Monday, December 29, 2014

Engage, Educate, Empower!


Dear Wetlands Supporter,

Do you remember your first feelings of delight in the natural world?  Had you seen a red-tailed hawk or California condor circling above?  A swarm of pavement ants crossing the sidewalk?  An orb weaver spider’s elaborate web? The splendor of Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River? Golden chanterelle mushrooms emerging in clusters after a rainstorm?  For each of us there is a special moment when something in the natural world engages our attention and imagination.


Willamette Resources & Educational Network (WREN) seeks to help people of all ages recapture that feeling of delight, while at the same time teaching the chemistry, biology, and geology that come together to create that moment.  Our goal is to engender a lifelong love of learning in the members of our community, instilling a personal connection to the land and empowering you to make well-informed, science-based decisions about land stewardship.  WREN has directly touched the lives of nearly 50,000 Lane County residents since its inception, fourteen years ago. 



We need your help.  We are funded by a variety of sources, including governmental agencies and foundations.  However, those sources are insufficient to meet our budgetary needs and we rely on private donations from people like you, who care about the land and about education, to support our work.  Please consider contributing to WREN today – no amount is too small.  All donations are appreciated and put directly to work in our programs.

·         $25 pays for a new Field Guide to reptiles and amphibians
·         $50 buys a new pair of binoculars for WREN’s Family Exploration Day backpacks
·         $100 covers the cost of a school bus to bring one class to the West Eugene Wetlands for a field trip
·         $200 buys a digital camera to help document the changing wetlands wildlife
·         $500 covers the costs of WREN staff’s volunteer scheduling, preparation and presentation time, supplies and transportation costs for one full classroom presentation and field trip for one class, plus a school bus to transport the class and their teacher and chaperones to the West Eugene Wetlands
·         $500 also funds the development of a new environmental education curriculum, including field trip and classroom presentation

We also welcome and rely on volunteers – to lead or assist in leading educational sessions, develop curricula, design or perform citizen science programs, build out our website, or join or advise our Board of Directors. Your energy nurtures us!

We hope to see you in the wetlands soon.

Best Wishes for 2015,
Vicki Singer, President of the Board, Willamette Resources & Educational Network (WREN)

Friday, December 19, 2014

Winter Break Fun...



...that lasts the whole year!


Looking for something fun to do with the family over the winter break? Find your MUSE!

MUSE Clues is a great way to keep families and students learning throughout the year with inquiry-based investigations at great local museums! Here’s how to play:

Download and print our entry form [PDF]


Visit at least 8 participating museums and solve clues at each one.

Submit your online entry below -OR- turn in your printed entry form at a participating MUSE institution by September 18, 2015for a chance to win great prizes!

Prizes, including gift packs and museum passes, will be provided by participating museums.

Monday, December 8, 2014

WREN’s Wetland Wander at Tsanchiifin Trail




Tuesday, December 9, 2014
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!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

WREN’s Wetland Wander at Meadowlark Prairie


Tuesday, November 11, 2014
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 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 Meadowlark Prairie Overlook located at 88525 Green Hill Road, south of the intersection with Royal Avenue.
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!

7th Annual Play in the Rain Day


Tuesday, October 7, 2014

WREN’s Family Exploration Day at Stewart Pond


Saturday, October 11th
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM


Explore the West Eugene Wetlands with your family and celebrate the arrival of autumn. This FREE event offers participants an opportunity to enjoy experiential learning in nature. 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 Stewart Pond Overlook, the gravel parking area east of the intersection with Bertelsen Road on Stewart Road in Eugene. Participants should bring a picnic lunch, water and wear sturdy shoes.


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

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

WREN’s Wetland Wander at Wild Iris Ridge



Tuesday, October 14th
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
***Please note extended time.***

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.


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

Directions to Wild Iris Ridge:
From 18th and Bailey Hill go 1/3 mile south on Bailey Hill Rd.
Turn left at Warren St. and go 1/3 mile
Turn right to stay on Warren St.
Right on Summit Terrace.
Right on Bailey View.
Park along this street and walk to the end where we will gather to begin the walk.


For more information call 541.338.7047 
FREE!

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

WREN: Autumn 2014 Volunteer Orientation/Meet & Greet

Willamette Resources & Educational Network (WREN) is currently seeking volunteers who love the West Eugene Wetlands, are passionate about this unique ecosystem, and want to give back to the community in a meaningful way.


