nine counties, and 45 school districts within the states of Oregon and Washington.