On a small, secluded spot on an island in the middle of Portland, OR, a little piece of quiet heaven sits. Next to a beautiful organic farm sits a piece of property owned by Metro, a tri-county governance initiative.

Some say it’s a park. Others say it’s education. Some even go there specifically to get their wits scared out of them during the fall season, when Sauvie Island becomes a maze of corn, apple cider, and scary creatures at night.

Metro bought the property known as Sauvie Island Center, a nonprofit dedicated to the education of Title I school age students, about 8 years ago. The farm next door was so popular – tours requested, students coming to visit – that the farm owners decided to make it officially educational.

Students and staff from Springdale Job Corps participated in the set up and clean up of the gardens used to educate school age children on where food comes from, what the wilderness looks like and what life is truly like on a farm.

Springdale students laid mulch and coffee bags for paths, planted peas and carrots and assisted in setting up the composting pile. The excitement was particularly high in March as many different salamanders and newts were found due to the wet weather.

Springdale Job Corps students and staff treasure the time they spend on the utopia known as Sauvie Island Center and look forward to another exciting event in the fall!