From special guest author Yoly Howell, Portland resident.
Several proposed housing developments would have devastated Sauvie Island, a small island shared between Multnomah and Columbia Counties, surrounded by the Multnomah Channel and Columbia River. The spirit of the island harbors a wildlife refuge, farms, dog kennels, herbariums, a locally famous maze, and a lovely long stretch of clothing optional beach. Although protected in part by the SECs, this did not stop housing developers from coveting stretches of beach and fields of pumpkins with visions of people crowded like wads of money onto the island. This irresponsible “progress” would have been underscored with hours of construction for new roads and bridge modifications required. The life of the island would have been destroyed.
More and more people are discovering that there is much to be cherished on Sauvie Island as our cities continue to grow and our sense of distance shrinks. Every summer, Kruger’s market is packed like a bushel basket with shoppers seeking to enrich their lives by getting closer to the soil that grows our food. Fresh produce lures them, but it's the flavor of the air that makes them walk a little slower as they pick their way between friendly customers, flowers and fruit baskets. Pick your own is a common theme on the island and provides city and country folk alike the opportunity to choose what goes on their tables and in their bodies.
Bella Organics is an innovative farm that provides an organic alternative to those seeking an unadulterated eating experience. In addition to marketing an array of vegetables at the island’s organic vegetable stand, this farm provides initial soil treatment and gardening plots people can rent to grow their own. Mike H. of Bella says, “Organics is the way of the future—as people learn how easy, safe and healthy it is to farm in the old way.” I personally can tout that their garlic is some of the best I’ve ever used! You can browse their website: http://bellaorganicfarm.com/
But Sauvie Island is more than friendly farms. In secret corners or open air wildlife can be taken in throughout the year. But it's in the fall that the Tundra Swans clumsily land on the channel backwaters to winter. They are sometimes joined by resident egrets and blue herons who share their air space with the multitudinous ribbons of geese who also swoop in to winter. Eagles, red-tailed hawks and other assorted and colorful birds have spread the word that the island is safe. They can nest undisturbed and soar pretty much unimpeded in the wildlife reserve - occassionally visited by deer or two.
Thank you to all who helped Measure 49 pass and thank you for saving Sauvie Island for everyone!
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