Ross Island sits mid-Willamette just south of downtown Portland, and has a history of being built up and exploited by men, but today it is ruled primarily by nature. From Friendly House, Mike Houck, Director of the Urban Greenspaces Institute, will present his vision of how it can serve as one. Mr. Houck has been a leader in urban nature issues since 1980 when he founded the Urban Naturalist Program at the Audubon Society of Portland. He has co-founded Coalition for a Livable Future (CLF); The national Coalition to Restore Urban Waters (CRUW); The Intertwine Alliance; and The Nature of Cities forum.
Video of Programs (search and sort)
Science of the Big Island
06/15/2014
Robert McGown
Recently, Robert McGown travelled to Hawaii to observe the transit of Venus. He then became immersed in the science of the big island. This presentation is about astronomy, atmospheric physics, oceanography, geology, energy, and self-sustainability. Robert McGown is a self-employed electrician whose interests encompass astronomy and physics. He has a Master’s degree in physics and he has co-authored three science books. Robert is also a member of the Rose City astronomers.
Galileo and his Times
06/08/2014
Duane Ray
Presentation by Duane Ray. Galileo (1564-1642) lived in the middle of an exciting time of turmoil in both science and religion. Science was on a path to understanding the world. Religion was redefining itself. Galileo had impact in both areas. His high profile almost got him executed but his connections and his deference to the Church saved his life. We review the turmoil of the time and put Galileo’s life and achievements in their historical context. Duane Ray received a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Share Your Book
06/01/2014
HGP members
This is an event in which we tell one another about our favorite books or about what we’re currently reading. Some of us may be looking for a gift for a friend. Some are just interested in what others are reading. Some of us are just plain nosy.
California Gold Rush
05/25/2014
Mark Eifler
Presentation by Mark Eifler. Traditionally we think of the gold rush as being about unattached young men on a lark. In fact they were closely tied to family, and they struggled with the meaning of "success." We look at three young men whose letters reveal the California rush in a new light: one who was a stunning success, one who was a horrific failure, and one who never really understood if he had succeeded or failed. Together, the three stories tell us strike themes that still ring true today. Mark Eifler received his Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley. He now teaches at the University of Portland.