Upcoming Events
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Wetland Wander:
Walk Leader: Paul Reed (he/him)
Paul Reed is a Restoration Ecologist at the Institute for Applied Ecology, where he works with many partners across Oregon and Washington to restore native habitats and support the recovery of threatened and endangered species. Since 2022, he has managed restoration projects in the West Eugene Wetlands in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. Paul has a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Biology from the University of Oregon, where he studied the effects of climate change on native prairie ecosystems.
About the Walk:
See-Sil (Hansen) is a 143-acre site owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The site contains a diverse range of habitats, including wet prairies, vernal pools, upland prairies, oak savannas, and oak woodlands, and supports several sensitive plant and wildlife species. The oak savanna and woodland areas feature numerous California black oaks (Quercus kelloggii), which reach the northernmost edge of their geographic range here in the southern Willamette Valley.
The BLM and the Institute for Applied Ecology have been actively restoring critical prairie-oak habitat at this site, particularly to support the federally threatened Fender’s blue butterfly and several listed plant species. During this walk, Paul will discuss the habitats and species found at the site, its context within the greater West Eugene Wetlands, and the ongoing restoration efforts taking place. The walk will cover approximately two miles, primarily along mowed grass and light user trails. Some of the terrain may be bumpy. Waterproof boots are highly recommended.
Directions:
See-Sil/Hansen Restoration Site: 27720 Royal Ave, Eugene, OR 97402
Head west on Royal Ave till the western end and park in the ODFW lot. Green Hill Rd off west 11th or Clear Lake are good accesses to Royal as Royal does not have an easy Beltline connection. We will be carpooling to the walk location from this parking lot.
Park at the Royal Ave entrance to Fern Ridge.
April Earth Month Events!
Earth Day Fundraiser @ Coldfire Brewing Company
When: Friday, April 18 from 4 – 7 pm
Location: 263 Mill St, Eugene, OR 97401
Come find WREN tabling from 4-7pm at Coldfire Brewing Company as we raise a glass to Earth Month! We will have a display with information about our organization, our programs, and upcoming volunteer opportunities. A portion of the proceeds from all beer sales will go towards supporting WREN’s mission of promoting land conservation and stewardship through educational programs for learners of all ages.
A huge thanks to our host, Coldfire Brewing Company!
We will see you there!!
Earth Day Work Party
When: Sunday, April 20 from 11am – 3pm
Where: Alton Baker Park @ the North end of Knickerbocker Bike Bridge (Type “Walama Restoration Project Site” into Google Maps)
**Walk or Cycle access only**
Take action this Earth Day with WREN and the Walama Restoration Project! We’ll be removing invasive plants and also getting some native plants in the ground. Refreshments, tools, and instructions will be provided and all ages are welcome! Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions, wear closed-toed shoes, and bring water. Feel free to join us for the whole time or stop by for an hour or two!
We would like to extend a massive thank you to Lawn Be Gone and Community Cup Coffee for plant and refreshment donations respectively! Reach out to nate@wewetlands.org or lily@walamarestorationproject.org with any questions.
RSVP is appreciated but not required. 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.