As a Wetlands Educator you will assist WREN staff with classroom and/or field programs, community events, prepare education materials, conduct workshops, and complete special projects. WREN will provide special training for all Education Guides and we offer opportunities for you to shadow an experienced guide before you take the lead yourself.


We are also looking for creative, skilled Operations Volunteers. Whether your specialty is in social media, web development and design, fundraising and/or grant writing, event planning, photography/filming, membership development, or general office, we have projects to match your interests.


WREN has opportunities for college students looking to fulfill requirements for graduation, as well as unpaid internships.

Join us Thursday, September 18th to learn more!

Volunteer Meet & Greet
Thursday, September 18, 2014
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Eugene Public Library – Downtown
100 W. 10th Ave., Eugene
Singer Room

~~~~~

RSVP by September 16th
Susanna Hamilton

Staff & Volunteer Coordinator
Environmental Educator
541.338.7046
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 Golden Gardens Ponds


Tuesday, September 9th
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!

WREN’s Family Exploration Day at Meadowlark Prairie


Saturday, September 13, 2014

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM


Early 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 at 88525 Greenhill Rd, north of West 11th Ave.  Participants should bring water and wear sturdy shoes. WREN will provide binoculars.


For more information call 541.338.7047 

FREE!

Monday, July 28, 2014

WREN’s Wetland Wander at Stewart Pond


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

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 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!

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

WREN’s Wetland Wander at Willow Creek Natural Area


Tuesday, July 8
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.


Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at 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 meet at the vehicle turn-out on W. 18th Ave. between Willow Creek Road and Bertelsen Road. 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!

Monday, June 9, 2014

WREN's Wetland Wander at Tsanchiifin Trail


Tuesday, June 10, 2014
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!

Friday, May 9, 2014

CANCELLED: WREN’s Family Exploration Day at Stewart Pond

Tomorrow's Family Exploration Day at Stewart Pond has been cancelled. 

Be sure to join us next weekend, Saturday, May 17th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for our 8th Annual Walkin' & Rollin' and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the West Eugene Wetlands.



Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Walkin' and Rollin' with the West Eugene Wetlands!


Join us on Saturday, May 17th from 10-2 for Walkin' and Rollin'! Whether you walk, bike, scoot or trike, board, blade, or simply sashay, we hope you will join WREN and our community partners in the West Eugene Wetlands to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the West Eugene Wetlands!

Learn about the incredible work done over the last 20 years to protect and enhance this amazing and extremely unique ecosystem, right in Eugene's own back yard. At 11:00 a.m. along the Tsanchiifin Trail we will have guest speakers Mayor Kitty Piercy and local dragonfly & damselfly expert Steve Gordon.

Participants will receive a Wetland Passport they can have stamped at each booth they visit for a chance to win great prizes.

WREN’s Wetland Wander at Dragonfly Bend


WREN’s Wetland Wander at Dragonfly Bend

Tuesday, May 13, 2014
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.



Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at Dragonfly Bend. 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 Checkermallow Access, 5790 Royal Ave., Eugene. Dragonfly Bend is on the north side of Royal Ave, west toward Greenhill 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!

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Adventure Fest


Come out to the 1st annual Adventure Fest! This is a free event held at Skinner's Butte Parke. Activities feature: river rafting*, bicycle touring*, longboarding, Skinner Butte native plant hike, survival shelter building, scavenger hunt, earth art, Jarana Music and Dance workshop, and traditional tool making with obsidian! Most activites are designed for youth age 12-18. *indicate preregistration is required- call 541-682-5329

Event sponsored by the Youth in Nature Partnership, WREN, Friends of Mount Pisgah, Willamalane, Nearby Nature, Whole Earth Nature School, Mount Pisgah Arboretum and Northwest Youth Corps, Eugene Arte Latino and GEARS



Earth Day Festivities!



Spring has sprung and it is time to come out and celebrate this beautiful planet we call home! Come out for Earth Day celebrations this Saturday, April 19 from 11-5 at EWEBS River Edge Plaza


For more information: http://earthdayoregon.com/

Sunday, March 30, 2014

WREN’s Family Exploration Day at Danebo Wetland Site Tsanchiifin Trail




Saturday, April 12, 2014

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 2014 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 Wild Iris Ridge



