As announced by The Intertwine Alliance, the 26th Annual Ross Island Regatta takes place Sunday, as part of Portland's Great Blue Heron Week.

"June 10th, Sunday Twenty-sixth Annual Ross Island Regatta, Sunday, 10 am to 1 pm In honor of the 25th Annual Great Blue Heron Week Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe, Audubon Society of Portland, Portland Parks and Recreation, Urban Greenspaces Institute, Wasabi Paddling Club, and Willamette Riverkeeper will host the annual Ross Island Regatta. The Regatta is an opportunity to enjoy a morning on the Willamette River and explore the future of Ross Island, the Holgate Channel, and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge as one of The Intertwine's most significant urban natural resources. celebrate the newly established Slow-No Wake Zone in the Ross Island Lagoon and the upstream portion of the Holgate Channel.

"The Audubon Society of Portland, Portland Parks and Recreation, Willamette Riverkeeper, and Urban Greenspaces Institute will lead one flotilla from Willamette Park boat ramp at 10 am sharp. The flotilla will paddle across the Willamette to the Oregon Yacht Club and head on downstream through the Holgate Channel and past 160-acre Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge listening for and looking at birds and other wildlife along the way.

"Wasabi Paddling Club and Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe will launch from the boat dock at the Boat House just upstream of the Hawthorne Bridge. If you don’t own a kayak or canoe you can rent one at Alder Creek.

All groups will rendezvous in the Ross Island lagoon at 11:15 am to learn more about the restoration and future of Ross Island, Holgate Channel and adjacent Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.

"Directions and More Information: From Willamette Park: Launch 10 am sharp. Meet Mike Houck, Director of the Urban Greenspaces Institute, Bob Sallinger, Director of Conservation for the Audubon Society of Portland, Travis Williams, Director of Willamette Riverkeeper, and Emily Roth, Portland Parks and Recreation Natural Resource Planner at 9:40 am at the Willamette Park boat ramp to allow for put in and launch at 10 am sharp. If you are renting a canoe or kayak from Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe or the nearby Portland Kayak Company make sure you leave plenty of time to get your craft and be at Willamette Park for a 10 am sharp departure. Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe, 503-285-1819. Portland Kayak Company, 503-459-4050.

"After unloading your craft at the boat ramp be sure to park in a CAR parking space. You will be ticketed if you park in a trailer space. Be sure to pay for parking. There are two machines near the restroom at the south end of the main parking lot.  For more information, email Mike Houck. We will return to Willamette Park at approximately 1 pm.

From Hawthorne Bridge Boat House: Wasabi Paddling Club will be coordinating their launch and Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe staff will provide information to people renting their kayaks or canoes on meeting place. Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe is located at 1515 SE Water Avenue; Phone: 503-285-1819. You can also rent from Portland Kayak Company which has a shop adjacent to Willamette Park at 6600 SW Macadam Avenue; Phone: 503-459-4050."