Native Shrub Planting at Sams Walker Day Use Area
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Volunteers will be planting a mix of native shrub species in an oak restoration area with US Forest Service and partners.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge Newsroom
View from Bridge of the Gods, spanning from Cascade Locks, OR to North Bonneville, WA. (photographer: Derek Markee)
Keeping the Columbia Gorge wild and wondrous is the core of what we do. Friends of the Columbia Gorge is the only conservation organization dedicated solely to protecting the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Columbia Gorge for generations to come. For almost 40 years we have worked to protect the Columbia Gorge from irresponsible development, preserve vital lands, promote responsible stewardship, strengthen public support for conservation initiatives, and expose local youth to the Gorge's wonders. Learn more: gorgefriends.org/about
Connect With Us
For media questions, speaking requests, or public education partnership inquiries please contact: Tim Dobyns, communications & engagement director | 971.634.0595 | tim@gorgefriends.org (email)
Keep Updated
News & Updates
Take Action: Zimmerly Continues to Threaten the National Scenic Area
February 21, 2023 - By Denise López
Latest News
The public is urged to take action today by March 1 and ask the Clark County Land Use Hearing Examiner to require a full environmental review for this proposed harmful mining project.
Support Funding for Gorge Climate Work
March 10, 2023 - By Denise López
Latest News
Ahead of an important hearing in Salem on March 13, push Oregon legislators to fully fund the Gorge Commission's budget.
Columbia Gorge News: Citizen Scientists Expand Understanding of Gorge Bees
October 15, 2022
In the Press
Once trained, Oregon Bee Atlas volunteers explore the state with nets and kill jars, collecting bees in natural landscapes like forests and meadows.
Oregon Terminates Gas-Fired Power Plant Proposal Near Columbia River
September 27, 2022
Latest News
“Oregon’s future begins today, free of new fossil fuel power plants, which are dirty dinosaurs of a bygone era.”
Features
Collaboration Yields a Climate Action Plan for the Columbia Gorge
December 22, 2022 - By Denise López
Bringing in members of often-overlooked communities, contributed to a Columbia Gorge climate plan that would address local concerns and be broadly supported.
Methane Gas Power Plant Defeated for Good
November 3, 2022
Had the proposed 415-megawatt fracked gas-fired power plant been built it would have immediately ranked in the top 10 stationary sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon.
Breaking Down Barriers, Building Community Partnerships
November 3, 2022
Friends staff have worked to build new, enduring community partnerships with regional groups who have been historically excluded from conservation and land management debates and decision making.
Blog
Breaching the Snake River Dams
November 30, 2022 - By Steve McCoy
While the dams are far upstream of the Gorge, dwindling Gorge salmon runs, tribal significance and recreation benefits led Friends to support the breaching proposals.
Building Partnerships With Guided Outings
November 30, 2022 - By Melissa Gonzalez
For Friends’ outdoor programs, which includes our beloved hike program, the pandemic pause gave us time to reflect and analyze our past offerings.
2021-22 Board Reflections
November 2, 2022
Friends Board Chair Annie Munch looks back on the past year and sees the future of Gorge protection and accessibility through the eyes of her grandson.
2021-22 Financial Report: Successful Adaptation to New Work Model
November 2, 2022
Finance Director Paige Unangst: While the pandemic has continued to be challenging on many fronts, Friends is fortunate to have successfully embraced operating with a hybrid or remote model.
Upcoming Events
A Walk Through Time on the East Mayer Trail - Members Only
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Easy: 3 miles | 430-ft elev. Gain
Petroglyphs Tour & Dancing Rock Walk
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Join Friends for two easy hikes in the eastern Columbia Gorge.
Difficulty level: Easy: 3 miles | 300-ft elev. gain
Hiking Catherine Creek to Coyote Wall
Friday, April 7, 2023
Hike Difficulty Level: Strenuous: 10 miles | 2,000-ft elev. gain