WREN's Wetland Wander at Stewart Ponds

Tuesday, January 14th

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at Stewart Pond. WREN Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each second Tuesday of every month. These exciting opportunities are FREE to the public and provide observation, education, and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces. WREN staff and volunteers will guide this walk.

Participants are asked to meet at the Stewart Pond Overlook, the gravel parking area east of the intersection with Bertelsen Road on Stewart Road in Eugene. participants should bring water, and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide binoculars.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE!

CANCELLED: WREN's Wetland Wander at Golden Gardens Ponds

Due to inclement weather, unsafe roads and below freezing temperatures the December Wetland Wander is cancelled. We look forward to seeing you in January

Happy & Merry,
Susanna

                                                               Tuesday, December 10th
                                                                  9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at Golden Gardens Ponds. WREN Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each second Tuesday of every month. These exciting opportunities are FREE to the public and provide observation, education and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces.  WREN staff and volunteers will guide this walk.

Participants are asked to meet at the intersection of Golden Gardens Street and Jessen Drive. Participants should bring water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide binoculars.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE!

Play in the Rain Day

FREE Family Event!

Saturday, November 9th
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Looking for something fun to do with your family on a rainy, or perhaps even a sunny Saturday in November? Then come on out to Mount Pisgah Arboretum for our community's 6th Annual "Play in the Rain Day". Discover how fun, easy, and rewarding it is to spend time outdoors in nature - in ALL kinds of weather.

The day's activities will include hikes, horses, tree-climbing, nature crafts, scavenger hunts, seed planting, campfire cookery, and more! Don't miss this fun event - last year it was attended by over 1,000 people.

Sponsored by the *Youth in Nature Partnership*, a collaborative of local organizations that work closely with youth in the outdoors, Play in the Rain is a free family event for all ages. 

All activities are free. Play in the Rain will happen rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum
34901 Frank Parrish Road, Eugene, OR 97405

Let us know you are coming by leaving a comment on our Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/YouthInNaturePartnership

WREN's Wetland Wander at Wild Iris Ridge

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at Wild Iris Ridge. WREN Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each second Tuesday of every month. These exciting opportunities are FREE to the public and provide observation, education and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces.  WREN staff and volunteers will guide this walk.

Additional Information: Owned by the City of Eugene, the 228 acres of Wild Iris Ridge boasts a range of plant communities including upland prairie and oak savanna, excellent wildlife habitat, stunning vistas and varied topography.

Participants are asked to Park on Bailey View Drive in Eugene, walk to the end of the street and meet our group at the entrance. Participants should bring a picnic lunch, bring water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide binoculars.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE!

WREN’s Family Exploration Day at Meadowlark Prairie

Saturday, October 19, 2013

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Autumn is an exciting time to explore the West Eugene Wetlands with your family. "WREN's Family Exploration Days provide children of all ages the opportunity to investigate the wonders of the great outdoors," said Susanna Hamilton, WREN Staff & Volunteer Coordinator and Environmental Educator. "It's an opportunity to learn and play in the wild places that exist within the City of Eugene."

This family program is FREE to the public and provides unstructured observation, education and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces. WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check out nature exploration equipment and provide guidance for independent exploration of the wonders in the wetlands. 

Participants are asked to meet at the parking area located on Greehill Rd, between W. 11th and Royal Ave. Participants should bring water and wear study shoes. Perhaps even a picnic lunch!

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org

FREE!

WREN’s Wetland Wander at Meadowlark Prairie

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at Meadowlark Prairie. WREN Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetland sites each second Tuesday of every month. These exciting opportunities are FREE to the public and provide observation, education, and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces. WREN staff and volunteers will guide this walk.

Participants are asked to meet at the Meadowlark Prairie Overlook located on Green Hill Road, south of the intersection with Royal Avenue. Participants should bring water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide binocular.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org

FREE!

WREN's Family Exploration Day at Golden Gardens Ponds

WREN’s Family Exploration Day at Golden Gardens Ponds

Saturday, September 21, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Golden Gardens Ponds is our only wetland site that contains water year-round, and offers a rich diversity of plants and wildlife for families to enjoy as we continue our Family Exploration Day 2013 Series. This family program is FREE to the public and provides unstructured observation, education and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces. WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check-out nature exploration equipment and provide guidance for independent exploration of the wonders in the wetlands.

Participants are asked to park at the intersection of Golden Gardens Rd. and Jessen St. Participants should bring a picnic lunch, water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide exploration and discovery backpacks.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE!

WREN's Wetland Wander at Willow Creek Natural Area

WREN’s Wetland Wander at Willow Creek Natural Area
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at the Willow Creek Natural Area. WREN Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each second Tuesday of every month. These exciting opportunities are FREE to the public and provide observation, education and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces.  WREN staff and volunteers will guide this walk.

Participants are asked to park in the pullouts along W. 18^th, across from the natural area, between Bertelsen Rd. and Willow Creek Rd. Participants should bring water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide binoculars.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE!

