Change is in the air and the signs are becoming noticeable around town?the days are longer, green grass is sprouting, colorful crocuses are beginning to poke through damp dirt, and a few blue skies and fluffy, white clouds are occasionally pushing gray, rainy days aside.
This all means spring is beckoning?which also means it?s time for you to get outside, clean up what winter left behind, and start checking projects off your to-do list. Completing these tasks doesn?t have to be costly, and although you can find all the home and garden supplies you need at Portland?s locally owned alternatives to Home Depot, there are also plenty of shared community resources and educational opportunities right in your own backyard.
So as spring approaches, utilize the following resources to affordably tackle your home and garden projects as most simply require a bit of your own time and sweat but provide an opportunity to make connections with your neighbors.
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The ReBuilding Center
The ReBuilding Center is located in Boise, in the Historic Mississippi business district.
Find just about any item?from doors and windows to appliances to toilets, sinks and tubs to roofing and siding?you need to complete your home improvement projects at this community nonprofit. And don?t fret about the cost: Prices are kept low because the salvaged and reclaimed materials are donated to promote affordability and sustainability.
The ReBuilding Center, 3625 N Mississippi Ave., 503.331.1877
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Community Energy Project
Community Energy Project is located in King, in the Alberta Street business district.
Offering free workshops on home weatherization and lead poisoning prevention, Community Energy Project is the place for do-it-yourselfers to learn how ?to maintain healthier, more livable homes, control their utility costs, and conserve natural resources,? as stated in its mission. Looking after its neighbors, free weatherization kits and safety repairs are available for qualified, low-income individuals, like seniors and people with disabilities, while those that can afford to purchase materials can buy them to support the cause.
Community Energy Project, 422 NE Alberta St., 503.284.6827
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Tool Libraries
There are four neighborhood tool libraries in Portland.
With four tool libraries throughout the metro area, Portlanders can borrow a myriad of tools with options ranging from basic hand and power tools, to ladders and gardening tools, to specialty equipment for advanced activities like carpentry and woodworking or tiling and plumbing?if you?re feeling ambitious, that is. Each volunteer-run library offers tools to local residents, 18 and over, for free.
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Southeast Portland Tool Library
Available to all that live within the boundaries defined by SE Uplift Neighborhood Coalition, the Southeast Portland Tool Library (SEPTL) now has about 1,500 tools that it loans out more than 8,000 times per year to over 2,000 members. All this success means SEPTL is currently seeking new digs ?because we no longer have the space to grow our tool inventory,? says founder Steve Couche.
Southeast Portland Tool Library, 2800 SE Harrison St. (in St. David?s Episcopal Church)
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Green Lents Community Tool Library
The Green Lents Community Tool Library is open to residents of the Lents, Powellhurst-Gilbert, Pleasant Valley, Foster-Powell, Mt. Scott-Arleta, and Brentwood-Darlington neighborhoods, and in addition to tools, it offers a library of do-it-yourself home improvement and gardening books.
Green Lents Community Tool Library, 9211 SE Ramona St., 971.266.1768
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Northeast Portland Tool Library
At the Northeast Portland Tool Library, hundreds of tools are available for free to those that live in NE Portland west of 82nd Avenue, plus you can check out the Portland Seed Library while you?re there.
Northeast Portland Tool Library, 5431 NE 20th Ave. (in the basement of Redeemer Lutheran Church)
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North Portland Tool Library
With some 4,000 members, the North Portland Tool Library lends more than 500 tools to NoPo residents. Follow on Facebook to hear about upcoming workshops and community events as well as get ideas and inspiration for your home projects.
North Portland Tool Library, 2209 N Schofield St., 503.823.0209
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Growing Gardens
Growing Gardens is located in Northeast Portland's Hollywood neighborhood.
Learn to grow your garden (or keep a chicken coop) with Growing Gardens? Learn & Grow workshop series. The affordably priced workshops will help you learn gardening basics so you can ?improve nutrition, health and self-reliance while enhancing the quality of life and the environment? for your family and community, according to its mission.
Growing Gardens, 2203 NE Oregon St., 503.284.8420
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Portland Seed Library
Portland Seed Library is located inside the Northeast Portland Tool Library.
Located inside the Northeast Portland Tool Library, the Portland Seed Library is a free way to share seeds as well as gardening tips with your neighbors. Find ?almost any variety of plant,? borrow and plant seeds at home, and then become a seed steward and donate seeds back! Plus, look to participate in seed swaps and check your local garden store for announcements of additional swap sessions.
Portland Seed Library, 5431 NE 20th Ave. (in the basement of Redeemer Lutheran Church)
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Portland Fruit Tree Project
Portland Fruit Tree Project is located in Northeast Portland's Vernon neighborhood.
Have a tree that bears more fruit or nuts than you could possibly consume, let alone harvest? Register it with the Portland Fruit Tree Project to prevent the crop from going to waste?it?ll feed hungry neighbors?and learn about tree (and fruit) preservation in the process.
Portland Fruit Tree Project, 1912 NE Killingsworth St., 503.284.6106
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East Multnomah Soil &?Water Conservation District
EMSWCD is located in Humboldt. Photo: Heather Zinger
?We help people care for their land,? goes the motto of the local government agency, through technical, financial and educational support, all aimed at conserving and restoring ?the natural resources of the district for current and future generations.? The eco-staff at East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District does this by offering residents free workshops (how to build a rain garden, naturescaping basics), organizing events (native plant sale, backyard habitats tour), funding conservation projects, and providing site visits to help you better manage your land.
East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, 5211 N Williams Ave., 503.935.5368
Have specific questions about your own garden? Ask a Metro Master Gardener from Oregon State University's Extension Service or just follow the professionals on Twitter for tips, events and information.
And if you think you lack the space or funds necessary to start your own garden, think again! There?s plenty of low-cost, collaborative options for growing fresh food in tight spots (container or vertical gardening) and sharing underused plots?like your own yard.
Now, blue sky or no, get out there and get busy!
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