Join us for a new series of tours and lectures highlighting different aspects of the working waterfront of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. The series which began Nov. 18, will span several months and will include partners from a variety of waterfront businesses. Please watch for additional sessions in the weeks ahead.
Exploring the World of Metal Recycling
When most people think of recycling, they’re thinking cereal boxes, milk jugs and newspapers. On this behind-the-scenes tour of Schnitzer Steel, however, you’ll see metal recycling on a massive scale (literally!). But don’t worry, we’ll keep a safe distance from the “Texas Shredder.” Like a wood chipper on steroids, this massive piece of machinery has an insatiable appetite for old school buses, refrigerators, tractor trailers, and just about anything else made out of metal. Learn how local workers ensure that today’s outmoded metal trash is repurposed into tomorrow’s useful treasures.
Location: Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., 12005 N. Burgard Way, Portland
Date: Dec. 2, 4 p.m.
RSVP: RSVP required
Contact: Brooke Berglund, 503.944.7532
Goods to Market: How Port Facilities Work
They’re big; they’re busy; and they’re mysterious – that’s the extent of what most people know about marine terminals such as the Port’s Terminal 6. The mystery is ironic because there are several public and private terminals within mere minutes of downtown Portland. In an area typically closed to the public due to federal security regulations, you’ll tour among the shadows of towering 16-story cranes and giant multicolored containers stacked up like Legos. Learn how and why things like furniture, tires, footwear, apparel and cars arrive from overseas, while agricultural goods, animal feed, paper, metal scrap and wood are exported.
Location: Port of Portland Terminal 6
Date: Dec. 5, 10 a.m.
RSVP: RSVP required
Contact: Brooke Berglund, 503.944.7532
Tour #3: All About Ships
“Wow!” “Holy cow!” “That is amazing!” These are some of the descriptions typically said about the unique vessels seen coming and going at Vigor Industrial's Portland Shipyard. Vigor Industrial owns several subcompanies, including Vigor Marine, Cascade General and US Barge, that specialize in maritime construction and repair. See the eye-opening scale of their operations; hear about what they’re working on; and learn about the people who make a living there.
Location: Vigor Industrial, 5555 N. Channel Ave., Portland
Date: Dec. 12, 10 a.m.
RSVP: RSVP required
Contact: Brooke Berglund, 503.944.7532