WREN's Family Exploration Day at Tsanchiifin Trail

Saturday, August 17, 2013

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Tsanchiifin trail offers a rich diversity of plants and wildlife for families to enjoy as we continue our Family Exploration Day 2013 Series. This family program is FREE to the public and provides unstructured observation, education and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces. WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check-out nature exploration equipment and provide guidance for independent exploration of the wonders in the wetlands.

Participants are asked to park at the Red House/WREN’s office, at 751 S. Danebo Avenue in Eugene. Meet us at the WREN booth at the west entrance of the Tsanchiifin trail. Participants should bring a picnic lunch, water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide exploration and discovery backpacks.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE!

WREN's Wetland Wander at Tsanchiifin Trail

Tuesday
August 13, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month along the Tsanchiifin Trail. WREN Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each second Tuesday of every month. These exciting opportunities are FREE to the public and provide observation, education and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces.  WREN staff and volunteers will guide this walk.

Participants are asked to meet at the Red House/WREN’s office parking lot, 751 S. Danebo Avenue in Eugene. Participants should bring water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide binoculars.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE!

photo courtesy of Tom Spofford

WREN’s Wetland Wander at Checkermallow Access

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at Checkermallow Access. WREN Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each second Tuesday of every month. These exciting opportunities are FREE to the public and provide observation, education and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces.  WREN staff and volunteers will guide this walk.

Participants are asked to meet at the parking lot on the south side of Royal Avenue, approximately ¼ mile east of the intersection of Royal Ave. and Greenhill Road, between Greenhill Road and Terry Street. Participants should bring water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide binoculars.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE!

WREN's Wetland Wander at Golden Gardens Ponds

Golden Gardens Ponds in May 2013

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 

Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at Golden Gardens Ponds. Formerly a barrow pit, Golden Gardens Ponds is the only site in the West Eugene Wetlands that contains water year round. With 316 acres and a one-mile walking path, Golden Gardens Ponds has wildlife for everyone to enjoy!

WREN Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each second Tuesday of every month. These exciting opportunities are FREE to the public and provide observation, education and inspiration in our surrounding natural spaces. WREN staff and volunteers will guide this walk.

Participants are asked to meet at the intersection of Golden Gardens Street and Jessen Drive. Participants should bring water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide binoculars.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE!

WREN's 7th Annual Walkin' & Rollin' through the West Eugene Wetlands

WREN’s 7^th Annual Walkin’ & Rollin’ through the West Eugene Wetlands

Saturday, May 11, 2013

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Willamette Resources & Educational Network (WREN) will hold its 7th Annual ‘Walkin’ & Rollin’ Event on Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event is free, open to the public and encourages participants to explore the West Eugene Wetlands by biking, rolling or walking the Fern Ridge Bike Path between Bailey Hill and Terry Street. Local experts and organizations will have educational displays highlighting the many wonders of the wetlands and participants receive a Wetland Passport they can have stamped at each booth for a chance to win prizes in a drawing.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy our beautiful spring weather while discovering our connection with this vital and diverse part of our community,” said Susanna Hamilton, WREN Staff & Volunteer Coordinator and Environmental Educator. “Whether you ride, scoot, walk or skate, join us to celebrate American Wetlands Month.”

Maps and passports can be picked up on Saturday, May 11^th, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life, located at 3870 W. 11^th Ave., at the WREN booth across from the yurt on the Fern Ridge Bicycle Path, or at the BLM booth at the railroad bridge along the bike path south of Terry Street.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org

Rain or Shine!

FREE!

WREN's Family Exploration Day at Golden Gardents Ponds

Saturday, May 18, 2013

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Get your feet wet! Catch insects, investigate plants, watch wildlife, and enjoy experiential learning in nature. WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check out nature exploration equipment. 

Park at the intersection of Golden Gardens St. and Jessen Dr. Please bring a picnic lunch or snack, water, and dress for the weather (including waterproof boots or shoes if it's wet outside).

Rain or Shine!

For more information please call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org

FREE!

WREN's Wetland Wander at Wild Iris Ridge

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at Wild Iris Ridge. Owned by the City of Eugene, the 228 acres of Wild Iris Ridge boasts a range of plant communities including upland prairie and oak savanna, excellent wildlife habitat, stunning vistas and varied topography.

Participants are asked to park on Bailey View Drive in Eugene, walk to the end of the street, and meet our group at the entrance. Participants should bring water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide binoculars.

For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org

FREE!

Persistence

Story and Photos by Susanna Hamilton

What a beautiful and thrilling adventure our Wetland Wander at Stewart Pond was this morning! As all wanders begin, we gathered around dressed in our finest wet attire of rubber muck boots and good humor to venture forth into our wildland - urban interface.

We saw a wide variety of plants from wild cucumber and meadow foxtail to White man’s footprint and tansy ragwort. We oohed and aahed at woolly bear caterpillars and crane flies. We trekked further north on the site until we arrived at the ponds and paused, binoculars to eyes, as we watched coots and green winged teal, mallards, shovelers, buffleheads and dowitchers swimming and feeding. And of course, the ever present Canada geese - nesting Canada geese.

