Vanport Trees Pub Talk with CSWC

Join TWC’s partner, Columbia Slough Watershed Council, for their monthly Slough Science event. This month we are headed to Level Beer for a discussion on trees of Vanport, potential survivors of the 1948 flood with Ryan Gilpin, Dave Hedberg, and Thomas Meinzen.

Vanport, once Oregon’s second largest city was wiped out by floodwaters in 1948. While few physical remnants of Vanport exist today, several trees may have survived. Using archival research and field surveys, Ryan, Dave, and Thomas have documented several living trees that likely once grew alongside Vanport schoolchildren, shaded WWII shipyard workers returning from their shifts, and survived the catastrophic flood that destroyed Vanport in 1948. Vanport’s story has gained widespread attention from scholars, community activists, storytellers, and artists. Yet little has been documented about the landscape features of the site that connect back to its time as a city. Ryan, Dave, and Thomas would like to change that by sharing with you what they found and asking for your help in deciding about next steps to recognize this living history. Click here to learn more and RSVP!

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

6:00 PM 7:30 PM