Upcoming Events
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Wetland Wander:

Walk Leaders: Sara Spoden (she/her) and Kevin House (he/him)

Sara was born and raised in California and became enamored by the Pacific Northwest while attending college at Humboldt State University. With a degree in Environmental Education and Interpretation and over eight years experience in the field, Sara has a passion for connecting community members to the natural world. She believes that nothing is more rewarding than cultivating a sense of place within nature: which is for everyone to enjoy. When she is not leading nature walks at the Arboretum for kids and families she spends her time in and along the river and hiking with her partner and their dog Maxine.

Kevin was born and raised in Oregon where he grew up camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. He has a master’s degree in biology and spent several years teaching biology and ecology classes at a community college in Southern California before driving around the country in an RV with his partner Marli and eventually moving back up to Oregon to work in outdoor education. Kevin loves watching birds, finding fungi, and talking excessively about cool nature stuff.
About the Walk:
Join WREN and Mt Pisgah educators in a walk all about the dragonflies and damselflies of the Willamette Valley! Big, small, colorful and acrobatic, dragonflies and their look-alikes are fascinating creatures. Together we will explore our aquatic habitats to delve into the world of these winged wonders. The walk will be on mostly flat and dirt or gravel paths. Please make sure you are dressed for the weather!
Wander Location:
Mount Pisgah Arboretum (34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene, OR 97405*)
Directions:
Red arrow indicates where to meet.

Upcoming Events!

Stewardship Workshop #2: Backyard Restoration
When: Saturday, June 28 from 10 – 11:30 am
Location: Red House, 751 S Danebo Ave, Eugene, OR 97402
Join WREN and Lawn Be Gone for a workshop on backyard restoration! Learn how to transform your outdoor space with rain gardens—a beautiful and eco-friendly solution for your yard. Marisa and Cady will cover everything you need to know, including what rain gardens are, how to build them, and the many benefits they offer for both your landscape and local wildlife.
This workshop will be held in person at the WREN office. Although this is a free event, we’d appreciate it if you RSVP using this link or via email (info@wewetlands.org) by June 20th.
We will see you there!!

“What is a Wetland?” Adult Program
When: Wednesday, July 9 from 6 – 7pm
Location: 64 W Oregon Ave, Creswell, OR 97426
Join us at the Cresswell Library for a presentation on wetlands and their vital role in our ecosystem. Discover the incredible plants and animals that thrive in these rich habitats and learn how wetlands support biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience. This free, engaging program is designed for adults with a curiosity about nature and a passion for the environment.
This workshop will be held in person at the Cresswell Library. Please reach out to info@wewetlands.org if you have any questions.
We will see you there!!

1st Family Exploration Day of the Summer
When: Saturday, July 12 from 10am – 1pm
Location: Golden Gardens Park (4898-4800 Jessen Dr, Eugene, OR 97402)
Kick off the summer with our first Family Exploration Day at Golden Gardens Park! We’ll have bug nets, binoculars, scavenger hunts, and guidebooks available for families to borrow as they explore the park’s natural wonders together. Stop by any time during the event—it’s a relaxed, come-and-go experience perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
Please email info@wewetlands.org if you have any questions!
We will see you there!!

July Volunteer Work Party
When: Sunday, July 20 from 8:30am – Noon
Location: Alton Baker Park @ the North end of Knickerbocker Bike Bridge (search “Walama Restoration Project Site” in Google Maps)
Come join WREN and Walama Restoration Project as we work to restore a meadow area in Alton Baker Park by removing invasive plant species.
Instructions, tools, and refreshments provided! Bring water and wear clothes that you can get dirty. Long pants are recommended as some of the vegetation can be dry and pokey at this time of year. All ages welcome!
Contact casper@walamarestoration.org or nate@wewetlands.org to RSVP or if you have any questions. RSVP is not required, but is appreciated. See you there!
For questions, please contact:
Rachel Schneiderman, Programs Coordinator at the Willamette Resources and Educational Network (WREN) at info@wewetlands.org or call 541-338-7047.