SETAC Staff Guide to Portland Adventures
Dusty Kennedy, Marcy LeBlanc, Nikki Mayo, Sabine Barrett, Tamar Schlekat and Terresa Murdoch, SETAC
As many members prepare their talks and polish their posters for the upcoming SETAC North America 46th Annual Meeting, SETAC staff has been conducting critical research—not on environmental contaminants but on the equally complex ecosystem of Portland, Oregon. Think of it as an anthropological expedition, studying what meeting participants can do when released into the urban wilds of Stumptown. Our findings may help you survive—and even thrive—when you arrive.
Early indications show that some of us, including Tee (registration manager and resident baker) and Marcy (program manager and self-declared doughnut expert), are likely to be spotted circling the city’s famed doughnut shops. Marcy swears Blue Star Donuts reigns supreme, while Tee is determined to test the maple bacon theory at Voodoo Doughnut. Observers are advised to keep a respectful distance if powdered sugar is present.
Farther afield, Tamar (reluctant leader of the troop), who is notably allergic to both dampness and cold (that is anything below 75ºF), has been spotted consulting weather apps and plotting an expedition to Multnomah and Willamette Falls and the Columbia River Gorge, provided that the sun cooperates. Should the skies betray her, she may try to rally Dusty (creative genius and style guru) to one of Portland’s lush urban gardens – safe havens where even the most weather-sensitive explorers can bask among ferns and artists can gather to recharge their creative spirit and find inspiration.
Meanwhile, explorers Sabine (word smith and tech guru) and Nikki (events genie) have been spotted mapping a route through the Pearl District and Nob Hill. Armed with complimentary rail passes (participants can pick up theirs at the registration desk) and a keen curiosity for local culture, they are intent on exploring some of Portland’s best spots. Sabine can spend hours at Powell’s Books, the legendary multilevel labyrinth of literature—where she is rumored to be on a mission to hunt rogue commas. Nikki, meanwhile, may not make it past Mad Sass Soap Co, following her nose through the fragrant landscape in search of the elusive perfect bath bomb.
While the SETAC team will be busy Saturday and Sunday preparing for the arrival of participants at the Oregon Conference Center, they’ll likely be daydreaming about the Portland Saturday Market, teeming with artisans, musicians and the alluring scent of kettle corn. Sabine will quietly lament missing Sacred Sheep, a rare once-a-year gathering of makers and wool enthusiasts, while Dusty will be mentally plotting his route through the Holiday Market. A touch of neon in the wardrobe will placate Marcy's urge to hop into the crowd of self-proclaimed “retro-fabulous weirdos” at The Food Court 5000K (5K) at Lloyd Center.
All these preparations are bound to make the SETAC staff hungry, and Portland’s legendary food cart scene offer endless possibilities to refuel. With so many choices, even the most decisive eater may circle the pods a few times before making their move. The Garden Tavern, just a short walk from the Convention Center, is among the most promising locations to spot staff refueling, with Hawthorne Asylum and Cartopia also strong contenders for preventing any potential hangry incidents.
Of course, staff also plan to visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) from 7:00–10:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening for “Stumptown Science: An After-Hours Adventure at the Museum.” During this private event, the exhibits will belong entirely to SETACers, offering a rare chance to roam the halls of science without crowds. OMSI is conveniently accessible from the Convention Center via Portland’s Loop A streetcar. For dinner beforehand, participants might stop by the Wonderlove Food Truck Pod, about a half-mile walk from the museum, with its lively mix of trucks, rooftop patio and bar. Those eager to explore a mile farther afield could venture to Brooklyn Carreta, a newer pod featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces and a generous array of carts.
By the way, throughout the week, SETAC staff will be on the lookout for Portland’s most elusive resident: Sasquatch. You can help them by immediately reporting encounters on social media and tagging #SETACPortland to notify others. Just don’t tell Dusty (our animal whisperer), he might try to adopt him.
In summary, our research suggests that Portland is best explored with curiosity, comfortable shoes and an empty stomach. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, doughnuts or mythical creatures, there’s no wrong way to experience this city. It’s also the perfect setting to discover what’s next in environmental science—fitting perfectly with this year’s theme, “The Essence of Science: Curiosity, Discovery and Solutions.” We cannot wait to see you there!
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