Hello Friends -
A couple of weeks ago on the mid Willamette River we visited the Willamette Riverkeeper Sanctuary property in Yamhill county. It was a fitting marker of spring arriving as we witnessed multiple Cedar Waxwings zipping in and out of the riparian fringe. These awesome little migratory birds had traveled far to get back to their summer home along the Willamette River Greenway.
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Just beyond the fringe of trees upstream of the Sanctuary, large sprinklers were sending out streams of yellowish brown liquid across the adjacent fields. Cow manure and its application to farmland is a regular site in many parts of the Willamette Valley. It is a good example of how precious the nodes of public land we have along the Willamette River are.
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In celebration of
the Willamette Greenway
, WR is issuing another WPA style poster to commemorate over 50 years of the Willamette Greenway Program. While we need to do more for the Greenway, and public lands along the Willamette, the program is very worthy of celebration. From its beginnings in the late 1960s with the proposal from Bob Straub, to recent acquisitions that have added to the opportunity to access the river for day trips or more, there is much good to be found in these public lands. On Saturday, June 29th we'll host our 4th Annual Greenway Celebration Paddle. View registration details in the related article below.
It was 19 years ago this month that I started in this position at Willamette Riverkeeper, and in that time we have all made progress for water quality and habitat. That being said, we must do more! As always, thank you for
your support of our work
.
Sincerely,
Travis Williams
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
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Volunteers Needed- Trashy Tues/Thurs
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(photo: Eugene River Guardian volunteers are A-OK with this haul now destined for the dump rather than the riverside!)
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Come
get dirty for GOOD
with us! This month we have the following opportunities to be a River Guardian and participate in a river clean up near you! We've added a NEW location this month- SALEM!
EUGENE- Trashy Tuesday,
6/11 from 8:00am - 1:00pm
CORVALLIS- Trashy THURSDAY,
6/13 from 9:00am - 1:00pm
SALEM- Trashy Tuesday,
6/18 from
10:00am - 1:00pm
PORTLAND- Trashy Tuesdays,
booked in July + August by local businesses
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Ross Island Solstice Eve Paddle- 6/20
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You are invited to join us along with our friends at Portland Parks & Recreation for an early solstice salute- a canoe adventure to explore Portland's urban island wilderness, Ross Island!
WHEN:
Thursday, 6/20 from 5:00pm – 8:30pm
WHERE:
Meet in the gravel lot above the river access ramp, next to the
Portland Boathouse
parking lot (1515 SE Water Ave, Portland, 97214).
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DETAILS:
On this exclusive tour you'll be guided into the island's verdant interior (which is closed to the general public), learning about Ross Island's history, and the work we are doing to improve its habitat. We will also work together to pick up trash from the beach (clean up supplies will be provided). Registration is free, and includes a paddle, PFD, and seat in a canoe. Please arrive at 5:00pm to check in, sign a waiver, and gear up. We will be unable to hold up the group to accommodate you if you are late! We will return to the dock by 8:30pm.
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BRING:
Dress appropriately for the weather (such as a rain coat, rain pants and extra layers). Tall rubber boots and long pants work well for walking around the island. Bring water, snacks, and a picnic dinner.
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Hopworks Community Tap Tuesday- 6/25
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Come join us at
Hopworks Urban Brewery's Bike Bar
location on N. Williams in Portland,
Tuesday, 6/25
when Willamette Riverkeeper will be featured as their Community Tap Partner!
We will receive a $1 donation for every pint sold
that day. Hopworks Bike Bar was recently renovated, and is very family friendly with a kids play area inside and out. They are committed to sustainable practices, and making outstanding beer, food, and community!
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Aquatic Invasive Weed Workshop- 6/27
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WHAT:
Aquatic Plant Workshop for the community
WHEN:
Tuesday, 6/27 from 9:30am - 3:00pm
WHERE:
Albany Reach of the Willamette River (Hyak - Bowman)
DETAILS:
The Willamette River supports diverse native plant and wildlife populations and provides clean water to Oregonians. Land managers, scientists, and concerned citizens are working together throughout the Willamette Basin to address the growing issue of aquatic invasives. Join staff from Willamette Riverkeeper, Benton SWCD, Portland State University, Oregon State Parks and other members of the Willamette Aquatic Invasive Network for a hands-on workshop on the Willamette River in the Albany reach. We will float on the river from Hyak to Bowman Park.
Workshop participants will learn to identify, survey for aquatic weeds, and effectively hand pull priority weeds through an on-the-water workshop in the Corvallis to Albany Reach on the Willamette River. Paddle your own boat, or reserve a space in a Willamette Riverkeeper canoe. Water Weed Field Guide provided
.
BRING:
Pack two full water bottles, a warm layer, sun protection (glasses, hat and sunscreen), brown bag lunch, and snacks.
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4th Annual Greenway Celebration Paddle-
6/29
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Pick up a paddle and let’s
celebrate the Willamette River Greenway
with Willamette Riverkeeper and our friends at
Oregon State Parks
! Enjoy a scenic paddle trip from downtown Salem to the Wheatland Ferry where we'll observe wildlife while learning more about the river, its history, and our combined efforts to improve habitat.
WHEN:
Saturday, 6/29 from 9:30am - 3:30pm
DETAILS:
We will run a
FREE shuttle service
for this trip! Meet us at Wallace Marine Park at 9:30am. We'll aim to launch from the gravel bar by 10:00am. At the take out, we'll drive you and your boats back to Wallace Marine Park.
Riverkeeper
canoes are available to reserve upon request
FREE of charge
(you must recruit your own paddling partner), or feel free to join us in your own canoe or kayak. Rentals include paddles and PFDs.
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If you bring your own boat, you must wear your PFD and have a whistle accessible, as required by the US Coast Guard. Plan to be on the river for about 4.5 hours. Be sure to dress for conditions and pack extra layers, sun glasses, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks and a lunch.
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HB 2351 Becomes Law!
Last week Governor Kate Brown signed HB 2351 into law. This new law requires the Oregon State Marine Board to take the Willamette River Greenway into account when making rules about wake size.
The new large wakes now being generated for the purpose of wake surfing have an impact on the nearshore habitat of the river, erode the banks of the river, and also contribute to the destruction of private property in many areas. This new law enables the OSMB to better protect this habitat, and will likely create more restrictive rules about where and when wake surfing boats can be used.
The reality is that not all machines are appropriate in all areas, and this is likely the case for wake surfing boats on parts of the Willamette River. Stay tuned as the rule making process begins to implement this new law.
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Field work season is upon us, our programs are in full swing and all of us here at Willamette Riverkeeper are busy every single day! Whether it is restoring riparian and floodplains along the river, taking a group of people out on a discovery paddle, heading to Salem to advocate for a new piece of legislation or working with River Guardian volunteers to clean-up our River – everyday, at least one if not ALL of us are on the River!
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This is why it is essential to have your support!
Please consider becoming a sustaining donor to Willamette Riverkeeper - this type of donation gives us a guaranteed a stream of income each and every month. A donation of just $20 a month and you and your family have a membership for the year!
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A
Wenonah Ultra-light Kevlar Canoe (you can pick from several models)
, with Dual Sliding Seats, a Center Seat and a Removable Ash Yoke- WOW!
Plus... 2 Wenonah Tour-Lite Paddles, 2 Stohlquist Edge Lifejackets, an Oregon Invasive Species Permit, a pair of Paddle People Cam Straps, and a “Greenway” art poster
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Paddle Oregon 2019: 8/12 - 8/16
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