Dear Friends -
In my nearly 20 years at Willamette Riverkeeper, it has become clear that a lot of folks undervalue the Willamette. It is a strange thing really. It may be due to the fact that the river travels through most of the major towns and cities in the Willamette Valley, and because of this is it is familiar, and known. Perhaps other places may seem more exotic or worthy of care.
What is interesting though is that when talking to people about their perception of the Willamette, frequently it is pretty one dimensional. When people hear about the myriad species of birds that inhabit the river’s floodplain forests, the native fish that are present, or spot freshwater mussels that can be over 100 years in age - their perception often expands.
Reinforcing our advocacy and work on behalf of the Willamette are the many human powered River Discovery paddling adventures along the river which we conduct annually. These trips and outings have the sole purpose of getting people out on the river to see it and experience it. Today, we are blessed with a fleet of canoes that are responsible for engaging hundreds of people on the river each and every year (thanks to those of you who donated or discounted canoes). Every year this number increases. In 2019 alone, we have connected over 1200 people to the Willamette Basin!
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In addition to experiencing the Willamette’s beauty, the community can observe and learn about its challenges and needs. In this way these trips help to cement a more informed perception of the river. Over the years we’ve had many amazing people take part and become “Willamette Lifers!”
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What is also interesting is that our State Natural Resource Agencies have, at times, undervalued the River as well. Some folks in agency staff, boards and commissions seem to see the Willamette as only a thing that conveys pollution away from treatment outfalls, or enables
certain species
they care about to make it to some other more valued habitat upstream. Others seem to think of the river only in terms of a place to do motorized recreation. Again, at times these perspectives lack understanding.
I am happy to say that we see the current shifting. Each year, Oregon’s glorious Willamette River is becoming more appreciated and valued. More and more people seem to “get” what the river provides, how it has been burdened, and what the river needs moving forward. Each and everyone one of you who talks to a friend, neighbor or colleague about your experience and your knowledge of our work for Clean Water, Healthy Habitat, Threatened Species, and more helps to make this arc of Discovery occur. Each of you who recounts an awesome, peaceful experience somewhere along the river also helps to change this perception. We will continue to work hard to change the perception of this great river.
A big “thank you” to all of you who support our work, and help to make the river healthier each and every day.
For the River,
Travis Williams
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
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Wild & Scenic Film Festival: 12/5
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When:
Thursday, December 5th
We have an amazing line up of entertainment and enlightenment in store...
Enjoy 12 environmental and adventure films
that illustrate the Earth’s beauty, the challenges facing our planet and the work communities are doing to protect the environment. Through these films, Wild & Scenic both informs people about the state of the world and inspires them to take action.
- TICKETS available NOW at REI Portland for $15, or $20 at the door
- SPECIAL bonus- each ticket includes a raffle entry with a chance to WIN a solo canoe!
- SNEAK PEAK- from award winning Freshwaters Illustrated's latest work
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PLUS
— Journey to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with "Too Wild to Drill," a new
360 degree Virtual Reality experience
by Earth Justice that will transport you to the threatened coastal plain of ANWR, an Arctic Gwich’in village, and the epicenter of oil and gas drilling in America’s Arctic. You can experience this short film throughout the evening with
Oculus Go headsets
when you either:
- Buy $25 worth of raffle tickets
- Make a $25 donation to us via Give!Guide during our event, in which case you will also take home a taco or BBQ sauce of your choosing from Red Duck Foods, and you will be eligible for the their BIG GIVE DAY “PDX Foodie Package” prize!
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- LIVE MUSIC by Pacific Northwest singer-songwriter, river runner and craftsman, Jon Lee!
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Tickets won't last, so get yours today!
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VOLUNTEER for an upcoming Trashy Tuesday or Thursday near you!
CORVALLIS
When:
Thursday, 11/14 from 8:30am to 12:30pm
Details:
Join us along with our partners at the City of Corvallis Parks & Recreation and Public Works to float the Willamette River from Crystal Lake Boat Ramp to Michael's Landing and pick up trash and debris from the urban riverbanks. Limited seating in rafts, or Bring Your Own Boat (BYOB). Coffee and snacks will be provided at the put-in.
PORTLAND
When:
Tuesday, 11/26 from 10:30am to 1:00pm
Details:
Join us as we help pick up trash in the central part of Portland and around Ross Island. Parking avialable at our new office locted near OMSI and the Tilikum Crossing. We’ll meet on the front porch of our office (red building with white trim), and walk a short distance over to our secured boat lot and river access. We will provide trash bags, non-latex gloves, and trash pickers. Dress for the weather and paddling (layers, boots, and rain gear).
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River Discovery- Willamette Falls: 12/7
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Join us for our last River Discovery trip of 2019: a paddling adventure the Willamette River's most impressive feature- Willamette Falls!
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Led by Travis Williams and WRK staff, we'll explore the area around this natural landmark, admiring scenic views and the historic locks, as well as the mark of industries past and present. We may even glimpse an ancient petroglyph. Bring your own boat or reserve a Riverkeeper canoe (in which case you must recruit your own paddling partner).
When:
Saturday, December 7th, from 8:30am to 11:30am (arrive at 8:30am, and we'll launch by 9am)
Bring:
dress for conditions: wear clothing that wicks moisture, be prepared for rain, pack additional extra dry layers, water, & snacks
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Give + Get With The Give!Guide
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- FREE DINNER- Now that we have your attention … are you under 35? Make a donation of $20 or more and Afuri will serve up a delicious dinner of Ramen and Saki at either of their Portland Restaurants!
Incentives for ALL AGES:
- GET SPICY- Locally owned, organic, certified B Corp, Red Duck Foods, with a $25 donation will help spice up your weekly Taco Night with a coupon for the Taco Sauce of your choice.
- JUST ADD WATER- Make a donation of $100+ and Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe will provide you with a 2-Hour Canoe/Kayak Rental at one of their locations!
- UP YOUR GLAMPING GAME- For every $250 donation, you will receive a Raffle Entry for a glamping set of 2 Alps chairs and a matching table from Paddle People ($250+).
Also, make sure to watch your email or Facebook for
Big Give Days
where you can win cool prize packages for making a donation!
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