(photo: It's easy being green on the Willamette as spring approaches!)
After nearly twenty years as Executive Director and Riverkeeper, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with and engage a wide variety of citizens within our Willamette Valley community. All of us at WR have been consistent and creative in connecting people to the river and to our core mission, and we continue to do so. In some ways it is simple - inspire people to do more for their river.
Whether joining forces with formerly houseless folks in Eugene and Springfield to provide river stewardship, to engaging an array of students with river education and service trips since the summer of 2001, WR has sought to keep the barriers to participation very low.
Our diverse partnerships and open programs have resulted in many thousands of people participating in service projects, learning first-hand about the river from Eugene to Portland, and gaining a greater knowledge and affinity for what the Willamette River offers us all. Of course, the underlying theme is that we all must collectively do more for this great river!
One of the things that helps to define who we are at WR, and what characterizes our culture, is our ability to do what is right for the river. We will continue to be the entity that fights for improved water quality, healthy habitat, and stewardship across all Valley communities.
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For the River,
Travis
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
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Thirsty Thursday- Virtual Water Trail Tour, 3/7
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WHAT:
"Thirsty Thursday" Virtual Water Trail Tour + Trivia
WHEN:
Thursday, March 7th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Thirsty for knowledge? Join us along with our friends at Next Adventure and Hopworks Urban Brewery for a “
Thirsty Thursday” virtual tour of your National Willamette River Water Trail
! Outreach Coordinator Kate Ross Kuthe will highlight some of the hidden gems of our amazing waterway, as well as WR’s work, special events and other ways to get involved. She may even stump you with some trivia. Plus, what goes better with advocacy than delicious pints of
Hopworks
, who donates minimally 1% of all profits back to the planet?
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River Discovery Scappoose Bay Paddle- 3/9
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WHAT:
River Discovery Scappoose Bay Paddle
WHEN:
Saturday, 3/9 from 9:30am to 1:30pm
DETAILS:
Breaking from the mainstem Willamette a few miles before the confluence with the Columbia, Multnomah Channel eventually spills into the low, tidal estuary of Scappoose Bay. Adjacent to Sauvie Island National Wildlife Area, the bay teems with wildlife. Here, juvenile salmonids seek refuge from strong river currents before migrating to the ocean, and bald eagles, herons, and tundra swans grace the skies. The Scappoose area claims a compelling Northwest history that includes thriving Chinook villages. We'll explore the Bay's many back channels as the water levels allow, and perhaps even visit the remains of an old wooden ship.
BRING:
$3 for the Marina launch fee, your camera, binoculars, water, lunch, and a hot drink. Dress WARM; tall rubber boots are suggested to keep your feet warm and dry. It can be very muddy here when stepping out of your boat. We also recommend packing a hat, gloves, extra warm/dry layers. Splash wear such as a rain coat and pants with fleece underlayers is a good choice for those using our canoes.
Need a Boat?
Riverkeeper canoes are available upon request for $20 (per canoe) for non-members, or FREE for current members. You must recruit your own paddling partner. Availability is limited at this date!
BYOBoat?
Non-members are welcome to participate with a $10 donation, or choose to become an active Riverkeeper member for a one-time fee of just $50.
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Volunteers Needed- Trashy Tues/Thurs
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Come get dirty for GOOD with us! This month we have three opportunities to be a River Guardian,
and participate in a river clean up near you!
EUGENE- Trashy Tuesday
Tuesday, 3/12 from 8:00am - 1:00pm
CORVALLIS- Trashy Thursday
Thursday, 3/14 from 9:00am - 12:00pm
PORTLAND- Trashy Tuesday
Tuesday, 3/19 from 11:30 - 1:30
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Potluck + Virtual Water Trail Tour- 3/29
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WHAT:
Potluck + Virtual Water Trail Tour
WHEN:
3/29,
6:30pm
Enjoy a virtual paddle trip down the Willamette River Water Trail with Michelle Emmons, Willamette Riverkeeper's South Valley Program Manager, and avid paddling explorer. Learn how to plan your own aquatic adventure, and gain insight on how the Willamette River's water quality has changed, what challenges our river faces today, and how you can help.
Hosted by the
Obsidians
, a Eugene based club focused on outdoor recreation, the potluck dinner begins at 6:30pm; the program at 7:30pm and lasts approximately an hour. Bring your favorite dish to share - a salad, casserole, bread, or dessert - and a plate, utensils, and hot beverage cup. To help with expenses, we suggest a $1 per person donation.
Directions to lodge
.
You do not have to be an Obsidian member to attend
. All are welcome!
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Volunteer For Earth Day- SALEM
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WHAT:
Work Party at Willamette Mission State Park
WHEN:
Saturday, April 20th, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Celebrate Earth Day and join Willamette Riverkeeper and our partners
Oregon State Parks
,
One Tree Planted
, and
Bonneville Environmental Foundation
for a morning of mulching plants in the floodplain at Willamette Mission State Park. You'll learn about the importance of floodplain forests and our work to improve these valuable habitats. Tools, gloves and hot drinks provided! This is a family friendly event.
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Volunteer For Earth Day- EUGENE
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WHAT:
Clean Water for Great Brews!
WHEN:
Saturday, April 20th, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Join Willamette Riverkeeper, local brewers, and River Guardian volunteers to help clean up our urban waterfront. We'll "dust off the cobwebs" from the winter high water and put the "shine" back on our riverfront in Eugene-Springfield! Come get dirty for good - and earn yourself a brew (or two) by participating at your favorite neighborhood location!
There are numerous clean up sites available, including land based and boat based locations.
Each volunteer will earn a punch card good for 12 FREE brews at coffee houses and breweries in Eugene and Springfield in 2019!
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BYO Bag To Support Clean Water
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We are super excited to announce several ways you can support clean water and healthy habitat while you run your errands! Five, that's right
FIVE different stores
and
3 different companies
are currently offering to
donate 5 cents to Willamette Riverkeeper when you shop and choose to BYO bag
!
Please support these stores and your river JUST by bringing your own bag!
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Vote For YOUR Water Trail @ REI
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Help fund our project when you shop at your local REI!
- For each purchase you make (as an REI Member) at REI in Portland, Salem, Clackamas, Tualatin, and Hillsboro, you'll receive a voting token.
- Place your token in the container for Willamette Riverkeeper's Water Trail Enhancement Project.
- Projects will receive funding based on the number of tokens they receive.
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