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)
Podcasts: New Golden Age of Audio
03/24/2019
Todd Kimball
Todd Kimball helps us explore the new golden age in audio. Not only can we now listen to any radio station in the world but we have access to podcasts on virtually any topic, many of them narrated by experts. Todd is a long time HGP member. He had a ten year career in radio as sportscaster and was a nationally syndicated radio host. He holds an MBA from Arizona State.
Archives: Trust, Power, Connection
03/17/2019
Terry Baxter
Presentation by Terry Baxter. In a world of contested information, archives are seen as reliable sources. While there is some truth in this, there’s more to be said. Archives are powerful tools for making change. But this occurs only if we understand what archives are, where they come from, and how they are used. Terry Baxter has been an archivist for 33 years. He works with Multnomah County and the Oregon Country Fair. He has written about tattoos as personal archives, and also archives as tools of power structures, among other archive-related topics.
When Facts Are Not Enough
03/10/2019
Allison Coffin
Allison Coffin explores the intersection between science, communication, and storytelling. Science touches every aspect of our society. However, people often choose the science they wish to believe. Allison Coffin is a neuroscience researcher and professional science communicator. In 2016 she co-founded Science Talk, a national non-profit that empowers and inspires scientists to expand their communication potential.
Women’s Accomplishments
03/03/2019
Helen Christians & HGP Members
HGP members present brief discussions of the following notable women: Kamala Harris, Catherine the Great, Mary Edmonia Lewis, and Émilie du Châtelet.