Portland Youth Corps learn about urban foraging, clear path at Harbor View Memorial Park
This Wednesday was hot and humid, but that didn’t stop the Portland Youth Corps crew from getting to work in Harbor View Memorial Park.
Situated between York Street and Commercial Street, Harbor View Memorial Park lies at the southern boundary of the West End and offers views of Portland’s working waterfront and the bridge to South Portland. Many Youth Corps members had never visited the park before.
Pamela Shaw (West End Neighborhood Association) teaches crew members about
Pamela Shaw from the West End Neighborhood Association gave crew members a tour of the park, including the Edible Hillside, an urban foraging garden along the park’s slope. The Edible Hillside features a small orchard, an herb garden, and service berry bushes.
After taking a break to hydrate, stretch, and eat snacks, Youth Corps members began clearing a path adjacent to the stairs running down the western edge of the park. Because of the steep terrain and narrow path, crew members worked in pairs: one snipped vegetation while another carried brush away to the top of the hill. Other Youth Corps members raked, bagged plants, and picked up trash throughout the park. Invasive species such as black swallow wort and bittersweet were thrown in trash bags to avoid spreading.
Crew members work together to clear invasive plants growing along the pathway in Harbor View Memorial Park.
After working on the trail for an hour, the Youth Corps headed to Portland Parks, Recreation, and Facilities to learn about first aid. The crew returned to Harbor View Memorial Park on Thursday to finish their work.
Many thanks to all whose support made the Portland Youth Corps program possible!
The Youth Corps can be followed on Instagram: @portlandyouthcorps_maine
Portland Youth Corps is partnered Portland Parks Conservancy, Portland Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, and Maine Audubon.
