Planting Zen Volunteer Day - Columbia Land Trust
Roll up your sleeves alongside the Land Trust's Emerging Leaders Council at NE Portland's Dharma Rain Zen Center for a day of backyard habitat restoration.

Want to experience one of the Columbia Land Trust Emerging Leaders Council’s favorite places? The Dharma Rain Zen Center is a true gem in the vibrant Madison South neighborhood of Northeast Portland. Situated on a historic landfill, the landowners are currently part way through rewilding the land with native plants and removing stubborn invasive ones — imagine a backyard habitat on 14 acres! The potential for this unique and ambitious project to improve the local experience of connectivity, safety, and natural beauty is why the Emerging Leaders Council has partnered with the Zen Center over the past four years. Join us for the latest chapter Saturday, August 25, 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Come at 10:00 a.m. for welcome, introductions, and refreshments (yes, coffee). Please arrive in the first fifteen minutes so you don’t miss the tour and find out which part of the property we will be improving. This is a kid-friendly event, with opportunities to help or play nearby.

About the Emerging Leaders Council

the young professionals on our Emerging Leaders Council share passions for the outdoors, conservation, and life in the Northwest. Founded in 2014, the Emerging Leaders Council is charged with building upon Columbia Land Trust’s mission of conservation among their peers. Check out our current council roster.

About Dharma Rain

The Dharma Rain Zen Center is celebrating its 6th anniversary of transforming a 14-acre brownfield into a certified Backyard Habitat. Through a community project called “Planting Zen”, what was once a landfill located at the base of Rocky Butte will become a space for spiritual practice, community connection, and native habitat. You can learn more about the Dharma Rain “Planting Zen” project on their website.

Safety Considerations

Be prepared to encounter blackberry thorns, navigate some modestly steep slopes, use hand tools, and do a bit of lifting and moving.  Inclement weather is possible, so please come prepared for unpredictable NW weather.

What to Bring

Wear solid shoes, long pants for blackberry protection, and clothing appropriate for rain, sun, or cold. Bring a water bottle. Tools, gloves, and refreshments will be provided.

Where to Meet

The project is located at the Dharam Rain Zen Center at 8500 NE Siskiyou, Portland OR. Enter through the gate and park in the parking lot.

To Participate

Please confirm your attendance by emailing the Emerging Leaders Council at: elc.columbialandtrust[at]gmail.com.