WREN’s Wetland Wander at Wild Iris Ridge
Tuesday, April 8th
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

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.

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!

Thursday, March 6, 2014

WREN’s Family Exploration Day at Meadowlark Prairie



Saturday, March 15, 2014
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM


Spring 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,” says 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 Greenhill Rd, north of West 11th Ave.  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!

Monday, March 3, 2014

WREN's Wetland Wander at Golden Gardens Pond


Tuesday, March 11, 2014
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at our monthly Wetland Wander held this month at Golden Garden Ponds. 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 binoculars.

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

FREE!



Friday, February 7, 2014

WREN's Wetland Wander at Meadowlark Prairie


Tuesday, February 11, 2014.
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!



Thursday, January 23, 2014

Winter 2014 Volunteer Orientation


Volunteer Meet & Greet
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 
3:30pm - 5:00pm 
Red House 
751 S. Danebo Ave., Eugene, OR 97402

WREN is currently seeking volunteers who love the West Eugene Wetlands, are passionate about this unique ecosystem, and want to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

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” (e.g. grant writing, social media, etc...).

WREN has opportunities for high school and college students looking to fulfill volunteer requirements for graduation, as well as unpaid internships.

Join us Tuesday, February 18th to learn more!

RSVP by February 14th 
Susanna Hamilton 
Staff & Volunteer Coordinator 
Environmental Educator
541.338.7046 
susanna@wewetlands.org
www.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.

Birding for Beginners and Near Beginners

Photo Credit: Oscar Palmquist

Are you curious about those birds visiting your backyard feeder, hiding in your shrubs, or hanging around that nearby park you like to visit so much? Would you like to put a name with them?  If so, this could be the class for you.

Who Should Take This Class? You know if you're a beginner and, if so, this class is for you.  But just what do we mean by a "near beginner?"  You could be a near beginner if (1) you've been looking at birds on your own but feel stuck and in need of the help and direction a class can give, or (2) you've even taken a class or two but still have problems finding and identifying a lot of birds.

Class Description: The course includes two classroom meetings with slide and video presentations and four field trips to a variety of Eugene area sites.

Elements of bird identification (ID) will be linked to observation of bird behavior and habitat relationships with interesting tidbits of bird natural history sprinkled throughout.  Knowledge of the habitat a bird selects and the place it occupies in that habitat is an important part of learning bird ID.  Likewise, knowledge of bird behavior can be very useful.  The way a bird flies, feeds, or otherwise behaves can be just as important in ID as whether it has an eye ring or a banded tail.  In this class, the questions "where is the bird hanging out?" and "what is it doing?" will be asked just as often as "what color is it" or "does it have a wing patch?"  In other words, there is a lot more to bird identification than appearance.

In this way you'll be expanding your general knowledge and appreciation of birds while developing and improving your ID skills.  And you'll be encouraged by the relaxed atmosphere and pace of the class.  The goal here is to learn a lot about birds but not at the expense of enjoyment.

Instructor: Dave Bontrager

Classroom Location: All sessions will meet at the West Eugene Wetlands Education Center (also known as the Red House) located at 751 S. Danebo Ave., Eugene.


Schedule for Section 1
Classroom Meetings 
(Wednesday evenings 6:30 - 9PM)
Feb 5  &  Feb 26

Field Trips
(Wednesday mornings 8 - 11AM)
Feb 19,  Mar 12,  Mar 26,  Apr 9

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Schedule for Section 2
Classroom Meetings
(Thursday evenings 6:30 - 9PM)
Feb 6  &  Feb 27

Field Trips
(Sunday mornings 8 - 11AM)
Feb 23,  Mar 16,  Mar 30,  Apr 13



Class Fee: $50  

Please send all class fee payments to, check or money order to:
WREN, 751 S. Danebo Ave., Eugene, OR 97402
** Check or Money Order Only ** 

To Register:
If you'd like to register, send an e-mail to susanna@wewetlands.org  with your name, phone number. Then send in your class fee payment (check only) to WREN, 751 S. Danebo Ave., Eugene, OR 97402. (If you would like to pay cash you will need to make arrangements to drop it off in person.)

This will be the only way to register.

You will be notified if you are on the class roster or if you have been added to the waitlist. WREN must receive your class fee PRIOR to the first class for the section you are registering to attend (February 5th or February 6th) to confirm your space in the class. 


Each class section is limited to 15 participants.