Back pond, about 100' from the nest.

Now here’s the thing about nesting Canada geese. The females, once their eggs are all laid, spend most of their time sitting on the nest, incubating those eggs. The male, however, usually hangs out nearby to offer protection from predators. And in today’s case, humans. 

So a funny thing happened.... A male goose charged toward our group of adventurous wetland wanderers and put us all on guard. This rather protective father not only stuck out his long neck, mouth agape, tongue waggling, wings flapping, he went for the pants leg of one of our trusty guides. I must say that it was a stunning display: Rick's leg extended, Mr. Goose's wings beating furiously, and shutters fluttering as shocked on-lookers weren't sure whether to rush in and save Rick or keep taking more pictures.

After the initial melee, attacking Rick's boots again.

After a rather short (although it felt longer) time the father-to-be let go of Rick’s pants leg and settled into preening as Rick backed away commenting on the great science behind the protective display. Curious species that we are, shutters continued to flutter. You could almost hear those famous words, “All right, Mr. Demille, I’m ready for my close up.” (Sunset Boulevard, 1950)

Still agitated, but isn't he beautiful!

Well, our wandering wildlife-watching troupe proceeded along our walk, attempting to leave the nervous father to his mate and soon-to-be hatchlings, but alas, the goose was not done with us. For the next half hour this persistent feathered-friend followed us as we sauntered forth conversing about Stewart Pond and its host of birds and animals, fungi and flowers. And at times, both random and unexpected, another of us would fall victim to the bites and slaps of this tenacious father. 

And a not-so-funny thing happened.... This male goose followed us along the path, out to the road, up the street and into the parking lot, a long way away from his mate and incubating offspring. Upon our departure he remained in the parking lot as new arrivals pulled in to the wander the wetlands.

A long way from his mate and incubating offspring.

I hope our feathered friend finds his way back to his family, safely and without further incident with our species or other predators. I hope the goslings that hatch will be healthy and live long lives providing us humans with wonder whenever we hear them in the sky above and pause to watch them fly by.

In the meantime, please be aware of your surroundings and know that nesting season is upon us. These graceful and beautiful creatures that share our wildland-urban interface are looking to protect their families and would very much like to be left alone. If you happen upon their nesting site and catch them by surprise you may be the recipient of their attention. In most cases when you move away they will cease their protective displays and return to their post. 

Then again, as one fellow mentioned on our walk today, “This goose might just be bored and looking for a little attention.” Perhaps, a lot!

WREN Events for March 2013

Join us at one of the following March events, hosted by WREN. (And be sure to regularly check back in with us for updates.)

 We look forward to seeing you in the West Eugene Wetlands!

There's still time to register...

WREN's Spring 2013 New Volunteer Orientation

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Looking for a great way to have fun, give back to your community in a meaningful way, or build up your resume/college application? Have a friend or colleague who is looking for something?

The Willamette Resources & Educational Network (WREN) is gearing up for its Spring Volunteer Orientation Meet & Greet. As an Education Guide you will assist WREN staff with classroom and/or field programs, community events, prepare education materials, conduct workshops and complete special projects.

 We are also looking for creative, skilled Operations Volunteers to assist with projects 'behind-the-scenes".

Volunteer Meet and Greet

Red House

751 S. Danebo Ave.

Eugene, OR 97402

For more information call Susanna at 541.338.7046

RSVP by 5:00 p.m., March 4th

susanna@wewetlands.org

WREN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization on a mission to practice and promote land stewardship through education  partnerships, and scientific research.

WREN's Wetland Wander at Meadowlark Prairie

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

A restored wetland, at 400 acres, Meadowlark Prairie provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching as  it is home to a wide array of waterfowl, raptors and songbirds. WREN will provide binoculars.

Meet at the parking area located on Greenhill Rd., between south of Royal Ave.

For more information please call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org

WREN's Family Exploration Day at Meadowlark Prairie

Saturday, March 16, 2013

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Get your feet wet! Catch insects, investigate plants, watch wildlife, and enjoy experiential learning in nature. WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check out nature exploration equipment.

Meet at the parking lot on Greenhill Rd., south of Royal Ave. Bring waterproof shoes or boots, water and a picnic lunch or a snack.

Rain or Shine!

For more information please call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org

Changing Perspective: An Invitation

2013 is all about you, our loyal WREN followers, supporters, and adventurers! We would like to invite you to share your perspective with us, your experiences and adventures in and around the West Eugene Wetlands. we encourage you to get out there with camera (video is also welcome), binoculars, pen and paper! Document your journey and share it with our fellow adventurers.

We invite stories of 500 words or less, photos in color or black & white. You could find you story on our blog, in our quarterly newsletter, or in our monthly e-newsletter. Please include your name for the article.

We look forward to experiencing the WEW through your eyes!

Click here to submit your stories, photos and experiences!