World Wetlands Day February 2

World Wetlands Day is Tuesday, February 2! How will you celebrate the wonders of wetland environments on that day?

For my part, I intend to spend time outside, walking and observing how, even in the midst of damp and cold winter weather, local wetlands provide much to celebrate: protecting shorelines and streambanks from erosion; slowing the flow of water across floodplains, providing places in the landscape for sediment settling; enhancing water quality through the uptake of water-borne minerals and chemical compounds; and providing habitat for aquatic and terrestrial creatures, from the now-chirping chorus frogs to the hunting Northern Harrier (aka Marsh Hawk). We are fortunate to live in a place where the seasons change so distinctly, and these changes are reflected dramatically in our local wetlands, many of which vary from flood to drought conditions, rapid vegetative growth to dormancy, green to brown with elements of spectacular blooms mixed through much of the year. The more time one spends in this landscape, the more sensitive one becomes to the subtle (and not-so-subtle!) changes that occur.

My suggestion for February 2 is to put on your rain coat, a good hat and gloves, and as tall boots as you may possess, and go for a good hike. Take your camera because I am certain there will be something of interest!


The view of our floodplain wetlands along Coyote Creek from our gazebo

Play in the Rain Day

Saturday November 7, 2009, WREN took part in the 2nd annual Youth in Nature Partnership, Play in the Rain Day! It was an amazing event that provided many opportunities for families to explore, experience and create at Mt. Pisgah.

WREN attempted our very first Scat Ornament craft! It was hugely successful. Each participant crafted an ornament using a ball of model magic and deer fur, feathers or hay. All ages enjoyed our craft and along with the "Scat Song" sing-along our booth was a big hit!

Sandpiper Pond, September 8

This Widow Skimmer was having no problems flying although missing a piece of wing. Its getting late in the season, and the Odonates are looking a bit ragged.

Western Forktail female

Tule Bluet pair with a brown female above and a blue female below. The different color forms that female Odonates have make identification more difficult.

I'm often asked about these tiny hopping bugs that are numerous along shorelines of water bodies. They are perfectly colored and even have a warty body resembling the irregularities in the mud making them very hard to see. They are Toad Bugs (predators) in the order Hemiptera; family Gelastocoridae

Striped Meadowhawk

Flame Skimmer

Yellowlegs break time

Blue Dasher female

Black Saddlebags above and below

WEW, July 16

June Wetland Wander

Eight of us wandered around the Golden Ponds area, viewing the rehabilitation process going on. The stream sides have been made more gentle and will soon support riparian vegetation. New pine trees have been planted near the picnic table. We were surprised to see some recent vandalism but were in hopes that, as more people make use of the area for birding, fishing, running and just visiting, vandalism will decrease. Emily Steel from the City of Eugene and Jules Abbott from WREN were group leaders. We saw a variety of birds and were introduced to many native and non-native plants in the area.